Articles by Mary Kay Cocharo

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By Mary Kay CocharoRecently published1 topic

Surviving Family Drama during the Holidays

Emily stood in the rain intently staring at the travel poster outside the travel agency. Stunning sandy beaches, sun streaming onto golden beach goers, calm water just as blue as a sapphire. But the photo told only half the story; the headline told the rest: “Forget the Family Drama & Escape to Barbados for the Holidays!” Memories of last year’s holiday brought a sting of realization that she still wasn’t talking to her sister after a big fight. There would be questions and accusations as always – and she would be the bad guy. Again.

Primary topic: Marriage Coaching

Marriage Coaching

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By Mary Kay CocharoRecently published1 topic

3 Secrets to a Long, Happy Marriage

“Couple Celebrates 80 Years of Marriage!” Just a sensational headline? Incredibly, no! The latest in a number of marriages highlighted in the news over the past year tell the remarkable story of Mitchell and Mattie Atkins of West Philadelphia. Married on January 14th, 1930, they were honored recently by family and friends at an anniversary party celebrating an incredibly rare 80 years together. Mr. and Mrs. Atkins join a very small but extraordinary group of other couples who have celebrated an 80 year wedding anniversary.

Primary topic: Marriage Coaching

Marriage Coaching

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By Mary Kay CocharoRecently published1 topic

How to Remove Criticism to Improve Your Most Important Relationship

There are many models of Couples Therapy today. One thing that they have in common is the advice to eliminate negativity in communication. This is a hard thing to do, but is vitally important. Let's take a look at why it's essential to remove criticism and what to do instead. Does your love do things that bother you? Maybe he comes home late without calling. Or perhaps she leaves the cabinet doors open. You might not like the way he talks to the kids or how she spends hours on social media. Maybe you're annoyed about money, or sex or your mother-in-laws interference.

Primary topic: Marriage Coaching

Marriage Coaching

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By Mary Kay CocharoRecently published1 topic

Best Tips for Your Relationship After Baby

You've found the love of your life. You've fallen in love. You've dated, become engaged and gotten married. You've longed to make your duo into a trio and after some waiting you now have a baby! What could possibly go wrong?

Primary topic: Marriage Coaching

Marriage Coaching

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By Mary Kay CocharoRecently published1 topic

Sons, Fathers & Divorce: Successful Joint Custody Strategies

“My son wants to live with his Dad; what do I do?” Suddenly the joint custody arrangement you shared with your ex-husband no longer meets your child’s needs – at least in his mind – and he has made the decision that he’d like to live with his father full time. While to your son this may seem a logical request, to you, it signals the end of a relationship and the closeness you once shared – and you may even be taken aback at the emotions you’rernfeeling and unsure where to turn. The reality is that we all change as we grow and develop, but while you may have noticed certainr

Primary topic: Marriage Coaching

Marriage Coaching

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By Mary Kay CocharoRecently published1 topic

Commiseration or Celebration: When Women Talk to Other Women

Many years ago, when I was a younger woman, I had a girlfriend whom I considered to be my very, very best friend. We spoke daily, we traveled together, and we spent many evenings and weekends at each other’s homes. It sounds pretty great, except for one small detail. During all of those phone ...

Primary topic: Marriage Coaching

Marriage Coaching

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By Mary Kay CocharoRecently published1 topic

Do I REALLY need to prepare for marriage? Yes and Here’s Why

Hours spent on wedding plans: Hundredsr Dollars spent on wedding vendors: Thousandsr Time spent on Marriage Preparation: Priceless The average couple will spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars preparing for their wedding day. I get it. It’s an important lovely day. It’s a party for family and friends and, in some cases, an opportunity for the bride’s childhood dreams to come true. Over 50% of these well-spent couples will end up divorced. There doesn’t appear to be any correlation between the lavishness of the wedding and the health and longevity of the marriage.r

Primary topic: Marriage Coaching

Marriage Coaching

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By Mary Kay CocharoRecently published1 topic

Don't Be Afraid to Get into the Game

My son plays travel baseball. As a result, I found myself, as I do many a weekend, spending countless hours in bleachers the past few days. At one point, as the other team slipped ahead by several runs, I noticed that the coaches and supportive parents yelled things like, “Get into the game”; ...

Primary topic: Marriage Coaching

Marriage Coaching

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By Mary Kay CocharoRecently published1 topic

How to Take a Time-In on Your Relationship

Were you a rambunctious kid growing up? I know at times I certainly was. I can clearly remember those moments when my parents would send me to my room for a time-out to calm down and reflect on my behavior. I wasn’t allowed to see any of my friends or go out to play. I can still remember the feeling of boredom and loneliness that would overtake me. And even more clearly, I remember the time-in when I was “set free” to re-engage with my favorite friends, toys, and activities! I never appreciated those things precious to me quite so much as I did after they had been briefly taken away.

Primary topic: Marriage Coaching

Marriage Coaching

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By Mary Kay CocharoRecently published1 topic

What’s your Language of Desire?

Do you know about the Five Languages of Love? In 1992, Gary Chapman wrote a book by that title. It sold 8,500 copies in its first year, roughly twice the expected number. It has been on the New York Times Best Seller list since 2009. A newly revised edition was released in 2015. Dr. Chapman has written several more books expanding on his early concept. The Five Languages of Love tells us that we all have a primary way that we express and experience love. In his book, Dr. Chapman posits that there are five languages: • words of affirmation • quality time • giving giftsr

Primary topic: Marriage Coaching

Marriage Coaching

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By Mary Kay CocharoRecently published1 topic

Feeling Meh? You Could Be Languishing

Recently, each day when I sit down to write a new blog, I end up feeling empty, exhausted, and uninspired. In the past, I’ve been energetic, enthusiastic, and full of ideas. I find myself wondering if there’s something wrong with me. What has changed? Am I depressed? As a Mental Health Professional for over 30 years, I know what to do. I whip out the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and look up the well-documented symptoms of depression. I carefully consider each symptom, but no, I’m not clinically depressed.

Primary topic: Marriage Coaching

Marriage Coaching

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By Mary Kay CocharoRecently published1 topic

Exploring the Link Between Positive Mental Health and Happy Relationships

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. Often, when people think about mental health, they tend to focus solely on mental illness. Mental health does, of course, include anxiety, depression and other diagnoses — but it encompasses much more than that. Positive factors, such as resiliency, curiosity, self-worth and strong supportive relationships are also part of your mental health and can help you cope with adversity and mental illness.

Primary topic: Marriage Coaching

Marriage Coaching

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By Mary Kay CocharoRecently published1 topic

7 Key Practices for Happy Couples

As a Marriage Therapist, couples come to see me with a wide array of goals. Generally, they want to resolve their conflicts, stop fighting, get better connected, and well…be happier! I don’t have a Happiness Magic Wand, but I have gathered some information about how to help over the years. Below are seven components that will get you on your way toward a happier, intimate relationship with your beloved. 1) Practice Good Communication

Primary topic: Marriage Coaching

Marriage Coaching

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