Marital therapy (also called marriage counseling) is a form of psychotherapy that helps partners in a romantic relationship improve their relationship, resolve conflict and build healthier communication.

What Happens in Marital Therapy?

I work with you to:

• Identify problem areas (e.g., communication, trust, intimacy, finances)
• Understand each person’s perspective and emotional needs
• Teach tools for conflict resolution
• Improve emotional and physical intimacy
• Set goals for the relationship (repair, rebuild, or sometimes separate respectfully)

Sessions typically involve both partners together, though individual sessions may also be part of the process.

When to Seek Marital Therapy?

Recognizing the need for marital therapy is a critical step in addressing the challenges within a relationship. It involves being aware of certain signs that indicate underlying issues and understanding how early intervention can be beneficial.

One of the key indicators is the presence of frequent arguments that often escalate without resolution. This persistent conflict can lead to a breakdown in communication, where discussions either lead to more disagreements or are avoided altogether. Alongside this, emotional detachment, where partners feel disconnected from each other’s lives, is another significant sign. This detachment might manifest as a lack of interest, intimacy, or shared activities.

In addition to these signs, trust issues such as infidelity, dishonesty, or keeping secrets can severely impact the relationship. A general sense of dissatisfaction or unhappiness, where partners feel stuck or hopeless, also suggests that therapy could be beneficial.

Early intervention in these situations can prevent negative patterns from becoming entrenched and more challenging to resolve. It fosters healthier communication, helping couples navigate future challenges more effectively. Addressing issues promptly can also aid in rebuilding trust and intimacy before they suffer irreparable damage. Couples can also acquire tools and strategies through therapy to handle future conflicts, enhancing the resilience and overall health of the relationship.