Couples Therapy & Marriage Counseling
Is the constant tension affecting your relationship, self-esteem, and daily life as a couple?
Are you and your partner stuck in the same arguments without finding a way to resolve things?
Do you often feel like your partner doesn't really get you, and it's tough to communicate?
Are you feeling down and not sure what to do to make your relationship better?
Is the intimacy in your relationship not what it used to be, leaving you feeling disconnected from your partner?
Have you experienced a breach of trust through infidelity, and are you unsure about how to navigate the aftermath and rebuild your relationship?
Why do couples seek counseling?
Anger Management
Boundary Issues
Cheating/Infidelity
Co-Dependency
Cultural Differences
Discernment Counseling (deciding whether to continue the relationship or pursue divorce)
Frequent Arguing
Growing Apart
Health Issues
Infertility Struggles
Intimacy and Sexual Issues
Life Changes (Retirement, Empty Nest)
Mental Illness in Relationships
Money and Finances
Parenting Conflicts
Premarital Counseling
Same-Sex Relationship Issues
Step-parents, Stepchildren, and Blended Families
Substance Abuse
Unemployment or Career Change
What To Expect In Couples Therapy Sessions
Feeling nervous about starting couples therapy is natural. Couples therapy at In-Balance Psychotherapy is designed to provide a safe space where you can openly discuss any concerns, without fear of judgment. Our sessions will provide you with the opportunity to explore your relationship dynamics and gain a deeper understanding of both yourselves and each other. I follow a collaborative, non-judgmental, and relatable approach, tailoring techniques to meet your specific needs.
Before our initial session, I'll request both partners to complete some intake paperwork. The first session involves meeting with the couple to gain insight into their relationship dynamics and explore how I can best support them. Our initial session focuses on understanding the relationship, outlining specific goals, and establishing a collaborative path forward.
In sessions, we will dive into various aspects of the relationship, exploring dynamics such as communication styles, conflict triggers, and shared goals. We'll work together to identify what the relationship means to each partner, recognizing patterns, and developing effective strategies to manage challenges. Additionally, we'll address more personal aspects, including how the relationship impacts individual self-worth, the establishment of healthy boundaries, and the influence on relationships beyond the romantic partnership, such as with friends and family. Together, we'll navigate the complexities of the relationship landscape, fostering positive growth and strengthening the connection between partners.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a powerful and evidence-based approach that In-Balance Psychotherapy integrates into couples therapy, to facilitate a deeper emotional connection between partners. This method recognizes the important role that emotional bonds play in a healthy relationship. It operates on the understanding that identifying and transforming negative interaction patterns is key to fostering lasting positive change. Grounded in research, EFT provides a structured framework for couples to comprehend and reshape these patterns, leading to more constructive and fulfilling interactions with each other.
EFT acts as a guide for couples to express their fears, desires, and concerns within a safe and supportive environment. This evidence-based therapy empowers couples to improve communication, navigate conflicts more effectively, and rebuild trust.
By focusing on creating a secure emotional foundation, EFT enables partners to better understand each other's needs and emotions, resulting in a stronger and more satisfying connection.
Signs Couples Therapy Could Be Beneficial:
Engaging in repetitive arguments with your partner(s).
Finding that most communication is negative and tends to escalate into fights.
Sensing that your partner(s) struggles to comprehend your perspective.
Noticing a shift from romance to frustration and increasing emotional distance.
Encountering instances of dishonesty or secretive behavior within the partnership.
Feeling sadness or loneliness when attempting to connect with your partner(s).
Perceiving a decline in meaningful conversations or a lack of connection.
Struggling to allocate quality time with your partner(s) after having children.
Experiencing a profound breach of trust that alters your perception of your partner.
Detecting an overall sense of indifference between you and your partner(s).
Couples Therapy FAQs
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Is couples therapy only for married couples?
Absolutely not! Couples therapy is not exclusively for married couples; it is a valuable resource for individuals at various stages of their relationships. Whether you're newly dating, engaged, married, or in a long-term relationship, couples therapy can be beneficial. It provides a supportive space to address challenges, enhance communication, and strengthen your connection, regardless of your relationship status. No matter where you are on your relationship journey, couples therapy is a helpful and inclusive tool for fostering a healthier and more satisfying connection with your partner.
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What if my partner doesn't want to attend couples therapy?
It's completely understandable if one partner is hesitant about attending couples therapy, and it's important to acknowledge that both partners need to be willing participants for the therapy to be most effective. If your partner is unsure about attending, I recommend having an open and honest conversation with them about your desire to go to couples therapy and the importance it holds for you. Expressing your feelings and emphasizing the positive impact it can have on your relationship may help ease any reservations.
However, if your partner remains hesitant, individual therapy sessions can be an alternative. In individual sessions, we can work on enhancing communication skills, coping mechanisms, and personal insights that can still contribute positively to the overall dynamic of the relationship. While couples therapy is ideally a joint effort, individual sessions offer a space for personal growth that can indirectly benefit the relationship.
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How long are couples therapy sessions?
Couples therapy sessions typically last for an hour, and it is recommended to start with weekly sessions. The one-hour duration allows for a comprehensive exploration of issues and facilitates meaningful discussions. Weekly sessions provide consistency and momentum in the therapeutic process, creating an opportunity for steady progress.
Beginning with weekly sessions is particularly beneficial in the early stages of couples therapy. It allows for a focused and regular commitment to addressing concerns, fostering a deeper understanding of each partner's perspective, and implementing strategies for positive change. As progress is observed and the relationship strengthens, we can collaboratively discuss adjusting the frequency of sessions to best meet the evolving needs of the couple. The initial commitment to weekly hour-long sessions sets a foundation for progress and offers a structured framework for achieving the desired positive outcomes in the couples' therapy journey.