Couples’ conflict is a common problem.....
Even though we start out with deep positive feelings for our partners, most people experience some difficulties as the daily problems of living together take center stage. We often forget why we chose to be together in the first place.
You’re in good company.....
Sometimes people think being in counseling means admitting there is "something wrong with me". The problems with which people struggle in couples relationships are common human problems, which everyone must deal with. Competent individuals, who care about each other, & want to improve how they fit together as a couple, can save years of wasted struggle by learning a few skills.
You’re in good hands.....
People often find it comforting to know that they are seeing someone who understands the complexities of a couple’s relationship, and who will not take sides or pass judgement— someone who understands how the personal wishes of each member of the couple fits with the collective good. Dual training in individual mental health (anxiety, depression, Impulse, addictive behaviors, etc.) and systemic family therapy enables us to understand and effectively work with the individual and relationship aspects of the situation.
It is Problem/Solution-Based, and focuses on Skill Development.
There is no effort to go back and dig up childhood experiences unless there is a clear and obvious reason to do so. Focus is shifted away from placing blame, and having reasons to maintain the problem. The connection between what you want to accomplish & what we do is clear.
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Understanding differences
Dealing with separation
Dealing with anger
Sexual difficulties
Step-couples
Affairs
Trust
Intimacy
Affection
Communication
Boundaries/assertiveness
We respect your goals & values....
We will not try to make you do what somebody else wants you to do. We start with your goals & find ways to help you develop the skills necessary to accomplish your goals. We have found that, if either person's individual needs are not represented in the solution, it will not work in the long run. So there is a strong emphasis on helping each person take responsibility and control over their own happiness. Some things are better handled individually, and some things are better handled with both people in the room. Our unique blend of individual & couples therapy is quite effective. |
It is comprehensive.....
The program is centered around the needs of couples, so efforts have been made to anticipate those needs and provide resources. Help for speciality areas such as sex theapy, adoption, divorce, mediation, stepfamilies, have been built-in. Our approach allows for the use of individual, interactional, and biological variables in the solution. Attempts are made to provide resources to supplement/enhance the learning process.
It is Cost-Effective.....
One of the barriers to many couples getting the help they need is cost. This program is designed to maximize use of funding sources, therapist time (therefore lower cost). There is a strong focus on developing skills which you can do at home to help transfer skills from session to every-day life. Specific assignments and exercises makes use of time in between sessions. Session spacing is based largely on what is most effective for helping you learn the skills.
Insurance often doesn’t pay for marriage counseling.....
generally, even though relationship difficulties are one of the main sources of depression and anxiety, so a cost-effective alternative is needed. Often use of individual therapy to address individual concerns helps make the couples therapy more effective. Since most insurances don't pay for couples therapy, this lowers cost because it maximizes use of insurance where possible.
---see Gaaren Anderson, LMFT |
