Stronger Marriage Connection

Relationship Evaluation | Don & Carrie Cole | #120

Feb 17, 2025

Don and Carrie Cole, experienced licensed professional counselors and experts at the Gottman Institute, delve into the intricacies of relationship evaluations and intimacy in marriage. They introduce a practical 11-point checklist to assess connection within couples. The discussion covers the importance of intentional communication, navigating family dynamics, and rekindling intimacy post-parenthood. They share techniques for managing conflict and emphasize the need for empathy to strengthen connections, ensuring partners thrive together through life's challenges.

53:48

Episode guests

Carrie Cole

Don Cole

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Regular relationship evaluations help couples identify strengths and challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of each partner's feelings and needs.

Establishing appropriate boundaries with family and friends is essential for maintaining a couple's well-being and preventing intrusiveness that affects their connection.

Deep dives

The Importance of Evaluating Marital Connection

Regular evaluations are crucial for maintaining a strong marital connection. Couples are encouraged to check in with each other not just on special occasions but at any time to assess their relationship. Utilizing a relationship check-up questionnaire can help in identifying both strengths and challenges within the marriage. Engaging in this practice fosters a deeper understanding of each partner's feelings and needs, ultimately contributing to a healthier relationship balance.

Intro

2min

Navigating Family Dynamics in Marriage

8min

Building a Shared Identity in Relationships

5min

Rekindling Connection in Relationships

8min

The Importance of Intentional Communication in Relationships

3min

Navigating Crises Together

16min

Navigating Anger and Conflict in Relationships

4min

Building a Stronger Marriage Connection

6min

Closing Reflections and Engagement Encouragement

2min

Besure to watch this episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/Lk5moCDwYWQ

Today Don and Carrie Cole return and share with host Dr. Dave Schramm and Dr. Liz Hale a unique Relationship Evaluation checklist they created to help couples check up on there relationship connection. Don and Carrie also discuss unique insights and techniques they have learned in practice with couples at the Center for Relationship Wellness and The Gottman Institute to improve relationship connection and intimacy.

About Dr. Don & Carrie Cole:

Dr. Carrie Cole is the Director of Research for The Gottman Institute and manages the Gottman Love Lab. She holds a Ph.D. in psychological research and a master’s degree in counseling psychology. She is a licensed professional counselor and an approved LPC supervisor in the State of Texas, a licensed mental health counselor in the State of Washington, and a Certified Gottman Therapist. Carrie is a Master Trainer for The Gottman Institute and trains therapists in Gottman Method Couples Therapy around the world. She is a consultant for the certification program and has led The Art and Science of Love weekend workshop for couples multiple times a year since 2008. Carrie has also published peer-reviewed journal articles independently and with doctors John and Julie Gottman. Her work with couples includes couples therapy, workshops, seminars, and intensive marathon sessions. Carrie and her husband, Dr. Don Cole reside in Seattle, WA.

Links:

Centerforrelationshipwellness.com
carrie@gottman.com
don@gottman.com
gottman.com

Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:

Strongermarriage.org

Podcast.stongermarriage.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/

Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/

Dr. Dave Schramm:

http://drdaveschramm.com

http://drdavespeaks.com

Dr. Liz Hale: