Great Couples Counseling in Tonganoxie, KS. Therapy to heal relationships.

Relationships can be challenging and confusing. Sometimes they can make you feel crazy. Other times they make you feel stuck, like you want to leave but just can't. Maybe you still want the relationship, but would like things to be different. I won't take sides or make one person the problem. I'll be there to help you navigate the direction you feel is best for you.

All couples can go through tough times. Whether the problem between the two is something small or large I provide a safe open space to help couples work through there issues. My goal is to allow couples to feel comfortable discussing all of their emotions with each other that they may not be able to when they are alone. I also provide pre-marital counseling for couples who are preparing to tie the knot.

As a couple therapist I will work to provide you an understanding of what is going on in your relationship that is causing distress. I have extensive training in the Gottman Method and will also draw upon my knowledge of Dr. Sue Johnson's work in Emotion Focused Therapy. If you are in distress we need to work to help you find ways to communicate your needs to one another and to be heard by your partner. There are practical tools that I can give you so that you can learn ways to communicate and connect. Couples utilizing these methods commonly find that they notice some immediate relief and are able to begin to communicate in a way that each partner feels heard and understood.

You will find most, if not all, of your friends and loved ones will be a friend to you or your partner. This is especially true in extreme stress, such as separation. Here, I am a friend to your relationship, whether the goal is healing or divorce, or deciding which route to take. I do not look for the guilty party. This is not a court. We will learn to exonerate each other and those who have chosen sides.

Cohabiting couples are at greater risk for separation or divorce if they later decide to marry unless they have plans to become engaged and marry after living together. Pre-marital counseling is also helpful in identifying potential areas of stress, including finances, career, housework, children, travel and family gatherings. Many times couples wait until it is almost too late. We help both partners identify their wants and needs in the relationship and decide if they want to work on the marriage, separate or divorce. For divorcing parents, we provide co-parenting services to help establish guidelines, teach conflict resolution skills and minimize harm to their children.

Most common issues between couples involves a lack of clear communication and the feeling of not being heard or understood. My approach with couples is to utilize the Gottman's Conflict Blueprint for clear communication as well as emotional connection. I also utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as Emotion Focused Therapy as tools to enhance understanding and intimacy in relationships.

In couples counseling, I explore the needs of both parties, their personal goals, their dream for the future and how the two people can live out their lives either together, supporting one another, or determining the direction of the relationship. We will look at personality styles, communication, cultural differences and the ability to repair and/or accept repair.