Maplewood Counseling

Grief Resources

Maplewood Counseling

Argue All the Time?

 

Argue All the Time?

Couples Counseling | Communication

New Jersey

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 Do you argue all the time?

 
If you argue all the time, it can result in feeling emotionally drained, lonely, and angry.    For that reason, you might feel depressed and hopeless especially if you constantly get stuck in this place.
 
Even more, it can make you grow so far apart that you end up feeling alone and disconnected. Probably, you wonder if  it’s time to split up since you can’t break this pattern.
 

Learning to Listen

 
If you and your spouse are willing and open, you can learn how to connect in healthier ways. It will take listening, compromising, negotiating and getting better at controlling your own negative emotional reactions. On addition, It is important to make it safe enough so you both can express your true feelings and thoughts without fear of verbal insults, interruption, defensiveness and criticism.

Petty Arguments and Trivial Complaints

Petty arguments are usually about something deeper. Its never the small stuff that really matters and most couples know it.. So, understanding the feelings that get triggered under the arguments will help you both do a better job changing to create healthier communication.   Most importantly, knowing how to heal will include listening, understanding, accepting, supporting and forgiving one another to heal.
 
If you need help because you argue all the time, get in touch.

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Being There During Hard Times

Being There During Hard Times

NJ Counseling for Challenging Times

Couples, Individuals, Families

Essex County New Jersey

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Being There – How to Support Your Loved One

Wondering the best ways to be there for a family member that is going through a hard time? Maybe you’re not clear on how what to do if a spouse, partner or child needs support. For that reason, there are some helpful things you can do to help a loved one going through a hard time.

Maybe you think it is best to try to “fix” their emotional or physical pain. Seems like some advice or suggestions about what will help is what he or she needs. Certainly, it’s not easy to when someone you love is suffering. Even more, it feels pretty awful to feel so powerless when a family member struggles.

Best Ways to Be There

First of all, one of the best ways to be there is to be present and listen. So, allowing your loved one to talk and share without interruption will help. Secondly, you can ask what if there is anything you can do rather than offer advice. Because most people just want someone to listen and make it safe to share.

In contrast, how can you really be there when someone is struggling and not open to help. After all, some men, women and children do not want to talk. Whether he or she is suffering with depression, anxiety, some people are not open to help. Therefore, you have to know what to do with your own fear, feeling of powerlessness and emotional pain. Certainly, these situations are incredibly painful.

Getting Help for Your Own Feelings and Fear

There is something that will help deal with fear, worrying, judgment and struggle with acceptance of your circumstance and what your loved one is dealing with. Mindfulness is a very effective way of working with all of the thing that you can’t control and find more peace even in the most difficult circumstance. Furthermore, developing a better way of dealing with your own emotional and physical pain will help you manage all of life’s challenges.

If you want help developing the skill of mindfulness, get in touch.

Parenting Counseling

Parenting Counseling

Parenting Counselors for Adult Children

Help for Parents of Adult Children
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Parenting Counseling | Struggling with An Adult Child?

Do you need help with your relationship with your son or daughter?

Do you have a complicated relationship with your adult child? Is your son or daughter making choices you don’t understand or like? In addition, do you disapprove or what they do? Are you worry about their well-being?  As a result, is it causing you or your relationship to suffer?

Many parents struggle with a number of different issues when it comes to dealing with an adult child. Because as we all know, life does not always go according to ( your) plan.  In addition, any number of things can cause a mom or dad to struggle to accept and support their adult child for any number of reasons. Therefore, mothers and fathers can work on reducing the fear, judgment and disconnect with your child.  Because, most adults sons and daughters will distance from you if they don’t feel accepted by you and feel judged and criticized. It is painful when you parents don’t approve of who you are.

Does this Sound Familiar (for one or both of you) ?

