Perhaps one of the most complex challenges for mankind is the interpersonal relationship. As we move through our lives, especially adult lives, we encounter many different kinds of relationships. Here, at ACT Professional Counseling, also known as ACT Professional Marriage Counseling, we see marriage (partner) relationships as being vital and work hard to see them succeed. As we see break up rates and divorce rates soar, we need to understand the various components of a successful relationship in order for this not to happen to our relationships. This is ACT Professional Counseling’s recipe for a successful marriage (partner) relationship.

As we view marriage (partner) relationships using the using the analogy of a pyramid, we have several important building blocks. These start at the bottom of the pyramid.

Communication - especially active and effective listening
committment
Friendship
Having things in common
Having a healthy self-esteem
Trust in each other
Respect for each other
Intimacy
Love and Sex

What happens if one of the blocks is pulled out from the bottom of the pyramid? Of course, it falls down and needs to be rebuilt. We need to examine each of the blocks to determine their workability and to clearly understand their definition, such as, most consider intimacy to have a sexual connotation. However, intimacy is having the ability with your partner to exchange emotions and understand one another and to feel comfortable discussing personal and private events with your partner.

When all of these blocks are in line, we feel love and most likely experience sex in a very positive way. Also, communication is critical in a relationship. For example, the sexual component may not be working as well as you would wish and it is important to feel at ease in discussing this with your partner. How can both of you resolve the issue at hand unless you are able to communicate with each other. In conclusion, the final and certainly the most rewarding and vital ingredient in a relationship, is love. If you have experienced love from another person and have loved someone else, it is magical and words can never describe the overwhelming feelings and ecstasy that extends to our very soul.

Author's Bio: 

Biography of Robert Heard, MA, BCETS

Robert Heard has been involved in many ‘leading edge Programs’ during his Career from suicide to family therapy, from addictions to sexual assault and sexual abuse. During his career he has many distinctions;

Appointment to Advisory Committee For The Minister of Community Welfare for South Australia
Initiator and first Executive Director of CHIMO Personal Distress Intervention and Suicide counseling Service
Participated in the committee that actuated the Caring Place
Participation in the committee that eventually formed the first transition home for women (Nova Transition House).
Co-led a multifamily group, the first of its kind in Western Canada.
Reduction of completed suicides among adolescents in Western Canada.
Resurrected Surrey/Langley Suicide Counselling Service and South Fraser regional Crisis Line.
Invited to work with Sept 11, 2001 survivors in New York.
Has worked successfully with many thousands of clients whom he has taken a great deal of pride in.
Mr. Heard earned his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology, he earned his Masters of Arts Degree in Psychology. He is a Certified Addictions Therapist, a Certified Sexual Abuse Therapist and a Certified Family and Marriage Therapist. He has worked in most facets of the therapeutic system in included working in Australia for two Years. Further he has attended voluminous workshops and in-services training sessions of a multitude of related topics.