Loving Couples

Loving Couples ✉️ Love is frightening because it requires surrender = letting someone see the parts of us we often hide, and trusting they’ll stay.

Counselling, tools & community support for stronger, lasting love | Clinical Psychologist 💙 BHCM Helping you to live happily ever after.

𝓦𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓦𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮It isn’t just touch.it’s the language of safety.Where skin remembers what the mind forgets,and the body...
07/10/2025

𝓦𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓦𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮

It isn’t just touch.
it’s the language of safety.
Where skin remembers what the mind forgets,
and the body says, “you’re home.”

In the hush between heartbeats,
two nervous systems learn to breathe together,
each exhale a quiet surrender
to being fully known.

It’s dopamine and oxytocin, yes..
but it’s also forgiveness.
It’s every unspoken word
finally finding form through warmth and weight.

Making love is not losing yourself.
It’s returning..
to the calm beneath the chaos,
to the self that only exists
when it’s safe to fall apart
and come back whole again. 🥀

Both feel good in different ways. Admiration can make us feel seen for our strengths, while understanding can make us fe...
06/10/2025

Both feel good in different ways. Admiration can make us feel seen for our strengths, while understanding can make us feel safe in our vulnerabilities.

If you had to choose just one, which would matter more to you in this moment, and why? ❣️

𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓾𝓵𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼, 𝓢𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓪 & 𝓑𝓮𝓷𝓷𝔂 ✨Love stories like this remind us that behind every wedding day are years of struggle, h...
01/10/2025

𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓾𝓵𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼, 𝓢𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓪 & 𝓑𝓮𝓷𝓷𝔂 ✨

Love stories like this remind us that behind every wedding day are years of struggle, healing, and quiet hope. For Selena and Benny, today is not just about rings and vows. It’s about finally arriving at a love they once weren’t sure they’d ever find.

🎀𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒂 has been through storms most of us can only imagine. Relationships that hurt more than they healed. The crushing pressure of being watched, judged, and picked apart by the public. Struggles with mental health and illness that tested her spirit. Yet somehow, through all of it, she kept her heart open = 𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮.

🎀𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒚’s path looked different, but it carried its own weight. While his name has been behind countless hit songs, he’s lived much of his life in the background, wrestling with his own self-image and feeling overlooked in a world obsessed with appearances. His battle was quieter = 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛.

And then came the years of friendship. Late nights in the studio, laughter between takes, the kind of trust that grows when you create together. That’s where their story began. Not in tabloids. Not in staged moments. But in the slow, steady weaving of two lives. And when it turned into love, it wasn’t always celebrated. People questioned them. Some mocked the way they looked together. The outside world had opinions = 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬

But they didn’t let the noise define them. Instead, they built something real. They learned how to be patient with differences. They learned how to stay grounded in a love that wasn’t perfect.
And that’s why this marriage matters. It’s not just another celebrity headline. It’s a reminder that love isn’t about two flawless people finally colliding but about two imperfect souls choosing to grow, to heal, and to rise above what once felt like weakness.

💍 Selena and Benny’s story reminds us of this simple truth:
Love doesn’t erase our struggles. It transforms them into strength.


🌿 And maybe that’s the lesson for us, too. Relationships that last are not found. They’re built.
If you’ve ever carried heartbreak, betrayal, or doubt, know that healing and lasting love are still possible. There are tools, support, and stories waiting to help you rebuild and believe again.

Message us to explore support, courses, and books on healing, relationships, and growth. 💌
https://bit.ly/4o2IIkl

Intimacy grows when we pay attention to the subtle ways love manifests. Did your partner offer support, make you laugh, ...
23/09/2025

Intimacy grows when we pay attention to the subtle ways love manifests. Did your partner offer support, make you laugh, or remember something important? Sharing these reflections can help us see love more clearly. I’d love to know = 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤? 🖊

𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 50/50. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 70/30. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 0/100. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐲.Relationship research reminds us th...
23/09/2025

𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 50/50. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 70/30. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 0/100. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐲.

Relationship research reminds us that what matters most is not perfect equality, but adaptation. According to Karney & Bradbury (1995), the strength of a couple lies in how they respond when life brings stress and one partner can’t give as much.

