Couples Therapy
A couple consists of two unique individuals in relationship with each other. They each come into the relationship with a set of beliefs, values and experiences. It is important to realize that because each individual is a half of the couple, each one is half of the problem and each one needs to be half of the solution.
Couples come into therapy for a variety of reasons.
Frequent or constant arguments between a couple result in frustration and disappointment of unfulfilled emotional needs while destroying feelings of love and creating distance. Unresolved, this can build up over time and result in a crisis within the relationship, such as an affair or apparent loss of affection and caring. Other traumatic events such as an illness, loss in the family or job loss can also bring great distress to a couple.
When a couple is emotionally caught up in their situation, they are not always able to see a solution to their difficulties. A therapist will first explore the presenting issues of the couple, giving each partner an opportunity to be heard in their experience and understanding of the problem. Individual patterns are explored along with family of origin and childhood experiences being the foundation of our beliefs and expectations brought into the relationship. With a clearer understanding of who they are as individuals, the couple will be able to develop empathy, learn to be emotionally present for each other which will promote intimacy and bring them closer together. The couple will learn effective communication skills through active listening and empowerment so they understand and meet each others personal needs. Various therapeutic methods will be used to restore connection between the two individuals, bringing them into a healthy balance as a couple, nurturing their ability to deal with and enjoy life.
Couple sessions are usually 1.5 hours on a regular basis. In addition, it is sometimes necessary to work with individuals in private one-on-one sessions as part of the couples work.
Couples come into therapy for a variety of reasons.
- Communication breakdown
- Cultural differences and roles
- Recurring arguments and fighting
- Affairs
- Addictions
- Finances
- Family matters
- Social interaction
- Illness
Frequent or constant arguments between a couple result in frustration and disappointment of unfulfilled emotional needs while destroying feelings of love and creating distance. Unresolved, this can build up over time and result in a crisis within the relationship, such as an affair or apparent loss of affection and caring. Other traumatic events such as an illness, loss in the family or job loss can also bring great distress to a couple.
When a couple is emotionally caught up in their situation, they are not always able to see a solution to their difficulties. A therapist will first explore the presenting issues of the couple, giving each partner an opportunity to be heard in their experience and understanding of the problem. Individual patterns are explored along with family of origin and childhood experiences being the foundation of our beliefs and expectations brought into the relationship. With a clearer understanding of who they are as individuals, the couple will be able to develop empathy, learn to be emotionally present for each other which will promote intimacy and bring them closer together. The couple will learn effective communication skills through active listening and empowerment so they understand and meet each others personal needs. Various therapeutic methods will be used to restore connection between the two individuals, bringing them into a healthy balance as a couple, nurturing their ability to deal with and enjoy life.
Couple sessions are usually 1.5 hours on a regular basis. In addition, it is sometimes necessary to work with individuals in private one-on-one sessions as part of the couples work.