What brings a couple to therapy?

Couples therapy is a process where you and your partner want to learn how to resolve conflict, improve communication, and develop physical and emotional intimacy. Throughout this process, you want to move past blaming each other so that you can understand each other’s subjective realities and see the relationship more objectively so that you can deepen the connection.

The work of couples therapy

With the help of a couples therapist, you and your partner can begin to identify the patterns that are problematic within your relationship. When you are having the same fights over and over again, you’re stuck in a negative pattern. The longer the pattern sets in, the harder it is to come out of it, so it’s best to start the process early so resentment doesn’t grow and take on a life of its own.

Once those patterns are identified, the work starts to change those patterns and reconnect with your partner. Goals of couples therapy are as unique as the individuals in the relationship but the hope is to gain a better understanding of your partner in pursuit of stronger and closer connection.

Issues addressed in couples therapy

• Communication issues

• Sex and intimacy

• Parenting

• Substance abuse

• Affairs and infidelity

• Unmet emotional needs

• Extended family dynamics

• Individual trauma histories impact on relationship patterns