Relationships, Online Services Dr. Shelley Sommerfeldt Relationships, Online Services Dr. Shelley Sommerfeldt

Free Facebook Group: The Couples Collaborative

The Couples Collaborative is a positive & supportive Facebook group that will offer: Weekly tips for couples, thoughtful discussion prompters, inspirational relationship quotes, & monthly discussions on date night ideas. The group is open to anyone interested in being involved in a supportive forum to discuss relationship betterment.

Facebook has the opportunity to connect millions of people from all over the world with so many different experiences, opinions, and lifestyles that we can all learn from. So why not join and be active with a Facebook group?

I recently started: The Couples Collaborative, a free Facebook group that provides tips for couples, inspirational relationship quotes, and promotes positive and healthy discussions on challenging relationship issues. 

This type of forum is not meant to be couples therapy, but instead a member-led support group where people can exchange ideas, provide support, give feedback, and ask difficult questions on relationship-related issues. 

I will be posting weekly tips for couples as well as weekly thought-provoking posts that are either a discussion prompt to the group or an inspirational quote about love and relationships. I will also have a monthly post about date night ideas that we can all brainstorm and discuss together to come up with fun and romantic ways to stay connected with our partners. 

Click here for the free Couples Collaborative Facebook group: 

ONLINE SESSIONS AVAILABLE

If you are interested in relationship coaching, virtual services are available, see Online Coaching with Dr. Shelley. Services are provided by telephone or online through a HIPAA-compliant telehealth portal, which allows you to be in the comfort of your own home during sessions & have increased privacy. Services are available for individuals or couples. Appointments may be booked online or simply email Dr. Shelley with any questions or appointment requests.

Facebook group facilitated by: Dr. Shelley Sommerfeldt, Clinical Psychologist, Relationship Coach & Founder of the Loving Roots Project, an online wellness practice specializing in personal growth, mental wellness, & relationship betterment.

Follow the Loving Roots Project on social media for weekly blogs & video posts:

Blogs on Relationships:
20 Date Ideas To Try at Home
20 Date Ideas To Try at Home

While we may all know that quality time with our partners is essential as it boosts our connection, it can be challenging to think of new and creative ways to spend time together. Many couples may face challenges arranging babysitting, and others may be financially strained due to rising living costs, finding going out to be expensive. Alternatively, some may simply enjoy the comfort of their own home and, therefore, would like to find activities they can enjoy there.

5 Tips for Increasing Emotional Connection in Relationships
5 Tips for Increasing Emotional Connection in Relationships

Emotional connection is the foundation of a healthy, loving, and thriving relationship. Whether you're nurturing a romantic partnership, family bond, or friendship, cultivating emotional intimacy can deepen understanding, build trust, and create a lasting connection. While every relationship is unique, there are core principles that can help anyone strengthen emotional ties. Here are five practical tips for increasing emotional connection in relationships:

10 Ways to Improve Your Relationship When Your Partner Won't
10 Ways to Improve Your Relationship When Your Partner Won't

Relationships can be incredibly rewarding, but they also require effort and cooperation from both partners. When one partner feels unsupported, it can lead to frustration and resentment. If you're in a situation where your partner isn't actively helping to improve the relationship, it may feel like you're carrying the emotional load alone. While you can’t force your partner to change, there are ways to work on the relationship that may inspire growth and reconnection.

Ways to Increase Affection in Your Relationship
Ways to Increase Affection in Your Relationship

Levels of affections can change in a relationship and often drift apart leaving partners wondering if their love and passion will survive. Here are some tips to get you back on track with love, affection, and intimacy in your relationship.

Conflict Resolution for Couples
Conflict Resolution for Couples

Finding healthy & more productive ways to resolve conflict in a marriage is essential to forgiveness, moving forward & relationship happiness. Check out our latest blog for tips to conflict resolution for couples.

Can Your Marriage Survive Coronavirus?
Can Your Marriage Survive Coronavirus?

