Laugh often, forgive often, compliment often, and appreciate often. It takes maturity to admit our faults and integrity to continue growing as a person.
Marriage therapist Dr. Celeste Catania-Opris
We had the privilege to interview Dr. Celeste Catania-Opris a Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist with a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is the founder of Therapy for The Modern Housewives of South Florida, Inc. and has been featured in The New York Times and Voyage Mia Magazine. She helped mend broken marriages into thriving marriages, taught individuals how to deal with high levels of stress and anxiety, and guided clients through depression, grief, divorce, co-parenting, and family conflict. Read the interview to find out more.
What did you discover about relationships being an experienced marriage therapist?
I discovered that relationships are completely unique. No relationship is exactly the same. People have this idea of what a marriage “should” be, but in reality, it is not a “one-size-fits-all” kind of thing. What may work for you, may not work for another individual, so coming to an understanding about what each person wants and needs in your relationship is helpful for a healthy and long-lasting marriage.
What is the biggest challenge married couples go through?
The biggest challenge married couples go through is learning how to properly communicate with each other. As cliché as that may sound, talking in a way in which two individuals can fully understand each other is not an easy task. Checking in with each other can help. Openly share your wants and needs with one other in order to stay on the same page. So, if you are sad or angry, let your partner know. Give your spouse a chance to do something about it. Offer real examples about things your partner has done which hurt you, and share what changes you would prefer and need. Request feedback from your spouse, so that changes could be made from your side as well. Create a space where you can actually hear one another. A space that feels safe and non-judgmental. Remember, even if you have been together for many years, it still can be rather difficult to completely open up to another person and allow yourself to be fully vulnerable with someone else. Time and effort from both individuals will enhance this process.
What practical tools would you give to Newlyweds?
Laugh often, forgive often, compliment often, and appreciate often. It takes maturity to admit our faults and integrity to continue growing as a person. Keep growing, keep learning, and never stop trying. Take things one step at a time. There is no need to rush if you promise yourselves that you will have the rest of your lives to figure it out. Be kind, loving, but most importantly, patient, especially when a love like yours is worth it.
How can women create healthier emotional boundaries in their marriage?
Be in tune to how you are feeling. If something does not feel right, then vocalize it. Focus on being open and direct with your partner, in a respectful and considerate manner. Ask for help if you need it. Dealing with certain things on your own can be overwhelming and rather challenging. Utilize the resources you have — friends, family, or even a
professional, if you are ever in need of a helping hand.
Where can we find you online?
Dr. Celeste Catania-Opris, Ph.D., LMFT
Monthly articles at www.TherapyForModernHousewives.com/blog
www.Instagram.com/TherapyForModernHousewives.
www.TherapyForModernHousewives.com
Email: Info@TherapyForModernHousewives.com
