Therapy for Couples

Helping you rebuild.

As humans, we are relational beings. We all want to connect to others and have fulfilling relationships. We understand that relationship problems can be very painful for all involved. When relationships are going well, it feels like your whole world is better. When your relationship is struggling, it feels like your entire world is crumbling.

Couples or relationship therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help people improve their relationship, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their communication and connection. The therapist will use various techniques and approaches to help the partners work through their issues. This can be helpful for a wide range of relationship issues, including communication problems, sexual difficulties, infidelity, and parenting conflicts. It can also be beneficial for relationships who are considering separation or divorce, as the therapist can help them explore their options and make informed decisions. It's typically a short-term intervention, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the specific needs of the relationship. The frequency of sessions will also vary depending on the couple's goals and availability.

We work with all relationships, including monogamous, polyamorous, kink-identified, and LGBTQIA+. We can also help navigate issues such as open relationship conflict and creating boundaries. Our providers can help any committed relationship wanting to improve their relationship whether you are married or not.

Discernment Counseling

Discernment counseling is a unique type of therapy that helps married couples who are uncertain about the direction to take their marriage. Typically, one person is "leaning out" of the relationship and considering separation or divorce and the other person is "leaning in" and interested in utilizing couples therapy to rebuild the relationship. Discernment counseling is designed to help each partner gain clarity on the problems of the relationship and confidence in the direction to take the marriage, and focuses on three paths - pausing the decision and keeping the marriage as it is, moving toward separation or divorce, and an all out effort to improve the relationship via couples therapy and other resources as needed.  The therapy is based on the Discernment Counseling model developed by psychologists William Doherty and Steven Harris.

In discernment counseling, the couple participates together, but most of the work of this therapy happens individually, as each partner is in a very different headspace. This is a short term treatment, with a commitment to one session at a time, and a maximum of five sessions total. Sessions range from 90 to 120 minutes. The therapist and couple will work together to develop a plan for moving forward, whether that means ending the relationship or committing to couples therapy.

Discernment therapy is often seen as a more efficient and effective way of addressing couples who are uncertain about their relationship, as it allows them to make a clear and informed decision while minimizing the emotional distress associated with traditional couples therapy.

During discernment counseling, the therapist encourages each partner to explore their own feelings and perspectives on the relationship, as well as those of the other partner, in an effort to help the couple gain clarity and confidence about the next step to take in the relationship. The therapist is non-judgmental and honors where each partner is at, understanding that each person wants to make the best decision for the future of the relationship but is uncertain what direction to take. Discernment counseling is different from traditional marriage therapy, as it focuses on seeing if change is possible rather than immediately jumping in to make changes in the relationship. 

If you are interested in learning more about discernment counseling, please contact Dr. Laura Walsh, a trained discernment counselor. 

CURIOUS IF YOUR RELATIONSHIP COULD USE A TUNE-UP? TAKE THIS QUICK QUIZ BELOW:

  • When disagreeing, we often play “find the bad guy” instead of truly understanding each other’s perspective.

  • There is a pursue/withdraw pattern to conflict. One person pursues in anger while the other person shuts down.

  • You often feel misunderstood by your partner.

  • When in conflict, one or both criticizes the other.

  • During conflict or conversation, one partner responds defensively instead of taking responsibility.

  • There is contempt in the relationship, such as name calling

  • During conflict, one partner stonewalls by withdrawing emotionally from the conversation.

  • There are more negative interactions than positive.

  • There has been a physical or emotional affair.

  • You have difficulty navigating stressful conversations.

  • You bicker easily.

  • You have considered a separation.

  • Sex is no longer the best.

  • You feel like the friendship is eroding.

IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO 3 OR MORE OF THESE QUESTIONS, YOU WOULD LIKELY BENEFIT FROM COUPLES THERAPY OR DISCERNMENT COUNSELING.