Maplewood Counseling

Anxiety Treatment New Jersey

Counseling and Resources
Get in Touch
Mindful Relationships | Mindfulness Deepens Connections

Mindful Relationships | Mindfulness Deepens Connections

Mindful Relationships NJ

How Mindfulness Can Help

Contact Maplewoood Counseling

Maplewood Counseling
Offering Online & In-person Sessions
169 Maplewood Ave Suite 4
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Call Now (973) 793-1000

Mindfulness and Mindful Relationships

Mindfulness Strengthens Marriages & Relationships

Mindful relationships are more connected, loving and compassionate. Mindfulness is the state of being open and aware of something in the present moment. It is a therapeutic technique which helps people observe and accept their feelings and thoughts without judging them as good or bad. Developing mindfulness as a way of life helps individuals and couples communicate in more positive and peaceful ways. Mindful relationships enjoy more love, intimacy and connection in their relationships.

Mindful relationships help couples communicate with more compassion & understanding.

There is scientific evidence that back up how the brain actually is changed by developing a more mindful approach to life. I won’t get into all of that here, but will give a general idea of how this can help you and your relationship.

Mindfulness reduces negative emotional reactivity and helps people regulate their emotions.

The more a person practices mindfulness, the more they pay attention to their own thoughts and feelings, they start to understand their triggers and hooks. We all know how others can trigger painful feelings based on past experiences. Reflecting on triggers (our own thoughts and feelings – in a gentle way) will eventually help you understand the true source of your trigger, which are unconscious seeds based on conditioning. When you spend time looking inward and reflecting instead of lashing out in anger at the person who triggers your old pain, you can become more aware of the true source and work through it. You don’t have to keep reliving it. Reliving it in your present relationship will cause damage, disconnect and the unhappiness for both people.  Ultimately, you can reduce your negative, angry, controlling reactions and feel more calm, accepting and peaceful. This will help you can become more present, understanding and compassionate.

Mindfulness helps people become better listeners, attentive, compassionate, and loving

Mindful people relate in very different ways. They do not try and change their partners – they do not criticize, judge or avoid dealing with issues. They are more accepting, kind and compassionate.  Want a more connected, meaningful relationship? See how mindfulness can help you and your relationship.

Trying to Save Your Marriage?

Trying to Save Your Marriage?

Trying Save Your Marriage?

Need to Talk?

Contact Maplewoood Counseling

Trying to Save Your Marriage?

 

Can your relationship be saved?

 

How to Save Your Marriage or Relationship

Are you struggling to keep your marriage or relationship from falling apart? Are you constantly fighting with your partner and feel like you’re at your wit’s end? Don’t lose hope just yet. With some effort and dedication, it is possible to save your marriage or relationship.

In this guide, we’ll discuss some practical tips that can help you strengthen your relationship and bring back the love and happiness in your marriage or partnership.

Communication is Key

One of the biggest reasons relationships fail is due to a lack of communication. It’s important to openly and honestly communicate with your partner about your feelings, concerns, and needs. Be willing to listen to their perspective as well. Often, misunderstandings arise from miscommunication, so make an effort to clearly express yourself and actively listen to your partner.

Work on Forgiveness

Resentment and grudges can slowly poison a relationship. It’s essential to learn how to forgive and move forward in order to save your marriage or relationship. This doesn’t mean you should ignore serious issues or sweep them under the rug, but it’s important to let go of past mistakes and focus on building a better future together.

Prioritize Quality Time

In the midst of busy schedules and responsibilities, it can be easy to neglect spending quality time with your partner. However, making time for each other is crucial for maintaining a strong relationship. Set aside dedicated time for date nights or simply spend some uninterrupted time talking or doing activities together. This will help keep the spark alive and strengthen your bond.

Trying to Save Your Marriage?

Does this sound familiar?

  • your spouse is completely shut down and/or asking for a divorce
  • your wife or husband has given on trying
  • you and your partner argue all the time
  • you are both feeling very alone and disconnected
  • you are only staying together for your children
  • you want to save the marriage but your spouse seems 95% done

Many couples struggle when they get stuck in this painful place. They wonder what direction they can go – especially when one person wants to save the marriage and one person feels hopeless and wants to move on.

In many of these situations, one person has been asking to go the marriage counseling or couples therapy for years. Knowing there was no way they could fix problems on their own. The problem is, when one person’s requests for going to counseling has been ignored for a long time….it feels like the other person did not car e about their pain, their needs. The person ends up feeling alone and over time…very disconnected.

Then, when the other person starts to feel the pain of the disconnect, they are ready to go to therapy. Sometimes when it is too late since you can only save your marriage if both people are committed to this process. A good marriage therapist can assess this situation thoroughly since divorce is a painful option. How far gone is the wife or husband? Are they 100% sure they cannot reconnect? 90%, 80%? Is there any sliver of hope left? That’s what an experienced therapist will help with.

