What brings couples into therapy?
We often hear from couples that are in despair – frightened that their relationship is beyond help. Their communications have broken down, trust has eroded and sex is almost nonexistent. We also frequently see fundamentally strong couples that may be facing a specific crisis and want the aid of a professional.
Partners come into couples counseling or marriage counseling with a variety of issues to address including communication & conflict resolution, sexual & intimacy issues, fighting and anger problems, identity and role conflict, dependence vs. independence, religion, ethics and values, jealousy, parenting, infidelity, money and finances, addiction, family and in-law struggles, step family issues, gender roles, infertility / adoption, and many more.
How we approach couples counseling…
We view couples therapy as extremely collaborative, and use a strong team approach to get quick results. We are very involved in the session at all times and will honestly communicate to you what we see, feel and think. We begin by establishing a vision for the relationship, which incorporates the ideals of both members. Our office becomes a safe haven, where problems can be discussed without fear of pain, judgment or retribution. Our consultation time is used as a living laboratory, a place where we can explore different styles, interventions and techniques. These can be used to change hurtful and destructive patterns in the relationship and create a stronger, more open and meaningful connection. What do we expect from you as my client? We expect a serious commitment to our work, an ability to be open when looking what you bring into the relationship (both positive and negative) without defensiveness, and a commitment to altering your own ineffectual behaviors. When these conditions are met there is an excellent chance that we can not only help you get your relationship back on track, but take you to an even stronger place. One you may not have ever imagined was possible, but was achievable through our couples counseling sessions.
Developing Communication Skills…
Healthy communication is a key ingredient of a successful relationship, and successful couples know how to communicate in a way that can actually improve their relationship. Through couples counseling, we will help you to understand the way in which you presently communicate, and then teach you new skills & solutions to improve ways to talk to each other.