Do you and your partner feel stuck in the same conversational pattern over and over? Are trivial triggers spiraling into fights? Does it feel like no matter what the topic, the conversation ends up the same way—in tears, frustration, and isolation?

Often when couples reach out, they are having trouble communicating.

It is not too late to do something about a troubled relationship, and it is never too early to look at the relationship to make sure it is on track. Being a couple is both a shared experience, and a combination of two people’s individual experiences. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to each partner’s perception, looking at both the positive elements, and the dynamics that are interfering with resolving conflict and deepening intimacy and enjoyment of each other.

• Therapy can be a preventative measure to avoid a crisis, or de-escalate a crisis that is already leading to increasing distance, or separation. It can be invaluable in looking at the different patterns of communication and behavior.

• I work with clients in a non-biased manner, simultaneously promoting the team, while also advocating for each person’s individuality and specific needs. Having a unique vantage point, I can make suggestions about how each partner might consider other views and choices. 

• Even in cases of infidelity or another breach of trust, therapy can help couples reconnect and find what was lost…and how much can be gained.

With therapy you can:

• Identify your patterns that lead to negative interaction loops

• Learn and implement communication and active listening skills

• Explore negative thought patterns and negative interpretations preventing you from fully connecting with your partner

• Explore family-of-origin issues and how these affect the way we communicate and attach in our intimate relationships

I also offer Premarital Counseling for partners who want to feel more committed, confident, aligned and secure. Therapy can be used preventatively as a way to build a healthy, nourishing relationship that can withstand tough times. Life only gets more complicated so this is the best time to learn about what a healthy relationship really looks like and how to create that secure base.

• Make sure you are on the same page in terms of your goals and values for your future?

• Put it all out on the table so that there are no surprises, and gain tools for the difficult times ahead.

• Assessment tools such as Prepare/Enrich can be used to identify areas of strength and growth areas. Research has shown that taking the Prepare/Enrich assessment prior to marriage can reduce your risk for divorce by 30%.