Reasons you may not be able to save your marriage are:

  1. Lack of Communication: One of the biggest reasons why marriages fail is because of lack of communication between partners. When there is a breakdown in communication, it becomes difficult for both parties to understand each other’s needs and concerns. This can lead to misunderstandings, unresolved conflicts and ultimately, a breakdown of the marriage.
  2. Unresolved Conflicts: Every relationship has its fair share of conflicts and disagreements. However, if these conflicts are left unresolved, they can pile up and create a rift between partners. Over time, this can cause resentment, bitterness and even lead to separation.
  3. Lack of Trust: Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship. If there is no trust between partners, it becomes difficult for them to build a strong and lasting bond. Lack of trust can stem from past betrayals, constant lying or even just a feeling of insecurity in the relationship.
  4. Differences in Values and Beliefs: While it’s natural for individuals to have different values and beliefs, when these differences are too extreme, they can cause conflicts in a marriage. For instance, if one partner is extremely religious while the other is not, it can lead to disagreements and a lack of understanding between them.
  5. Neglecting the Relationship: With busy work schedules, children and other responsibilities, it’s easy for couples to neglect their relationship. They may stop prioritizing quality time together, physical intimacy or even just simple acts of affection. Over time, this can cause a strain on the relationship and lead to a breakdown.
  6. Financial Issues: Money is often a major source of conflict in marriages. Disagreements over spending habits, financial goals or even unequal contributions to household expenses can create tension between partners. If these issues are not addressed and resolved, they can cause a breakdown in the marriage.
  7. Lack of Intimacy: Physical intimacy is an important aspect of any marriage. When there is a lack of physical intimacy, it can lead to feelings of neglect and frustration in one or both partners. This can result in arguments and even infidelity.
  8. External Influences: In some cases, external influences such as family members, friends or cultural expectations can cause conflicts in a marriage. These outside pressures can create tension between partners and affect the dynamics of the relationship.
  9. Communication Issues: Effective communication is crucial in a marriage. When communication breaks down, it can lead to misunderstandings, unresolved conflicts and resentment between partners. This can ultimately lead to a breakdown of the marriage if these issues are not addressed.
  10. Lack of Effort: A successful marriage requires effort from both partners. When one or both partners stop putting in the effort to maintain the relationship, it can lead to feelings of neglect and dissatisfaction. This lack of effort can ultimately result in a breakdown of the marriage.

So is marriage counseling worth it? Absolutely. While it may seem daunting to face these challenges and work on them, marriage counseling can provide a safe and supportive environment for couples to address their issues and improve their relationship. It can also help couples develop healthy communication skills, learn effective conflict resolution techniques, and strengthen their emotional connection.

In addition to addressing specific issues within the marriage, marriage counseling can also benefit couples by providing them with tools and strategies to maintain a happy and healthy relationship in the long term. Through therapy, couples can learn how to better understand each other’s needs, support each other through difficult times, and grow together as individuals and as a couple.

Marriage counseling can also be beneficial for couples who are considering divorce. Counseling can provide a neutral space for couples to discuss their concerns and explore their options. It can also help couples make informed decisions about the future of their relationship.

In conclusion, marriage counseling is a valuable resource for couples who are struggling in their relationship. It offers a supportive and non-judgmental environment for couples to address their issues, improve communication, and strengthen their bond. With effort and commitment from both partners, marriage counseling can be a powerful tool for creating a happy and fulfilling marriage. So if you’re facing challenges in your marriage, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional therapist. Your relationship is worth it.

Moreover, even if your marriage is currently strong and healthy, counseling can still be beneficial. It can serve as a preventive measure to address any potential issues that may arise in the future. By learning effective communication skills and conflict resolution techniques, couples can better navigate challenges and strengthen their emotional connection.

Can all marriage be saved?

While every situation is unique, marriage counseling can be a beneficial tool for many couples. It provides a safe and supportive space for couples to work through their issues and find solutions that work for both partners. However, it’s important to note that therapy requires effort and commitment from both individuals in order to be effective.

In some cases, despite the best efforts of both partners, marriages may still end in separation or divorce. In these situations, marriage counseling can still be helpful in facilitating a healthier and more amicable breakup. It can also provide support for individuals as they transition to a new chapter in their lives.

If you are ready to see if you can save your marriage and have a thorough relationship assessment, get in touch.

 

 

Need Couples Counseling in New Jersey?

Need Couples Counseling?

Feeling Unhappy?

Contact Maplewoood Counseling

Need Couples Counseling in New Jersey?

Looking for couples counseling in New Jersey? Stuck in a bad place and ready for some help? Not in love anymore? Are you feeling unhappy in your relationship and wondering if there’s anything you can do to reconnect to make things better? Wondering if you should split up our divorce?
 
So many couples end up in this place and wonder what to do. Some get “stuck” in like this for an extended time and end up being very vulnerable to infidelity due to the disconnect. Others just are very depressed and unhappy.
 
 Does this sound familiar?
  • You’ve arguing a lot about the smallest things
  • You can’t seem to do anything right
  • You feel like your partner or spouse doesn’t listen or understand you
  • You’ve given up trying to get what you need
  • You’ve tried to initiate sex and intimacy for so long and can’t deal with the rejection so you’ve stopped trying
  • You feel like your spouse or partner is not interested in you and just interested in sex
  • You’re not even sure if the relationship is worth saving
  • You’re staying together only for the sake of the children
 
If you are at a point in your marriage or relationship where you’re trying to make some important decisions –  do we work on trying to make the relationship better or do I just divorce or break up?
 
