IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP STRUGGLING?
Do you feel like you and your partner go from one crisis to another?
Do you argue and then sweep things under the rug without really dealing with the issue?
Do you go between wanting professional help but then not following through?
Does your relationship lack joy and excitement it once had but seems like there’s no way in getting that back?
Do you consider splitting up or wish you could just walk away from your relationship?
Has there been a betrayal or violation within the relationship?
Why should I consider couple’s counseling?
There’s no right or wrong way when it comes to therapy but what is important is that the client, and in this case that’s the couple, feel safe, heard and respected. Although couple’s therapy is about supporting the couple, that also means some individual work must be done to accomplish the goal of growing the relationship. Engaging in couple’s counseling provides a space where both parties are allowed the opportunity to express themselves, receive feedback, learn new tools and engage in dialogue to drill down to what are really the obstacles in the relationship.
Some issues that bring couples to therapy include:
Addiction/Partner Addiction Support
Balance (Work/Life/Family)
Blended Families
Chronic Illness
Divorce
Extended Family
Infidelity/Cheating
Intimacy
Mental Illness
Pre-Marital/Readiness
Pornography
Sex
If you or your partner are experiencing any of these struggles it might be time to consider bringing in a professional to support you in sorting through things. Statistically, a whopping 90% of all relationships end up not working. That’s a huge number in my opinion but numbers don’t lie. Doing the “work” is not easy but if the two of you are committed to each other and the relationship then growth is definitely possible.
What can I expect from couple’s counseling?
Please understand this is hard work that takes patience, flexibility, participation and an understanding that the goal is not perfection. Each person needs to commit to the process for an optimum outcome. Both parties complete an extensive intake packet that gives me an idea of what the current problem areas are as well as expectations that each person and the couple has for the therapeutic process.
Some of the things you’ll work on in couple’s counseling include:
Self-awareness
Healthy communication and conflict resolution
Learning and understanding about attachment
Emotional Intelligence
Increased intimacy
Identifying balances of power
Building a partnership through mutual respect and support
Learn how to separate behaviors from the person
Intentional wellness and self-care for individual and couple
All appointments are held via telehealth (telephone or video) which allow for couples to either be in their space together or apart depending on the current status of the relationship. A good starting place regarding frequency is biweekly which gives plenty of time for reading, reflection and practice of new skills to happen.
Therapy models I use for couples include:
· Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
· Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy
What’s next?
The first step in this process is to find the right therapist to guide you and your partner through the journey. I believe the client-therapist relationship is an extremely important one. Download my free guide to empower you with questions to ask during your therapist interview consultations. Any therapist that you are considering as a provider, I strongly encourage you both to be present for the consultation which allows there to be an exchange of energy for you to determine the right fit for your situation. I offer a complimentary 30-minute telephone consultation. Contact me now so we can get a date and time scheduled.
You are not alone and support is available to you. Still not sure couple’s counseling is right for your relationship. Take this quick relationship assessment to get an idea of your relationship health!
