Great Couples Counseling in Lakewood, CA. Therapy to heal relationships.

Every relationship experiences arguments and conflict. That is an inevitable part of being in an intimate relationship. These differences do not have to undermine a relationship so long as the underlying patterns of interaction which keep these conflicts active can be understood and resolved. As a specialist in couples counseling, I seek to help a couple identify these patterns and learn how to listen with understanding while promoting the authenticity of each individual. I use an emotionally focused treatment which allows a couple to work through their conflicts while enhancing their feelings of attachment and closeness. With 32 years of experience, I have helped many couples do this.

We have been sold a bad story about love. The truth is perfect is the enemy of the good in love and even in the good there are rough patches. But that doesn't mean you can't have a joyful and romantic relationship. I can help learn to handle painful relationships more effectively and engage fully in the process of living and loving together to build a life together.

Couples face many challenges today, which creates confusion and a sense of disconnect from their original idea of love and togetherness. Some of these challenges may include: When to be true to oneself and when to compromise for the sake of the relationship, communicating their needs with love rather than with anger or avoidance, issues of taking responsibility and finances, how to blend and set limits with self and the partner’s family and friends, and etc. Dr. Simina has decades of experience helping couples find their individuality and togetherness in a healthy and joyful manner in a relationship. She teaches her clients to distinguish and acknowledge their needs and the need of their partner by learning tools that assist them with feeling inspired...(view profile to read more)

When couples wish to work through their relationship difficulties, or do premarital couples therapy, they will find my office to be a safe, nonjudmental, and encouraging space. You will colaborate with your spouse, and prioritize issues you'd like to discuss. You will explore your own ability for acceptance and tolerance of your spouse's behavior. We will work together on communication skills, and styles, we'll try to soften the dialogue. We'll learn about problem solving skills with which husband and wife are heard. If there are sexual problems, I have experience in treating sex addiction, internet pornography addiction, and the affect of extended families on your relationship.

When problems enter a relationship or family construct it is easy for people to fall into cycles of blame that create further disharmony. I utilize Narrative Therapy and post-modern practices that highlight social discourses that may be influencing your relationship. Collaborating, we will find what unites you in your relationship and how be in partnership against the problems that keep you in isolation. Together, we will target those struggles that are threatening your relationships and understand how to get out of the blame cycle—and how to re-focus on your shared dreams as a couple or family.

Conflict and discord often are a factor of poor communication and feelings that both partners must agree in order to be compatible. This kind of thinking can result in angry standoffs that lead to a feeling that in order for one to win the their must lose. I teach couples how to communicate and understand that difference in needs does not mean incompatibility. Working towards win-win solutions can enhance your marital satisfaction and increase intimacy. I enjoy working with couples and have a good success rate. Let me help you find happiness in your marriage.

Whether yo uare in a new relationship or have been in one for several years, there may be a barrier from preventing you to be in a healthy relationship with each other. Different forms of communication may be missing in that relationship such as lack of understanding and not hearing each others wants and needs. Therapy can provide listening skills and ways to improve your relationship on a daily basis.

Practice communication skills to powerfully begin resolving those angry and blaming arguments. Write brief notes about what was said and have expert training to show your partner the love you feel and need. Learn how to express disagreements as well as affection that can transform your relationship. Find how to identify and manage the emotional baggage you are bringing to each other.

Do you feel like something is wrong or missing from your relationship? Most of us were not taught the skills necessary to have a healthy and satisfying relationship, which is why I believe almost everyone can benefit from couple's therapy. Working with couples who want to improve their communication, their sexual experiences and their quality of life is the focus of my practice...relationship and sex therapy is what I specialize in. I have helped hundreds of couples and I can help you too!

When you are looking for a couples therapist, you need someone who is trained in couples therapy specifically. Often therapists say they know how to help a couple, but one's training in couples therapy is typically limited to one class in their entire education! The focus of therapy is traditionally on the individual! Here at LA Therapy Network, several of our therapists have specific couples therapy training! We require all our therapists to be educated specifically in couples therapy. We are all trained in helping cuoples from a developmental perspective as well as providing practical strategies for communication and conflict resolution. GLBT families encouraged and welcome!

All couples face challenges in a relationship. What makes some relationships last and others that don't is a combination of communication skills and commitment to making the marriage work. Many marriages test people to their limit, but that doesn't mean it's a bad marriage. If you are able to hang in there and work with a trusted professional, you can expand and grow into a more loving and nurturing person.

In couples counseling we will explore the strengths each of you brings to your relationship and how these contribute to the overall health of your relationship together. We will work to understand your contributions and barriers to making your relationship work. The focus will remain on your goals for the relationship with the understanding that these may change as we learn more about each parties level of contribution. I encourage honesty between both parties. You will be encouraged to speak directly with one another to work toward strengthening your communication skills by clarifying the meaning and quality of the words you choose when speaking with your partner.

I am a Level 3 Trained GOTTMAN METHOD COUPLES THERAPY (GMCT) counselor. GMCT is a research-based approach that will help you and your partner understand each other on a deeper level, better manage conflict and differences, turn toward each other, reignite intimacy, and make your life dreams come true. I work extensively with infidelity and betrayal, pre-marital, discernment (do I stay or do I go?) addictions. My practice is open to all sexualities, as well as non-monogamy couples.