Couples counseling is a tool for healing and maintenance and can be effective at any stage in a relationship. I have worked with many couples by way of video counseling and my clients and I have been very satisfied with the process. Many couples seek counseling when they have exhausted all other options, but it’s a great resource to use when problems are beginning to surface. If a couple can gather tools to navigate disagreement when conflict is low, larger problems are often prevented because they have the needed skills to use in the face of future challenges. Disagreement is inevitable, but conflict is optional.
In couple’s therapy, partners will be encouraged to promote respect and understanding while uncovering the potentially destructive cycle that may be pulling their relationship apart. Each individual will be encouraged to voice desires, emotions, and concerns in a non-judgmental and supportive environment while creating an opportunity to utilize effective communication and conflict resolution skills to enhance their relationship.
Much of what is required to build and maintain a healthy relationship is not always accessible, but is comprised of learned skills that can be developed in a safe setting over time. Factors such as family of origin experiences, ability to process and communicate emotion, trust factors, self-esteem, etc. greatly influence how each individual implements the tools and insights acquired in sessions. Some benefits of couples counseling are improved communication, disagreement without conflict and increase of trust.
Disagreement is inevitable, but conflict is optional.
I work to expose relationship patterns and individual factors that together create the shared experience and dynamic of the relationship. Moving away from an unhealthy, distanced and often conflictual form of interaction to a trusting, safe and open form of attachment is the basic goal of couple’s therapy. Homework is usually given after each meeting so couples can implement what was highlighted during session and make strides of improvement between appointments.