On the hard days, love looks like carrying more than your share. On the lighter days, it shifts back again. Over time, this rhythm creates balance, not because both always give equally, but because both choose to keep showing up.

𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒐’𝒔 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒓 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒔. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔, 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒃𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆

Find a compassionate roadmap to rebuild a connection with your partner, step by step. Trust an expert. 📖 https://tinyurl.com/Relationship-Repair-Guide

From Frustration to Connection: Skills Every Couple NeedsEvery relationship experiences tension. Misunderstandings, emot...
20/09/2025

From Frustration to Connection: Skills Every Couple Needs

Every relationship experiences tension. Misunderstandings, emotional triggers, and differences in communication style can leave couples feeling frustrated, unheard, or disconnected. What separates relationships that grow from those that struggle is how partners respond to conflict.

Frustration often arises when:

One partner feels dismissed or invalidated

Communication breaks down and discussions escalate

Uncontrolled impulses or strong emotions interfere with listening

Patterns of blame, criticism, or withdrawal create distance

The good news is that these patterns can be changed. Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and practical communication skills can help couples transform tension into meaningful connection. By understanding your own triggers, listening with empathy, and responding thoughtfully, you can reduce conflict and rebuild closeness.

What this looks like in practice:

Recognizing emotional triggers and calming responses before reacting

Expressing needs and feelings without blaming your partner

Learning to validate your partner’s experience while staying true to yourself

Using step-by-step frameworks to repair trust and intimacy after conflict

For couples looking to strengthen their connection, The Relationship Repair Guide and Relationship Repair Workbook offer structured exercises and guidance to implement these strategies effectively. Additionally, our courses at Loving Couples provide practical, guided support to help you navigate challenges together.

Start turning frustration into connection today:

Explore our courses: https://lovingcouples.com.au/

Learn more in our books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr-Yuliya-Richard/author/B09Z9457X4

Setting boundaries in a relationship isn’t about pushing your partner away—it’s about creating a safe and respectful spa...
19/09/2025

Setting boundaries in a relationship isn’t about pushing your partner away—it’s about creating a safe and respectful space where both people can thrive. Many couples struggle with this because they fear that saying “no” or expressing their needs will cause conflict, rejection, or guilt. But avoiding boundaries can actually harm your connection, leading to resentment, misunderstanding, and emotional distance.

Healthy boundaries help couples:

Communicate needs clearly and respectfully

Prevent resentment and emotional burnout

Build trust and safety in the relationship

Maintain individuality while growing together

Practical tips for setting boundaries:

Start with Self-Awareness – Know what makes you uncomfortable or stressed.

Use Clear, Respectful Language – Express needs without blame or accusation.

Be Consistent – Boundaries are only effective if upheld consistently.

Practice Listening – Encourage your partner to share their boundaries too.

Seek Support if Needed – Guidance from relationship experts can help you navigate challenging conversations.

For couples who want to strengthen boundaries and improve communication, our Loving Couples courses provide step-by-step guidance on how to set and maintain healthy limits while fostering connection.

📖 You can also explore our books by Dr. Yuliya Richard, which provide evidence-based tools for emotional regulation and relationship growth: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr-Yuliya-Richard/author/B09Z9457X4

💻 Learn more about our courses here: https://lovingcouples.com.au/

How Impulsivity Can Sabotage Intimacy—and What to Do About ItImpulsivity can sneak into relationships in ways you might ...
18/09/2025

How Impulsivity Can Sabotage Intimacy—and What to Do About It

Impulsivity can sneak into relationships in ways you might not even notice. From sudden anger, harsh words, or risky decisions, uncontrolled impulses can erode trust, trigger conflict, and leave both partners feeling disconnected. While everyone experiences impulses, when they consistently override thoughtfulness or emotional regulation, intimacy begins to suffer.

Common ways impulsivity impacts relationships include:

Emotional outbursts: Moments of anger or frustration can scare your partner and create emotional distance.

Difficulty listening: Impulsive reactions often prevent deep, reflective communication, leaving one or both partners feeling unheard.

