Marriage Counseling and Couples Therapy

You’ve been having the same argument for years, and at this point you’re all out of ideas on how to make things better with your partner. Your marriage is in a place you never thought it would be – and you don’t know what to do to change it.

Can you imagine waking up tomorrow to a better relationship? One in which you feel supported, understood, and loved? Imagine your conflicts turned into experiences where you ultimately grow closer, instead of being driven apart. Envision a connection where your partner really “gets” you, and has your back; one where they believe in you and give you the benefit of the doubt (instead of assuming the worst).

It is possible. You deserve to have this kind of bond – one that gives to you and enables you to give to your partner out of love and trust. Take that first step – click or call today to make an initial appointment. What are you waiting for? Take that first step – click, call or text us today

Our marriage counselors are expertly trained in many different models of therapy so that we can custom tailor a successful treatment plan for you and your partner. Some of these specialized trainings include:

• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Discernment Counseling
  Discernment Counseling

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  Discernment counseling is a way for couples to look at their options before making a final decision about divorce. It is most appropriate for couples where one partner wants to preserve and repair the relationship and the other is leaning towards ending it. Research shows that this kind of “mixed agenda” is common among couples approaching divorce, and there is a dearth of special services for them. It’s also a common (and difficult) presentation in couples counseling. Discernment counseling differs from regular marriage counseling in three ways: a) the goal is not to solve problems in the relationship, but to figure out whether the problems can be solved; b) the process involves mainly individual conversations with each partner, since they each have different needs and agendas, and c) it is always short term.
  

  
  

  What Can Couples Expect to Gain from Discernment Counseling?

  
  

  
  
  • Clarity and confidence about next steps for their relationship
  
  
  • A deeper understanding of what has happened to their relationship and each person’s contributions to the problems
  
  

  
  

  What Does Discernment Counseling Involve?

  
  The counseling focuses on three paths: ending the relationship via separation or divorce, carving out a six-month period of time to for an all-out effort in couples counseling (and sometimes other services) to preserve the marriage/relationship, or staying the course and deciding later. The sessions involve mostly individual conversations with the discernment counselor, along with sharing about what each partner is learning in these conversations. The counselor respects the reasons for ending the relationship while opening up the possibility of restoring the relationship to health.
  
  The counselor helps both partners see their individual contributions to the problems and the possible solutions. Understanding one’s own contributions to the problems can be important to the success of future relationships even if this one ends.
  
  Discernment counseling is considered successful when people have clarity and confidence in their decision, and when they more fully understand what’s happened to their relationship.
  

  How Many Sessions are There?

  
  Discernment counseling can be as brief as one session and as long as five sessions. You decide each time whether to come back for a subsequent session. The sessions are usually 1.5 – 2 hours.
  
  Discernment counseling is NOT suitable when:
  

  
  
  • One partner has made a final decision to end the relationship and only wants counseling to encourage the other spouse accept that decision
  
  
  • One partner is coercing the other to participate via threats of any kind
  
  
  • There is a danger of domestic violence
  
  
  • When there is an Order of Protection from a court.
  
  

  
  Sourced from www.discernmentcounseling.com
• Prepare/Enrich Relationship Program
  Prepare/Enrich Relationship Program

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  PREPARE/ENRICH leads the way in helping couples explore and strengthen their relationships. The main component of the program is an online survey you each complete in about 30-45 minutes. PREPARE/ENRICH is not just any survey. The items you respond to are based on research and are intended to help you identify the unique strengths and potential growth areas of your premarital or married relationship. You'll meet with a facilitator trained to provide feedback by helping you understand your results and learn important relationship skills. Built on a solid research foundation, PREPARE/ENRICH has been improved and refined over the years to become one of the best, most effective, easy-to-use relationship assessment tools available.
• Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping)