COUPLES THERAPY
When beginning couples therapy, I focus on trying to find the strengths and reasons that the relationship began in the first place. It is important to build on the strengths and find how each partner can support the other partner and work effectively as a team. Each person in the relationship needs to feel bolstered and strengthened by the other person. When there is a lack of strength or respect for each other, the relationship will begin to break down.
I work on helping each individual understand their partner and understand how their partner communicates. Communication is one of the most important aspects to maintaining a loving relationship. I believe that working on skills for communication and understanding is crucial to a relationship.
Often the most important communication is the little things. Finding those little things that help your partner feel supported and connected is important. It can be as simple as kind words, pleases and thank-yous, inside jokes, small actions that mean a lot to your partner, and everything in-between.