Many clients used telehealth online counseling services instead of in-person counseling at a physical location during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, for some people, this service was very effective and provided extra benefits by allowing greater convenience along with more flexibility.
How does teletherapy work?
Just as you make an appointment for an in-office session, you’ll make an appointment to meet online. Through devices such as computers, iPads/tablets, and smartphones, you can have interactive sessions with your therapist. Many online conference tools are available. Software apps such as Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, and Google Meet are a few. You still see each other face-to-face. However, your meeting is virtual.
Can you get as much out of telehealth online counseling as in-person therapy?
As a matter of fact, you can. Your therapist uses the same therapy tools that are used during in-person sessions. According to several of our existing clients who have been in marriage counseling, couples therapy, individual therapy, or family counseling, it is very effective at addressing issues and concerns.
Does the therapy online provide advantages?
There are a number of advantages. For one, you don’t have to drive to the therapist’s office for sessions. You don’t have to deal with scheduling issues, traffic, cost of gas, getting sitters, and much more. In fact, if one partner is at work and the other is at home, the Telehealth session link can bring us all together to work on issues.
Virtual remote therapy is private and secure. Yet, you continue to have a close one-on-one connection with your therapist. Or, if involved in group therapy, your group sessions can also take place online. You’ll still be able to see and hear the other participants in the group.
You may find that therapists can often provide greater accessibility through teletherapy. After all, you both can save time by not having to travel to their office, deal with parking, or arrive late due to traffic.
In addition, there’s an added advantage for clients who feel self-conscious about physically traveling and walking into a therapist’s office. In that respect, you may experience a greater sense of privacy.
Are there extra costs for online therapy?
Typically, no. Costs vary from one therapist to the next. But, most charge the same hourly rates whether in-person or online.
Is there anything you should do to prepare for an online session?
To avoid interruptions, ensure:
You have a private, quiet spot for your session
Your device is fully charged
The location has a strong internet connection
Maplewood Counseling Online
If you visit Psychology Today, you’ll see many therapists are now offering telehealth online services. In fact, you’ll find me listed in their teletherapy directory.
Want to give it a try?
Give us a call or text at 973-793-1000 to discuss setting up an online session. While some people might miss the feel of an in-person encounter, other people prefer the advantages of online counseling. Try it out and see. Discover for yourself if it’s right for you.
Marriage counseling before divorce can help in a variety of ways. It can help with:
Improving communication with your spouse
Bettering conditions for your children
Easing financial stress
Making decisions about divorce
Regaining a more fulfilling life
Improving communication with your spouse
Communication problems or a lack of communication is the source of many upsets. Through communication, you and your spouse can address issues in your marriage that are making life difficult. There are ways of communicating that can benefit you both. This is true whether you end up staying married or decide to divorce. In particular, couples with children will have ongoing contact between spouses. Learning to understand each other’s wishes, needs and emotions can improve how you get along.
Bettering conditions for your children
Like it or not, how you and your spouse treat each other sets an example for your children. Your children learn by watching, and they learn to mimic their parents’ behavior. If family life is stressful, dysfunctional or combative, they are likely to show the same type of behavior themselves when adults. Developing healthy communication can help your children now and the future.
In fact, studies show that high-conflict marriages harm children. Divorce is one way to reduce conflict. However, even when divorced, parents need to find a way to minimize their conflict.
Easing financial stress
A divorce can be costly. If counseling helps you improve your relationship and you can avoid divorce, then it can ease financial stress. In addition, if you do decide to divorce, you may be able to do so amicably and avoid an expensive legal battle.
In fact, working together to resolve future problems is healthier for everyone. Parents and children, both mentally and physically. Reducing this type of stress can also reduce medical care costs, which can mount up quickly.
Making decisions about divorce
Some marriages can be fixed. Other marriages were a mismatch the start. In such cases, divorce may make life better for both spouses.
However, until you open up communication and address the issues in your relationship, it is difficult to know if you can resolve your marital problems. A counselor can help you uncover the truth and arrive at the right decisions.
In many instances, couples are not ready to end their relationship until they’ve done all they can in an attempt to repair it. This is where counseling comes in.
Regaining a more fulfilling life
Can you find happiness again after marriage? You may feel weighed down by problems involving your relationship. This can lead to depression and worries that life isn’t enjoyable anymore.
However, through counseling, a skilled therapist can help you rediscover a happy life. It’s possible to rekindle the joy and happiness you once felt.
Considering marriage counseling before divorce?
