Couples
We live in a society that expects us to navigate one of the most important relationships in our lives without any help. Seeking couples counseling can often carry a negative stigma, as some people perceive it as a sign of failure or weakness in their relationship. Other times its fear of the unknown and/or outside of our cultural norms to even consider it as an option.
Breaking conflict cycles in relationships requires open and honest communication. It is important for both individuals to actively listen and understand each other's perspectives without judgment. Sometimes we’re too set in our ways or just too inside of the relationship to make changes without third party support.
I say that a simplified definition of courage is just doing things scared. Especially for those with complex relationship history, romantic relationships require a lot of courage. Seeking couples counseling is a courageous and proactive step towards improving and strengthening your connection.
Pre marriage counseling
Many people think couples counseling is only meant for when there’s conflict, however this is not the case. With each relationship milestone comes adjustments. Being aware of your strengths and areas of growth as a couple allows you and your partner to be proactive about your relationship.
Whether you’re moving in together, have recently become engaged, or are approaching any other relationship milestone, couples therapy can help to reduce future conflict by helping you plan ahead, manage expectations, and optimize your strengths as a couple and increase patience and understanding for your relational areas of growth.
discernment counseling
Before you can get into any specifics about what work needs to be done, determining whether a relationship is right for both parties is necessary.
Betrayal, grief and loss, and sudden external life stressors like career changes and familial obligations can lead us to question whether or not to stay with our romantic partner. Discernment counseling is a specific approach to couples therapy that focuses on this decision making process.
blended & multicultural families
Adoption, re-marrying, co-parenting, or coming from a collectivist culture when your partner is from an individualistic culture can sometimes be difficult to navigate.
Issues like how time around the holidays are spent, what aspects of childcare are prioritized, boundaries with extended family and ex partners, can cause conflict. In these cases, getting outside support can help.