In my pre-marital counseling I work with couples collaboratively to assess their strengths and areas of challenge. Couples learn how to negotiate their differences, identify common values, create a shared vision and learn how to love each other optimally.
In addition if it looks like essential skills of communication and problem solving could use some improvement we work on those together as well. The goal is to help the couple navigate important discussions prior commitment rather than years down the road after maladaptive patterns have set in. Although I cannot teach you to love each other I can help you learn how to love each other optimally! Book A Free Premarital Counseling Consult Today!
General Couples Counseling
Do you love each other but find that you are not happy with something in the relationship? Maybe the communication is off somehow? Do you bicker often or fight in a way that leaves you feeling hurt, angry and/or resentful? Do you find that you never repair from negative interactions and instead feel a growing distance and negativity toward your partner? Maybe you don’t have fun together anymore. Or perhaps you just feel like “roommates.” Fortunately, these concerns don’t mean the relationship is doomed, it simply illustrates that you could use a little work on how you love each other.
Relationship skill development
I will help you develop skills of conflict resolution, decision making and problem solving as well as how to communicate and experience empathy/validation for yourself and in your important relationships.
I will help you learn how identify and set compassionate boundaries with others, make requests in a mutually respectful way and how to repair from disagreements to maintain ongoing good-will in the relationship.
I will help you identify your values so you can access greater meaning in your life and learn how to positively plan your future in important relationships.
I will help you understand each others “love languages” so you can create a relationship approach that is satisfying for both members.
Repairing Ruptures
Have you experienced a significant relationship rupture such as discovering or being notified of infidelity? Are you unsure of where to go from here? Are you thinking that the relationship might have something worthwhile to save? Do you want to give your relationship a chance of healing? Perhaps you are not experiencing infidelity but instead have been notified of upsetting news like an addiction revelation or a significant disagreement about important values (e.g. time allocation, family planning, finances) that you want to see if you can heal? Relationships can experience significant discord, disappointment and frustration and still be recovered. I help lots of couples navigate these difficult moments in their life to heal, reconcile and redefine what it means to be together. Reach out if you need support at this difficult time.
I will help you heal from ruptures in your relationships like those caused by infidelity (emotional, financial, physical etc.).
I will help you heal ruptures caused from substance use or addiction.
I will help you create a new foundation to build your relationship anew informed by the wisdom of your past experiences.
Relationship dynamic healing
I will help you heal the past painful memories that create ongoing repetitive patterns in your relationship.
I will help you generate alternate options to fighting, hurting each other or stewing in negative sentiment that create greater intimacy instead.
I have extensive training and experience working with couples that is inclusive and welcoming to all! My specific training includes Collaborative Couples Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, Schema Therapy for couples and Emotion Focused approaches. I have also received advanced training to help couples healing from a Substance use Disorder through the Gottman Addiction recovery intervention. I am also trained in EMDR, CBT, ACT, IFS informed Therapy/Ego State and many others.
