Portland Couples Counseling Center

Portland Couples Counseling Center Marriage and Relationship counseling in the Portland area. Help with love, life, and relationships.

Have you ever wondered what makes a truly unforgettable anniversary gift? I never gave it much thought until mine was fa...
12/05/2025

Have you ever wondered what makes a truly unforgettable anniversary gift? I never gave it much thought until mine was fast approaching. I was staring at the calendar, realizing it wasn't just about finding something nice but capturing our journey together in a way that felt uniquely ours.

I remember last year, my partner gave me a beautifully crafted wooden necklace, engraved with a tiny note that only we understood. It was simple yet spoke volumes, intertwining tradition with a piece of our story. We spent the day at a cozy little inn, which now holds a special place in my heart, not just because of the setting but the memories we made. It was the perfect blend of a keepsake and an experience, a tangible reminder of that laughter-filled, love-abounding day.

As this year's anniversary approaches, I'm inspired to choose something that weaves together a bit of the past with the hopes we hold for the future. Maybe it's time we all celebrated not just with gifts, but with moments. Moments that remind us why we ended up together, where we’ve been, and the dreams we continue to build. What story will your next gift tell?

Have you ever realized that building a healthy relationship is a lot like taking care of a plant? 🌿 I was watering my du...
12/03/2025

Have you ever realized that building a healthy relationship is a lot like taking care of a plant? 🌿 I was watering my dusty fern the other day and it hit me—relationships thrive on the same principles: attention, boundaries, and lots of nurturing. We can’t just set them on autopilot and expect them to flourish. Each day, we choose to tend to them with kindness and understanding, or neglect them and watch them wither.

I remember when communication felt like a foreign language to me. It took years (and quite a few awkward arguments) to truly understand that expressing needs honestly isn’t just healthy—it’s essential. Those bursts of gratitude and small acts of kindness? They’re the sunshine and water of relationships, helping love grow even on the cloudiest days.

So here’s a thought: maybe today is the day we practice being a better gardener in our relationships. Let's be intentional about showing appreciation and courageously setting boundaries. Who knows? The relationship garden we cultivate might just become the most beautiful, vibrant part of our lives.

Ever found yourself standing on the shaky grounds of a relationship, wondering if trust can ever be rebuilt? I have. The...
12/01/2025

Ever found yourself standing on the shaky grounds of a relationship, wondering if trust can ever be rebuilt? I have. There was a time when someone's words alone couldn't mend the rift between us—it was the silence between those words that spoke louder.

In those quiet moments, I realized it wasn’t about grand gestures or promises of change, but about consistency and genuine effort. Each day, little by little, we stitched a new kind of trust—one that wasn't flawless, but was strong and honest. By openly acknowledging the hurt and committing to transparency, we discovered an unexpected strength in our bond.

Rebuilding trust isn't easy, but it's a shared journey. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to see each other anew. Maybe it's time we all take a step back, listen deeply, and allow the quiet, steady actions to speak for themselves. What do you think? Can trust be reborn?

Have you ever paused to think about what it truly means to feel seen in a doctor's office? I hadn't until recently, when...
11/28/2025

Have you ever paused to think about what it truly means to feel seen in a doctor's office? I hadn't until recently, when a friend shared their experience with a healthcare provider who asked genuinely inclusive questions about their sexual health. They described feeling recognized, not just as a patient but as a person with a unique story and identity. It made me realize how rare and profound that acknowledgment can be.

Reflecting on this, I began to understand the importance of a simple, yet powerful, human touch in healthcare—a nod to diverse experiences and identities that makes people feel safe and respected. It's not just about treating illnesses or offering advice but about creating a space where everyone can express their true selves without fear or judgment.

Imagine if we all advocated for this level of care, encouraging our healthcare systems to embrace each individual's journey. Next time you’re in that waiting room or talking to a professional, consider sharing a part of your story. You never know what kind of change that could inspire—for you, for them, and for the many untold stories waiting to be heard.

Ever find yourself looking at your partner, wondering if you're truly in sync? I had one of those moments last night. We...
11/26/2025

Ever find yourself looking at your partner, wondering if you're truly in sync? I had one of those moments last night. We were sitting on the couch, each absorbed in our own screens when it hit me—how did we drift so far from those endless conversations we used to have?

Inspired by a need to reconnect, I suggested we put our phones away for the evening. What followed was a raw and honest chat about what’s been on our minds—the kind where you feel both vulnerable and incredibly close at the same time. We talked about our ambitions, the little things that make us smile, and even those silent disagreements that had lingered too long. It made me realize how vital it is to create a safe space for such dialogues.

If you ever find yourself in a similar rut, maybe pause and disconnect—just for a bit. Ask your partner those questions that you’ve been saving. You might rediscover the reasons you fell for each other in the first place.

Have you ever looked at your partner and wondered where the magic went? Just the other day, I had this quiet realization...
11/24/2025

Have you ever looked at your partner and wondered where the magic went? Just the other day, I had this quiet realization while watching a silly Netflix show with my husband. We were both on our phones, barely laughing at the jokes—almost like we were just two people sharing a space rather than the deeply connected duo we used to be. It made me think about those early days when even grocery shopping together felt like an adventure.

That night, I decided to put my phone down and actually listen, really ask about his day, his thoughts. I learned something small but new about him, and it felt like unwrapping a gift hidden in plain sight. It reminded me that rekindling doesn't need grand gestures but rather consistent, small steps, like planning a surprise dinner or holding hands just a little bit longer.

So, maybe today’s the day to ask your partner something unexpected or revisit an old memory together. It's surprising how these simple actions can reignite the flicker we thought faded. Let's remember that the magic is still there, just waiting for us to notice.

