Our Process

How Our Process Works

When you are ready to reach out and start your new journey, the first thing we do is to make sure whether I will be the right therapist for you and your partner by asking some questions to determine that fit. After that we can set up an appointment to meet either in office or other settings. The benefits of our initial meeting is to really get to know each other and the situation that brings you in. The first session is about learning about your history, creating goals and a plan for treatment. The length of the plan will vary from couple to couple, but we will have a mutually agreed upon length of time. I do not work with long term therapy. While every couple is unique in their issues or circumstances, 10 to 12 sessions (average 3 months) should be enough time to work through some issues and receive perspective feedback from a professional marriage therapist.

In person is the preferred method of our initial meeting as body language, speech tone, facial expressions can all add more information in order for us to work on.  

Both partners should be present at our first meeting for our assessment. If the situation is better served at having partners separated during our future sessions, I can evaluate and assess for it. There may be times that I will provide individual therapy to each partner for a very short period of time before continuing couple therapy; or I may refer one partner or both out for longer individual therapy before we can commerce and continue couple work. All that will be evaluated and assessed during our sessions together. 

What Types of Issues Can Couples Counseling Help With?

• You might be in a comfortable and stable relationship, but find decision making creates some tension or problems between partners.

• Trust issues between partners can really affect interpersonal communication and intimacy.

• Communication issues between partners, where one or both partners may not feel completely heard or understood in different aspects of their relationship.

• Coping with an extramarital affair may need help and guidance from a professional to determine the future of the relationship. When have never experienced certain emotions and feelings such as betrayal, or broken trust or vows, many adults are not equipped to handle these sort of issues. And that’s alright. Coming to work with a couples counselor can help determine ways to move past, or determine the best course of action for both parties involved.

• Sometimes people in relationships just get “stuck” or stagnant. Marriage counseling can work with couples to help move them forward in their relationship and create amore stimulating and re-energized relationship with their partner.
  
• Parenting style issues and differences.
  
• Extend family related issues that cause a major relationship burden on the partner, and of course cultural difference and issues.

Do we work with children?

Our focus is on adult relationships primarily. We only work with children when they are directly involved with the issues primary to the partners. For example, if ending a relationship appears to be a choice following counseling, and there are children from this relationship, then working with the family to create a more constructive and healthy communication system for the benefit of everyone involved. Lifelong relationship are created with children, no matter how a relationship is defined.

Finding The Best Fit For You

Whether we make a match together on your relationship journey or not, nothing is wrong with exploring a second professional opinion. As with any situation involving important issues in your life, a second opinion is always encouraged. Sometimes we want to make sure we are making the right choice in finding a couples counselor, and we understand. We also would like to caution you in your search for a marriage counselor to be aware of therapist “bias.” Some therapists may be bias towards one type of solution, learning path, or therapy style. Ask for details about their process, therapy style, length of therapy sessions in advance. We hope you find what you need to continue your growth and creating new chapters in your life – however your relationship is defined or changing.