The Counseling Journal
Cultivating awareness, encouraging healthy behaviors, and the use of tools and skills for daily living.
BLOG CATEGORIES
Dating, Engaged, and Married Couples
Premarital Couples
Individuals
Journal Prompts & Self-care
Preparing for Marriage: An Expert Guide to Premarital Counseling
Wondering if premarital counseling is right for you? Premarital counseling can help couples prepare for the challenges of married life. Here are a few of the benefits that come with it. Learn more about how it works and find a counselor near you.
I don’t want to Talk about Work at Home
Think about the time you spend away from your family each day. Have you ever said, “I don’t want to talk about work at home”? How does this approach help you grow closer to your partner?
Waiting Until Marriage to Live Together
How will you get to know the person you think about all day long if you decide not to live together? Are you missing out?
Testing Your Compatibility - Living Together Before Marriage
When a couple decides to move in together some believe it is an opportunity to get to know the other person and stave off divorce by testing their compatibility. Can you get to know someone if they hide from you?
When Intimacy Becomes a Reward or Punishment in Your Relationship
Early in relationships, sex can be a measure of performance. As the relationship grows, sex can be used as a reward or punishment.
Happily Married Couples Change with the Seasons
The process of replacing the old with the new, or the hesitancy to fully embrace your current situation is similar to relationships. How can you renew your relationship?
Setting Goals is My Self-Care
It's time for a check-up. Seasons are changing and it is time to re-evaluate and refocus. Take some time to reflect on what went well and areas for improvement.
Happily Married Couples Don't Live on Autopilot
Do you or your partner function on autopilot? You have invested years into building a life with your spouse don't allow your relational muscle to atrophy. Read more about being intentional in your engagement.
Happily Married Couples Live with Boundaries
If your partner’s cell phone was left on the counter, what would you do? Would you see what you can see?
We Don’t Talk Anymore - Growing Apart
In the beginning, you talked all the time. What happened? When did you stop talking?
Depression Resource
There are numerous resources online with information on depression. NIMH is one.
When Physical Intimacy Fades in a Relationship
In different phases of a relationship, couples can sacrifice sexual intimacy for children, work, or other responsibilities. Over time, neglecting this area breeds resentment and erodes your emotional connection.
Happily Married Couples Listen Intently
Yes, you’ve had a long day and you care about your partner. Engage and connect with them and discuss the highs and lows of the 9-15 hours spent away from you. Just sit and intently listen.
Still Depressed; However, I took One Step
When you’re depressed, it can be difficult to do anything. Consider taking one step today.
4 Indications that Couples Counseling Can Help Your Relationship
If you’re wondering whether or not Couples Counseling can help your relationship, consider these 4 indications.
Can Depression Affect My Relationship?
Depression can impact a good relationship, family, and friends. If your relationship is struggling under the weight of depression, it may be time to take action.
Is it Me, or Is it Us?
When your marriage or relationship encounters difficulties, it makes sense to pause and ask, is it me or is it us?
She is sad. What can I do to Fix the Situation?
When your partner is sad, you experience their sadness also. You want to help and may not know where to start. When you're unsure where to turn, seek professional help.
Why am I Sad?
You want to be happy and carefree but you’re not. Your life is filled with many things that should make you happy but they don’t, now what? What do you do when those things aren’t enough? Who do you turn to?