  • We dislike our son or daughter’s partner or spouse and can’t help making it known
  • Are you struggling with accepting and supporting a gay, lesbian, transgender MTF FTM child?
  • Is your adult child struggling with relationship or marital issues?
  • Are you feeling worried, disappointed or angry at your child?
  • Feel hurt that your adult son or daughter isn’t spending as much time with you as you’d like
  • We don’t approve to the way they are parenting their own children and can’t help criticizing
  • We need help so we don’t continue to put more distance in our relationship with our child
  • You don’t like your son-in-law, daughter in-law or other in-laws and it causes problems
  • You feel like you failed as a parent and are concerned others will judge you or your child

Do you need help accepting things you cannot change and supporting your child? In addition, do you need help accepting your child even though you don’t like, understand or agree with what they do?

Even though there’s no doubt it’s difficult to managing disappointment and expectations of an adult child.  However, there are thing you can do to accept what you cannot change and working with your own emotional pain. Final.ly, is key to manage and work with your own feelings to get through difficult times.

Are you or other or other family member in need of help? Please get in touch. We really do understand.

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Need Help With Forgiveness?

Help With Forgiveness

Families, Couples, Individuals

Maplewood Counseling

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Relationship Forgiveness is Important

Forgiving Your Spouse or Partner
Are you having trouble forgiving your spouse or partner?

Does this sound familiar?

  • You recently found out about an affair
  • You’re still struggling with infidelity that happened in the past
  • You’re unable to forgive your husband or wife for not being there in important ways
  • You’re struggling and feel stuck in anger and resentment

Relationships can be very painful and challenging fir every couple, at times. We all make mistakes and some mistakes are very difficult to forgive. Forgiveness, however, is more for the person they get stuck in those negative emotions. When you forgive, you are actually freeing yourself from something that ultimately is bad for you.

Forgiving and letting go

When your spouse or partner has done something that has hurt you deeply, finding peace again through forgiveness is important. We also know how challenging and difficult it can be.

We all make mistakes

Understanding that people do the best they can and their behavior may cause others tremendous pain. It’s really a matter of understanding what to do – how to handle things yourself when you feel that pain, hurt, the trail in anger.

Can the relationship be saved?

This is up to you and your significant other. Some situations – many – can be worked through and healed. Some cannot. If your partner or spouse is willing to learn what it takes to help you heal, your relationship will have a good chance of surviving. If your partner does not seem willing – it doesn’t mean that you don’t work on forgiveness for yourself, but it means you may have to make some decisions about staying in or leaving the relationship or marriage.

If you are feeling stuck in a bad place and unable to move in one direction or the other, get in touch. We are very experienced with helping couples heal and forgive if you’re committed too the process. We also help other couples and individuals (married and partnered)  decide if they can work things out,

Get in touch and let us know how we cab help you.

Is Our Marriage Over?

Is Our Marriage Over?

Marriage & Discernment Counseling

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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

Emergency Marriage Counseling for Couples in Crisis

Emergency Marriage Counseling for Couples in Crisis

Emergency Marriage Counseling: Immediate Support for Couples in Crisis

At Maplewood Counseling, we provide inclusive care for people of all races, cultures, and backgrounds, including interfaith, interracial, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and blended families. Our therapists bring lived experiences and specialized training to create a safe, affirming space for all.

\Emergency Marriage Counseling: Immediate Support for Couples in Crisis

Finding Stability When Your Relationship Feels Like It’s Breaking

When a relationship hits a breaking point, it can feel like the ground beneath you is crumbling. Whether you are reeling from the shock of discovering an affair, facing the threat of divorce, or trapped in a cycle of destructive conflict, the pain is real and immediate.

Emergency marriage counseling offers a lifeline for couples who need help right now. It provides a safe, neutral space to de-escalate crisis situations, stabilize your connection, and determine the best path forward—together.

Get Immediate Support


Is Emergency Marriage Counseling Right for Us?

A relationship crisis often strikes without warning, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. You might be wondering if your marriage can survive this storm.

You may need emergency support if:

  • Infidelity has been discovered: The pain of betrayal is fresh, and you don’t know if trust can ever be rebuilt.
  • Divorce is on the table: One partner has mentioned separating, and you need to intervene before it’s too late.
  • Conflict has become unsafe or constant: Arguments are escalating to a point where you feel emotionally exhausted or scared.
  • A major life crisis has occurred: The loss of a loved one, a financial collapse, or a family trauma has driven a wedge between you.
  • You feel hopeless: You love each other, but you don’t know how to stop hurting each other.

