Marriage could be perceived as a contract between two partners, it could be a transaction, it could be promise based on trust and respect, it could be a union of best friends who want to share life experiences, or it could be an arrangement planned to bring two families or two empires together depending on the definition of the parties involved. Regardless of the purpose it requires communication, respect, trust, physical attraction, common goals, shared values, and principles, as well as a healthy attitude about conflict resolution in order for it last over time. As a marriage therapist/counselor I examine the partners' definition of their union, look at thei family of origin and what brought them together. I will examin their wants and needs from each other and their relationship, see what they miss and how they can get it. What makes therapy successful is what each partner is will to do, give, or change in order to create the marriage they want. How can they make themselves vulnerable to bring about a higher level on intimacy and closeness? Together we will identify what gets in the way of reaching their goals as a couple. We will examine the power dynamic in the relationship in order to create a relationship based on equity, trust and respect.
