Hey there, this is Matthew Richardson, Gottman couples therapist at Couples Counseling ATL! Have you ever thought about what we can learn from intercultural relationships? Even if we don't think our own relationship is intercultural, the truth is, all relationships are! Let me share a story with you. Recently, I was working with a lovely couple who came to me for communication issues. What's fascinating about them is that they're an intercultural couple. Let's call them Jack and Jill to keep things private. Jack is from one country, and Jill is from another, each with its own unique culture ..read more

Ever wondered about what to do if either you or your partner have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and another issue like anxiety? Well, it's quite common for people with ADHD to also face other challenges such as depression, anxiety, or dyslexia, along with challenges like oppositional defiant disorder, substance abuse, or sleep apnea. But don't worry, there's help available! So, what should you do first, especially if this is a new thing for you? Usually, your physician might opt for a dual treatment approach, combining antidepressants with stimulant medications to address bo ..read more

Picture this: you're enjoying a cozy candlelit dinner with your partner, immersed in conversation until the bill arrives, and suddenly, tension fills the air. Whose turn is it to pay? You were pretty sure they were supposed to pay this time, but they’re not reaching for the bill (again) and your feeling of frustration starts to rise. Does this scenario sound familiar? You're not alone. Did you know that a staggering 70% of couples argue about money? That’s right, according to the National Endowment For Financial Education, it's the number one source of relationship conflict. But here's the ki ..read more

Remember those exciting days of new love, where every date night felt like a grand adventure? Long phone calls, stolen glances, and the thrill of getting to know each other? Fast forward a bit, and sometimes the question of "what to do" on date night feels more like a chore than a chance to connect. But guess what? Quality time together is crucial for keeping the spark alive in your relationship! Recent studies by The Gottman Institute have shown that spending quality time together is a big predictor of relationship satisfaction. And here's the exciting part: it doesn't have to be fancy or ex ..read more

Are you finding it hard to connect and communicate effectively with your partner? Do you feel like you're going around in circles, arguing over the same things again and again? Whether you're facing challenges or simply looking to enhance your already good relationship, we're here to guide you through the journey from the ground up to the attic of the Sound Relationship House Theory. This theory serves as a roadmap for nurturing healthy and fulfilling relationships, offering seven foundational levels to explore together. Join us as we delve into the fundamentals of Gottman Couple’s Therapy an ..read more

Have you ever wondered if there's a difference between ADHD and ADD? It's a common question, and we're here to shed some light on it. Many of us think of ADHD as the classic person who can’t sit still, but did you know that if your partner with ADD seems to have no energy and is often in la-la land, that could also be at play here? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is just a tricky name for it. It's not about not having enough attention or having a deficit of attention. It's about having dysregulated attention. If someone has ADHD, whether it’s you or your partner, you might oft ..read more

Hi there, it's Stephanie Cook, the director at Couple’s Counseling ATL, and I'm super excited to share some fantastic news with you! We're hosting another awesome workshop in April, focusing on the "7 Principles for Making a Marriage Work." I've been leading these workshops for almost 8 years now, and it's been an incredible journey. We've helped hundreds of couples navigate through the ups and downs of relationships, and we have seen over a thousand couples in my practice. Couples love doing these workshops because they're not only fun, but they're also a great way to invest in your relation ..read more

Welcome to an insightful journey through the intricacies of couple’s dynamics and the art of maintaining a healthy relationship with the help of the renowned Gottman Method. Developed by Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, this approach is a beacon of hope for couples striving to navigate the stormy seas of relationship challenges. At Couples Counseling ATL, we are dedicated to guiding partners on the path to relational fulfillment by employing strategies that are not only backed by rigorous scientific research but also tailored to foster deep, meaningful connections. Understandi ..read more

Why can your partner push your buttons so effectively? What does your childhood have to do with how you approach conflict as an adult?How can the worst fights make your relationship even more connected than before? Our couples therapists recently discussed these questions and so much more, after reading Terry Real's newest book, "US: Getting past you and me to we". Our team loved this book, especially for anyone in flawed relationships who are nevertheless committed to persevering, healing, and making things work. This book offers valuable insights into overcoming toxic emotional habits and n ..read more

Have you ever wondered how illness tests the health of your relationship? I have seen it time and time again with couples in therapy, but let me share a recent personal experience with you as an example.  Just a couple of weeks ago, I was hit hard with a double whammy of COVID and the flu. It wasn't pretty, let me tell you! My husband was juggling work, childcare, and taking care of me, while I was feeling like a feverish mess. It wasn't exactly a Hallmark moment, but it showed me something important: sickness tests the strength of any relationship. Why Sickness Challenges Relationships ..read more