My Services
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Navigating relationships can be difficult, no matter if they are new or long-term. Contributing to that is the fact that we are rarely educated, prepared, or trained for managing these important relationships.
Working with a therapist can be a great way to receive professional insight and perspective. My approach is heavily focused on communication between partners. This includes verbal, nonverbal, paraverbal, phone and text, as well as in person. Much of how a person communicates is rooted in their family of origin and is not given much thought. In counseling, I will work with you to explore various communication styles and you can then choose to use those which allow you to convey your thoughts and feelings more effectively, as well as to truly hear the intent of the person you are communicating with. I will also work with you to establish healthy and respectful boundaries as well as to increase your understanding of the importance and your ability to compromise. These skills will benefit your other outside relationships, as well.
Couples therapy is not just for couples who are feeling disconnected or unhappy. Here are a few other reasons people may seek and benefit from couples therapy:
*Premarital Counseling: This can be an invaluable investment of time to help lay a firm foundation for a strong marriage. I provide a safe place to address topics that may feel a bit sensitive for one to bring up, such as:
*What role will in-laws play?
*Religious beliefs and practices: if different, is each respectful of the other's? How will major holidays be celebrated? Will children be raised practicing one or both?
*Finances: separate or joint banking? What if one person loses a job? What if one works part-time and the other full-time? How about if one likes to spend and one is a saver?
*Children: Are both in agreement on whether to have children? If so, when and how many? What if it doesn’t happen naturally? Will someone stay home or both continue to work? What are your thoughts on discipline? School?
*Blended families: What will the new family identity be? How will discipline be handled? Parenting plans with former spouses? Communication between all of the adults?
*Outside relationships: Each person has relationships with others, such as those with coworkers, children, friends of opposite sex, bosses, family, and some with exes. Therapy provides a safe space for each partner to discuss boundaries and how much time to spend together as well as apart.
*Trust issues: Whether due to infidelity or another reason, broken trust can damage or destroy a relationship. Many expect a quick recovery from this, but it typically is a slow process. Counseling may help by providing support and encouragement while teaching the process of regaining trust. New tools and direction are worked on to help the couple grow and heal.
*End of a Relationship: If a relationship has ended, it can be helpful to have an impartial party to hear and empathize with the pain and anger. A therapist can help process the grief, as well as the other possible aspects, such as loss of self-esteem, parenting plan, housing, and future communication with the ex and family members who may also be estranged as a result.