Couples Therapy

Jonathan explains that individuals come to a relationship with their own histories, and put tremendous pressure on themselves and each other to reconcile those histories while moving through events and transitions that also require the couple’s energy. Attempting to balance history with present stress can often make partners feel they are alone in the midst of their relationship. Couples therapy cultivates safe space, increased awareness, and relational skills that empower the couple to become each other’s allies, rather than each other’s roommates or even critics, in reconciling their histories and navigating changes and unexpected events.

Patrick observes that most couples who are present for therapy are disillusioned from expectations that have not been met. The therapist functions as a mediator, facilitator, and often a cheerleader or coach.

Amy believes that being in a close relationship with another person can be deeply rewarding, yet also frequently challenging. While not desired, these challenges are a normal and often necessary part of individual and relational growth, and can be vehicles for increasing intimacy and satisfaction in the relationship. Amy works with couples to develop new ways of connecting and relating to one another, and to resolve past attachment injuries that are impacting the relationship.

Kyle believes that couples often enter a relationship or marriage expecting it to be the best thing they have experienced with someone they love. Issues can begin to emerge and grow as both individuals’ expectations continue to be unmet, or when life’s stressors cause you to drift apart. Kyle works with the couple as a neutral mediator to help express, reframe, and reach the couple’s expectations that will bring them back together. Kyle also has experience working with couples who have faced domestic violence in their household or relationship as well.

Michelle understands the impact relationships have on people. If the health of a person’s most intimate relationship is in jeopardy, it can affect all areas of life. Strengthening a person’s relationship can become infectious, positively influencing the rest of their life. Many of the struggles couples have come from negative patterns developed over a period of time. Addressing these patterns can help couples get to the heart of their concerns and hurt. Together couples can begin to rebuild empathy, connection, and vulnerability allowing them to cherish and truly enjoy their relationship once again.

Kay suggests that when difficulties arise, they can be seen as a problem attacking the marital union rather than a divisive force. As a couple, they can join together to use their resources and creativity and imagination to find a solution. In this way, a difficulty may even strengthen the marriage.

Janet emphasizes that marital relationships touch lives deep to the core of human experience. Research indicates that emotionally fulfilling relationships affect social, mental, and physical health of each person and of the children involved in the partnership. Couples counseling involves not only interpersonal behavior, but seeks to help the couple heal the painful attachment wounds that may have developed during the life of the relationship.

Stephen utilizes Solution-focused Therapy and Imago Therapy approaches in helping couples to deal with their concerns. The goal is the help couples with the issues on which they desire to work, and do this thoroughly but as quickly as possible. Stephen also believes that it is important for couples to understand both themselves and each other and he uses a variety of teaching and assessment approaches to help in this.

Rosie believes that couples come into therapy often after a rupture (or ruptures) in their attachment has not been either addressed or repaired. These wounds, compounded by each individual’s expectations and subjective experience, lead to miscommunication, criticism, contempt, and eventually a hopelessness in regards to the future of the relationship. Rosie believes relationships, by nature, go through seasons which sometimes can be rewarding and other times can be frustrating and confusing. Taking the time to seek understanding of one another in the difficult season can be a challenge, which could be met with the work put in through therapy. Rosie acts as a coach, mediator, and teacher when working with couples.