At Maplewood Counseling we can help you address marital problems before divorce and give you tools to repair your relationship. Find out how we can help.
A Compassionate Guide to Resolving Relationship Conflicts
Reviewed by Debra Feinberg LCSW at Maplewood Counseling
Do you ever feel like you and your partner are speaking different languages, especially when disagreements arise? It’s a common feeling. Every relationship, no matter how strong, faces moments of conflict. These challenges, whether they’re about finances, chores, parenting, or how you spend your time, are not signs of failure. Instead, they are opportunities to connect, understand, and empower your partnership.
Feeling misunderstood or stuck in a cycle of arguments can be disheartening, but please know you’re not alone in this. What if you could transform these challenges into moments of growth and reignite your bond? With the right tools and a shared commitment, it is entirely possible to navigate these disputes with empathy and emerge stronger together.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step path to help you and your partner resolve conflicts constructively and build a more resilient connection.
Common Areas of Conflict in Relationships
It’s completely normal for couples to disagree. Recognizing the common sources of friction can be the first step toward understanding and resolution. Many couples find themselves navigating conflicts related to:
Financial Decisions: Disagreements over spending habits, saving goals, or unexpected expenses can create significant stress. One partner might be a saver, while the other prioritizes immediate enjoyment.
Household Responsibilities: An unequal distribution of chores and mental load can lead to feelings of resentment and being undervalued.
Parenting Styles: Differences in disciplinary approaches or core parenting philosophies can cause tension and undermine a united front.
Time Management: Disputes over how to spend leisure time, balancing social events with personal time, or feeling like you’re not getting enough quality time together can be a recurring issue.
Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? If so, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore how to handle these moments with grace and collaboration.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Effective Conflict Resolution
Navigating a disagreement requires creating a safe space for connection where both partners feel heard and respected. Here are five essential steps to guide you through the process, complete with dialogues to help you put them into practice.
Step 1: Practice Active Listening
The first and most crucial step is to truly listen. This means putting aside your own defense or desire to respond and giving your partner your full, uninterrupted attention. The goal here is not to agree, but to understand their perspective.
What this looks like in conversation:
Partner A: “I feel like we’re always arguing about money. It’s really starting to worry me. Can we talk about it?”
Partner B: “Okay, I’m listening. Tell me what’s on your mind, and I promise to just listen and try to understand where you’re coming from.”
How to do it effectively:
Put away distractions (phones, TV).
Make eye contact to show you’re engaged.
Nod or use small verbal cues (“I see,” “uh-huh”) to show you’re following.
Resist the urge to interrupt or formulate your rebuttal while they’re speaking.
Step 2: Express Your Feelings and Needs Respectfully
Once you’ve listened, it’s your turn to share. The key is to speak from your own experience using “I” statements. This approach avoids blame and helps your partner understand the emotional impact of the situation on you, rather than feeling attacked.
What this looks like in conversation:
Partner A: “I feel stressed when we spend so much on eating out because I’m worried we won’t be able to save for the vacation we talked about.”
Partner B: “I hear that. From my side, after a long day at work, I feel like I need that time to decompress and enjoy a nice meal without the stress of cooking.”
How to do it effectively:
Start sentences with “I feel…” or “I need…”
Focus on the specific behavior, not on your partner’s character.
Be calm and clear about your emotions and what’s driving them.
Step 3: Identify the Core Issue Together
Often, the thing you’re arguing about isn’t the real issue. A fight about dishes might actually be about feeling unappreciated. A disagreement about spending might be rooted in different values around security and freedom. Gently dig deeper to uncover the underlying emotions and needs.
What this looks like in conversation:
Partner A: “It seems like the real issue isn’t just about eating out. I think we have different priorities when it comes to money.”
Partner B: “Yes, I think you’re right. I value immediate enjoyment and relaxation, while you’re focused on our long-term goals. Both feel important.”
How to do it effectively:
Ask open-ended questions like, “What is this really about for you?”
Show empathy for your partner’s underlying feelings.
Acknowledge that both perspectives hold validity.
Step 4: Brainstorm Mutually Acceptable Solutions
Now it’s time to shift from being opponents to being a team. The goal is not for one person to “win,” but for the relationship to win. Work together to find a compromise that honors both of your needs.
What this looks like in conversation:
Partner A: “How about we create a budget together? We could allocate specific funds for both our needs—saving for the trip and having some fun now.”
Partner B: “That sounds fair. Maybe we can set a specific amount for eating out each month. That way, I can still get my treat, and you’ll know our savings are on track.”
How to do it effectively:
Be open to all suggestions at first, without judgment.
