6 SIGNS THAT YOU ARE READY FOR COUPLES COUNSELING

Many couples find that at some point in their relationship they need outside help.  Here are some of the signs that you may need to seek counseling:

1. Feeling that your relationship is in a state of stagnation where love, sex and attraction seem to have all but disappeared.

2. Noticing that one of you has shut down and stopped communicating, while the other partner is wondering what’s wrong.

3. Noticing that you are repeatedly bickering or have full-blown arguments about the same issues, such as how to spend or save money, how often to have sex or issues with the kids.

4. Feeling worried because you are toying with the idea of an affair or are already in one.

5. Getting caught or confessing to an affair, or having trouble with pornography.

6. Being wounded by a devastating betrayal of trust and wondering if the relationship can survive, or if you want it to continue.

How Counseling Can Help

Whatever your situation may be, seeing a professional counselor can help not only to repair but even revolutionize your relationship. Many people find relief starting in just a few sessions. The first session provides a framework to understand what’s really going on in your relationship and will introduce you to concepts that get to the root of the problems you’re experiencing. We will assess your relationship strengths and concerns, talk about emotional needs and why having a safe and secure bond with your mate is of prime importance.  In following sessions, you have the opportunity to learn new ways of understanding and talking to each other and to develop new skills that can repair and revive your relationship to a level that is deeply satisfying.

So whether you are coming in for a little relationship “tweaking,” to deal with a chronic issue that never seems to improve or due to a major crisis, counseling will help you and your partner get back on the right track.

Dawn’s Approach To Couples Counseling

I use a collaborative, integrated approach that combines elements of the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems theory, Imago Relationship Therapy and concepts from the works of Willard F. Harley, Jr. and Gary Chapman. I also use the PREPARE/ENRICH inventory and accompanying tools to assess couple strengths and improve growth areas.

Depending on the issues presented, sessions may focus on:

• Healing from betrayal and restoring trust and intimacy
• “Affair-proofing” your relationship
• Identifying and changing negative interactional patterns
• Developing a sense of security and safety with your mate
• Learning to resolve conflicts and solve problems in a constructive way
• Identifying and meeting your and your partner’s most important emotional needs
• Developing effective communication and listening skills
• Learning to avoid destructive behaviors that negatively impact your relationship
• Understanding how your family-of-origin and past events affect your approach to relationships
• Becoming aware of each other’s expectations and perceptions of your roles in the relationship
• Dealing with parenting or extended family issues

How To Contact Me

Please email Dawn at dawnlewis1@gmail.com to schedule a free phone consultation.