Couples Therapy

If a problem is relational in nature, couples therapy may be the most powerful means of resolving it. I take every measure to be fair to all involved and adopt a positive and strength-based approach to help the couple reach their goals. Some commonly-held beliefs about couples therapy that may in fact be harmful are mentioned below:

• One misperception about couples therapy is that it should only be sought if the individuals are planning to stay with each other. It is true that many couples find new strength in their relationship and restore their commitment during couples counseling.  Others may realize that the relationship cannot be mended and instead, they find amicable and civil ways of separating without harming anyone.
• Some couples delay therapy because they intend to resolve the problems on their own. Even though admirable, this approach runs the risk of making the problems chronic and more difficult to treat. My suggestion to couples is that if issue does not get resolved informally, or if it is recurrent, or if it leads to arguments and shouting matches, it needs to be brought up with a qualified professional.
• Another mistaken view is that couples therapy is saved for married individuals and that dating couples are not candidates for it.  In reality, unmarried couples who value their relationship can also derive great benefits from this type of work.

In order to be on the cutting edge of the science and art of couples therapy, I have completed two years of post-graduate training at the Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis focusing specifically on couples.