Focus on collaboration (“we” instead of “you” or “I”).
Look for a win-win solution where both partners feel their core needs are being met.
Step 5: Implement and Evaluate Your Solution
A solution is only as good as its implementation. Agree on a plan and commit to trying it for a set period. It’s also important to check in with each other to see how it’s working.
What this looks like in conversation:
Partner A: “Okay, let’s try this budget for one month and see how it feels. It might reduce the stress for both of us.”
Partner B: “Agreed. We can check in at the end of the month and adjust it if we need to. Let’s give it a fair shot.”
How to do it effectively:
Be specific about the plan and when you will start.
Schedule a follow-up conversation.
Be flexible and willing to adjust the plan as needed. Relationships are dynamic, and so are their solutions.
Empower Your Partnership Today
Conflict is an inevitable part of sharing a life with someone, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. By approaching disagreements with empathy, respect, and a commitment to understanding, you can transform challenges into opportunities for deeper connection.
If you find that navigating these conversations is still difficult, or if the issues feel too complex to handle on your own, please remember that seeking support is a sign of strength. Our counseling services provide a safe, non-judgmental space to help you and your partner develop these skills with expert guidance.
Are you ready to transform your relationship? Contact us today to learn how we can help you reignite your bond and empower your partnership.
Working toward couples, marriage counseling success
How early should you start couples counseling?
Are you working toward couples marriage counseling success? People sometimes wonder whether they could’ve saved their relationship through marriage counseling or couples therapy. If they had done something sooner, would it have made a difference?
Let’s compare a couple’s relationship with maintaining your car. By the way, there’s no intention to objectify your spouse or partner with this comparison. The purpose is to compare how much time and attention people spend on their vehicles to keep them in good working order. For example, you inspect your tires, add air, and get them turned or aligned. You routinely check fluids—brake fluid, water and oil. And every several thousand miles, you change oil and filters. You also recognize the warning signs if something that needs to be fixed. You know what to watch out for and what to repair right away. Why all the maintenance? Maintenance is important because it can avert a major breakdown. It can help you avoid disaster, such as a tire blowout, an engine seizure or a car crash.
Just the way vehicles need maintenance, so do relationships. Obviously, they require a different kind of maintenance. Thoughtful communication, attention and tender care can do a lot to repair a relationship.
Unfortunately, many of us don’t consistently devote the time and care that relationships need. In fact, this is evident in the 50% divorce rate that exists in the U.S. Perhaps, all too often, we take relationships for granted. If so, we might not see the warning signs that our relationship is falling apart. By the time we consider taking action, it might be too late to salvage it.
Tackling problems early on is best. When you deal with problems before they mount up, chances are you can restore the loving relationship you started out with.
Warning signs that a relationship is in trouble
The following are some indications that your relationship is faltering:
Fault-finding? Do you find yourself continuously aware of your partner’s faults? Do you often voice criticisms? Is your partner often critical of you?
Aggressive? Are your interactions with each other riddled with sarcastic remarks, arguments, knitted eyebrows and grimaces?
Feeling defensive? Do you or your partner take what the other says the wrong way, even when trying to turn over a new leaf or revitalize your relationship?
Drifting apart? Are you spending less and less time with each other, finding other interests and people to hang out with?
Envisioning a different life? Do wonder what life would be like with a different partner? Do you spend time daydreaming about being with someone else that you know?
If the above sounds familiar and is prevalent in your life, couples counseling can help. To get involved in couples therapy, you don’t have to wait until your relationship is falling apart. In fact, most couples are wise to seek counseling before their relationship reaches the stages described above.
What can trigger the above types of behavior?
Life changing experiences are often the beginning of downturns in a couple’s life together. Examples of triggers may include: childbirth, caring for elderly parents, relocation, career changes, death of a loved one or serious health issues.
How can you plan for couples marriage counseling success?
The best way to avert disaster is to get help early on. Counseling can help you manage stress and communicate more effectively. Devote the time and attention to your relationship that it deserves. Learn how to nurture trust, intimacy, and gratitude. When you do, then you can also watch your lives improve.
Find out more about marriage counseling
If you have questions, we’re glad to answer them. Take the first step by reaching out to us.
Trauma Therapy in Maplewood, NJ | Compassionate Support & Healing
Healing That Honors Your Whole Story
Are past experiences casting a shadow over your present? When trauma is unresolved, it can affect your relationships, your sense of safety, and how you see the world. You might feel disconnected, constantly on edge, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Feeling this way can be isolating, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
At Maplewood Counseling, we provide trauma-informed therapy designed to help you heal in a space where you feel safe, respected, and understood. We believe true healing happens when your care is as unique as you are. That’s why our approach is not just about addressing symptoms; it’s about honoring your complete story.
