Relationships
Throughout our lives we experience any number of relationships with family, friends, partners, and colleagues and co-workers. At their most relevant, relationships can bring some of the greatest joys of our lives and foster some of our most significant achievements as well as present some of the greatest challenges or hurts.
All couples are unique and have differences in how they deal with relationship issues. People differ in how they negotiate and resolve issues specific to their relationship. Healthy couples are able to cleanly communicate their feelings in a way that allows resolution. Generally these couples are able to reach a win/win scenario where both feel they got what they needed emotionally. In unhealthy relationships there is usually a win/lose scenario that leads to conflict which can be ongoing and difficult to resolve. Their communication tends to be defensive and generally ineffective in producing resolution. As resentments build, the relationship erodes, often along with one's self-esteem.
There are many thoughts that people have which lead them into relationship counseling. Some people feel that their partner is avoiding them, while others feel that they have cyclical arguments without ever moving forward. Then, there are those who wonder whether they married the right person and question whether their spouse really loves them.
Many people are in a relationship with a controlling partner and there are those who feel their partner does not really understand them on important issues. Therapy can also serve to think through how to resolve issues, keep each partner safe and at times how to make difficult decisions about whether or not the relationship can remain intact.
Sex and intimacy are areas where many couples struggle. Too often people find it difficult to rationally talk about emotionally charged issues. Financial stressors are another factor that lead many people into relationship counseling. As one can clearly see and likely relate, many everyday issues have the potential to negatively impact our relationships. Couples counseling can help by teaching effective communication skills, improve the couples ability to listen, and eventually work towards positive outcomes.
Below are several areas of relationship counseling offered within our practice:
Couples and Family Therapy
Our therapists can help you and your partner or other family members understand the dynamics within your relationship(s) and identify strategies to nurture change and development. Whether it is facilitating a family making a difficult decision, a couple working on communication, or parents facing challenges in raising teens and caring for their aging parents, our therapists can help you and your loved ones.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning
As an LGBT&Q affirming practice, we have staff trained in working with couples and families for therapy needs that might be unique to the community. Whether you are questioning your sexual orientation or identity, part of a family adjusting to a member’s coming out, or a partner in a lesbian or gay couple facing the challenges of raising a child in a community that can be ignorant, our therapists can help.
Interpersonally-focused Individual Therapy
Are you dating and it is not going well or cannot find what you are looking for? Tested by a relationship with your boss or a co-worker? Having issues with your parents or in-laws? Our therapists also work with individuals facing relationship issues. Your therapist can help you examine your relationships, learn more about your thought and behavior patterns, and help you identify strategies to minimize or manage conflict and establish the relationships you want in your life.