Couples Therapy

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“We live in the shelter of each other”

Celtic Saying

Photo by Simon via Stocksy.

Let’s figure this out.

We need emotional attachments with a few irreplaceable others to be physically and mentally healthy. So it’s no wonder that when your relationship is struggling, every part of your life feels impacted.

It hurts when you lose a sense of connection with your partner and you can’t figure out how to get back on track. Maybe you and your partner are having trouble communicating and find yourselves having the same disagreements over and over again. Or maybe you feel a distance between you that you can’t quite put your finger on. Whatever the nature of your unique situation, we can navigate it together.

My work with couples is informed by my training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (based in human attachment) is one of the most evidenced-based models of couples therapy. Through the use of EFT, we will look at the patterns of conflict and disconnection that play out between you and your partner and help you both understand each other in a new way- ultimately reshaping your experience of conflict and helping you feel a sense of repair.

As each couple is unique, I integrate a diverse range of tools and strategies tailored to meet your specific needs. I warmly welcome and affirm individuals of all identities and experiences, including those in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Here are some areas I focus on when working with couples:

Communication, Arguments, Conflict

Couples therapy plays a crucial role in addressing and improving communication, arguments, and conflicts within relationships. Through open and constructive dialogue, couples can learn effective communication techniques, such as active listening and expressing needs and concerns respectfully. Therapists provide a safe space for couples to navigate and resolve conflicts, fostering understanding, empathy, and compromise. With the guidance of couples therapy, partners can develop healthier communication patterns, manage disagreements more effectively, and build a stronger, more harmonious relationship.

Trust/ Reconnecting

In couples therapy, we delve into incidents or patterns that may have eroded trust, and work on healing and rebuilding this integral element. I assist couples in reestablishing a safe emotional connection, through understanding each other's experiences and responding to each other's needs. This therapeutic journey fosters a deeper bond and aids in reigniting the sense of intimacy and connection, paving the way for a more fulfilling and resilient relationship.

Intimacy

Intimacy issues can create a significant barrier in a relationship, often leading to a sense of disconnect or dissatisfaction. Couples therapy aims to address this by fostering a safe space for partners to openly discuss their needs, fears, and desires. By facilitating a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives, therapy empowers couples to enhance emotional and physical closeness, leading to a more fulfilling and intimate connection.

Discernment Therapy

Discernment Therapy is a crucial part of couples therapy, particularly designed for those unsure about the future of their relationship. This method allows the couple to gain better insight into their relationship dynamics, exploring possibilities for change while considering each partner's feelings and perspectives. It can serve as a valuable tool for making informed decisions about the viability of the relationship, whether that leads to reconciliation, separation, or a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

Remarriage and step parenting

Blended families often face unique challenges such as adjustment issues and difficulties in defining roles and boundaries. These complexities can strain the relationship between partners. Couples therapy can play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. This therapeutic approach offers a safe and supportive environment for each family member to express their feelings and concerns, fostering understanding and empathy among all parties. Therapy can also help partners establish effective parenting strategies, enhancing cooperation and consistency in parenting. Ultimately, couples therapy can assist blended families in creating a harmonious and supportive family environment.

Premarital Counseling

Premarital Counseling is an essential part of preparing couples for the lifelong commitment of marriage. This therapeutic approach focuses on building skills for a strong and healthy relationship, including communication, conflict resolution, and understanding each other's expectations. Through premarital counseling, couples gain a deeper understanding of each other, learning to navigate potential challenges and to effectively manage differences. It provides an opportunity to explore important topics such as finances, family planning, and roles within the relationship, setting the stage for a solid and lasting union. This proactive approach can help identify potential areas of conflict before they become major issues, ensuring couples start their marital journey on a firm footing.

Affair Recovery

Affair Recovery in couples therapy is a dedicated process aimed at helping couples who have experienced the breach of trust that comes with infidelity. The path to recovery involves exploring the underlying issues that led to the affair, understanding the impact it had on both partners, and taking proactive steps towards healing and rebuilding trust. In therapy, couples can express their feelings and thoughts in a safe and supportive environment, guided by a therapist who facilitates open, honest, and empathetic dialogue. This journey, although challenging, can potentially lead to a stronger and more resilient relationship.

Sexual concerns

Sexual concerns can encompass a broad range of issues that may create tension in a relationship. These issues might include mismatched libidos, difficulties with sexual performance, differing sexual desires, or discomfort surrounding the topic of sex. In couples therapy, these concerns are addressed in an open, non-judgmental environment. Therapists work with couples to facilitate honest conversations around these topics, helping partners understand each others' sexual needs and desires. Therapy can also provide strategies for enhancing intimacy, improving communication around sexual topics, and resolving conflicts related to sexual issues. For couples experiencing issues of sexual dysfunction, therapy may also involve referrals to medical professionals or sex therapists. The ultimate goal of addressing these concerns in couples therapy is to foster a healthy and satisfying sexual relationship between partners.

While couples therapy can be very rewarding, it is not easy. It is so important to find a therapist that is a good fit for you and your partner.

I offer in-person sessions at my office located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Denver, Colorado as well as online through video conferencing. I am committed to creating a space that is both safe and challenging, providing the kind of support that catalyzes change.

If you’re ready to make a change, I am here to help. Schedule a free 10-minute initial consultation now.

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“ Emotional dependency is not immature or pathological; it is our greatest strength.”

Sue Johnson

Photo by Sarah Schmidt Photography.