Great Couples Counseling in Smithfield, NC. Therapy to heal relationships.

Couples counseling and sex therapy are specialty areas of mine. I work with people in various stages of relationships, tackling a variety of concerns and dynamics including relational and sexual issues, infidelity, desire changes, lack of excitement, changes in the relationship, and many others. Having an objective third party helps couples find more clarity in their direction forward. I work with each couple to better identify the problematic patterns or behaviors in their relationship as this can be difficult to navigate without an objective third party. I help improve overall emotional and sexual intimacy, and provide clients with strategies they can use throughout their relationship.

Our therapists are trained in the most effective methods of couples counseling that ensures you are getting the right help to improve your relationship and feel equipped to navigate the future together. As mental health professionals, we believe it is vital to choose a treatment approach based on each individuals unique situation and preferences and to develop a clear and coherent plan of action early on in the treatment process to ensure the best outcomes for the relationship. We strive to be as transparent and collaborative as possible. We want our couples to be in control of their own treatment

Just as every couple is different, what brings couples into couples therapy can vary widely as well. There are many benefits to trying couples counseling and you do not have to be at the brink of divorce in order to benefit. For example, you can improve how and when to communicate, learn about your and your partner’s “buttons” or “triggers” and how to best deal with them, recover from infidelity, protect your relationship from “outsiders” (i.e., in-laws, kids, jobs), learn how to address problems without feeling weak, understand how each partner may be contributing to a concern, and learn more about what is behind each other’s behavior.

All couples at one point or another experience difficulties in their relationship. Whether married, about to get married, cohabitating, lesbian, gay, etc. all couples eventually face challenges in their relationship. Infatuation and admiration subside and being vulnerable with each other feels unsafe. However, this is also where real love in the relationship can be nurtured and kept alive. I work with couples struggling in their relationship on improving communication and working to understand each other's realistic wants and needs better while restoring emotional safety in the relationship.

My practice is focused on couples and is 98% couples. Whether you seek help for a relationship in trouble, or to ensure the health and success of a relationship doing well, counseling can help. My style with couples is direct and interactive. Clients describe me as refreshingly straightforward. The goal is to build positive equity between you to help you weather the stresses and challenges that life tends to send our way.

I work with couples in the context of eating disorder support and recovery, in order for spouses to be able to support their partners who are struggling with eating disorders and eating issues. I work hard to educate spouses that may have trouble understanding the illness. I also work with couples to improve communication and understanding as they navigate the recovery process.

Using a combination of Gottman Method Couples Therapy as well as Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Couples therapy, I will help you and your partner identify your problem areas and negative cycles that keep you stuck and support your relationship moving back into a pattern of ease and intimacy. We will support increased core emotion expression, identification of each individual's needs, breaking down old negative habits, and reconstructing new habits that will keep your connection strong for the long term. Let's discuss your needs today in a free consultation.

I believe relationships are critical for our best functioning. Good relationships can help us to soar and poor relationships can tear us down. Sometimes things can become difficult in a relationship and both people feel stuck. It can helpful to participate in couples counseling to help both of you decide what you are missing and how you can have a positive and loving relationship. I will work with you to understand what are your relationship blocks and how you can move forward in a healthier, more satisfying fashion.