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 aid of a professional.

Couples come into 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 Counseling:

I view couples therapy as extremely collaborative, and I use a strong team approach to get quick results. I am very involved in the session at all times and will honestly communicate to you what I see, feel and think. I 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. What do I expect from you as my client? 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 I 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!

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' (daily stressors) interferes with romance and connection.
• Reconnect to the love and passion of your earlier relationship.