[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” module_id=”sticky” _builder_version=”4.16″ z_index=”0″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_fullwidth_menu menu_id=”2″ fullwidth_menu=”off” active_link_color=”#d5e3ee” mobile_menu_bg_color=”#505b6f” mobile_menu_text_color=”#ffffff” module_id=”sticky” _builder_version=”4.16″ menu_font=”||||||||” menu_font_size=”19px” background_color=”#324058″ text_orientation=”right” background_layout=”dark” module_alignment=”right” menu_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_menu][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https:\/\/chenaltherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/973e2f80.png” background_size=”initial” background_repeat=”repeat” top_divider_color=”rgba(85,93,112,0.95)” top_divider_height=”38px” top_divider_flip=”vertical” bottom_divider_height=”60px” bottom_divider_flip=”horizontal” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_intensity_slide=”25%” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”|300|||||||” text_font_size=”60px” text_line_height=”1em” header_font=”Quicksand||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”40px” header_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”40px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”25px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_image=”https:\/\/chenaltherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Curves-2.png” background_size=”initial” background_position=”bottom_left” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|false” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”100px|0px|193px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Connection.\u00a0 Alignment. Being in tune with one another.\u00a0 Feeling the love. Stars aligning. Flow. Jeehawing (as my grandmother puts it).<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Whatever you call it, it can sometimes be hard to get on the same page with your partner. It\u2019s one of the top goals of most couples who come into therapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To help your marriage grow in connection, here are five of my go-to strategies for helping a couple align:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n How often do you talk logistics with your spouse?\u00a0 How often do you feel like ships passing in the night?\u00a0 Avoid this by taking some time to talk with your partner about the upcoming week.\u00a0 It only takes a few minutes (you can even set a timer!). Pull out your calendars and share what your week looks like.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s a great time to share \u201cI\u2019ve got a huge presentation on Wednesday\u201d,\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m really nervous about this meeting at work\u201d \u201cWho is going to pick up the kids on Friday?\u201d\u00a0 Not only are you sharing your life with your partner, you\u2019re also giving your partner opportunities to show up and care for you\u2026and finding out ways that you can show up and care for them.\u00a0 <\/span>Win, Win.<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Knowing yourself and where you stand on a particular issue is incredibly important in order to effectively communicate with your partner.\u00a0 Take some time to figure out how you feel and what you think about important issues. At Chenal Family Therapy, I encourage spouses to ask themselves the following questions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Also, it\u2019s important to remember that <\/span>we are only responsible for ourselves.<\/b> \u00a0 We are not responsible for our partner\u2019s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Over time, every couple develops patterns of communicating.\u00a0 This is especially noticeable in arguments. We both know the other person\u2019s moves.\u00a0 We can predict what the other person will say. We even prepare what we\u2019re going to say <\/span>before the other person has finished speaking.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0 When you find yourself doing this, <\/span>SLOW DOWN<\/b>!\u00a0 Things are getting out of hand, and you need to take a breath.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n How can you align with your partner when you aren\u2019t listening to what they\u2019re saying?\u00a0 How can you effectively communicate your thoughts and feelings when you already know what they\u2019re going to say back to you? <\/span>\u00a0Slow it down. <\/b>\u00a0Take a breath – or even a walk.\u00a0 Hit the pause button. And sometimes, when you really need to, it\u2019s important to take a break and do number 4 on the list.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n When you and your partner are going in circles – stuck and spiraling – this is a good time to stop and <\/span>schedule a time to come back to the conversation.<\/b>\u00a0 Scheduling a time will allow both of you to cool off and cool down.\u00a0 Sometimes it\u2019s important to step away from an issue and figure out where you stand on it.\u00a0 (Hint – go back to questions from number 2).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sometimes, it\u2019s important to ask for help.\u00a0 When you are consistently out of alignment with your partner, it may be a sign that you need some additional help.\u00a0 Reach out to a friend or a trusted advisor, talk with another couple that you both admire, or schedule a couple therapy session.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to schedule an appointment at Chenal Family Therapy, you can email <\/span>schedule@chenaltherapy.com<\/span><\/a> or call 479.595.0333.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n -Gail Lane, PhD, LPC, LMFT<\/span><\/p>\n Clinical Director, NWA<\/span><\/p>\n Chenal Family Therapy, PLC<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”stop” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ background_color=”rgba(243,243,243,0.43)” min_height=”691.2px” custom_padding=”14px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”index:99″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”47″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-130px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/chenaltherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/cropped-CFT-Icon.png” title_text=”cropped-CFT-Icon.png” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”50%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment_tablet=”center” module_alignment_phone=”” module_alignment_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ custom_margin=”-130px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”50px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”18px” header_letter_spacing=”2px” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”12px” text_line_height=”1em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 501.781.2230<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n 870.340.2636<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n 479.595.0333<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Toll-free: 844.755.0530<\/a><\/p>\n Fax: 888. 816.7916<\/p>\n Info@ChenalTherapy.com<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/chenaltherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/psychology-today-1.png” alt=”Verified by Psychology Today” url_new_window=”on” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”81%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”35%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”-15px||” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.01)” always_center_on_mobile=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/chenaltherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/CARF_GoldSeal.png” alt=”Verified by Psychology Today” title_text=”CARF_GoldSeal” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”81%” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”35%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”-15px||” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.01)” always_center_on_mobile=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_font_size=”18px” header_letter_spacing=”2px” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”12px” text_line_height=”1em” custom_margin=”-10px|||-25px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n1. Talk about the upcoming week.<\/b><\/em><\/h3>\n
2. Own your stuff.<\/b><\/em><\/h3>\n
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3. Slow Down!<\/b><\/em><\/h3>\n
4. Schedule important conversations.<\/b><\/em><\/h3>\n
5. Ask for help.<\/b><\/em><\/h3>\n
Contact Us<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n
Locations<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n