If you are hanging on by a thread, reach out. We are here to help you navigate this difficult time with compassion and expertise.


When Love Hits a Wall: Why Couples Seek Urgent Help

Relationships are complex, and even the strongest partnerships can face unexpected challenges that threaten their foundation. Emergency counseling is designed to address these critical issues head-on.

1. Navigating Sudden Loss and Grief

Grief can be isolating. When a couple faces a profound loss—like the death of a child or a parent—partners often grieve differently. This can lead to silence, distance, and misunderstanding. Counseling helps you bridge that gap, allowing you to share your grief and support one another through the darkness.

2. Rebuilding After Infidelity

Discovery of an affair is a trauma. The betrayed partner often wrestles with devastating doubt, while the involved partner may struggle with guilt and shame. Emergency sessions provide a structured environment to process the shock, begin the long road of rebuilding trust, and understand the root causes of the betrayal.

3. Breaking the Cycle of Constant Conflict

Are you having the same argument over and over? When communication breaks down completely, every conversation can turn into a battle. Immediate intervention helps de-escalate the tension, teaching you healthy conflict resolution strategies to stop the fighting and start hearing each other again.

4. Restoring Intimacy and Connection

Sometimes the crisis isn’t an explosion, but a quiet erosion of connection. If you feel like roommates living parallel lives, or if intimacy has completely vanished, emergency therapy can help uncover the barriers to connection and reignite the emotional bond you once shared.


Overcoming the Stigma: Asking for Help is a Strength

It takes immense courage to admit that your relationship is in trouble. Many couples hesitate to seek help because they fear it signals the “end” or that they have failed.

The truth is: seeking emergency counseling is a proactive, powerful step. It shows that you value your relationship enough to fight for it. It is not about admitting defeat; it is about gathering the tools and support you need to heal. Don’t wait until the damage is irreparable.


Flexible Support When You Need It Most

We understand that crises don’t happen on a schedule. When your relationship is on the line, waiting weeks for an appointment can feel impossible.

  • Extended Sessions: We offer intensive double sessions for couples who need more time to work through complex issues.
  • Urgent Availability: We strive to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible to provide immediate relief.
  • Virtual or In-Person: Choose the setting that feels safest and most comfortable for you.

Schedule an Emergency Session

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Marriage Counseling

 

What is the difference between emergency marriage counseling and regular couples therapy?

Regular couples therapy typically involves weekly sessions focused on long-term growth and pattern changing. Emergency marriage counseling is more like “triage” for your relationship. It is focused on immediate stabilization, de-escalating a current crisis, and creating a safety plan for the relationship. The goal is to stop the bleeding so you can eventually move into the deeper work of healing.

Can emergency counseling save a marriage after infidelity?

While no outcome is guaranteed, emergency counseling is a critical first step in surviving infidelity. It provides a safe container to manage the initial shock and trauma. Many couples do survive and even thrive after infidelity, but it requires willingness from both partners to do the hard work of rebuilding trust.

Do both partners need to be willing to attend?

ideally, yes. For the most effective outcome, both partners should be present. However, if your partner is hesitant, you can still reach out for individual support to learn how to navigate the crisis and manage your own reactions during this volatile time.

What if we decide to separate during counseling?

Sometimes, the healthiest outcome for a couple is a respectful separation. If you decide to part ways, emergency counseling can help you navigate that transition with dignity and minimal conflict, which is especially important if children are involved. We provide a neutral space to discuss next steps without the conversation devolving into a fight.

Is emergency counseling confidential?

Absolutely. We adhere to strict professional standards of confidentiality. Your privacy is paramount, allowing you to speak openly and honestly about your fears, secrets, and struggles without judgment.

How quickly can we be seen?

We prioritize couples in crisis. While availability varies, we offer flexible scheduling, including extended sessions and potential same-day appointments, to ensure you get the support you need as soon as possible.


Don’t wait until it’s too late. If your relationship is in crisis, immediate support can make the difference between breaking up and breaking through.