There is a view out there that you must "know yourself first" before seeking a life partner. This view is somewhat unrealistic and may prevent someone from entering a lasting relationship because we are always evolving and developing. Humans are naturally social beings and if you look around you'll notice the pursuit of love is something that we still hold dear.
We all enter into relationships with some sort of "baggage." Although we are imperfect beings, we are capable of learning what we bring to a relationship. When we have a supportive relationship, we are able to develop as a person and as a couple. However, sometimes people don't "mesh" well and the past scars or wounds can interfere with becoming a loving, compassionate, supportive partnership.
Couples therapy assists in reflecting on how your relationship supports one another and/or how each partner maybe hurting each other. Therapy assists in changing these destructive patterns while creating a nurturing environment. This form of therapy works when both partners are committed to changing their interactions to one that promotes loving kindness.
I believe in the power of romance and enjoy helping clients improve their interactions as they become more loving, compassionate, and supportive. In couples therapy I use the Gottman method, which is a proven method that aims to help couples build stronger relationships by focusing on key areas that research has shown to be critical for relationship success.
Throughout therapy I try to be as active as possible and encourage both partners to talk to each other rather than at each other. I observe closely and provide feedback when communication becomes stuck or derailed. My goal is for couples to develop positive ways of communicating rather than recreating an arguments.