The coronavirus pandemic has added a challenging time for most people. This is a new and different situation that is incredibly difficult. This is especially true for couples. Read more to see tips for helping your marriage survive COVID-19.

20 Date Night Ideas To Try During COVID
20 Date Night Ideas To Try During COVID

During the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, it can be hard to find date night ideas that maintain social distancing or are quarantine approved. Here are 20 creative and fun activities you can do with your partner that don’t require you to leave the house. These date night activities should boost your connection, communication, affection and even your creativity.

Tips for Surviving the Engagement Period
Tips for Surviving the Engagement Period

While the engagement period is fun and exciting, there can be many additional stressors and challenges when blending two lives together. Make sure to not focus on perfection, let go of the small stuff, communicate well, and to continue courting.

Can Long Distance Relationships Really Work?
Can Long Distance Relationships Really Work?

Being physically separated in a relationship can create many challenges for couples. There are several tips to maintaining connection & making a long distance relationship work.

Ways to Boost Intimacy in Your Relationship
Ways to Boost Intimacy in Your Relationship

Maintaining sex, love & intimacy in a relationship is critical for its success. Read more for ways to boost physical intimacy in your relationship.

Read More
Relationships Dr. Shelley Sommerfeldt Relationships Dr. Shelley Sommerfeldt

Unlocking Happy Relationships: Balance is the Key

Keeping your relationship healthy is all about maintaining a balance in different areas, such as preserving self-identity, expressing your feelings, resolving conflicts and keeping passion alive. Maintaining a healthy balance in relationships is key.

Most people desire healthy, mature relationships that bring joy and satisfaction to life.  Maintaining a healthy relationship is challenging, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to work on intimacy and connecting with others. While two imperfect people can never have a perfect relationship, these ideas can enhance your love life--or try modifying the tips to improve friendships or family relationships. 

Be Yourself

Many have known a friend or family member who, the moment she begins a relationship, separates from people and activities she once enjoyed.

Cultivating your own interests, activities and friends is crucial to overall happiness and often results in a more satisfying relationship. The goal is to preserve each individual’s identity while investing time and effort together.

He Says, She Says

We all have expectations, especially for our relationships. Many assume our partners should know our wants and needs but when they fail to have the magic ability to read our minds, we experience disappointment. 

It’s important for both partners to talk about their feelings and expectations – and just as important to listen. This is particularly true if your partner is less verbal than you.

Mutual communication inspires a sense of safety, promotes confidence and encourages the honest expression of feelings. It creates a better environment for love -- and passion!

To Forgive is Divine

Of course, fights and arguments are inevitable. But if conflicts are not properly resolved, couples find themselves in a negative pattern of arguing, including nagging, becoming emotionally detached or using sex as a bargaining tool. 

In a hurry to ease the tension during a conflict, we often “kiss and make up,” convincing ourselves and our partners that the issue at hand has been resolved. In fact, if forgiveness is not extended, old arguments can resurface to hurt our partners. It’s easy to get in this rut when we are unable to let go of hurtful events from the past.

Ideally, a conflict ends with true forgiveness, a difficult step that takes practice. It is much easier to hold grudges and resentments than to forgive and move forward. Learning to genuinely forgive will ease tensions and lead to a more peaceful relationship.

Keep Courting

After a period of time, many couples experience a roadblock:  They like the comfort and familiarity of a long-term relationship, but the routine makes them feel tired and bored; they complain there isn’t a spark. This is sign that change is needed! 

Just like a summer romance that swept you off your feet, your long-term relationship can be passionate and exciting. Try mimicking your courtship with creative date nights; you’ll both remember the exhilaration of young love. Don’t underestimate the thrill of spontaneity and trying something new together.

Keeping your relationship healthy is all about maintaining a balance in these areas: preserving self-identity, expressing your feelings, resolving conflicts, keeping passion alive. Relationships can be tough and challenging, but also joyful and exciting. 

Good luck in your life’s journey to find love, happiness and balance!

