Relationship Counseling

Relationship Counseling

Every relationship faces challenges now and then.  Severe stressors that cause chronic strain and conflict can lead to issues such as anxiety, depression, feelings of guilt, shame or anger, resentment and low self-esteem.  Some common relationship concerns include financial difficulties, parenting differences, addictive behaviors, barriers to communication, emotional distance, sexual intimacy issues, lack of trust and fighting about “everything.”

Therapy for Relationships and Marriage

Partners often seek couples or marriage counseling when relationship problems begin to interfere with daily functioning or when partners are unsure about continuing the relationship.  Several therapy approaches have been designed for couples in particular, but any type of therapy can help with relationship issues.  In fact, many people address their relationship problems through individual therapy and then apply that learning in context with their partners.

In relationship therapy, I strive to help partners by supporting the goals set by the couple and helping each partner to communicate his or her needs, thoughts, concerns and emotions more clearly.  Listening to each other more carefully is a skill set we work on in therapy.  We strive to develop improved communication techniques and conflict resolution and avoidance skills, as well as ways to build trust and nurture love.

For relationship therapy to significantly help a relationship, each partner needs to commit to the counseling for the time it continues. Each partner should also demonstrate honesty, an interest in doing relationship work and a willingness to accept personal accountability.