What do we do in Couples Counseling?
With one of our therapists,
you and your partner can continue to develop
your intimacy, respect, and affection
as you gain further empathy and understanding,
and rekindle the friendship that formed your relationship.
We focus on what seems to be a
source of distress while
providing an opportunity to practice new skills
to effectively hear one another,
eliminate the ‘blame game’
and heal from lingering hurts.
Individual and conjoint sessions are utilized to:
Tackle the ‘hot’ topics more effectively
Improve Communication Issues
Address Intimacy and Trust Issues
Navigate Conflict More Effectively
Accept Your Role and Responsibility Within Relationship Dynamics
Explore Relationship Goals and Dreams
Become a Better Partner
How do I know if Relationship and Marriage Counseling is for us?
Couples in distress often report one or more of the following issues
which have led them to couples counseling:
- Poor Communication
- Frequent Arguments (Over the Same Issues)
- We Bring Up Divorce/Separation When We Argue
- Intimacy Issues
- Infidelity
- A sense of Disconnection / Loneliness
- Feelings ‘Stuck’
- Impact of Mental Health Issues on the Relationship
- Boundary Issues
- Unexpressed Wishes or Dreams
- Avoidance of Expressing Your Thoughts and Feelings
- Imbalance in Household Duties
- Challenges in Adjusting to Major Life Events (Career Change, Birth of Child, Marriage, Illness or Death in the Family)
- Substance Use Issues Impacting the Relationship
Marriage and Relationship Counseling
is typically 12 to 18 sessions and
can vary based upon presenting issues.
What If My Partner Is Reluctant to Attend Sessions?
Often one partner is more motivated to attend sessions than the other,
and then there are times when one partner flat out refuses.
Resistance to therapy can be common due to a number of reasons:
The stigma associated with therapy
Concern about what may be addressed within sessions
Worry we will move toward separation or divorce
Deep feelings of embarrassment
Feeling ‘forced’ to attend sessions
Discussing your problems with someone outside of the relationship
Relationship and Marriage Counseling can be more effective when
both parties are present, however, our therapists can be of
support to help you work through the relationship distress.
Sessions will focus on improving your communication
and conflict resolution skills, learning about your
relationship patterns impacting the relationship,
and discovering and expressing your needs in a healthier way.
Perhaps as begin to create positive changes within your relationship
your partner might be motivated to join you for a family session in the future.
If this does not happen, we are hopeful the personal growth within sessions
will improve the quality of your experience within your relationship.
The 'D' Word
Our therapists will work with you and your partner to improve
the quality of the relationship and address the above issues
so long as that continues to be your goal.
However, there are times when you or your partner
may be considering a separation or divorce.
Through a specific protocol, our therapists can support
you and your partner as you work toward deciding to continue to
work on the relationship or move towards termination.
