Relationship Counseling

Problems in one or more relationships are often the reason a client considers beginning therapy. Human beings need relationships and connections and when there is any kind of disconnect with another, this may de-stabilize us to such a degree we don’t know how to recover or gain our footing in life again. If there is a breakup of a romance or a marriage, it can be important to understand what happened (as much as possible), gain one’s bearings, know the difference between healthy and toxic relationships, and how to make changes in oneself to create a happy and meaningful relationship with another, rather than repeating dysfunctional patterns. It is important not to go relationship-hopping in hopes of minimizing your negative feelings about yourself and others due to this particular breakup. Such counseling would be done with you as an individual.

Conflict is unavoidable in any relationship! Each person deals with his or her own upbringing, perspectives, feelings and experiences. There will be differences and disagreements. Common problems have to do with dysfunctional thinking, dishonesty of one kind or another, lack of respect, poor communication skills, inequity of tasks, co-dependency, a sense of entitlement, and one or both parties having to “be right” all the time, etc. If you would like to experience a more harmonious relationship, currently or in future, you may need a professional, impartial perspective to assist you (and your partner) to understand one another and yourself.

I do a minimal amount of couple’s counseling (whether you are married or partnered, straight or part of the GLBT community). Imago therapy helps uncover the lessons learned from childhood that do and don’t serve you in your adult relationships. Couple’s counseling sessions will help you discover the core issues causing your relationship problems while helping you each/both to develop a plan to build a solid foundation of mutual respect and honesty if it is your goal to remain together.