Couples Therapy

“My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and the courage to accept the love in return.” – Maya Angelou

Whether you are married, on your way to be married, or coupled up in a committed relationship, relationship dynamics can be difficult at any stage. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, my expertise lies in working on relational issues with couples of any gender, age and religious background. I work with heterosexual, gay, lesbian and bi-sexual couples who are seeking some kind of change in their relationship. As a couple’s therapist, I seek to understand how the problems presented are informed by the relationship, as well as each person’s history and belief system that is brought into the relationship.

Factors of everyday life can put an abundant strain on a relationship. Severe stressors may include resentment, infidelity, intimacy issues, lack of trust, excessive use of social media outlets, and miscommunication. When problems go unresolved, or a partner is suffering from mental illness or health complications, one can feel helpless or have feelings of guilt or shame. Communicating effectively on both parts can alleviate emotional anxiety from subjects of all kind.

Couples often seek couples or marriage therapy when the relationship is at a standstill, or if they are unsure whether or not the relationship is worth saving. This type of therapy can benefit families with children who have been affected by relationship issues such as divorce, and confront the source of the conflict.

Therapeutic Method for Couples Therapy:

The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that includes an assessment of the relationship and integrates research-based interventions based on the Sound Relationship House theory. This method was developed by John and Julie Gottman. With over 40 years of clinical study and practice they are the pioneers in couples research. They describe what distressed couples do that tends to break up their relationships, but more importantly what couples can do to promote and sustain healthy and satisfying relationships. Couples learn how to resolve conflict more effectively and turn towards each other with more understanding, resulting in a deeper connection and intimacy. Couples develop more respect and affection for each other, learning to better accept their differences rather than constantly trying to change their partner. Gottman’s research has shown how kindness and generosity among couples is a strong predictor in maintaining long lasting relationships.