When couples commit to a marriage or intimate relationship, many issues or struggles may arise as they work to attain and maintain relationship satisfaction. The purpose of couples therapy is to assist in navigating these obstacles. Couples therapy also helps to restore a better level of functioning in couples who experience relationship distress. The reasons for distress may include:
*Poor communication skills
*Infidelity
*Difficulties with conflict resolution
*Co-parenting concerns
*Issues arising from outside stressors (i.e., work, extended family relationships)
*Coping with chronic illness
*Infertility
*Adjustment to life transitions (birth of a baby, work changes, retirement, loss of loved ones)
*Intimacy or sexual difficulties
*The presence of a broad spectrum of psychological disorders (domestic violence, alcoholism, depression, anxiety)
The focus of couples therapy is to identify the presence of dissatisfaction and distress in the relationship, and to devise and implement a treatment plan with objectives designed to improve or alleviate the presenting symptoms and restore the relationship to a better and healthier level of functioning.
Couples therapy sessions differ according to the chosen model or philosophy behind the therapy. We believe in using treatment strategies which have received research support for their effectiveness. Examples of these interventions include Gottman Method Couple’s Therapy, and Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.