At A Caring Approach in Bethesda, we work with couples and families to decrease stress, and to improve communication and relationship satisfaction.
Although relationship problems can vary, there are a few underlying issues common to most conflicts. Problems can exist in areas having to do with money, intimacy, communication, sex, support, gender, housework, loyalties to family, friends, work, children, autonomy, values, trust, drugs/alcohol, closeness, power, etc. It is vital, however, always to ask, “What are we really fighting about?” Is there a deeper issue or problem beneath the apparent one? When we keep arguing about the same things time after time, it is a signal that there is an underlying problem that needs attention.
Use the material in the boxes to identify deeper issues. In our couples counseling and marriage counseling in Reston, VA, we have found this model to be extremely useful.
Feeling Loved:
Lack of appreciation, love, fondness, intimacy, self-disclosure and trust
Feeling Seen:
Not feeling seen; not feeling accepted, feeling criticized, blamed, judged
Feeling understood or cared for:
Not feeling cared for or understood; concerns about support, needs, affection, and loyalty/commitment
Feeling empowered:
Not feeling empowered; control/power imbalances, win/lose attitudes in conflict resolution, concerns about survival
Feeling important and valued:
Not feeling valued, special or important to our partner; issues of autonomy and validation
In the next section, you can read about some of the important skills and resources that can be used to address some of the issues outlined above.
Carlos Durana Ph.D., M.Ac. offers marriage therapy counseling in Reston, Virginia, Washington, DC, and Bethesda, Maryland.