Paige Schickedanz- Hopeful Hearts Counseling

Paige Schickedanz- Hopeful Hearts Counseling Specializing in couples therapy to enhance communication and connection throughout the East Valley.

Your partner’s “bids” are the little ways they ask for your attention—sometimes without words.It could be:A smile from a...
09/20/2025

Your partner’s “bids” are the little ways they ask for your attention—sometimes without words.

It could be:

A smile from across the room

A sigh when they walk in the door

A story they start mid-dinner

Turning toward these bids—pausing, responding, showing interest—builds trust and emotional safety. Over time, it’s these small moments that shape the strength of your relationship.

📍Serving couples throughout Utah Valley
💬 Learn more: Hopeful Hearts Counseling | Couples Therapy in Saratoga Springs, UT

Dr. John Gottman’s research discovered something powerful:“When the masters of marriage are talking about something impo...
09/19/2025

Dr. John Gottman’s research discovered something powerful:

“When the masters of marriage are talking about something important, they may be arguing, but they are also laughing and teasing and there are signs of affection because they have made emotional connections.”

The healthiest couples don’t avoid conflict. Instead, they balance tough conversations with kindness, humor, and warmth. Gottman found that the strongest relationships maintain a 5:1 ratio, five positive interactions for every negative one during conflict.

That ratio is what keeps emotional connection alive, even when you disagree.

📍 Serving Saratoga Springs, Lehi, and surrounding Utah Valley communities
hopefulheartsonline.com

Stonewalling is emotional withdrawal during conflict. It’s a way of shutting down—but it can make your partner feel invi...
09/14/2025

Stonewalling is emotional withdrawal during conflict. It’s a way of shutting down—but it can make your partner feel invisible.

If you notice these signs, pause the conversation. Take 20–30 minutes to calm down, then come back ready to listen.

Hopeful Hearts Counseling | Couples Therapy in Saratoga Springs, UT
https://www.hopefulheartsonline.com

Contempt is one of the strongest predictors of relationship breakdown.The fix? Build a culture of appreciation.When we f...
09/13/2025

Contempt is one of the strongest predictors of relationship breakdown.
The fix? Build a culture of appreciation.
When we focus on what we value instead of what we resent, trust can grow again.

📍 Serving couples across Utah Valley
Hopeful Hearts Counseling | Couples Therapy in Saratoga Springs, UT
www.hopefulheartsonline.com

Strong relationships aren’t built in weekend getaways or picture-perfect date nights.They’re built in the daily choices ...
09/12/2025

Strong relationships aren’t built in weekend getaways or picture-perfect date nights.
They’re built in the daily choices we make—how we speak, how we listen, and how we show we care.

It’s the cup of coffee handed to your spouse before they even ask.
It’s the “How was your day?” you mean, not just say.
It’s remembering the little details that matter to them.

Dr. John Gottman says it best: “Successful long-term relationships are created through small words, small gestures, and small acts.”

In my work with couples from Saratoga Springs to Lehi, I see it every day—those tiny, consistent moments build the foundation for lasting love and trust.

📍Serving Utah County and surrounding areas
💬 Learn more at hopefulheartsonline.com

The difference between stonewalling and self-soothing can change the outcome of any tough conversation.Stonewalling shut...
09/09/2025

The difference between stonewalling and self-soothing can change the outcome of any tough conversation.
Stonewalling shuts your partner out. Self-soothing makes space for listening and connection to happen.

Healthy breaks show respect—for yourself and for your partner’s need to be heard.
Next time things feel heated, try one of these break phrases.

Serving couples in Saratoga Springs and surrounding Utah Valley communities.
👉 hopefulheartsonline.com

Criticism vs. Complaint – The Shift That Changes EverythingCriticism attacks the person. Complaints address the behavior...
09/05/2025

Criticism vs. Complaint – The Shift That Changes Everything

Criticism attacks the person. Complaints address the behavior.

Criticism: “You’re so lazy—you never help with anything.”
Complaint: “I feel stressed when I handle everything alone. Could you help with dinner tonight?”

One shuts down the conversation.
The other opens the door to problem-solving.

When couples make this shift, arguments become opportunities for understanding instead of blame. It’s one of the first tools I teach in my Saratoga Springs practice, and it works.

💬 Want more strategies that actually change the conversation? Hopeful Hearts Counseling | Couples Therapy in Saratoga Springs, UT

Contempt can creep in slowly, even in long-standing relationships—one eye roll, one sarcastic comment at a time.Every sm...
09/02/2025

Contempt can creep in slowly, even in long-standing relationships—one eye roll, one sarcastic comment at a time.

Every small, thoughtful moment in your interactions is like depositing emotional currency in your partner’s heart.

When mutual care replaces contempt, you build a reservoir of trust that protects your connection.
Catch the warning signs early—and prioritize the deposits.

Stonewalling and self-soothing may look similar—but the impact couldn’t be more different.Stonewalling shuts your partne...
08/30/2025

Stonewalling and self-soothing may look similar—but the impact couldn’t be more different.

Stonewalling shuts your partner out and leaves them feeling abandoned.
Self-soothing says, “I care enough about this conversation to come back to it with a clear head.”

Learn to recognize the difference.
Taking short, intentional breaks can protect both partners’ ability to feel heard and understood.

hopefulheartsonline.com

Contempt rarely appears out of nowhere—it grows over time through sarcasm, eye rolls, or subtle put-downs.If you notice ...
08/29/2025

Contempt rarely appears out of nowhere—it grows over time through sarcasm, eye rolls, or subtle put-downs.
If you notice these patterns creeping into your relationship, don’t ignore them.

In my work with couples in Saratoga Springs, the earlier we address these signs, the easier it is to rebuild respect and emotional safety.
The sooner you course-correct, the sooner you protect the connection you’ve worked hard to build.

📍 Serving Saratoga Springs and surrounding Utah Valley communities
➡️ hopefulheartsonline.com

Defensiveness might feel like you're standing your ground—but it often pushes your partner further away.When conversatio...
08/23/2025

Defensiveness might feel like you're standing your ground—but it often pushes your partner further away.

When conversations become competitions over who’s more right or less wrong, the real issues get buried under blame.

Here’s what defensiveness sounds like:

- “You’re just too sensitive.”
- “Well, you did it first.”
- “That’s not my fault.”

And here’s what it leads to: disconnection, resentment, and a partner who stops trying to be heard.

Taking responsibility doesn’t mean you’re the only one at fault.
It means you’re strong enough to own your impact—and that’s where real intimacy starts.

We help couples learn this shift every day.

📍 Serving Utah County and surrounding communities
💬 Ready to build better communication? Visit hopefulheartsonline.com

When couples replace defensiveness with accountability, conversations stop feeling like battles and start becoming oppor...
08/23/2025

When couples replace defensiveness with accountability, conversations stop feeling like battles and start becoming opportunities for connection.

Defensiveness often shows up as:

“That’s not my fault.”

“You’re overreacting.”

“Well, you do it too.”

It’s a natural reflex—but it blocks understanding.

Accountability, on the other hand, opens the door:

“I can see how that hurt you.”

“I could have handled that better.”

“You’re right, I want to work on that.”

In my work with couples from Saratoga Springs to Lehi, I’ve seen this shift turn tense conversations into moments of real closeness. It’s not about taking all the blame—it’s about owning your part and showing your partner they matter more than your pride.

📍 Serving Utah County and surrounding communities
💬 Learn more at hopefulheartsonline.com

Address

2500 S. Power Road Suite 120
Mesa, AZ
85209

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 7pm
Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+14803821257

Website

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