I was taught by a mentor with a doctorate in Positive Psychology one definition of love is that the person exists phenomenologically. When the person is absent, one can close their eyes and see them as if they were really there, hear their voice, smell…

It is important to let your partner know what your dreams are for yourself, or for the relationship, or for family relationships. Take this time to share your vision for yourself and for your relationships. Focus for the Speaker Discuss the hopes and dreams that…

Do you also not have a cleaning fairy? The sample list below contains the kinds of routines couples and families establish to create effective family functioning. Each of you look through the list and choose two areas you’d like to integrate regularly into relationship or…

Validation You communicate that you understand and accept without judgment your partner’s feelings and that it makes sense to you given your partner’s perspective. The bottom line: Convey, “You have a right to have these feelings.” Validation has several steps: Accept and respect that this…

This tool, based on the Aftermath of a Regrettable Incident tool, helps couples to process and celebrate what worked and creates the opportunity to discuss how to incorporate this type success into their relationship going forward. Also look at Active Constructive Responding. Instructions Feelings Share…

This exercise can help us work towards understanding and validating our partner’s perspective and feelings. Use Co-Summarizing skills. Questions to Ask the Speaker About the Ideal Solution to This Problem Tell me your ideal solution to this problem (do not worry about being realistic—remember, no…