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Kralja Petra II 45, 78000 Banja Luka+387 65 560 512krnetic@blic.netMon-Fri, 10am-1pm & 3pm-8pm

© 2026 Prof. dr Igor Krnetić

Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Oblasti rada

The challenges of intimate relationships

Intimate relationships are among the most important, but also the most challenging, aspects of our lives. Marital and relationship crises arise for various reasons — unrealistic expectations,…

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01

A crisis doesn't have to mean the end

A crisis in a relationship is a signal that something needs to change — not necessarily the end of the relationship. With the right support and effort, many couples manage to overcome their problems and build an even stronger relationship than before the crisis.

Causes of relationship crises

Communication problems and life changes

  • 01
    Communication problems

    Criticizing, blaming, defensiveness and avoiding conversations about important topics. An inability to hear the partner's perspective and passive-aggressive patterns.

  • 02
    Unrealistic expectations

    Expecting your partner to meet all of your needs, a romanticized image of the relationship from films, the belief that real love requires no effort, and expecting your partner to read your mind.

  • 03
    Life changes

    The arrival of children, financial problems, career changes, illness in the family, children leaving home or retirement — every major change tests the stability of the relationship.

  • 04
    Emotional distancing

    A loss of intimacy and connection, routine and boredom, neglecting the relationship because of other obligations, and growing in different directions that gradually creates distance.

Gottman's "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse"

Four communication patterns that are the strongest predictors of a relationship breakdown

Criticism

Attacking your partner's character instead of a specific behaviour. Chronic criticism destroys the sense of acceptance in a relationship.

Contempt

The most destructive pattern — sarcasm, mockery, belittling. The strongest predictor of divorce.

Defensiveness

Defending yourself against criticism by shifting the blame. It prevents taking responsibility and blocks problem-solving.

Stonewalling

Completely shutting down — silence, breaking off contact. The partner appears indifferent, but is actually emotionally overwhelmed.

Prepoznajete li se u ovome?

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04

Individual work and work on communication

How I approach relationship problems

Individual work

Understanding your own patterns in relationships, working on irrational beliefs about partnership and managing emotions. Even when the problem lies in the relationship, working on yourself brings change.

Communication skills

Active listening, expressing needs without criticism, using "I" messages and validating your partner's feelings — the foundations of constructive dialogue.

Practical strategies

Conflict-resolution techniques, negotiation, setting healthy boundaries and actively rebuilding intimacy and connection in the relationship.

Signs that a relationship needs help

  • 01
    Constant conflict or conflict avoidance

    Both extremes are a sign of a problem — whether you constantly argue about the same topics or completely avoid discussing important issues.

  • 02
    Feeling lonely within the relationship

    When you feel lonelier with your partner than without them, it is a clear signal that the emotional connection has been disrupted.

  • 03
    Loss of respect or trust

    Respect and trust are the foundations of a healthy relationship. When one or both disappear, the relationship loses its basis.

  • 04
    Emotional or physical infidelity

    Infidelity — whether emotional or physical — is a symptom of deeper problems in the relationship that require professional attention.

  • 05
    Thinking about a breakup or divorce

    Frequent thoughts about ending the relationship indicate that the current dynamic is not sustainable and that change is needed.

  • 06
    Living as "roommates" instead of partners

    When the relationship is reduced to sharing space and chores without emotional or physical intimacy.

  • 07
    Constant criticism or contempt

    Chronic criticism and belittling are among the strongest predictors of a relationship breakdown according to the research of John Gottman.

  • 08
    Feeling that you give more than you receive

    A chronic imbalance in investment — when one partner constantly feels they carry the heavier load — leads to resentment and exhaustion.

Ne morate čekati — što ranije reagujete, veće su šanse

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06

A structured process with concrete tools

How therapy helps couples

Structured communication

Learning active listening, expressing feelings without accusations through "I" messages, and agreed-upon time-outs when an argument escalates.

Conflict resolution

Focusing on the problem instead of the person, seeking solutions instead of a winner, and distinguishing "solvable" from "perpetual" problems in the relationship.

Rebuilding trust

Transparent communication, consistency between words and actions, and the gradual restoration of emotional intimacy. Working on forgiveness — letting go of bitterness.

Client experiences

We were on the verge of divorce. Through work on our communication we learned to hear each other instead of attacking each other. Today we have a better relationship than ever.
— Couple, couples therapy
I realized that I expected my partner to read my mind. Once I learned to express my needs clearly, everything changed.
— Client, individual work
Therapy gave us a structure for talking about difficult topics. Instead of arguing, we now have a constructive dialogue.
— Couple, 8 sessions

Ready for change?

Book a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier relationship.

Telefon+387 65 560 512Emailkrnetic@blic.net
Radno vrijemePon – Pet · 10-13h i 15-20h
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Druge oblasti rada

Specijalizovan pristup za svaki problem

01

Depresija

Simptomi, uzroci i kako terapija pomaže u prevazilaženju depresije.

02

Anksioznost

Vrste anksioznih poremećaja i kako KBT pomaže u njihovom tretmanu.

03

Hronični stres

Upravljanje stresom i prevencija burnout-a kroz psihoterapiju.

04

Kontrola bijesa

Prepoznajte okidače i naučite tehnike za upravljanje bijesom.

05

Asertivnost

Naučite postavljati granice i razvijte asertivnu komunikaciju.