Couples/Relationships
Close, caring relationships can be very rewarding and add a valuable dimension to our lives. Sometimes those relationships develop rough spots that are difficult for the couple to resolve on their own.
Some typical problems addressed in couples therapy are:
- Poor communication
- Feeling like the relationship is not working or is slipping away
- Too much fighting
- Anger that does not go away when the fight is over
- Feeling distant from one another
- Financial or extended family related fights that do not get resolved
Benefits of couples therapy:
- Increasing or improving communication
- Offering an opportunity for each member of the couple to feel listened to and understood
- Helping each member of the couple receive the emotional support they feel they need
- Learning ways to resolve conflicts
- Understanding individual differences and finding ways to value those differences and minimize frustration about differences
As with family therapy, working with the couple offers the advantage of having both people in the room together, exploring the rough spots and developing new skills to use in the relationship. Just the presence of each member sends the message that each is willing to make a commitment to improving the relationship.
In couples therapy, each person can identify his/her own expectations for him/herself and for the partner. The therapy can help to introduce each person’s point of view. In my work, I explore with the couple their earlier experiences in their own family. This exploration helps each person recognize and share the interpersonal values and skills they have brought to this relationship and learn about accommodations to their partners perspective.
