The Middle Ground

The creative way to enriching your relationship.

Sex
What Is Sex-Positive Couple Therapy?

Marty Babits on July 7, 2020

Ever wonder how sex therapy and couple therapy can work together? More than ever, sex-positive couple therapy is becoming available.

Ever wonder how sex therapy and couple therapy can work together? More than ever, sex-positive couple therapy is becoming available.

Relationships
The Power of Finding Your Voice in Relationships

Marty Babits on February 20, 2020

Finding the words to say what you mean is one thing. Developing your voice, strengthening it, and overcoming intimidation and other obstacles is another.

Finding the words to say what you mean is one thing. Developing your voice, strengthening it, and overcoming intimidation and other obstacles is another.

Diet
Emotional Nutrition for Couples

Marty Babits on October 2, 2019

Like the diseases caused by lack of specific vitamins, emotional malnutrition is the scourge of relationships.

Like the diseases caused by lack of specific vitamins, emotional malnutrition is the scourge of relationships.

Memory
A Bronx Tragedy

Marty Babits on August 6, 2019

As a recent tragedy demonstrates, people can experience severe lapses in memory.

As a recent tragedy demonstrates, people can experience severe lapses in memory.

Polyamory
Polyamorous in New York

Marty Babits on May 15, 2019

What does polyamory in New York City look like? Learn how one couple arranges it and feels about it.

What does polyamory in New York City look like? Learn how one couple arranges it and feels about it.

Jealousy
The Ballad of Brian and Ashley

Marty Babits on March 7, 2019

The green-eyed monster can pose as aggressor and provocateur. There are steps that can be taken to rebuild trust and connection after an onslaught.

The green-eyed monster can pose as aggressor and provocateur. There are steps that can be taken to rebuild trust and connection after an onslaught.

Jealousy
The Ballad of Brian and Ashley

Marty Babits on February 27, 2019

The paradox of jealousy: It moves partners towards destroying what they are afraid of losing.

The paradox of jealousy: It moves partners towards destroying what they are afraid of losing.

Gender
Ronald Loves Patricia

Marty Babits on December 5, 2018

Ron, formerly known as Rhonda, and spouse-to-be Patricia seek therapy to make their genderqueer relationship as robust and resilient as possible.

Ron, formerly known as Rhonda, and spouse-to-be Patricia seek therapy to make their genderqueer relationship as robust and resilient as possible.

Attention
I Can’t Read Your Mind But I Need To Know Your Heart

Marty Babits on October 10, 2018

Marianne’s suffering was extreme; it exceeded anything that she had felt before. This created a desperation that she was ashamed to share.

Marianne’s suffering was extreme; it exceeded anything that she had felt before. This created a desperation that she was ashamed to share.

Decision-Making
All-American Decision Making

Marty Babits on July 5, 2018

America is divided along so many lines: Race, gender, generational and class issues and more. Sometimes, some of them get resolved. Hard to believe? Read on.

America is divided along so many lines: Race, gender, generational and class issues and more. Sometimes, some of them get resolved. Hard to believe? Read on.

Relationships
One-Sided Love

Marty Babits on June 7, 2018

One-sided love will either disintegrate or grow. Learn about the factors that make all the difference.

One-sided love will either disintegrate or grow. Learn about the factors that make all the difference.

Anger
Psychodrama, an Experiential Treatment, Helps Diffuse Anger

Marty Babits on January 31, 2018

Do you know how psychodrama brings imagination and flair to the work of overcoming resentment and restoring loving connection? If diffusing anger would help, this read is for you.

Do you know how psychodrama brings imagination and flair to the work of overcoming resentment and restoring loving connection? If diffusing anger would help, this read is for you.

Trust
Surviving an Affair: 21 Proven Tips

Marty Babits on January 23, 2018

21 proven tips for resilience after an affair. Flaws in communication can be addressed, and your connection can, in the end, be stronger and deeper.

21 proven tips for resilience after an affair. Flaws in communication can be addressed, and your connection can, in the end, be stronger and deeper.

Anger
After an Affair

Marty Babits on January 17, 2018

After an affair, communication can plummet. Or, if the affair is understood as an opportunity to make long-needed changes, communication can improve tremendously.

After an affair, communication can plummet. Or, if the affair is understood as an opportunity to make long-needed changes, communication can improve tremendously.

Sex
Does Couples Therapy Promote Good Sex?

Marty Babits on September 27, 2017

What makes couples therapy sexy? Does it help promote good sex? And how does it approach the issue of sexuality? The answer to these questions may surprise you.

What makes couples therapy sexy? Does it help promote good sex? And how does it approach the issue of sexuality? The answer to these questions may surprise you.

Anger
Zeus or Sisyphus?: A Tale of Couples Therapy

Marty Babits on July 27, 2017

With Zeus wielding power to create anything and Sisyphus, trapped in eternal futility, how can a couples therapist help break this deadlock?

With Zeus wielding power to create anything and Sisyphus, trapped in eternal futility, how can a couples therapist help break this deadlock?

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
Quizzes