Couples Therapy

Relationships are challenging.

I asked my professor at my alma mater why marriages fall apart. He stated bluntly, “False expectations.” That’s probably true of all relationships.

Couples come to therapy for various reasons. Some couples want to improve their relationship and prevent problems in the future.

Many couples decide to do couples therapy to address a wide range of issues causing distress in their relationship, such as poor communication, money, sex, parenting, etc.

Couples Therapy helps address those challenges.

Couples can examine relationship roles and identify unhealthy patterns while working with me.

They can discuss their beliefs and values and how they affect the relationship. Ursula* and Jorge* provide a good example. Ursula was not happy with Jorge and his recreational use of certain drugs. It became clear that differences in their values would create more problems in their relationship down the road. Therapy helped the two express their feelings openly.

Couples therapy promotes open dialogue on finances. Thomas* was angry at his wife for over-spending their money behind his back. In therapy, Thomas and his wife talked about his wife’s betrayal. His wife agreed to be more transparent about her spending to build back the trust.

Lack of quality time with each other was a problem for John* and his spouse. John was a lawyer and spent most of his time working at his law firm. His wife became increasingly frustrated since John seemed to prioritize work more than their marriage, as indicated by their spending less time with each other. In Couples Therapy, it became clear to John that he was not spending enough time with his wife. Furthermore, therapy also revealed that they struggled with poor communication.

Differences can arise over being a parent. Sometimes, partners are not on the same page regarding having or not having children, adoption, and conflicts over parenting styles.

The relationship benefits.

Couples can identify healthy and unhealthy patterns in communication and learn skills to express their feelings and needs and prevent and manage conflict better.

They can increase affection, respect, and closeness and address and work through issues in the relationship.

More importantly, they can improve their overall satisfaction with the relationship.

Is it possible to do Couples Therapy alone?

Yes, but usually, Couples Therapy involves two people working together on the relationship. However, sometimes, one partner is not open and unwilling to participate.

You can choose to address issues in your relationship and how to improve them. Sometimes when one partner changes, it makes a big difference in the relationship, and both are happy. And sometimes it’s not guaranteed if you change, so will they.

Overcome the challenge.

My training in the Gottman Method focuses on thoroughly assessing the relationship and offering strategies and skills to address issues in the relationship.

At some point, most couples will face challenges and disagree on how to approach those challenges.

As a couples therapist, I serve as a neutral party while providing a safe space to discuss issues openly and honestly. The tools and skills you learn will improve your relationship.

Please get in touch with me today, so we can start finding ways for you to meet the challenges.

*Names and stories are composite narratives and do not reflect actual clients.