Our therapists provide couples & marriage counseling in Raleigh, NC

My go-to approach for helping people in couples/marriage counseling is to first provide them with a nonjudgmental and impartial space so they are comfortable with talking about their relationship. I find the best benefit of this approach is that it allows each participant the space to address their issues without the fear of being judged.

I teach the following tools in couples/marriage counseling:

• Effective communication skills: This is done by teaching the couple how to use assertive communication through addressing their feelings and not blaming the other person for how they feel. In order to accomplish this, we use “I” statements.
• Taking turns when talking about tough issues.
• The use of “fair fighting” techniques for conflict resolution.
• The 5 Love Languages: I teach each couple about the 5 love languages to assist them in learning how the other person gives and receives love.

I know a couple is making meaningful progress in couples/marriage counseling when they are able to attend a session and share how they were able to manage a tough situation without being in therapy.

Clients can supplement their time in couples/marriage counseling by completing homework assignments, taking time to sit and talk about things that are not related to their marital issues, spending quality time that does not involve electronics, and simply going on a date.

To prepare for your first couples/marriage counseling, you can speak with your significant other about what you are both looking to get out of couples/marriage counseling.