We work with couples who are struggling in their relationship because of problems that may include money, communication, sex, kids, in-laws, abuse, boundaries, respect, roles, chronic health problems, job stress, infidelity, etc.. 

We work both with the couple and individually with each member of the couple, as sometimes there are issues in the relationship that are best discussed or explored individually.  During our first session, we will discuss the best way in which to explore the issues that are bringing you into therapy as a couple.  We will collaboratively develop a treatment plan that best fits your situation. 

Our Philosophy about Couple’s Work

We believe that the majority of relationship issues are the result of not being Authentic...that is, not being who we really are, for whatever reason. 

We work with Couples to identify areas of inauthenticity and then provide training on how to become more authentic with each other so that each person feels accurately and lovingly “seen” and “heard” by their partner.

Sometimes we hide who we are in our most intimate relationships because we fear being hurt, not “seen” or heard, rejected and/or abandoned.  This fear may be rooted in unresolved business from our families of origin.  Sometimes it is rooted in experiences in past relationships.  Sometimes it is due to injuries inflicted in our current relationship. 

We believe that while it may not be (and is usually NEVER) the intention of either partner to injure the other, either verbally, emotionally, or physically, this often happens because of our own personal wounds that have not yet been healed.  Sometimes injuries occur because we simply do not realize that what we are doing is wounding our partner. 

When we are not able to communicate clearly with our partner about our needs, wants, and wishes, we may act in ways that we “think” are effective in communicating these needs, wants, and wishes based on what we learned in our childhood homes.  However, these behaviors usually end up hurting our partners, because they require that our partners be able to accurately interpret them.  This often leaves us feeling unheard, and ultimately hurting.  

Many of us did not receive training in how to communicate effectively in intimate relationships, or what we did receive in terms of training or modeling was not effective, may have been abusive, or may have been lacking altogether.   We then carry this model into our most intimate relationships and hope for the best. 

We help clients to develop a different, more loving and accepting model of communication so that they can more fully enjoy their relationship, without fear and unnecessary frustration.