Relationship Therapy
Are you feeling hopeless about your relationship? Feeling like you and your partner have grown apart, argue all the time, or don’t seem to be able to hear each other anymore? Has there been a betrayal or a loss in trust? Has your sexual or intimate relationship dwindled or fallen by the way side all together? Do you reminisce about an earlier time in the relationship when it seemed easier to feel close and make time for yourselves?
Unhealthy patterns of communication, unmet needs and unrealistic expectations can lead to feeling lonely, misunderstood, and ultimately disconnected from your partner. As a relationship therapist, I look forward to helping clients improve listening skills, be more mindful of past hurts and ways of being triggered, build trust, and improve overall connection and satisfaction with your partner(s).
Relationship counseling is appropriate for relationships of all kinds including individuals who are married, dating, divorced, partnered, monogamous, non-monogamous, open, polyamorous, and of varying sexual and gender identities. When you first reach out to inquire about working with me I will likely want to arrange a phone call with each member of the relationship to ascertain issues of interest and consider past treatment or other mental health needs.
After the initial phone consultation, we will schedule three meetings including an intake session with all parties so that I can ask questions to learn more about your relationship history and treatment needs. Then, I will meet with each partner separately to obtain a personal history and perspective on the relationship. We will all come together in the third session to review treatment goals and determine fit. Typically, I see clients on a weekly basis with a suggested three-six month commitment initially. As clients make progress, session frequency may decrease to 2-3x per month if indicated.
Issues
- pre-commitment issues/relationship transitions (moving in together, considering marriage, preparing for pregnancy/retirement).
- open relationships
- communication
- beliefs and values
- roles
- intimacy and sexuality
- family relationships
- prioritizing time together
- gender transition/coming out differences
- navigating Kink/BDSM
Ethical Non-Monogamy
-Did you know that 20% of US adults report they have participated in consensual non monogamy at some point in their life?
-Did you know that an estimated 4-5% of Americans are currently engaged in a CNM relationships?
-Over 16 million people share intimacy with more than one partner. (The Affirmative Couch)
The term “non-monogamy” is an umbrella term that captures all forms of relationship styles that do not fit the traditional guidelines of monogamous relationships. Non-monogamous relationships can include polyamory, swinging, open relationships, and various levels of commitment. Some people live with a primary partner, while other people explore dating and/or living with multiple partners.
If you are considering opening up your relationship for the first time there is a lot we can discuss to help you avoid common pitfalls and navigate challenges proactively. If you are already in an open relationship, I can help you examine any current problems or ways to enhance how your current agreement is working.
**Refer to the FAQ page for more information on billing.