Connection in a romantic relationship is one of the many wonderful things that make you a couple. It demonstrates a level of true intimacy that has been established after braving the early stages of your relationship as a team. However, disconnecting within the relationship is a common and troubling occurrence that can shake the very foundation of your relationship. When two people fear connection and lack connecting skills, they find ways to avoid closeness. Although each couple’s style of disconnecting differs, many do not openly discuss their grievances and instead isolate themselves and slowly withdraw from the relationship. If you are feeling disconnected in your relationship, the first step toward reconnection is to ask what is best for the relationship. Since you are in a couple, it is always important to look at difficulties from a bird’s-eye view of the relationship, encompassing the feelings and needs of both individuals. The second step in the process is to think about how you are contributing to the disconnection.

Our Unique Approach

For the past 33 years, Dr. Fibus’ clients have been learning to take charge (control) of their emotions, relationships and lives. Known for his versatile, creative and customized approaches, Dr. Fibus catches clients doing things right and directs them to Soar With Their Strengths. Nationally recognized as a seasoned relationship expert, Dr. Fibus creates a challenging opportunity for couples to evolve themselves into the top 5% of happy, healthy and successful partnerships and marriages. Free 10 Minute Consultation

Disconnection manifests itself differently in each individual, but here are some common traits of disconnection:

Criticizing
Interrupting
Nagging
Threatening
Being resentful
Keeping secrets
Name calling
Lying
Avoiding
Ignoring
Shaming
Controlling
Looking for problems

Do you find yourself engaging in any of these behaviors? If so, it is important to begin the process of reconnecting with your partner. The most effective way to reconnect is to take charge of your own actions. Claiming that your partner will not cooperate or is not responding is no excuse. Begin the process of reconnecting and your partner will take the lead. It only takes one person to stop the disconnecting. Here are some suggestions how.

Thought Stopping

Your thoughts affect your emotions and your actions. All of the disconnecting behaviors listed above are triggered by certain thoughts you have about your partner, your relationship, or yourself. Take the time to pay attention to these thoughts. When you criticized your partner earlier in the day, what was the triggering thought? What about when you act defensively to a comment of your partner’s? Start to really think about what kind of thoughts are triggering your disconnecting actions. Then, start challenging them! What evidence do you have that the look your partner gave you meant he or she was angry? Flip around these negative thoughts and instead of blaming yourself for your partner’s bad mood, ask outright what is going on. Change your thoughts and your emotions and behaviors will follow.

Regain Intimacy

When we hear about deep, loving connections in relationships, the word “intimacy” is usually the first word that pops into our minds. However, many of us cannot define intimacy. Think of in in this way: Intimacy = into me see. Being intimate with your partner means letting him or her into your world, sharing your worries, hopes, and dreams. However, in order to be intimate with your partner, you have to feel safe and protected. You need to trust your partner wholeheartedly. When your partner has gained your trust and you feel safe within the relationship, there are several ways to express and explore intimacy. The first way is through touch. Touch not only feels good, but it also promotes connection through the release of endorphins. When you and your partner touch, the chemical released promotes happiness, thereby creating a connection in your mind and body between your partner’s touch and feeling happy. Another way to achieve intimacy is through kindness. Studies show that happy, stable couples treat each other kindly with respect. Much of the kindness that goes on between two people is subtle. Take the time to notice every action you make toward and about your partner. Is it kind? If not, rework what you are doing to ensure mutual respect in your relationship. There are many ways to reconnect. See it as an opportunity to explore ways to make your relationship happier and healthier. Decide what forms of connection satisfy both of you and work regularly to maintain the connection that initially brought you together. (Source: The Truth About Love by Pat Love, Ed.D) For a free phone consult, call Dr. Fibus at 818.395.2831.

Why Clients Have Found Success With Us

We understand the tenets of anger. We know that anger that is poorly managed can be counterproductive and unhealthy.

When anger is misdirected or overly aggressive, it can lead to poor decision making processes and affect your work, close relationships, and your overall mental, physical, and spiritual health.

We help you take on varying perspectives to your unique problems in an effort to open your mind to the possibility of change, whereby you make subtle, but significant changes to a healthier, better adjusted you.

Our Testimonials

"Dr. Fibus got us through a hard and unpleasant segment of our marriage. Despite the unpleasant aspects of the affair, we’ve learned how to address the issue and our marriage is now much stronger and healthier than before the incident."

"Dr. Fibus, your patience and compassion kept us in our chairs, but your skill and understanding of relationships guided us toward renewed commitment that will last a long time. We are deeply grateful for your help."

"I’ve been to a number of good therapists in my lifetime. Dr. Fibus’ approach is different than all of the others and I have gotten my best results with him."

How Do We Move Forward?

Seeking the support of a therapist (relationship expert) can sometimes seem difficult, if not overwhelming. From the minute you call Dr. Fibus’ office to the moment you walk through our office door, you will find comfort in a capable and understanding doctor whose flexibility and knowledge can help you meet your relationship goals.

Dr. Fibus and his team create an environment where comfort and privacy are at the forefront, and focus on care to facilitate growth for the couple and for the individuals who desire growth within their relationship.

Much to Gain!

Whether your troubles consist of trust, resentment, or anger management issues that seem to plague the relationship, or it involves a breakdown in communication, intimacy, or compatibility, Dr. Fibus and his team of relationship, couples, and marriage counselors can help you reframe your perceived weaknesses as potential strengths from which to move forward in the direction of your goals. Sincerity, compassion, and understanding are not what set us apart.

Any effective individual or marriage therapist will provide that. It is with honest reflection, innovation, flexibility, and knowledge of systems and how the mind, body, and spirit interact that give us proven results in couples counseling.

Albert Einstein said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result.

You’re Almost There… Just Call or Email…

Give your relationship the chance it deserves…with real therapy that has been proven to be effective and with someone with over thirty years of recognized experience. Better communication, increased clarity, empowerment in defining where your happiness lies, and learning how to be better to yourself and to the one you love are just the tip of the iceberg of the things you can do with proven, effective marriage and couples counseling. Call today