Couples Counseling Specialist

When might I need couples counseling?

Couples counseling can improve and strengthen the connection between partners at any stage of their relationship. 

Some couples start counseling to establish a strong foundation of respectful communication. Many couples seek counseling when daily disagreements escalate, or they're on the verge of separating. Others look for help resolving an ongoing conflict.

Couples face many challenges they can overcome with counseling, including:

• Negative or disrespectful communication
• Disagreements over money
• Conflicting parenting styles
• Need to improve intimacy
• Alcohol or drug addiction in one or both partners
• Problems with anger management
• Mental or emotional abuse
• Infidelity and loss of trust

The therapists at Associates in Behavioral Science meet with couples to identify and address their unique relational challenges.

What should I expect during couples counseling?

Couples counseling gives you a safe place where each person can respectfully and honestly share their thoughts and feelings. Your therapist gently guides your discussions, exploring where the problem started and why it escalated.

Managing conflict in a relationship often takes a mix of therapy and skills building. Each person learns to recognize their approach and make adjustments that alleviate conflict. For example, you may resort to sarcasm or make judgments that escalate battles rather than promoting cooperation. Couples counseling can teach mindful, respectful ways of communicating.

As you navigate the issues, you gain a better understanding of how past experiences, values, and thinking patterns affect the way each person interacts with their partner. Along the way, you learn new skills, identify negative patterns, and learn to communicate your feelings and needs.

What type of therapy is used during couples counseling?

Your therapist chooses their therapeutic approach based on each couples' challenges and goals. Your counseling may be like a free-flowing conversation guided by questions from your therapist. Or you may engage in counseling that has a structured format.

Different types of couples counseling include:

• Emotionally focused therapy
• Solution-focused therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Narrative therapy
• Relational life therapy
• Psychodynamic therapy

These are only a few examples illustrating the varied types of couples therapy. The therapists at Associates in Behavioral Science have training and experience in many therapeutic techniques.

No matter the type of therapy, their goal is to solve the problems that led you to seek counseling and help you build a stronger relationship. 

To learn more about couples counseling or schedule an appointment, call Associates in Behavioral Science or book an appointment online today.