Couples often have a poor understanding of their partner as a person. Generally speaking, men seldom understand women and women understand men only slightly better.

Intimacy requires that a person think with what I call the other person’s brain. One partner, usually the male, tends to be sex and event driven. The other partner, usually the female, tends to be belonging and environment driven. Each of these perspectives has several elements that are demonstrated practically in day-to-day life. Understanding these elements is rather easy and, once achieved, improves the relationship.

Also, there are what I call "8-Relational-Qualities" that are important. These are:

• Affection
• Autonomy
• Commitment
• Communication
• Flexibility
• Identity
• Intimacy
• Problem-Solving.

None of us do any or all of these perfectly. However, anytime a couple begins to improve even one of these eight qualities, the relationship will begin to be more satisfying and the couple will be happier.

Marriage counseling will initially provide a structured exploration of the relationship to address obvious dysfunction. If that does not resolve the marital distress then a systematic address of complaints will follow.

Confidentiality and Ethical Codes
There are many laws and codes of ethics that regulate a therapist. It is beyond question and dispute that a therapist protects with the strictest confidence the information shared in the therapeutic setting. During the initial visit, a clear declaration of client’s rights is shared.