Relationship problems

The problems in your relationship can often come from deeper underlying causes. This page is designed to help you discover the emotional truth of those problems and open the way to change.

You might find that one or two of these exercises may not be a great fit for you, but it is important that you try each of them. You may discover some uncomfortable truths about yourself in doing these exercises. Try to be kind to yourself, and schedule a session if you want some help or support. If you become overwhelmed at any point, just stop and rest.

Some of these exercises ask you to complete a sentence. Please read the sentence-stem either aloud or silently and then let the sentence finish itself without trying to pre-think an ending. Feel free to change the sentence-stem in order to make it feel more true. Repeat the exercise over and over until you are not getting any new endings before going on to the next one.

1. Begin by imagining a recent instance of the problem in your relationship. Take a moment and allow yourself to be fully present with it as though it were happening right now. Allow any strong feelings to come up. Notice what these feel like in your body and describe the sensations. Now, when was the first time you felt this way? Get very clear about what was happening and who you felt this way about. Spend some time reflecting on this before moving on.

This site is maintained by Tim Desmond, MFTI 51287 :: Supervised by Bruce Ecker, MFC 21355
copyright © 2007 Tim Desmond, MA. Last updated 31March2007.