Half of all marriages that end do so in the first 7 years. (Gottman, J.M. 1994)
The Gottman’s have spent the last 40 years researching what makes a relationship successful and what creates problems and eventually leads to divorce. Conflict in a relationship is a sure way to move your relationship closer towards divorce, especially when conflict is not managed well.
Skills to effectively manage conflict include;
- Knowing how to actively listen and validate your partners position
- Being able to explore and understand your partners dreams within strongly held positions
- Mastering the art of compromise and problem solving
- Being comfortable discussing past hurts in a manner that facilitates repair
The Gottman’s have developed strategies to assist couples in learning how to apply these important areas in your own relationship. Your Gottman Couples Therapist can assist you with these strategies in couples counselling.
Phone us on 0479 149 277 to discuss how couples therapy could help your relationship manage conflict better.