Couples counseling in New Jersey with an experienced marriage or couples therapist can help you figure this out. Your counselor can also help you navigate the steps you need to take to improve things if it’s possible, or respectfully and gently work on ending the marriage or relationship.
 
If you are at a point you are ready to figure this out, get in touch. We’re here to help.
 
 

Maplewood Counseling
Offering Online & In-person Sessions
169 Maplewood Ave Suite 4
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Call Now (973) 793-1000

Improving Communication Skills

Improving Communication Skills

Couples Therapy NJ

Maplewood Counseling

Contact Maplewoood Counseling

Maplewood Counseling
Offering Online & In-person Sessions
169 Maplewood Ave Suite 4
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Call Now (973) 793-1000

Need Help Improving Communication Skills?

Need help improving communication skills in your relationship? Have you given up on trying to do it yourself? Do you want to change things for the better in your marriage or relationship? Do you realize you have to stop trying to change the other person and change yourself?

What happens when you get triggered? Does this sounds familiar?

  • you or your spouse put up a wall and withdraws in silence to protect yourself since you don’t feel safe
  • one (or both of you) get critical and devaluing trying to get your spouse or partner to listen
  • you get defensive instead of listening and trying to understand
  • there seems to be eye rolling ( contempt) or you mock your partner

When you get upset – and we all get upset in our relationships in one way or another – it is importunity to understand the “hook” and what to do about it rather than blaming the other person. This will help in improving communication skills and make a huge difference in your relationship – if you can both get better at this.

Accepting you cannot change another person ( as much as we all think we can and are compelled to keep on trying ) – is extremely important. It is necessary in order to make things better in any relationship. Look at what you need to work on instead of blaming someone else for “triggering” sadness, anger, anything unpleasant is not going to get you anywhere and could damage your relationship, sometimes beyond repair.

Are you ready to work on improving your communication skills? If you’re in Essex County NJ and need a couples therapist to help you, get in touch.

Is Our Marriage Over?

Is Our Marriage Over?

Marriage & Discernment Counseling

Contact Maplewoood Counseling

Maplewood Counseling
Offering Online & In-person Sessions
169 Maplewood Ave Suite 4
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Call Now (973) 793-1000

Is Our Marriage Over?

Can we work things out?

Are you afraid of losing your marriage? Is your relationship at risk and you’re wondering what you need to do and change to make things better? Is your spouse or partner even willing to work with you on these things? Are you scared your spouse or partner has all but given up – or is he or she saying they don’t want to work on things anymore? Not sure what to do?

Many men and women end up in this place and wonder what to do. It’s very painful and scary to think about losing something so important and for some people they’re just realizing how important the relationship is now that your facing this reality of how bad things really are.

Is Our Marriage Over or Not?

Find marriage counseling, couples therapy and discernment counseling in NJ

Two possible outcomes and some couples need help finding answers.

1) Your spouse or partner is pretty sure they want to split, but willing to work on the relationship. You both know many things must happen and change for it to work.
2) You or you spouse or partner does not want to work on things and you’ll need help discussing the best ways to get through these changes in the short and long run.

When couples are in this place counseling is usually referred to as discernment counseling – trying to figure out if you are even willing to commit to relationship or marriage counseling to work out painful and long standing issues. Some couples will decide to work on things and some will not. Either way, we can help you.

If you are looking for an experienced marriage or couples counselor to help, get in touch.

Contact Maplewoood Counseling

Need Counseling After a Divorce?

Need Counseling After a Divorce?

 
 
 

Need Counseling After Divorce ?

NJ Therapy After a Break Up

Contact Maplewoood Counseling

Maplewood Marriage Counseling NJ Online Therapy


Telehealth Online Therapy

Maplewood Counseling
Offering Online & In-person Sessions
169 Maplewood Ave Suite 4
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Call Now (973) 793-1000

Counseling After Divorce

Need Counseling after Divorce, Separation or a Break-Up?
Going through a divorce or break up can be extremely painful. Deep sadness, grief, loneliness, missing your ex and/or children – any number of things can make separation, divorce or a break up extremely painful.

You do not have to go it alone –  and no you are not alone. Many people out there is really struggle after the end of relationship. It is not an easy thing to get through.

Counseling after divorce with the right therapist can be of great help as you process many difficult experiences and emotions. Learning how to cope with the feelings in healthy ways as opposed to trying to cope with the pain. Also, attempting to date sooner then you’re ready can cause even more pain.

We can understand wanting to run from painful feelings and emotions, but it can help tremendously to  process things in a way that’s going to really help you in the future. By way of make better choices in a partner and to be a better partner is going to be very valuable for a more successful relationship in the future.

Professional and Compassionate Counseling after Divorce

If you help from skilled and compassionate counselors after a divorce or break up,  get in touch.

We are here to help you make positive changes during a very painful time in your life.