Ever found yourself in the middle of a disagreement with someone you love and wondered, "Why do we keep having the same ...
11/21/2025

Ever found yourself in the middle of a disagreement with someone you love and wondered, "Why do we keep having the same argument?" I sure have. It's like being stuck in a revolving door of words and emotions, always circling but never truly moving forward.

The other day, after a particularly heated debate over something I can't even recall now, I decided to try something different. I sat down with my partner, and instead of launching into defense mode, I just listened. And I mean really listened. It was incredible how just taking a moment to hear what wasn't being said helped us both see the tender spots we were protecting with our stubbornness. In that pause, we found empathy and a new understanding of each other's perspectives.

So next time you find yourself gearing up for another round in the ring, try pausing. Really listen. It might just be the small step that turns a disagreement into an opportunity for growth. Let's keep learning how to give each other the space to be heard—because if we can do that, we might just find that every disagreement can truly make us stronger together.

Ever feel like the spark in your relationship is just a distant memory? Just last night, as the dishes piled up and the ...
11/19/2025

Ever feel like the spark in your relationship is just a distant memory? Just last night, as the dishes piled up and the kids finally went to bed, I caught a glimpse of an old photo of us—laughing, carefree, miles away from the now. It got me thinking how life seems to slip into a routine so easily that before we know it, those moments of genuine connection become stories we only tell.

So, I put down my phone and suggested we go for a walk. Just a half-hour stroll, no screens, just us talking and laughing about everything and nothing. It didn’t solve all our problems, but it reminded us of the magic in small, shared moments. These little gestures, these bids for connection, suddenly felt like lifelines pulling us closer again.

If you have a moment, think about the last time you truly connected with your partner. Maybe take that walk, share that meal, or write that note. It’s these small, intentional moments that breathe life back into the sparks, turning routines into stories worth sharing again.

Have you ever wondered why we wait until everything feels like it's falling apart before we ask for help? I was thinking...
11/17/2025

Have you ever wondered why we wait until everything feels like it's falling apart before we ask for help? I was thinking about that recent coffee chat I had with my friend who's been married for years. She shared how she and her partner started going to counseling—not because they were on the brink of a breakup, but just because they wanted to communicate better and feel closer. It hit me how we often overlook this idea of nurturing our relationships in the same way we take care of our physical health, and how powerful a simple conversation can be.

Hearing her talk about how much more connected they feel now, it made me think about how we tend to view therapy—like it’s some big, daunting last resort. But maybe it's more like having a map when you’re lost. A small effort to work through those everyday miscommunications or misunderstandings that can quietly pile up. It’s like strengthening the foundation before any cracks appear, instead of waiting to repair them.

So, here’s a thought: next time you find yourself replaying the same argument or feeling a little distant, why not do something about it sooner rather than later? Therapy doesn’t have to be a stormy skies thing. It could just be the sunshine your relationship needs.

Have you ever paused to think about what truly makes you feel connected to someone? It hit me recently how often we equa...
11/14/2025

Have you ever paused to think about what truly makes you feel connected to someone? It hit me recently how often we equate intimacy with just being physical, but there's so much more beneath the surface. It reminds me of a conversation I had with an old friend. We were catching up, and somewhere between shared laughter and long pauses, I realized how deeply I missed those times when we just talked—no distractions, just pure, honest connection.

In today's world, we're always on the go, our minds racing from one task to another. We might share the same space with our partners, yet it feels like we're miles apart. This got me thinking: maybe intimacy is less about the time we physically spend together and more about truly 'seeing' and 'hearing' each other. Building that emotional bond doesn't need an elaborate setup; it's about those small, intentional moments we choose to share.

So, here's a little nudge to myself and maybe to you too: let’s make more time to really connect with the people we love. Put the phones down, let the emails wait. Whether it’s a silent walk or a late-night chat, let's embrace those moments that remind us what intimacy truly feels like. What do you think—ready to reconnect with what really matters?

Have you ever wondered what truly makes a relationship tick? The other day, I found myself deep in thought after a chat ...
11/12/2025

Have you ever wondered what truly makes a relationship tick? The other day, I found myself deep in thought after a chat with an old friend. We were reminiscing about how much we've grown, not just as people, but in how we relate to each other. It struck me then that the best relationships are more than simply "drama-free." They're built on something deeper—mutual respect and understanding.

I remember when I first realized the power of just being there for someone. It wasn’t during an epic conflict or a memorable happy moment, but in the everyday gestures—the shared jokes, the “how was your day” texts, or just sitting in comfortable silence. It’s in these little acts that we feel truly seen and heard, and where gratitude naturally flows.

So, I've been thinking—what if we all focused a bit more on truly being there for each other? Next time you catch up with someone you care about, why not take an extra moment to really listen and appreciate the connection you share? You might be surprised at the depth it adds to your bond.

Have you ever felt like you’re just passing by each other, even when you're sitting right there? Last week, I realized t...
11/10/2025

Have you ever felt like you’re just passing by each other, even when you're sitting right there?

Last week, I realized that my partner and I had been caught in the endless routine of busy days and silent dinners. We loved each other dearly, but somehow, between work calls and scrolling through our phones, the deep connection we once had began to feel like a distant memory. So, we decided to experiment with something simple yet powerful: intentional time. We set aside our phones, dimmed the lights, and shared a 6-second kiss to kick off our evening. It felt like the first time we truly saw each other in weeks.

It reminded me how much of intimacy is about being actively present. Sometimes, a small pause to reconnect can be the spark that reminds us of why we chose each other in the first place. Maybe tonight, we can all try putting everything aside for just a moment to really feel each other’s presence. What do you think?

Address

1940 NE Broadway Street
Portland, OR
97232

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15032828496

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