by Christine Lawler LMFT | Feb 24, 2026
Most couples don’t walk into counseling because they’ve “stopped loving each other.” They walk in because something that used to feel easy now feels exhausting: the same fight on repeat, the growing distance, the tension over parenting or money, the quiet resentment that builds when you feel misunderstood day after day. And when you’re stuck in that cycle, it can start to feel like the relationship itself is the problem.
But in many marriages, the real problem isn’t a lack of love; it’s a lack of tools and safety in the moments that matter. Couples counseling helps you slow the pattern down, understand what’s happening underneath the arguments, and learn how to respond differently so small issues don’t turn into relationship-level threats. It creates a structured space to rebuild communication, restore emotional connection, repair trust after ruptures, and get back on the same team.
In this post, I’ll break down exactly how couples counseling helps a marriage: what it actually looks like, what changes first, and why getting support sooner (not later) can be one of the most protective choices you make for your relationship.
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by Christine Lawler LMFT | Jan 27, 2026
Let’s get real. You’re sitting in your therapy practice (or perhaps, simply at your kitchen table), repeating to yourself, “I don’t like my husband anymore.” Maybe it’s a whisper, maybe it’s an explosion. Either way, it’s worth pausing to unpack what’s going on inside of your mind rather than letting avoidance or shame do the heavy lifting.
It might heal you a bit just to know that feeling like you don’t like your spouse anymore is not a personal failure; it’s a relational signal. Research shows that, on average, marital satisfaction tends to decline over the years. Sometimes, when we get too comfortable, we get lazy with our relationships.
So, what now? Keep reading to learn more.
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by Christine Lawler LMFT | Jan 21, 2026
Feeling unhappy with your husband is more common than you might think, and it doesn’t automatically mean your marriage is failing. Many women experience periods of frustration, emotional distance, or disappointment in their relationship, often quietly and with a lot of guilt attached. Life changes, unmet expectations, communication breakdowns, and personal growth can all shift how you feel about your partner over time.
The good news? Feeling unhappy is not the end of the story. It can be a powerful signal that something needs attention, and that change is completely possible!
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by Christine Lawler LMFT | Sep 24, 2025
When you think about teenagers, you might picture laughter, busy school schedules, or afternoons spent with friends. But behind the scenes, many teens are quietly struggling with their mental health. One of the most pressing issues today is depression among young people.
So, how many teenagers suffer from depression? The numbers are a bit sobering. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 17% of U.S. teenagers (ages 12–17) experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year. That’s about 1 in 5 teens. Even more concerning, studies show that depression rates among teens have been steadily rising over the past decade.
But statistics only tell part of the story. Let’s take a closer look at what these numbers mean, what you can look out for, and how you can help. Keep reading to learn more.
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by Christine Lawler LMFT | Jun 25, 2025
Parenting a teenager can still be challenging on the best of days. But when your teen is struggling with depression, it can feel like you’re navigating a minefield- unsure of what to say, how to help, or how to motivate them. You might notice your once happy teen withdrawing, skipping activities they used to enjoy, or losing interest in school. This can absolutely be heartbreaking and frustrating. But the good news is there is hope in your family’s future, and your support matters more than you think.
Keep reading to learn what you can do to help motivate your depressed teenager.
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