Marriage can involve the extremes of life. Couples can experience high points of joy, closeness, and intimacy. They can also find themselves feeling levels of confusion and frustration with one another they never imagined. Couples can benefit from therapy when they find themselves in situations like these:

• Breakdowns in communication due to avoidance of difficult topics, defensiveness, or anger

• Inability to understand a partner’s behaviors, positions, or way of seeing the world

• Inability to achieve an acceptable division of household chores

• Accumulated resentment

• Loss of affection

• Feeling “done” with attempting to save the marriage

I emphasize understanding the history of a relationship - including its high and low points, past hurts, and any persistent unhealthy patterns. This exploration is aimed at helping a couple move their relationship to a phase of growth and/or healing. I work with couples using a process in which Expectations and Commitments are explored for needed Adjustments within a framework in which Mutual Compassion and Understanding are being increased.

While exploring a relationship can be challenging, it allows both partners to make the adjustments needed to grow (or restart) their affection and trust for each other, manage their home and family life more effectively, and truly share their hearts and lives.