Mankato Marriage Solutions

06/05/2026

Just wrapped up with a few couples who have completed therapy and moved into the next chapter of their marriages. As a result, we currently have a few limited evening appointments available.

If you've been thinking about working on your marriage, improving communication, rebuilding trust, or simply strengthening your relationship, consider this your sign.

The hardest step is often the first one.

Reach out today to learn more or schedule an appointment.

06/02/2026

🌟 Tips on Tuesday 🌟

Assume Your Partner is Doing Their Best ❤️

When we're frustrated, it's easy to assume the worst:
"They don't care."
"They're being lazy."
"They should know better."

But what if you paused and considered a different possibility?

💡 This week's tip:
Before reacting, ask yourself: "What if my partner is doing the best they can with the stress, responsibilities, and challenges they're carrying right now?"

This doesn't mean ignoring problems or lowering expectations. It simply means approaching your partner with curiosity and compassion rather than criticism and assumptions.

Often, resentment grows when we assume bad intentions. Connection grows when we assume humanity.

Strong marriages aren't built on perfection. They're built on two imperfect people choosing grace, understanding, and teamwork—even on the difficult days.

If assumptions, frustration, or communication challenges are creating distance in your relationship, Mankato Marriage Solutions can help you rebuild understanding and strengthen your connection.

05/26/2026

🌟 Tips on Tuesday 🌟
The “How Was Your Day?” Trap

Most couples ask it. Most couples answer with:
“Fine.”
“Busy.”
“Tiring.”

And just like that, the conversation ends.

This week’s tip:
Try asking more intentional questions that invite connection instead of routine answers:

“What stressed you out today?”
“What was the best part of your day?”
“What’s something you wish went differently?”
“What’s been on your mind lately?”

Small shifts in conversation can create deeper emotional connection over time.

Strong marriages aren’t built only through big moments—they’re built through consistent, meaningful conversations.

And if communication has started feeling distant or surface-level, Mankato Marriage Solutions is here to help couples reconnect and strengthen their relationship.

05/24/2026

Our office will be closed on Monday in observance of Memorial Day.

We hope everyone has a safe and meaningful holiday weekend spent with family, friends, and loved ones.

Our office will reopen during normal business hours on Tuesday.

05/19/2026

We are proud to celebrate our founder and lead therapist, Thad Shunkwiler, LMFT, on being elected by his fellow board members to serve as Chairman of the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, beginning July 1st.

The Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy plays a vital role in protecting the public and advancing the profession by overseeing licensure standards, ethical practice, professional conduct, and continuing education for Marriage and Family Therapists across the state.

Being selected by his peers to lead the board is a reflection of his longstanding commitment to the profession, his collaborative leadership, and his dedication to strengthening the quality and integrity of mental health care in Minnesota.

At Mankato Marriage Solutions, we believe in showing up not only for the individuals, couples, and families in our community — but also for the profession itself. We are incredibly proud to have leadership that actively contributes to the growth, advocacy, and future of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Please join us in congratulating Thad on this well-deserved honor!

05/12/2026

Tips on Tuesday:

Having trouble sleeping in the same bed? You’re not alone.

One partner is freezing. The other is overheating. One loves heavy blankets, the other kicks them off by midnight. Sharing a bed can sometimes feel less romantic and more frustrating—and that’s actually very common.

Before jumping to a “sleep divorce,” try this simple tip:
Use separate blankets or duvets.

It may sound small, but giving each person control over their own comfort can improve sleep quality, reduce nighttime tension, and help both partners wake up less irritated. Better sleep often leads to better communication and connection.

Healthy relationships aren’t about doing everything the same—they’re about finding solutions that work for both people.

And if ongoing stress, routines, or disconnection are impacting your relationship, Mankato Marriage Solutions is here to help couples reconnect and work through life’s everyday challenges together.

05/05/2026

Tips on Tuesday

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚
It’s a great reminder that taking care of your mental health—and your relationship—matters. Life gets busy, stress builds, and it’s easy to put emotional well-being on the back burner.

This week’s tip:
Check in with your partner (and yourself).
Ask: “How are you really doing?”—and take the time to listen.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer each other is presence, understanding, and support.

If you or your relationship could use extra support, Mankato Marriage Solutions is here to help you reconnect, communicate, and move forward together.

04/30/2026

🚨 FINAL DAY TO VOTE! 🚨

We’re honored to be nominated for Best of Mankato by the Mankato Free Press—and today is the last chance to cast your vote!

At Mankato Marriage Solutions, our mission is simple:
to help individuals and couples build stronger, healthier relationships and move forward in meaningful ways.

This nomination means so much to us because it comes from this community—the people we’re grateful to serve every day.

If we’ve made an impact, supported you, or you simply believe in the work we do, we’d truly appreciate your vote.

👉 Vote here: https://www.mankatofreepress.com/best-of/ #/gallery/?group=534187

Thank you for your support—it genuinely means more than you know.

04/21/2026

🌟 Tips on Tuesday 🌟

The “One Compliment a Day” Challenge 💬

It sounds simple—but it’s powerful.

In the middle of busy schedules, stress, and routines, we often forget to say the small things that matter. Appreciation can quietly disappear, and connection can start to fade.

💡 This week’s tip:
Give your partner one genuine compliment every day.

Notice something they did
Acknowledge their effort
Appreciate who they are

It doesn’t have to be big—just intentional.

❤️ Small words, said consistently, can rebuild connection in a big way.

If you’re feeling disconnected and not sure where to start, Mankato Marriage Solutions is here to help you strengthen communication and reconnect.

04/20/2026

Monday Reminder! 🎉

Don’t forget to show your support for Mankato Marriage Solutions in the Best of Mankato voting!

We’re incredibly honored to be nominated, and we’d love your help bringing it home!

Cast your vote here:
https://www.mankatofreepress.com/best-of/ #/gallery/?group=534187

Thank you for being such an amazing community—we appreciate your support more than you know!

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