Couples and Family Counseling
“The family - that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor, in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to.”
― Dodie Smith
We change. It is inevitable. Sometimes by choice, sometimes out of necessity. The question for any couple or family is whether they are changing together; if they are growing together or apart. My approach to couples or family therapy is to help individuals communicate and understand each other more effectively. I act as both a guide and interpreter of emotional needs, hurts and frustrations to help bring some sense of resolution to the past and optimism for the possibility of their future. Learning to validate one another’s needs and develop interpersonal effectiveness skills is paramount to expert family therapy.
Couples too often find themselves stuck in unhealthy patterns of blaming and judgment, without allowing for understanding of what is truly needed from each other. And, at times, one partner’s behaviors or struggles has taken a toll on the relationship and support is needed to sort through valid angers and hurts. Trust is the foundation of love, and when this is broken, couples can mend those wounds, with time and honest effort.
When one partner has experienced a trauma or significant loss in their lives, the bonds of the relationship can be compromised through no fault of either. Couples work can help provide education and guidance on how to support one another through challenging periods with compassion and empathy, while maintaining boundaries of self-respect and dignity.
Family counseling follows the same mold of working to gain greater insight into the needs of each family member, while aiming to establish or reestablish normalize boundaries and family roles unique to your family system and culture. Families also can benefit from education around how to better understand the mental and behavioral health needs of their children. Knowledge is empowering for all families.
I hope I can be of support to you and help your relationship reconnect with the love in which it started.