Relationship, Marriage, and Couples Therapy:

Couples therapy is a form of treatment in which a therapist helps those involved in a romantic relationship gain insight into their relationship, resolve conflict, and improve relationship satisfaction utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions. Some of the elements that this therapy includes are:

• A focus on a specific problem (i.e. sexual difficulties, excessive arguing or conflict, emotional distance, jealousy, etc.)

• Active participation on the part of the therapist in treating the relationship itself, rather than each individual separately

• Solution-focused, change-oriented interventions early on in treatment.

• The exploration of each partner’s family-of-origin and unique cultural backgrounds and values

• A clear establishment of treatment objectives.

What to expect:

I will assist the couple in identifying the issues that will be the focus of treatment, establishing treatment goals, and creating a structure for treatment.

During the treatment phase, I will help the couple gain insight into the relational dynamics maintaining the problem, while helping both partners understand each of their roles in the dysfunctional interactions. This will facilitate the process of adjusting the way they perceive the relationship and each other.

Although gaining insight is important, another crucial aspect of couples therapy involves interrupting a couple’s cycles of interaction through behavior modification. I will often assign partners homework, providing them with an opportunity to practice the skills we discuss in session, at home with one another.

Most couples complete couple’s therapy having gained insight into their relational patterns, increased emotional expression, and the development of the skills necessary to communicate and problem-solve with their partners more effectively.

Who is it for?

Couples therapy is beneficial for all romantic relationships, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or marital status. Many couples benefit from therapy throughout the various stages of their relationship.

Couples therapy can assist you in resolving the problems you are your partner are currently experiencing, and help prevent the recurrence of these problems in the future. Premarital counseling is available for those who are hoping to strengthen their relationship as they plan for a long-term future with one another. Common areas of concern addressed in couples therapy include conflict about money, parenting, sex, infidelity, in-laws, chronic health issues, infertility, gambling, substance use, and emotional distance.

My therapeutic approach:

I am trained in the Gottman Method, and utilize various assessment and intervention techniques from this therapeutic modality in my work with couples. As your couple’s therapist, my goal is to help you and your partner promote positive change in your relationship. I hope to help you foster the strengths in your relationship. Together, I will assist you in identifying current barriers to your relationship, and provide you with the necessary tools to overcome these barriers as a couple.

Atlanta Relationship, Marriage, and Couples Therapy

People who get involved in an intimate relationship often encounter obstacles to lasting fulfillment with a partner. If the relationship is a formal marriage, there can be legal implications, and this becomes even more complex when there are children involved. Marriages, domestic partnerships and live-in relationships all share common features, and therapy is available to help anyone dealing with intimacy problems that arise within any form of committed relationship.

Couples within a marriage or informal partnership may grapple with a variety of issues. This might include fighting over small things that normally wouldn’t provoke a conflict, for example. It could also include problems with physical intimacy as well. Infidelity and extreme jealousy could also be at play. It is important for couples to remember that problems within any relationship are usually expressions of an unresolved issue underneath the surface.

There are many techniques available for the therapist to use when developing a personalized course of treatment for the couple:

• Intervening in the problem during the early stages of treatment is often effective at creating new relationship dynamics, and this supports therapeutic outcomes.

• The therapy is focused on actively creating solutions through a collaborative interaction between both partners and the therapist.

• Therapy is most effective when the unique background, culture, values and extended family dynamics are taken into account during treatment planning.

• Treatment objectives are arrived at through a collaborative process that highlights the goals in realistic and achievable terms.

Therapy, Expectations and Outcomes Marriages Therapist in Atlanta

Couples often enter counseling with only a vague idea of what to expect from the process. The therapist usually does an intake session that informs each partner about what should be expected. This includes the participation of each person as well as the potential goals for the treatment plan. The couple can be encouraged to identify particular issues to address, and this becomes the framework for creating achievable goals.

The treatment phase involves delving into the underlying issues that enable conflicts to manifest during daily interactions. The couple will often become more aware of the specific dynamics that influence the relationship. Each partner can learn how to take responsibility for interrupting the dysfunctional habits that contribute to tension, triggering and conflicts. As a result of regular practice, the couple learns how to engage the same issue using a different set of relationship tools. Modification of behavior requires patience and practice, and homework is often assigned to ensure that these new skills are being practiced between sessions.

Who Seeks Relationship Counseling?

Married couples, domestic partners and people informally involved in a committed relationship can benefit from this counselling. Relationships can be defined in many ways, and the therapist is tasked with adaptation. The most important aspect of marriage therapy or couple’s counselling is the commitment that each member brings to the relationship.

Who Benefits from Couple’s Therapy, Marriage Counseling?

Therapy focuses on intimate relationships of all kinds, and this applies to all gender combinations. Humans seek intimate contact for the same reason, and there is always a way to learn how to navigate conflicts, express legitimate needs and develop interpersonal communication skills within any committed relationship.