Couples Counseling

Relationship and Marriage Counseling for Couples

Do you want to:
Increase your communication skills and/or to decrease conflict with your partner?
Strengthen the foundation of your relationship to support growth into the future?
Find help and tools to navigate the “tough stuff” life throws at you?

All relationships go through periods of ups and downs, but sometimes couples find themselves unable to get out of a down-time and back to feeling connected and happy.

Are you and your partner finding yourselves:
Experiencing conflict that lasts for days and tired of feeling hurt?
Disconnecting due to communication problems and fear of rejection?
Discouraged and losing hope?
Longing to increase closeness, sex and intimacy?
Transitioning into parenthood or empty nesters?
Looking to increase love, trust and affection?
Wanting to increase communication and connection, feel good together again?

Working with me, you will learn:
What is at the source of your conflict and/or difficulties communicating
Why you and your partner react to each other and/or conflict in the way you do
How to change your patterns of communication and/or conflict so you can stay connected while dealing with differences

We all have a unique way of seeing and experiencing life. In our relationships with others these differences can lead to disagreements and conflict, which in turn can lead to a breakdown in communication and connection. The truth is conflict is a healthy natural part of being in relationship and it is how you and your partner handle, recover and repair from conflict that will help you stay connected and close.

What does relationship or marriage counseling look like?
I generally approach relationship and marriage counseling in three phases:
Explore, Identify and Assess –negative patterns and areas of disconnection
Repair and Build – learn new ways to communicate, connect and maintain closeness even in difficult times
Create and Generate – Identify your values, goals and dreams, building a foundation to support growth and change over the life of your relationship

My approach to relationship and marriage counseling:
In my work with couples I use a combination of two researched-based approaches; Emotionally Focused Therapy and The Gottman Method (see the sidebar for more information on these two approaches). I am also a certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator and can offer you parenting support in conjunction with your counseling if the need arises.

Through our work together you will identify, understand and repair the areas in your relationship that led to hurt and disconnection, and begin building new pathways for communication, connection and closeness.

Recreating connection and intimacy
Helping you find the relational healing and lasting change you desire.

What if we are not sure we want to stay together?
Relationship and marriage counseling focuses on your immediate and long-term goals, first identifying the type of counseling you want:

Marriage or Relationship Counseling – This work is based on a mutual commitment to stay together. Some of the areas I work with couples on are: conflict, communication, In-laws and extended families, trust, blending families, money and finances, intimacy, balancing family and work, and transitions such as beginning a family, empty nest, and illness. Working to create a loving partnership for your future together.

Decision-making Counseling – The immediate focus is on determining if you want to stay or leave your relationship.

Divorce or Separation Counseling – The focus of this work is helping you leave your relationship with respect and dignity, managing the anger and hurt, and identifying steps to find understanding and closure. If you have children, helping to restructure your family as you assume your new roles as co-parents, helping support your children through the changes.

If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment email me at: alison@alisonwithey.com or call me at 206-250-9060
Free 30 minute consultation available

“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention.”
-Thich Nhat Hanh