by Christine Hammond on July 25, 2017
It was love at first sight when Alice first met her partner. They seemed so perfect for each other, falling instantly and intensely in love. Now only three years later, she was dazed, confused, frustrated, anxious, and severely depressed by the relationship. What was so ideal before was now a nightmare. How did this happen?… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on March 3, 2017
The short answer is yes. While this might seem like a strange concept, those who have been victims understand it all too well. An acquaintance starts sending excessive messages, magically showing up unexpectedly, asks too intimate or probing questions, gives inappropriate gifts, and seems to immerse themselves into environments or other friendships just to stay… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on February 13, 2017
Cupid arrows, chocolate covered cherries, cute stuffed animals, huge balloons, and red flowers have blossomed all over the stores. There is hardly a store (including gas stations) that has not been inundated with Valentine’s Day paraphernalia. But this does not represent true love. This is romantic fantasy love which is highly elusive. Unfortunately many people… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on January 27, 2017
It’s shocking. After 25 years of marriage, a couple decides to get a divorce. From the outside looking in, things could not be any stranger. The pressures of establishing a career have subsided, the kids have grown up (and hopefully moved out), and the desired lifestyle has been obtained. After all, surely this couple has… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on July 28, 2016
There seems to be a revolving door of crises at any given time. Just when things begin to slow down, another chaotic moment arises out of nowhere and demands immediate attention. When the underlying cause is addressed, the spouse claims they have no responsibility for contributing to the disruption. They emotionally cite numerous external sources… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on April 13, 2016
The first marriage ended in divorce. The second one is going to be different. But how can a person be sure that they are not making another mistake of a different caliber? This is a checklist that I use with clients during premarital counseling. It has been developed over the last 15 years spent counseling… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on May 18, 2015
In every marriage there are moments when the feeling of love and romance seems lost to the busyness of everyday. The intense and exciting love you once strongly felt is now replaced with feelings of comfort and security. While this is important, you still desire the intense excitement of your earlier years. The mistake some make is… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on May 12, 2015
A depressed marriage? What is that? Just like people can become depressed over the loss of someone they love, the economy or a real estate financial crisis, so too can a marriage suffer from depression. A depression in marriage, however, does not mean that it is over. Rather, it is a low period in a… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on August 12, 2014
Do you have the same argument with your spouse over and over? Can you recite their response even before you begin? Are you losing interest in even having conversations with them? This can be the beginning of no communication cumulating in an unhappy marriage or divorce. There is a better way. It can change. By listening, looking and… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on September 17, 2013
Is it normal or abnormal if your spouse… Does the exact same routine every morning and is resistant to any variation or change. Losses their temper over minor traffic infractions and threatens harm. Craves being the center of attention and is constantly seeking recognition. Shuts down and refuses to speak for days with no explanation… (more…)