What Does it Mean to Co-regulate?
Understanding Distress In Marriage Christa Rupar Understanding Distress In Marriage Christa Rupar

What Does it Mean to Co-regulate?

Simply defined, co-regulation is turning to another person for support. Typically this person is someone we can count on or that you can trust to care for you. The gift of co-regulation begins at birth and goes with us to the grave. From the moment a baby is born it immediately relies on the mother to feel calm and cared for. The warmth of her skin, the sound of her voice, even her smell will calm a stimulated newborn. Babies rely on this innately no one has to tell a baby to turn to the mother to feel calmer if the mother is accessible the baby will rely on her. 

Read More
Why Couples Fight and How to Make it STOP!
Understanding Distress In Marriage Christa Rupar Understanding Distress In Marriage Christa Rupar

Why Couples Fight and How to Make it STOP!

Most couples can probably name a time or two, or twenty, that they had a fight that by the end didn’t make sense. What I mean is what started out as the dishwasher needing unloaded, what to watch on TV, or unattended socks on the floor somehow turned into a screaming match. What get couples into heated conflict but most of the time begins with what should be a simple interaction?? Enter, “the cycle.” The “cycle” is the predictable interactions between a couple that are rooted in attachment fears and pushed by relational methods of adaptation that are more suited for survival rather than connection. 

Read More
Questions to Ask Before Getting Married
Christa Rupar Christa Rupar

Questions to Ask Before Getting Married

8 questions you need the answer to before getting married if you want a healthy, secure, long-lasting marriage. Don’t skip any of them all of these questions are important for any couple getting ready to walk down the aisle.

Read More
Lack of Physical Intimacy in Marriage
Relational Task #6 Christa Rupar Relational Task #6 Christa Rupar

Lack of Physical Intimacy in Marriage

When sex and physical intimacy are lacking in a marriage this is something to pay attention to, but it certainly doesn’t mean the marriage is over. If there is disconnection in the marriage emotionally it usually trickles down into the physical relationship as well. However, that may not be the only reason that physical intimacy is lacking in a marriage. When working with couples in counseling there are many aspects to a couples sexual and physical relationship that need to be assessed. Each couple has a different story and a unique map to their relationship but here are some things to know if your sexual relationship with your spouse is not what you would like it to be.  

Read More
How to Fix a Broken Marriage
Understanding Distress In Marriage Christa Rupar Understanding Distress In Marriage Christa Rupar

How to Fix a Broken Marriage

People often wonder if there is a "point of no return" for relationships. The honest answer is likely yes. We all have different capacities and histories that impact our ability to make a comeback from relational hurts. That being said, relationships that feel dead can have life again. As human beings we are wired to respond to emotional provocation and we are wired to keep others close. It is important to remember that relationships that feel lifeless got that way over time and it will take time to rebuild. Allowing each other the time and space to heal is critical to putting pieces back together, but it most certainly can be done. So what does healing look like?

Read More