Imagine with me a typical Saturday at home. You are sitting on your couch checking out a show you've been dying to watch on Netflix when you hear your partner’s voice over your shoulder. “Hey, can you come here for a second?” she asks you. “I need to talk to you about something.” How are you feeling as you hear these words? The answer, of course, depends a lot on your partner’s nonverbal communication. What facial expression is she making? If she is pleasantly smiling or main

Last week, I had the honor of presenting at a local support group about how to communicate well with the ones you love. I love working with couples and families to teach them the practical skills they need to love each other well, heal wounds from their past, and deepen their connection. We focused on some really great research from The Gottman Institute on how to both speak clearly and listen well. If you have any questions about counseling, are interested in having me speak

Last night, I had the honor of being asked to present about Stress & Marriage with a group sponsored by Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. I love working with couples to teach them the practical skills they need to have a strong, thriving, and fun love relationship. We focused on some really great research from The Gottman Institute on how to handle stress in your relationship. If you have any questions about couples counseling, are interested in having me speak at your even

Good news, everyone! Today, I'm over at my blog on Psychology Today talking about one of the main barriers to communication I see in couples. When we rush to solve our partner's problems for them instead of simply listening to understand, we deny ourselves an amazing opportunity to truly connect and feel close. To read more, click here or on the image above. If you want more help in learning how to communicate well in your relationship, schedule a couples counseling appointme

Hi everyone! I'm excited to let you know that I'm being featured over at The Gottman Institute's blog talking about the small but significant things we can do to strengthen our relationships or marriages. If you are a longtime reader, you may be well aware of how much I love the work of The Gottman Institute. You can check out the article here or by clicking on the image above. Cheers, Caroline #love #marriage #relationships #couples

As a couples counselor serving families in Houston, I believe strongly in the healing powers of a great date. Regularly scheduling time to have a good day with your partner can deepen your connection: By prioritizing shared positive experiences, you show each other just how much you value your relationship. Dates provide prime time and space to talk about life's stresses, have fun together, and get to know each other better. While regularly dating your partner will not solve

When you are in a long-term, committed relationship, scheduling time to connect with your partner is so incredibly important. Regular date nights are a great way to step away from the stresses of day to day life so you can create fun experiences with the one you love. While dinner and a movie may be your usual fall back date night, research shows that trying new things together can increase your overall relationship satisfaction and sense of connection to each other. It's wor

Hey y'all! I got some exciting news I'm pumped to share. The Memorial Heights Blog has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Marriage Counseling Blogs by Feedspot. I love sharing helpful insights and research with couples about how to build a love that lasts, so this really means the world to me. Thanks, Feedspot, for the recognition--you guys are seriously appreciated! To see the full list, click on the image above or here. Cheers! Caroline #couples #marriage #update #love

The amount of books dishing out relationship advice for a buck can be seriously overwhelming. It seems like everyone from TV game show hosts to spiritual leaders with questionable credentials has a theory on how to make relationships work. With advice ranging from mostly benign to potentially harmful, it's important for you to know how to navigate the world of books about relationships and find input that works best for you and your partner. In my work with couples, I love to

Hi everyone! I just posted an article over at my Psychology Today blog (link above and below) answering a question I get asked frequently: Do we really need premarital counseling? My resounding response is always yes! Premarital counseling can be such a powerful, effective way to strengthen your marriage before it starts. It provides such a unique opportunity to sit down with a licensed counselor and have the important conversations you need to have before you get married. Pr