Relationship Practices for Couples
by Jodi Perelman, MFT
Earlier this year I wrote an article for Bridge, a local journal for therapists and other health professionals, on helpful practices for couples to build and strengthen their relationship.
The three practices I wrote about are mindfulness, cultivating wise mind, and sharing appreciations.
Following is a brief synopsis of each practice.
Mindfulness
When we practice mindfulness, we become more aware of our own sensitivities. Knowing these triggers can help explain why we get so upset at our partner and why certain things can drive us crazy. This practice also helps in those heated moments when emotions can spiral out of control.
Cultivating Wise Mind
Cultivating wise mind allows us to bring our emotional mind and our logical mind together. Sometimes we get into trouble when we rely too heavily on one or the other. The integration of these two states is known as wise mind.
Sharing Appreciations
Sharing appreciations is another good practice. You and your partner each take turns sharing something you admire or appreciate about each other. These appreciations can be big or small. This increases both honesty and intimacy. I recommend trying this as a weekly practice if you can — it only takes 5 minutes.
If you’d like to learn more about each practice, here’s a link to my blog where you can download the article. And I’d be happy to add you to the Bridge mailing list — just send me an email at my website.
Jodi Perelman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in San Francisco. She can be reached at JodiPerelman.com.
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Category: Sex & Love
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[...] The last part is a willingness to share the vulnerable, tender parts of yourself. When we feel hurt, it’s much easier to blame or withdraw than to open up and share what really happened. However, when you’re with a partner who’s willing to do the same, this sharing becomes an act of courage, strength and love. [...]