Breaking agreements: Impulsive decisions may break promises or expectations, reducing trust.

Overreacting to minor issues: Small disagreements escalate unnecessarily, fueling tension.

What You Can Do:

Recognize the Pattern – Awareness is the first step. Notice when impulsive reactions disrupt your connection.

Learn Emotional Regulation Skills – Techniques from CBT, DBT, and mindfulness can help you pause and respond thoughtfully.

Communicate Calmly and Clearly – Practice expressing needs without blaming or attacking.

Rebuild Trust Gradually – Small, consistent actions matter more than grand gestures.

Seek Guided Support – Structured programs can provide practical strategies to manage impulsivity and strengthen your relationship.

At Loving Couples, we help couples identify these patterns and rebuild emotional connection with research-backed strategies. Our programs guide you through understanding impulsivity, improving communication, and restoring trust and intimacy.

For a more comprehensive roadmap, check out our book collection on Amazon, featuring guides that combine practical exercises with evidence-based techniques: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr-Yuliya-Richard/author/B09Z9457X4

Start your journey to a healthier, more connected relationship today: https://lovingcouples.com.au/

Being in a relationship where your feelings are dismissed can be incredibly painful. When a partner tells you, “You’re o...
17/09/2025

Being in a relationship where your feelings are dismissed can be incredibly painful. When a partner tells you, “You’re overreacting,” it may seem harmless at first—but emotional dismissal can have lasting effects. It can make you doubt your perceptions, feel unheard, and even erode trust and intimacy over time.

Emotional dismissal is more than just words; it’s a form of invalidation. Every time your feelings are minimized, your brain internalizes the message that your emotions aren’t important. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation—even within a relationship.

Why it happens:
Partners often dismiss feelings to avoid conflict, because they don’t know how to respond, or because they themselves feel triggered by strong emotions. While the intention may not always be malicious, the impact can be harmful.

How to respond and heal:

Recognize patterns: Understand when and how emotional dismissal occurs in your relationship.

Set boundaries: Communicate that your feelings deserve respect, not criticism.

Use evidence-based techniques: Strategies from DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can help you regulate emotional responses, communicate assertively, and reduce self-blame.

Seek guidance and support: Learning structured approaches to relationship communication can make a profound difference.

Our resources at Impulsivity provide practical, step-by-step guidance for managing these challenges:

Courses: Explore DBT/CBT strategies for emotional regulation and healthier communication in relationships. Find out more here: https://impulsivity.com.au/

Books: The Relationship Repair Guide and related titles offer hands-on tools to navigate conflict, validate emotions, and rebuild connection: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr-Yuliya-Richard/author/B09Z9457X4

Remember: Your emotions are valid. Feeling deeply doesn’t make you “too sensitive”—it makes you human. A partner who respects and acknowledges your feelings is not just preferable, it’s essential for a healthy, lasting relationship.

Rebuilding Trust After Repeated Emotional ShutoutsFeeling shut out by your partner can be one of the most painful experi...
16/09/2025

Rebuilding Trust After Repeated Emotional Shutouts

Feeling shut out by your partner can be one of the most painful experiences in a relationship. When repeated emotional distance occurs, it often leaves you questioning your worth, doubting the relationship, and struggling to feel safe emotionally. The good news is that trust can be rebuilt—but it requires understanding the patterns, establishing emotional safety, and practicing concrete steps to restore connection.

Why Emotional Shutouts Hurt:

They create feelings of rejection and loneliness.

They erode intimacy and make honest communication difficult.

Repeated shutouts can trigger anxiety, self-doubt, and depression.

Steps to Rebuild Trust:

Acknowledge the Pattern – Recognize when emotional shutouts occur and how they impact you. Awareness is the first step toward change.

Open Safe Communication – Set boundaries that allow both partners to speak without fear of judgment or dismissal.

Reflect and Listen – Practice active listening and reflection to understand your partner’s perspective while expressing your own needs.

Re-establish Consistency – Trust grows when behaviors are reliable and predictable. Agree on small, consistent steps that show commitment to each other.

