Couples Therapy

Relationships therapy to address distress in couples of family units. Our is on the relationship (i.e., we, us, themselves) rather than the individual (i.e., I, me, self) who is part of the relationship. We frequently target communicational patterns and relationship history and the parties involved learn how to interact more efficiently and effectively with each other.

Couples therapy is recommended for those who are experiencing infidelity, codependency, family conflict, life transitions, marital and premarital conflict, divorce, and non-violent domestic abuse.

Family Systems

Learn to truly listen to others and work together to resolve conflict .

Family systems therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals resolve their problems in the context of their family units, where many issues are likely to begin. Each family member works together with the others to better understand their group dynamic and how their individual actions affect each other and the family unit as a whole. One of the most important premises of family systems therapy is that what happens to one member of a family happens to everyone in the family.

Many psychological issues begin early in life and stem from relationships within the family of origin, or the family one grows up in, even though these issues often surface later on in life. Families in conflict, as well as couples and individuals with issues and concerns related to their families of origin, can benefit from family systems therapy. This treatment approach can be helpful for such mental health conditions as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, personality disorders, addiction, and food-related disorders. Family systems therapy has also been shown to help individuals and family members better control and cope with physical disabilities and disorders..

Treatment Approach

Structural: Uses role play to look at family relationships, behaviors, and patterns.
Strategic: Employs reframing or problem scenario redefinition to examine family processes and functions..
Intergenerational: Acknowledges generational influences on family and individual behavior to help family members normalize their current problems.

Common concepts:

Differentiation of self
Emotional triangle
Family projection process
Multigenerational transmission process
Emotional cutoff
Sibling position
Societal emotional process
Nuclear family emotional process

Conflict Resolution Therapy

Learn to truly listen to others and work together to resolve conflict.

Conflict resolution therapy will teach people you skills to address conflict in any situation, whether at home, between friends or romantic partners, and even at work.

This treatment approach can also be useful during legal mediation, where the parties involved need to feel like they have won the battle.

Basic treatment steps

Expression of initial positions
Exploration of underlying concerns (with a focus on core concerns)
Creation and establishment of a mutually agreed-upon plan that meets the needs of both participants

Common behavior expressions:

Flight: Attempts of avoidance
Immobilization: Inability to act or make decisions.
Submit: Accommodating and giving in too easily.

Premarital Counseling

Prepare for a strong and passionate marriage.

Premarital counseling can help identify weaknesses that exist in the relationship and ensure that you and your partner have a strong, healthy relationship — giving you a better chance for a stable and satisfying marriage.

Some spiritual leaders insist on premarital counseling as a requirement before the wedding ceremony.

Some of the topics discussed include:

Finances
Communication
Beliefs and values
Roles in marriage
Affection and sex
Desire to have children
Family relationships
Decision-making
Dealing with anger
Time spent together

What to expect?

You will be asked to complete either a SYMBIS or Prepare/Enrich Assessment
Both you and your partner will complete the assessment separately without exchanging information or discussing the questions.
The assessment will help us determine how you feel about each other and the relationship.
Any couple can take the assessment to identify any strengths, weaknesses, and potential problem areas.
Together, we will interpret the results and discuss areas of concern.
You will set goals with your partner to help overcome any existing challenges in the relationship.

Assessment Cost
$35/per couple

Receive a discount when you purchase the book
"Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts".

162 pages

Assessment Cost

$35/per couple

Identify strengths and overcome issues
with “The Couple Checkup” book.

259 pages | 6.25 x 1.25 x 9 in.

COUPLES PROBLEMS

Therapy Perspectives

Gottman Approach

Balance of positivity to negativity in the couples interactions.

“Every relationship is a system that develops its own balance or stable steady states, with respect to the ratio of positivity and negativity in behavior, perception, and physiology. These stable states are a way of quantifying the old idea of homeostasis in general systems theory.” – John Gottman

Criticism • Defensiveness • Contempt • Stone walling

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Expression of deep, underlying emotions from a place of vulnerability.

Reorganize and expand your emotional responses to secure the bond that that exist between you and your partner. Additionally, reposition the stance that you have on interactions with your partner to create new and more beneficial interactions within the partnership. – Sue Johnson

Emotional Connection • Attachment • Indirect Support • Emotional Confirmation

IMAGO Approach

Conflict within the relationship creates opportunities for healing and growth.

Understand each other’s feelings and “childhood wounds” more empathically… to heal… and move toward a more conscious relationship… The “Imago Dialogue” allows couples to move from blame and reactivity, to understanding and empathy, [to] create a deeper and loving connection with each other. – Harville Hendrix and Helen L. Hunt

Reactivity • Empathy • Loving connection

Call or Text: 910.777.5575

Couples Therapy