Even the happiest and healthiest relationships can go through conflicts and uncertainties. The encouraging news is there are effective ways to deal with contrasts and still maintain loving bonds. Laurie Burns LCSW-R CGP, a licensed relationship counselor in Rochester, NY, helps couples from all walks of life keep communication lines flowing, which is essential to having strong, lifelong unions.

If you and your partner struggle in dealing with differences of opinion and other matters, the relationship counselor offers the following tips to address them head-on:

• Be Accountable: Rather than blame your loved one for everything, accept responsibility for your role in the problem at hand. Resist the temptation to react in anger or condescension. Pause for a period and come back to the issue.
• Keep Talking: No matter the conflict, keep the dialogue going. Mirror statements back so you’re sure you understand what your partner said. Don’t shut down communication or issue ultimatums as forms of punishment.
• Maintain Your Identity: While you’re in a committed relationship, it’s important and emotionally healthy to maintain your own separate identity. This means continuing to pursue hobbies and personal aspirations you had before you met your partner.
• Create a Calm Space: If there is a conflict, create a calm environment to address them. Turn down the heat by not yelling or accusing. Better yet, if emotions are running too high, mutually agree to talk about the matter later when things have cooled down.
• Be Supportive: Nothing provides a bigger ego boost than being your partner’s best cheerleader! Be supportive of their interests and passions by encouraging them and offering genuine praise. The support will go a long way toward building long-term, loving connections.

Since 1995, Laurie Burns LCSW-R CGP has provided a neutral environment for couples to address a host of concerns. Along with her professional and compassionate team of therapists, relationships have grown and gotten back on track through couples counseling. To learn how attending private or group counseling sessions can spark a change, call the relationship counselor today at (585) 734-6826 to schedule a consultation. Visit her website for extensive information on her wide range of counseling services.