A Holistic and Unified Approach to Your Well-being
We see trauma-informed care as a core component of a larger, interconnected system of support. Our holistic approach integrates this specialized care with a deep commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring you receive support that truly fits your life.
Care That Meets You Where You Are Life can be demanding, and getting support shouldn’t add to your stress. We offer flexible Telehealth & Hybrid Access so you can connect with your therapist in the way that works best for you. Whether you prefer the comfort of online therapy from anywhere in New Jersey or the connection of in-person sessions at our Maplewood office, we provide consistent, compassionate care that fits your schedule.
A Safe Space for Every Identity You deserve to feel completely safe to be yourself. Our practice is built on a foundation of Multicultural Competence and is proudly LGBTQ+ Affirming. We are dedicated to creating a judgment-free environment that honors your unique background, culture, and identity. We understand that your experiences are valid and essential to your healing journey.
Integrated Care for Deeper Connection Our trauma-informed expertise is woven into our Integrated Individual, Couples, & Family Service Mix. We help you process your personal history while also working to strengthen your most important relationships. By understanding how past challenges impact present connections, we help you transform old wounds into opportunities for growth and deeper bonds.
Reclaim Your Sense of Safety and Connection
Your past doesn’t have to define your future. Whether you are seeking to heal from past events, improve your relationships, or simply feel more like yourself again, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Take the first step toward a healthier, more connected future.
What is trauma therapy? Trauma therapy is a specialized approach to counseling that recognizes and emphasizes understanding how a traumatic experience impacts a person’s mental, behavioral, emotional, and physical well-being. The focus is on creating a safe and supportive environment where you can process your experiences without feeling re-traumatized. It is designed to help you heal and build resilience.
How do I know if I need trauma therapy? If you’ve experienced a distressing event and find yourself struggling with persistent anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, or difficulties in your relationships, trauma therapy could be beneficial. You don’t need an official diagnosis to seek support. If you feel that past experiences are holding you back from living the life you want, therapy can help.
How can trauma therapy help me? Therapy can help you make sense of your experiences and reduce the emotional charge they hold. It provides tools to manage symptoms like anxiety and hypervigilance, helps you rebuild a sense of trust in yourself and others, and empowers you to move forward. The goal is to help you integrate your experiences in a healthy way so you can live a more peaceful and present life.
What should I expect in a session? Your first few sessions will focus on building a trusting relationship with your therapist. You will be in control of the pace and will never be forced to talk about anything you aren’t ready to discuss. Sessions are a collaborative effort where you’ll explore your experiences, learn coping strategies, and work toward your personal healing goals in a confidential and non-judgmental space.
Ready to take the next step toward healing? Contact Maplewood Counseling today to get started on your journey.
A lot of people get anxious and nervous about going to therapy. Maybe they don’t know how it works or feels there must be something wrong with me/us if we need professional counseling. Some people feel like it’s “weak” to ask for professional help.
2. I/we should be able to fix things on our own
Feeling like you can fix things on your own or at least you should be able to fix things on your own. This it is another big reason people avoid going to therapy. When it comes to relationship issues, sometimes one person is asking their partner or spouse to go to therapy and the other person Continues to say no.
3. How can therapy help me/us?
A lot of people are not sure how therapy works or how it can actually help. They might hesitate because they don’t understand the process and how it can actually help them get to a better place personally or in the relationship.
4. I don’t believe in therapy
Some people just don’t believe in therapy. They don’t believe it can help or they don’t believe they need it. Sometimes it takes a person being in a very vulnerable and painful situation to be open to the idea of getting professional help.
5. I/we can’t afford it
Many people who need or want therapy feel they can’t afford it. There are a few places, such as a local church that may offer free counseling and there are also many nonprofit counseling services that offer more affordable, lower fees. When you are looking for a highly trained professional most likely the fee will be higher and unfortunately not accessible for some people. However, there are local nonprofit counseling centers that can offer counseling at a more affordable rate.
There are many reasons people avoid therapy. Some people find their way to therapy after going through a very painful situation emotionally or in their relationship. For people that are open to the process, it can be very helpful with many personal and relationship challenges.
At Maplewood Counseling, we offer professional, confidential, and experienced counseling services in New Jersey for couples, families, and individuals. If you are in need of help, get in touch
