At Compassion Centered Counseling, I specialize in providing Couples Therapy.
Do you find that you and your spouse/partner are fighting more frequently than usual and unable to communicate well? Do you feel the love you once shared is diminishing? Are you feeling disconnected and distanced from each other? Do you feel your needs are not being met? Have you experienced infidelity in your relationship? Relationships are complex, and none of them are perfect. Every relationship has its ups and downs. Sometimes when in the midst of challenges in a relationship, it can be difficult to step back and gain perspective on the conflict and how it can be resolved. Couples counseling can provide you and your spouse/partner with new insight and skills to gain perspective and feel heard so that your relationship can feel closer, more securely connected and fulfilling.
How can we feel better?
I strive to help couples reclaim or build the life of passion, trust, understanding, and teamwork that they desire. By learning to evolve developmentally as a couple, you and your partner communicate in a way that each feels heard and validated and disagreements become an opportunity to grow in the relationship as opposed to something that slowly destroys it. When it’s getting uncomfortable, I know we are getting to core issues of one’s self and the relationship. It’s important to not give up; to trust yourself, the therapist and the process by sticking with it.
What is unique about working with you?
I have worked with many couples over the years, and have witnessed many different types of relationships work through their challenges to gain the happiness they desire. I understand that no two relationships are the same and what it is like to experience challenges in relationships. I know that relationships take hard work. I know that the reward for the hard work is well worth the effort and commitment it takes to get there.
I am trained in the Bader and Pearson Developmental Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment in Couples Therapy. This is a comprehensive model that shows how couples evolve through natural stages and how blocks in development between partners can be understood and addressed. The course of a couple’s future therapy becomes clearer once developmental impasses and discrepancies are identified. In sessions the focus is on the relationship and not an identified client. I place emphasis on impasses, not on analyzing and rehashing symptoms and complaints. The therapy focus is primarily on the present and the promising future, and not endlessly examining the past.
In my approach, I also focus on Attachment, Differentiation and Neuroscience. In the area of Attachment I am guiding each partner through an evaluation and understanding of their unique attachment style from a lifelong history. We then learn how to create more secure attachment for oneself in the relationship. A valuable relationship goal is to create a secure functioning relationship together.
Differentiation is helping couples understand conflict and differences that they have in order to learn from them. This allows an opportunity for healthy couple development and growth in the relationship through a better communication process.
Neuroscience involves helping a couple understand the architecture of the brain and how the mind can change this for more positive growth and development.
I just don’t know…. “My partner is hesitant to seek help through couples counseling”
Sometimes one partner has concerns about seeking help for fear it won’t work, it will get worse, or that the therapist will take sides. I strive to make sure each partner feels heard. I facilitate teamwork within the couple helping them find the words to express their thoughts and feelings in a productive way that increases the bond in the relationship, as opposed to using unproductive communication that heightens defenses. Couples counseling helps partners identify the underlying emotions that are often masked by defensive communication. Nevertheless, in cases where someone’s partner is not willing to come to couples counseling, I will work with just one individual from the partnership to help them adjust their own communication, behavior and resulting emotions in an effort to impact change in the relationship.
“We may be past the point of fixing our relationship; separation may be the best choice”
Although many couples want to make every effort to resolve the problems in their relationship, there are times when both parties may agree that parting ways is the best option. When this happens, I will work with you both in couples counseling to help navigate the transition of separating in a way that is as amicable and peaceful as possible.
“What if couples counseling makes our problems worse, it may make us fight more or one of us might feel attacked?”
Often the initial sessions in couples counseling can stir up some conflict and emotions that have been sensitive subjects for both parties. Although this is uncomfortable, it is only temporary as we begin the work toward creating better understanding and support within the relationship. I strive to provide an environment of balance and understanding for both parties as you work toward reclaiming the connection and love that was once experienced in your relationship.
What is next?
If you are ready to start the process to reconnecting with your spouse/partner, then it is time to schedule a couples counseling appointment. Call me at (817) 666-3067 to set up your initial session or fill out your information on Contact Today and I will reach out to you as soon as possible. You may also email me to schedule a time to talk over the phone. I am happy to answer any questions you may have so that you can feel confident starting your path to healing and revitalizing your relationship.
During the initial phone conversation, I will schedule the appointment for you and give you important information regarding the first session.
New clients please complete the Initial Therapy Forms Packet and bring to your first session. Following the first appointment, clients are free to go online into the client portal and schedule, modify or cancel their appointments themselves.