Couples Therapy

How it Works

The reasons for seeking couples therapy are as diverse as the couples who are in it. Some couples come because their relationship is in jeopardy. Others come to prepare for life changes ahead of time (Move! Job change! Marriage! Baby! Empty Nest!). Still others just want time and space to check in with each other to keep things moving in a good direction.

Even in strong relationships, we can fall into communication patterns that leave us feeling unseen, unheard, and, well, stuck. Beth uses targeted interventions grounded in the Gottman Method, as well as solution-focused techniques, to help couples identify and address patterns that don’t serve the relationship and reinforce the habits that do.

Couples therapy can also be used to prepare for challenges – and hopefully prevent them from negatively impacting the primary relationship. Specifically, short-term work to prepare for the arrival of a new family member can help smooth the transition. (Think: navigating fertility treatments, family responsibilities during pregnancy and parenting and whether to seek pregnancy or parenting in the first place.)

Note: Couples therapy is not appropriate when there are safety-related concerns, such as domestic violence; unaddressed addiction; or ongoing/undisclosed infidelity. Individual therapy may be appropriate in these circumstances.