The downward spiral of a relationship has definitive signs and symptoms. Leading researchers have identified the following warning signs:
Criticism,
Contempt,
Defensiveness and
Stonewalling.
(John Gottman and Nan Silver, The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work, 1999)
Additional warning signs also include:
Escalation of negativity,
Invalidation of each other,
Negative interpretation of events, and
Avoidance and withdrawal.
(Howard Markman, Scott Stanley and Susan Blumberg, Fighting For Your Marriage: Positive Steps Preventing Divorce and Preserving a Lasting Love, 1994)
Whether we are working in couples therapy or marriage counseling, I will thoughtfully listen to both you and your partner. We will identify any warning signs within your relationship. I will help you identify conflict issues that have impacted your life together, both past and present in the following areas; family, friends, educational, vocational, recreational, physical, sexual and spiritual. I will then assist you in developing appropriate and specific goals for you to pursue in achieving a solution to your problems.
I will teach you how to listen and communicate more effectively with each other. Your understanding will be enhanced through skills that you develop in role-play exercises, written, reading and video homework assignments. You will be shown how to be unconditionally accepted and have your shortcomings forgiven. You will learn how to feel heard, and have your thoughts and personal growth respected, thus supporting your individuality within the context of your relationship. I will strive to assist your development of an intimate, affectionate, loving and fulfilling relationship.
- Improve interpersonal assertive communication skills
- Develop conflict resolution strategies
- Cultivate effective anger management options
- Establish healthy relationship boundaries
- Build skills in meeting the needs of your partner
- Regain trust and respect of your partner
- Reconcile parenting differences
- Accept financial responsibility
- Resolve past hurts/resentments and attain forgiveness
- Successfully address challenges of attaining intimacy
- Discover a new way to problem solve challenges
- Plan for your future together