Seek Guidance – Tools, frameworks, and strategies can provide structure to the process.

Resources to Support Healing:

The Relationship Repair Guide and its companion workbook provide structured exercises to help couples rebuild emotional safety and trust step by step. Available here: https://mybook.to/RepairyourRelationship

Impulsivity Online Courses offer research-backed strategies to manage emotional reactivity, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. Explore the courses here: https://impulsivity.com.au/

Additional resources and books by Dr. Yuliya Richard on emotional regulation, relational skills, and practical exercises are available here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr-Yuliya-Richard/author/B09Z9457X4

The Hidden Impact of Passive-Aggressive Behavior in RelationshipsPassive-aggressive behaviors in relationships are often...
15/09/2025

The Hidden Impact of Passive-Aggressive Behavior in Relationships

Passive-aggressive behaviors in relationships are often subtle, but their impact can be profound. They can slowly erode trust, create emotional distance, and leave partners feeling unheard, frustrated, and emotionally exhausted. Examples include:

Giving the silent treatment instead of expressing feelings

Using sarcasm or backhanded compliments

Agreeing to something but intentionally not following through

Subtle criticism disguised as “jokes” or “concern”

These behaviors may not feel aggressive on the surface, but over time, they create patterns of resentment, miscommunication, and emotional disconnection. Many partners internalize these behaviors, blaming themselves or questioning their worth.

What You Can Do:

Recognize the Pattern – Awareness is the first step. Passive-aggressive actions are often repeated and predictable.

Communicate Clearly – Use “I” statements to express how you feel without triggering defensiveness.

Set Boundaries – Decide what behaviors you will not tolerate, and maintain them consistently.

Seek Guidance – Learn practical, evidence-based strategies to manage and respond to these behaviors through our courses and books.

Our Impulsivity courses (https://impulsivity.com.au/
) provide structured guidance to help couples:

Understand the root causes of passive-aggressive behaviors

Communicate effectively even when emotions run high

Rebuild trust and connection

Additionally, Dr. Yuliya Richard’s books (https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr-Yuliya-Richard/author/B09Z9457X4
) offer practical tools and exercises designed to help individuals and couples break unhealthy cycles, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen relationships.

Remember: Passive-aggressive behavior is not a reflection of your value—it’s a communication pattern that can be addressed and changed with awareness, support, and the right strategies.

Feeling Invalidated? How to Protect Your Self-Worth in LoveBeing in a relationship where your feelings are dismissed, mi...
14/09/2025

Feeling Invalidated? How to Protect Your Self-Worth in Love

Being in a relationship where your feelings are dismissed, minimized, or called “overreacting” can leave deep emotional scars. Emotional invalidation—whether subtle or overt—erodes self-esteem, creates anxiety, and can make you question your worth. It’s not your fault. Feeling hurt when your emotions are ignored is a natural human response.

What Emotional Invalidation Looks Like:

Your partner constantly dismisses your feelings or opinions.

They make you feel “too sensitive” or “slow” when expressing yourself.

Attempts to communicate are met with anger, blame, or silence.

You begin doubting your perceptions and reactions.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Self-Worth:

Recognize the Pattern – Understanding that emotional invalidation is a consistent behavior, not a reflection of your value.

Set Clear Boundaries – Decide what is acceptable in your communication and interactions.

Validate Yourself – Affirm your feelings internally. Journaling or therapy can help reinforce your emotional reality.

Communicate Calmly and Clearly – Express your needs without aggression; focus on “I feel” statements.

Seek Support and Tools – Learning evidence-based skills from experts can strengthen your resilience and emotional regulation.

For couples and individuals facing these challenges, our online courses at Impulsivity provide practical strategies to manage emotional invalidation, improve communication, and protect your mental health. Learn more here: https://impulsivity.com.au/

Additionally, Dr. Yuliya Richard’s books offer guided exercises and evidence-based approaches to emotional regulation and self-worth. Explore her titles here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr-Yuliya-Richard/author/B09Z9457X4

Remember: Protecting your self-worth isn’t selfish—it’s essential for healthy relationships and personal growth. You deserve to be seen, heard, and valued.

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