Marital/Couples Therapy

Marriage is full of ups and downs.

Marriage or committed relationship can be many things: gratifying, fulfilling, happy, successful, etc. These relationships also can be challenging, complicated, frustrating, stressful, and confusing.

It is reasonable to expect that every relationship has elements of all these qualities at various times.

Rita Rudner, a famous comedian, said, “I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” Truth in humor!

Sometimes the downs override the ups.

It’s up to every couple to navigate through the ordinary ups and downs of being in a relationship. But sometimes when there is too much of an imbalance, when the downs outweigh the ups, and the couple’s attempts to problem-solve haven’t worked, it may be time to ask for help.

A downward spiral can trigger stress on a relationship.

The relationship situations that may need help can include communication, misunderstanding one another; intimacy, both emotional and physical; fighting; loneliness; or infidelity.

Relationships are often stressed by major life events such as births, deaths, changes in employment and/or financial situations. It is easy for any one of these events to send a couple into a downward spiral.

Couples therapy helps find ways to lift up a relationship.

In marital/couples counseling, there are three components: person A, person B, and the relationship itself. This third component is the client.

The relationship is a living, breathing entity that has been authored and created by the two people in it. Both people bring their own personal histories and expectations to the table.

All of these elements play a role in the relationship. Under the guidance of an experienced couples therapist, these elements can be teased out and understood better.

Each person needs to understand the role they play and the things they need to do differently, so there can be a better balance resulting in greater satisfaction with and happiness within the relationship.

Call me at (224) 715-8155.