PaarGespräch

Tag: relationships

  • “Kissing with open eyes” – an exercise for more closeness and intimacy

    Have you ever heard that kissing with your eyes open can be an exciting and intense experience? It may sound unusual at first, because most people automatically close their eyes when kissing.

    Does that sound interesting? Then read on and try it out for yourself!

    Why “kissing with open eyes”?

    David Schnarch is a well-known expert in couples therapy and researches how couples can grow closer together. One of the techniques he recommends is “kissing with your eyes open”. Why? Because it takes courage to look at the other person so directly and show vulnerability. This exercise is challenging because it is unfamiliar – but that is exactly what makes it so powerful.

    By looking into each other’s eyes when we kiss, we learn to be fully present in intimacy. We are not hiding, but really opening up to each other. It is a way of deepening the emotional connection and showing: “I am here, I see you and I let you see me.”

    The instructions: This is how it works!

    **Step 1: Find a quiet moment**

    Find a moment when you are both relaxed and have time for each other. Perhaps an evening for two where you can concentrate on each other. It’s important that you’re not stressed and that you feel comfortable.

    **Step 2: Stand opposite each other**

    Stand in front of your partner and stand comfortably. You can stand close to each other, but make sure that you can look each other in the eye.

    **Step 3: Connect through eye contact**

    Before you kiss, look deeply into each other’s eyes for a few seconds. It may feel a little unfamiliar or even strange at first, but try to embrace the moment. Allow the initial nervousness to dissipate.

    **Step 4: Start kissing each other – with your eyes open**

    Now comes the crucial moment: you start kissing, but keep your eyes open. Try to keep looking into each other’s eyes during the kiss. At first, you may feel the urge to close your eyes – this is completely normal. Notice it and make a conscious decision to keep your eyes open.

    **Step 5: Feel what happens**

    While you are kissing, consciously notice the feelings and thoughts that arise within you. Do you perhaps feel vulnerable or particularly connected

    Would you also like to talk openly with your partner about your wishes and needs and work on your relationship together?

    Then get the app now and start today!

    All the best from your PaarGespräch team

  • “The embrace until relaxation” according to David Schnarch

    The therapeutic exercise “The Embrace to Relaxation” comes from the well-known American psychologist and couples therapist David Schnarch. He developed this method to help couples build a deeper connection with each other and at the same time release emotional blockages. This exercise is simple to do, but has a deep psychological background and can have a powerful effect on the relationship.

    What is the hug to relaxation?

    The exercise itself is simple: a couple hugs each other until both partners relax completely. The embrace should be calm and mindful, without words or other distractions.
    In many relationships, it often happens that partners either seek too much closeness in emotional or stressful situations or withdraw in order to protect themselves. However, both behaviors prevent a deep emotional connection. Embracing to the point of relaxation is one method of correcting this imbalance.

    Why is this exercise effective?

    1. physical closeness without distraction: Most couples are often physically close, but rarely in such a conscious and focused way.

    2. overcoming fear and insecurity: By learning to endure tension instead of reacting immediately, both partners develop more emotional strength and self-confidence in the relationship. This exercise helps to reduce emotional dependency and take more responsibility for your own well-being.

    3. deeper bond: When both partners manage to relax together, the bond between them deepens. This creates a feeling of security and stability that also radiates to other aspects of the relationship.

    How it works:

    Both partners stand upright and hold each other without pressure, but firmly in their arms. The embrace lasts until both partners can relax physically and emotionally.

    Now observe: How are you standing? Are you leaning heavily on each other? What happens when one partner moves and changes position? Is everyone standing on their own with their feet firmly on the ground or are you leaning heavily on each other?

    Conclusion

    “The embrace to relaxation” is a simple but very effective exercise that helps couples to experience emotional and physical closeness in a deeper and more conscious way. It strengthens trust in the relationship and, through reflection, promotes a balance between individual autonomy and shared closeness.

    Would you also like to talk openly with your partner about your wishes and needs and work on your relationship together?

    Then get the app now and start today!

    All the best from your PaarGespräch team

  • How is artificial intelligence changing psychotherapeutic care?

    This blog post is based on an article in the magazine “Psychotherapie Aktuell”, issue 3/2024.

    The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly changing the way in which psychotherapeutic care is provided. This article looks at how AI not only offers potential to improve therapy, but can also enrich the everyday lives of many people in the form of innovative applications such as the intelligent online relationship counselor PaarGespräch.

    To the app prototype

    Potential of the use of AI in psychotherapy

    AI-based systems are opening up new ways to make psychotherapeutic care more effective. These technologies can analyze large amounts of data and thus support therapists in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, AI enables personalized support for patients outside of traditional therapy sessions. Particularly exciting is the development of apps such as PaarGespräch, which act as AI-based relationship counselors and help couples to reflect on and improve their relationships.

    PaarGespräch is an excellent example of how AI-based tools can have a positive impact not only in clinical settings, but also in people’s everyday lives. By analyzing communication patterns and offering tailored advice, the app helps couples to strengthen their relationship and better manage conflicts.

    Risks and challenges

    Despite the numerous advantages, there are also challenges that need to be considered. One key question is how the role of the therapist changes when AI-based systems take over tasks. While apps like PaarGespräch offer valuable support, it is important that they do not replace human interactions, but complement them. Trust and ethics play a crucial role, especially with regard to data protection and the transparency of algorithms.

    Future steps

    Further research and interdisciplinary collaboration are required for the successful integration of AI into psychotherapy and applications such as PaarGespräch. This is the only way to ensure that these technologies are used effectively and ethically responsibly. It is important that such systems are continuously evaluated to ensure their effectiveness and acceptance.

    Conclusion: The future of relationship management with AI

    The integration of AI into psychotherapeutic care offers enormous potential, but it is crucial to carefully weigh up the opportunities and risks. Apps such as PaarGespräch show that AI can provide valuable services not only in therapy, but also in everyday life. They offer couples the opportunity to nurture and improve their relationship in a new way.

    If you are curious about how AI can support your relationship, talk openly about your wishes and needs and work together on your relationship, then get the app now and start today!

    All the best from your PaarGespräch team

    To the app prototype