The Lifeworks Group, Inc.

 By: Brian Murray, LMHC, NCC Couples go to relationship or marriage counseling to resolve problems to improve their relationship with each other. A host of problems can arise during a marriage anywhere from poor communication to infidelity. Marriage and a committed relationship require dedication and at times can be hard work for the relationship to feel good. However, sometimes relationships can be painful leading to a sense of dissatisfaction. Counseling can be helpful for clients who are facing divorce. But helpful does not always equal success. If the counseling office is the last-ditch effort to save the marriage, then counseling can feel like it’s already at a loss before it even begins. This can put a lot of pressure on the counselor who is faced with a difficult position to help save a failing marriage. If counseling does not work, then it’s divorce.    Couples who went to counseling on the way to divorce court frequently feel like counseling was a failu...

By: Christine Hammond, LMHC, NCC It was clear that after 7 years of marriage, Jack and Jill still loved each other. But the way they solved problems, or rather, the way they didn’t solve problems, was destroying their marriage. The last argument ended in a physical altercation and a wrestling match that left them ashamed and humiliated. Neither had ever engaged in this manner before so the shock of how quickly they escalated took them by surprise. Jack and Jill lived in an upper middle-class neighborhood with their two preschool kids. They came from stable families, had satisfying careers, and enjoyed spending time together as a family. But years of pent-up unresolved issues came bubbling to the surface over a minor dishwasher loading offense that resulted in broken dishes and a tumble on the floor. Committed to never allow this to happen again, they willingly came into therapy. The first agreement was to establish new rules for engagement going forward. Instead of ca...

Flash back: You just got home from a date that you know went exceptionally well. There was a chemistry, the other person had just the right amount of everything you’re looking for. In the two days following you wait by the phone. After two days, if you haven’t heard from them, you start going through the notions of hurt, rejection, and confusion. Fast forward to the present: The time limit on the “call back” has drastically changed. With the evolution of technology, the “call back” has now turned into a “text back” and normally it’s within an hour of the person leaving. Something simple like “I had a great time tonight.” The conversation goes on for a little bit and you think you really have a connection with this person. Then the day comes, whether it be before or after your second date, that they disappear. Your life turns into a front-row magic show where you’re left wondering what happened. The psychological torture of the hurt, rejection, and confusion becomes more intense due to...