Great Couples Counseling in Lake Forest, CA. Therapy to heal relationships.

Our intimate relationships are the place we search for the greatest meaning and are, ironicaly, the field most rich in landmines. Whatever is not worked through in us will be activated in these most important relationships. Learning your own sensitivities and your own 'buttons' as you learn those of your partner can transform your relationship from one of hostility to one of deep support and love. I have experienced this transformation firsthand many times and it is a privilege to see relationships restored and rebuilt on a healthy, solid foundation.

Without conflict, couples do not achieve intimacy. The challenge is helping you and your partner learn how to have healthy conflict that leads to intimacy, rather than destructive conflict that destroys the relationship. While I work with all couples, I specialize in working with neuro-diverse couples. I usually start with helping you learn ground rules for being able to have safe, constructive, healthy conflict to reduce and eliminate destructive relational patterns. I also use Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) to help you reconnect, learn healthy communication skills, rekindle the flame that you once had, and start talking to each other again. If you are willing to work, I am here for you!

Whether early in a relationship or at the multiple decades mark, every couple will face challenges, some more devastating than others. After thirty plus years of marriage, I understand the temptations, challenge, and pitfalls that can create problems for even the healthiest of relationships. This may include communication problems, feeling disconnected, loss, sexual concerns, infidelity, finances, bringing up baby and more. Through addressing past and present concerns, I help couples to better understand and to appreciate the parts they can play in building a strong relationship. I help couples improve interactions and increase effective communication. Call me at 949.370.4726 or e-mail info@south....

Why do we seem to have the same arguments over and over again? How do I know if we are really supposed to be together? Are there things we could be doing to better support each other, to help each other grow and be our best selves? If we really love each other, why do we so often hurt each other? How do I know if this is real love, anyway? Relationships are hard. Even more than desire, they require effort and understanding to make them work. Often, even if two people really love each other, one or both may need help to maintain the right effort or understanding to keep the balance necessary for long-term success. Having outside, objective support can make all the difference.

Let me guess. One partner feels alone and like they don't matter and the other feels they are always being criticized and can't get anything right. The more one asks for the other to show up, the more the partner disappears physically and emotionally. You both bicker and fight and the idea of sitting and just hanging out seems elusive, if not impossible. Something like this? Often we crave connection but are blocked by the pain and the history that gets in the way. Small fights about little things become battles that highlight our struggle to have our basic relational needs met. I can help you get under the bickering to the parts crying out for connection- to an enriching relationship.

Couples can build and maintain positive close relationships. Take an objective look at your relationship, to get help to reduce dysfunctional behaviors, feel that you can share your emotions, communicate effectively, and emphasize what's working. Most importantly, by remembering that each relationship has its unique challenges and strengths, you'll be giving yours the best chances for survival.