Skip to content
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9AM-9PM1-800-913-9613

Specializing in Couples and Sex Therapy

Facebook page opens in new windowTwitter page opens in new windowInstagram page opens in new window

For Clients | For Professionals

Houston Relationship Therapy- Dr. Viviana Coles & Associates
Specializing in Couples and Sex Therapy
Houston Relationship Therapy- Dr. Viviana Coles & AssociatesHouston Relationship Therapy- Dr. Viviana Coles & Associates
  • Our Team
  • Services
  • Rates
  • Request an Appointment
  • FAQs
  • Blog
  • Our Team
  • Services
  • Rates
  • Request an Appointment
  • FAQs
  • Blog

Deployment and Relationships – Sword and Shield Podcast

Oct132022
Dr. VivianaRelationships

Relationship Resiliency During Deployment

By Dr. Viviana Coles | Houston Relationship Therapy

Deployment can challenge even the strongest relationships. Physical distance, emotional strain, and unpredictable schedules can leave couples feeling disconnected and unsure of how to stay close. In a recent episode of the Sword and Shield Podcast, I had the opportunity to talk about something I’m passionate about helping couples build: relationship resiliency during deployment.

What Is Relationship Resiliency?

Relationship resiliency is the ability to stay emotionally connected, work through conflict, and maintain trust—especially during difficult times. When one partner is deployed, the usual routines and in-person moments that hold a relationship together are no longer available. That’s why couples need strategies that go beyond just staying in touch.

Key Strategies We Discussed

Here are three of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with the Sword and Shield hosts:

  1. Create a Pre-Deployment Plan
    Talk about expectations before deployment begins. Discuss how often you’ll communicate, how you’ll handle disagreements from afar, and how each partner can feel supported while apart.

  2. Embrace Emotional Check-Ins
    Whether it’s via letters, text, or video calls, use open-ended questions like “What’s been the hardest part of your day?” or “What are you most looking forward to?” These help deepen emotional intimacy, even across long distances.

  3. Focus on Future Goals Together
    Having shared goals—like planning a trip, building a savings fund, or outlining post-deployment dreams—keeps you emotionally aligned and gives both partners something to look forward to.

Final Thoughts

Deployment doesn’t have to weaken your bond. With the right tools and mindset, couples can come out stronger than ever. If you or someone you know is preparing for deployment, I encourage you to schedule a session with a licensed couples therapist who understands the unique challenges of military life.

Want to work on your relationship resiliency?
👉 Request a session with one of our expert therapists
👉 Explore our couples therapy services

Listen to the full episode here

Hosted by Frances Martinez, 960th Cyberspace Wing director of psychological health, discusses maintaining resilient relationships during deployments and other challenging times with Dr. Viviana Coles, a licensed marriage and family therapist, at Joint Base San Antonio-Chapman Training Annex, Texas, June 6 2022. Dr. Coles runs a private practice in Houston. (U.S. Air Force audio by Kristian Carter)

Post navigation

PreviousPrevious post:What Women Want in Men – Dating Transformation PodcastNextNext post:Do Women Need as Much Sex as Men – Fox 26

Related posts

Valentine’s Day intimacy tips from Houston Relationship Therapy
Dr. V Returns | He Said, Ella Dijo Podcast
February 18, 2025
Dr. Viviana Coles on managing Valentine’s Day expectations
Valentine’s Day Expectations with Dr. Viviana Coles | Colorado & Company
February 2, 2025
Dr. Viviana Coles shares how to enhance your sex drive on Two Ts in a Pod podcast
Diamonds in the Rough: Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby! | Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge
January 24, 2025
Dr. Viviana Coles discusses Valentine’s Day expectations on Colorado & Company
Dating in 2025 with Dr. Viviana | Colorado & Company
January 24, 2025
Why living apart together works for some couples, according to Dr. Viviana Coles
My Husband And I Live Apart—And Our Sex Life Has Never Been Better | Women’s Health Magazine (Hayley Folk)
December 19, 2024
Dr. Viviana Coles shares date night ideas for couples on Colorado & Company
Date Night After Kids with Dr. Viviana | Colorado & Company
July 9, 2024

Our Services

  • Relationship Counseling
  • Sex Therapy
  • Affair Recovery
  • Premarital Counseling

Sign up

Sign up for our Free Newsletter

Receive monthly tips and relationship advice from the professionals at
Houston Relationship Therapy.

  • By sharing your email address, you opt-in to getting emails from Houston Relationship Therapy- Dr. Viviana & Associates. You will be able to unsubscribe should you want to.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Testimonials
“I have more self worth and self confidence than ever before and I feel like I am on the right path to being the best version of myself with her guidance!”
“Dr. Coles is a true professional. She will provide you the tools to get on the right track to begin the healing process in your marriage.”
  “Thank you for helping us to realize where we can improve.”
  “Houston Relationship Therapy has provided me with an amazing resource to help me get through one of the hardest things I feel I will experience.”
  “Great thing to do BEFORE you get engaged!”
  “I was going through a really tough time when my relationship ended. I am very happy to have had the support from Houston Relationship Therapy in order to process this grief and work through my emotions during this breakup.”
  “I would definitely recommend Houston Relationship Therapy to others. I’m more than happy with the flexible hours.”
“I would highly recommend Houston Relationship Therapy to my family and friends. Therapy has been highly beneficial and has helped me get my life back on track, when it felt like my world was falling apart and was so chaotic!”
  “Houston Relationship Therapy has been helpful in streamlining the process of managing a marriage, and instrumental in dealing with our relationships with our In-Laws.”
  “Sessions at Houston Relationship Therapy have been helpful in improving communication and problem-solving for our relationship. It is the key to building a strong and healthy relationship.”
Houston Relationship Therapy- Dr. Viviana Coles & Associates
©2025 Houston Relationship Therapy | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | 1-800-913-9613

Site by Houston Web Design Agency