Counseling Services of Barbara Reade, L.C.P.C.
Bel Air, Maryland 21014

Phone: 410-803-1510

Email: reade.lcpc@yahoo.com  

RELATIONSHIPS... and their problems

 What makes relationships work?

By Barbara Reade, L.C.P.C.

It is an age old question. Research has been done that shows the major characteristics of people in marriages that stay together. Here is some of what they found.

1) If the man respects the woman's judgement and opinions from early in the relationship, this couple has a better chance of having a long term committment work.

 2) If one person takes the role of de-escalator, in times of stress and disagreement, then the relationship works better.

 3)If the male can remember important little things, that his mate really cares about, and speak about them, or take action on them, this increases relationship accord.

 4) The more positive statements each person makes (and genuinely means) to the other, about that other person, the better the relationship will fare.

5) Couples who passionately argue (verbally only), rather than retreat or avoid confrontation, have a higher success rate.

There is an abundance of helpful, new research, addressing relationships problems and building relationships that work. Unfortunately, most of this relationship research, done with scientifically monitored double blind studies, is not readily available to the public.

Many books are written for the public, and can be found at popular bookstores. Whether they can truly be helpful and effective with relationship problems often depends on whether their content is based on sound research, or simply personal observation or experience. Also, contradictory opinions from different authors can be both confusing and frustrating.

Often, therefore, the most effective method for getting relationship help, is through a qualified, licensed mental health professional. Their training should be based on a researched approaches to relationship problems, and therefore be more effective in helping you with information that works for relationship problems.

If you are in the Baltimore area, our offices have over 18 years of experience, these approaches are research based, and their effectiveness in helping couples is well known.