Couple Therapy

“Love is everything it’s cracked up to be…It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, your risk is even greater.”

Erica Jong

Couples, even happy ones, can sometimes face difficulty. 

Maybe you’re feeling…

• like you just can’t communicate with your partner
• like you’re in a repetitive cycle that leaves each person feeling more separate
• like the conflict between the two of you keeps getting worse despite your best intentions
• a loss of affection and intimacy between the two of you
• like it is hard for you to trust your partner – maybe one or each of you had an affair – or one of you spent a significant amount of money and didn’t tell the other
• criticized and judged; like no matter what you say or do it’s not the right thing
• not cared for, or like you don’t really matter to your partner
• like you’re avoiding your partner so as not to get into an argument
• like your arguments go around and around and you don’t seem to get anywhere, but feel more discouraged

Sometimes these problems can feel insurmountable, but they’re not.

The two models that form my foundation when working doing couples counseling are Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems. Both are supported by research showing their effectiveness. When doing couples therapy, I incorporate other methods as needed and as welcomed by my clients, including behavioral and solution-focused techniques.

In our work, first we’ll understand what it’s like for each of you to be in this relationship, what is happening in the relationship that isn’t working, and create goals. Then, we will work together to understand and untangle the negative patterns. We will explore your feelings, needs, and communication styles. In sessions, I am interactive and foster authentic and effective communication between couples.

Most couples wait six years before seeking marriage counseling, according to John Gottman’s research. Sometimes couples wait too long, and the relationship ends in divorce. So, if you’re having difficulties, don’t wait.

Being in a happy relationship is healthy for you. Researchers have found that marital satisfaction has been linked to improved immune system functioning, better recovery from illness and injuries, and more effective management of stressful situations.

P.S. I was interviewed for an article on EFT. Please click here if you are interested in reading it