What Brings Couples into Couples Counseling?

I 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. I also frequently see fundamentally strong couples that may be facing a specific crisis and want the aide of a professional.
Couples come into counseling with a variety of issues to address including communication & conflict resolution, sexual & intimacy issues, fighting and anger issues, identity and role issues, 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 Counseling:

We generally begin by establishing a vision for the relationship, which incorporates the ideals of both members. My 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.

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 counseling I 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.

Working together as a team, I will guide you to:

• Identify negative patterns that are hindering the quality of your relationship & friendship.
• Learn how to stop blaming each other so you can work through problems without power struggles.
• Recognize the ‘cause & effect’ patterns in your relationship.
• Find healthy ways to communicate and relate to each other, which will strengthen the quality of your partnership.
• Get through the difficult phase when ‘the business of love’ interferes with romance and connection.
• Reconnect to the love and passion of your earlier relationship.