Each of us is made up of a combination of our experiences, environment, behaviors, and desires. Because of this, our personalities are as intricately designed as a spider’s web, woven together with complexity. It’s that complexity that draws in others and helps us form powerful bonds with other people.
Our relationship with our spouse or partner can be the most exciting and satisfying of those bonds. However, because it weaves together two distinct personalities, conflicts may arise due to differing opinions and lifestyles. These conflicts can occur at any stage of the relationship, from its beginnings to beyond.
Do any of the following situations resonate with you?
- You’ve been dating someone for the past year and you really enjoy their company, but you notice that they have trouble communicating their needs in a healthy, clear way. Because your approach has always been to be direct, you fear you might be overwhelming them with your communication style.
- You’ve been married for a little over four years, and your partner wants to start a family. You’ve talked about raising children before but you’re not sure you’re emotionally or financially ready yet. You don’t want to disappoint your partner but you’re uncertain about what to do.
- The 40 years you’ve spent with your spouse have been the best years of your life. But recently, you’ve noticed your partner’s behavior has changed. They’re not as affectionate or playful as they’ve been in previous years, and you worry that something is wrong with your relationship.
Whether you’re in the early stages of love or have a seasoned relationship, managing your differences takes commitment and engagement. These difficulties sometimes require professional assistance to get a neutral perspective, mend wounds, and find new solutions to old problems.
Our marriage and couples therapists at Thriveworks in Seattle, WA are skilled at creating environments conducive to open communication. We would be honored to help you and your partner work through your challenges and emerge stronger than ever.
What Services Do You Offer Couples and Spouses?
Because challenges vary, we offer services that cater to a variety of needs. Whether you’re looking to grow what you already have or to resolve conflict around a specific issue, we have a plan that’s right for you and your partner.
We address many topics, including:
- Trauma and past abuse
- Divorce and separation
- Family planning
- Financial disagreements
- Intimacy and sex issues
- Life transitions
- Trust issues
- Infidelity or jealousy
- Mental health disorders
If you’re ready to prioritize your relationship and take the first step toward a brighter future, please contact us at Thriveworks in Seattle, WA to get started.
What Will Our Couples Therapy Session Involve?
People come to couples therapy with different goals in mind, from resolving a specific issue to developing specific skills to working out amicable terms at the end of a relationship.
When you first start couples therapy, your provider will speak with you about your concerns and goals for therapy in order to create a treatment plan tailored to your preferences. Your couples counselor or therapist may incorporate one or more types of therapy during your sessions, including:
- Narrative therapy
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT)
- The Gottman Method
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Each form of therapy offers a different set of benefits that can strengthen your connection or help resolve conflict. In narrative therapy, for example, you’ll learn to be the owners of your own experiences. This type of therapy will empower you and your partner to speak your beliefs and to see where your narratives fit into the larger world. You’ll also learn how to separate your problem from yourself, which allows you to view complications more openly and honestly.
In addition to therapy, your provider may also implement self-care techniques and suggest exercises for you and your partner to try together. Some of these exercises may include taking up a hobby together, attentive gazing, or reading educational literature.
When you’re ready to start your own customized relationship counseling sessions with a professional, reach out to us at Thriveworks in Seattle, WA.
Schedule a Couples Therapy or Marriage Counseling Session in Seattle, WA
Attending couples counseling can have a profoundly positive impact on your emotional and mental health. When you choose to address your concerns with the help of a licensed therapist or counselor, you’re choosing to be an active agent in your life and relationship.
We want you and your partner to flourish. That’s why we offer unparalleled flexibility, including weekend and evening sessions to accommodate your busy lives, as well as online therapy appointments. If something comes up, you can take advantage of our convenient cancellation policy and can even get in touch with your provider in between sessions by phone or email.
Our clients have seen counseling improve their relationships and we would love to do the same for you. Call us at Thriveworks in Seattle, WA to begin couples counseling.
