Counseling for Couples & Families
Couples Counseling
Getting on the same page
Many times when we're dealing with the stress that life throws at us, it takes everything we have just to survive. We don't take the time to talk with each other the way we know we should. But that doesn't mean we don't have feelings about what we've gone through!
Our therapists and clinicians can help by getting you to process things, particularly if that hasn't happened for a while. We start by clearly defining the problem. Are you struggling with communication? Financial issues? Life events? Or are there larger problems like infidelity, gambling, or substance abuse?
Sometimes, it's necessary to take an honest look at whether the problem is fixable. Are both parties vested in saving the relationship? If the answer is yes, then we start talking, without judgment.
Moving forward
Talking without action, however, solves nothing. Our approach to marital counseling involves setting goals to make measurable progress. What behaviors or activities could help you see your marriage differently? When you try this new (or forgotten!) behavior, how does it make you feel? We'll keep setting new goals and discussing the incremental progress you achieve, until eventually, you rediscover the happiness that first brought you together.
Family Counseling
Counseling for families almost always starts with couples counseling. Our family therapy starts from the top down. Once we have the parents on the same page and moving forward, then we can bring the children in on the discussion.
Our goal, once the children are involved, is to help the parents listen to and work with the children. Kids need the opportunity to vent their frustrations, and parents need to understand their children's point of view. Sometimes it's just a matter of changing the family dynamics. By identifying your "trigger points," we can help you figure out how to work around those trigger points to make interactions more worthwhile for everyone.