Couples Therapy

Sometimes the best way to work on issues with both people in the room. When the issues are presenting primarily in a couple’s relationship, Couple’s Therapy can be most appropriate. And whether the couple is dating seriously, or discerning marriage, or have been married for years, the couple’s therapy approach can help both partners to sort through delicate and difficult problems.

We work with couples at any stage of life, so whether you are seriously dating or discerning marriage, whether you’ve been married for decades or you’re blending your two families, we are here to help.

Here’s a little information on Couple’s Therapy. For a deeper look at how problems can show up in a couple’s relationship, see the tab on “Problems in Marriage.”

What to expect

Both individuals will be in a “couples’ file” together, and sign a release of information to each other. This means that the same therapist is the therapist for both people, regardless of who comes to session.
Most couples’ therapy sessions are attended by both partners. And sometimes, if it is clinically appropriate, the therapist will require this, such that if one person can’t make it, the session will need to be rescheduled.
However, in other cases, for the benefit of the couple the therapist will meet with each partner one-on-one. This is typical during the intake process, or if issues get so heated that both people can’t be calm and also in the same room. Even in this situation the therapist is still providing “Couple’s Therapy”, since the goal is the transformation of the couples’ relationship, and the same therapist is coaching both partners towards that end.

How it works

Blue couch with a small table next to it

The therapist is trained to stay neutral between both members of the couple. This means that the therapist won’t take sides on any issue, ever.
This neutral relationship allows each partner to take ownership for each one’s own contribution to the relationship dynamic (and the relationship problem).
Oftentimes the therapist will ask each person to take turns talking, and take turns listening. This has the potential to foster a whole different emotional environment than the more natural setting at home where, when there are problems, an emotional chain reaction is easily triggered, such that overwhelm is likely and progress is difficult.
This calm sharing and listening can allow each partner to think more clearly and listen more deeply than was possible before.

Does this sound like the right fit for you? At New Life we believe that a problem that is created in a relationship can be fixed in a relationship, and we are ready to serve you and your partner together towards a more satisfying and fulfilling relationship.