Many of the couples I work with begin therapy because their relationship is at a crisis point. Perhaps they drifted apart and now feel like strangers to each other. Their committment to each other feels vulnerable to conflict, stress, or even another person. Perhaps there had been an unexpected breach of trust within the relationship, and now they are overwhelmed by intense feelings of hurt, anger, confusion and fear. Perhaps one or both partners recognized they are locked in the same pattern, arguing over the same issues without being able to move forward.
I find myself saying the same thing over and over, while my partner keeps doing the same insensitive things (Couples counseling client)
Counseling can help stabilize your relationship and begin the process of healing and change.
Most of these couples tell me they knew for a long time there was something missing--the closeness of the past, or feeling respected—and they felt disillusioned about their partner meeting their needs, or the relationship attaining the level of intimacy they longed for.
Counseling can help your relationship grow to its true potential.
Every relationship has strengths to build on in therapy. These strengths and the support and guidance that I provide as a couples counselor create an effective environment for positive change and rebuilding. In therapy couples work on learning to problem-solve as a team, rather than approaching issues as adversaries. I am trained in using a variety of approaches in working with couples including Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Imago Therapy and other interpersonal systemic approaches.
If you are considering counseling, I encourage you to call and speak with me directly. Through a short phone call, we can address any questions and determine whether working together is a good fit for your particular needs.
FAQ:
We’ve tried counseling before and it didn’t work. Some couples I see in therapy have been in some form of counseling before but didn't experience a benefit from their time, effort and investment. There can be many reasons for this: Not all counselors are trained in techniques that work with couples or have a warm and direct style that is effective. In addition, sometimes one or both partners isn’t able to make the committment to counseling, even though they have attended sessions.
What will the first couples visit be like? Ideally both partners attend the initial session where each will have the opportunity to share their view of the problems in the relationship and their goals. Couples may receive a homework exercise in their first session. In subsequent sessions it is important to explore the history of the relationship while at the same time focusing on healing, strengthening and changing behaviors.
Do we ever meet individually with the therapist? Sometimes it is helpful to have an individual session with each partner to complete the initial assessment, however the focus of work is with the couple together.
My spouse won’t agree to couples counseling. While the most effective way to make changes in a relationship is with both partners working together, I work with many clients in individual counseling who see their relationships becoming healthier as they address their own issues, grow more successful in dealing with others and make healthier choices in their lives.