ONLINE SESSIONS AVAILABLE

If you are needing support or interested in relationship coaching, virtual services are available, see Online Coaching with Dr. Shelley. Online services are provided online through a HIPAA-compliant telehealth portal, which allows you and your partner to be in the comfort of your own home during sessions & have increased privacy. Appointments may be booked online or simply email Dr. Shelley with any questions or appointment requests.

Free Facebook Group for Couples

Be sure to JOIN our free Facebook group: The Couples Collaborative. This is an online support group that provides tips and inspirational material for couples and supportive discussions on challenging relationship-related issues.

Teletherapy

Blog written by: Dr. Shelley Sommerfeldt, Clinical Psychologist, Relationship Coach & Founder of the Loving Roots Project, an online wellness practice specializing in personal growth, mental wellness, & relationship betterment.

Follow the Loving Roots Project on social media for weekly blogs & video posts:

More Blogs on Relationships:
20 Date Ideas To Try at Home
20 Date Ideas To Try at Home

While we may all know that quality time with our partners is essential as it boosts our connection, it can be challenging to think of new and creative ways to spend time together. Many couples may face challenges arranging babysitting, and others may be financially strained due to rising living costs, finding going out to be expensive. Alternatively, some may simply enjoy the comfort of their own home and, therefore, would like to find activities they can enjoy there.

5 Tips for Increasing Emotional Connection in Relationships
5 Tips for Increasing Emotional Connection in Relationships

Emotional connection is the foundation of a healthy, loving, and thriving relationship. Whether you're nurturing a romantic partnership, family bond, or friendship, cultivating emotional intimacy can deepen understanding, build trust, and create a lasting connection. While every relationship is unique, there are core principles that can help anyone strengthen emotional ties. Here are five practical tips for increasing emotional connection in relationships:

10 Ways to Improve Your Relationship When Your Partner Won't
10 Ways to Improve Your Relationship When Your Partner Won't

Relationships can be incredibly rewarding, but they also require effort and cooperation from both partners. When one partner feels unsupported, it can lead to frustration and resentment. If you're in a situation where your partner isn't actively helping to improve the relationship, it may feel like you're carrying the emotional load alone. While you can’t force your partner to change, there are ways to work on the relationship that may inspire growth and reconnection.

Ways to Increase Affection in Your Relationship
Ways to Increase Affection in Your Relationship

Levels of affections can change in a relationship and often drift apart leaving partners wondering if their love and passion will survive. Here are some tips to get you back on track with love, affection, and intimacy in your relationship.

Conflict Resolution for Couples
Conflict Resolution for Couples

Finding healthy & more productive ways to resolve conflict in a marriage is essential to forgiveness, moving forward & relationship happiness. Check out our latest blog for tips to conflict resolution for couples.

Can Your Marriage Survive Coronavirus?
Can Your Marriage Survive Coronavirus?

The coronavirus pandemic has added a challenging time for most people. This is a new and different situation that is incredibly difficult. This is especially true for couples. Read more to see tips for helping your marriage survive COVID-19.

20 Date Night Ideas To Try During COVID
20 Date Night Ideas To Try During COVID

During the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, it can be hard to find date night ideas that maintain social distancing or are quarantine approved. Here are 20 creative and fun activities you can do with your partner that don’t require you to leave the house. These date night activities should boost your connection, communication, affection and even your creativity.

Tips for Surviving the Engagement Period
Tips for Surviving the Engagement Period

While the engagement period is fun and exciting, there can be many additional stressors and challenges when blending two lives together. Make sure to not focus on perfection, let go of the small stuff, communicate well, and to continue courting.

Can Long Distance Relationships Really Work?
Can Long Distance Relationships Really Work?

Being physically separated in a relationship can create many challenges for couples. There are several tips to maintaining connection & making a long distance relationship work.

Ways to Boost Intimacy in Your Relationship
Ways to Boost Intimacy in Your Relationship

Maintaining sex, love & intimacy in a relationship is critical for its success. Read more for ways to boost physical intimacy in your relationship.

Read More