MARRIAGE, RELATIONSHIP, COUPLES COUNSELING AND THERAPY IN SAN DIEGO
I have found that the most successful relationships have a strong relationship foundation and high level of emotional safety. My couples counseling is based on helping people to achieve this. One of the most important areas to addressed will be the quality of your communication. A relationship needs good communication like a plant needs water. Also, I'll want to know what you and your partner learned about relationships from your parents or past partners? Did each of you have loving, supportive role models? Are you able to be open and vulnerable to each other in your relationship - or are there emotional blocks to intimacy and trust?
My therapy approach weaves together concepts from attachment and imago theories – as well as the research of John Gottman.
Possible goals to be attained in couples counseling:
- Learn healthy communication skills and conflict de-escalation techniques
- Identify and disrupt negative cycles occurring in the relationship
- Increase of emotional safety in the relationship
- Explore and work through built up resentments
- Heal from partner infidelity
- Increase relationship intimacy
- Clarify individual and relationship goals
- Explore family of origin influences
- Strengthen relationship foundation
I also have experience with additional issues that come up for military and gay/lesbian couples. See Premarital Counseling for information about services provided for soon-to-be-married couples.
Get more detailed information on my relationship therapy areas of focus which are couples communication, decreasing resentment, emotional safety, infidelity, healthy boundaries and premarital education.
You also might be able to find some useful information in one of my Relationship Articles or in my Mental Health and Relationship Toolbox.