I meet a lot of people who tell me that they were once deeply in love, but somewhere along the way their intense feelings and sense of excitement seemed to change into what they have now. Some of these people say their relationship feels isolated and lonely, as if they’re roommates sharing the same house. They tell me they live together in quiet civility but long for connection. Then there are the other couples who say they are so filled with hurt and anger that they’re constantly snapping at each other which leads to arguing, yelling or just shutting down. With both types of couples, they often tell me they feel conflicted between a desire to regain the love and connection they thought they’d have, or just give up and moving on.
Relationships can be incredibly rewarding but also challenging at times. If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, couples therapy might be beneficial:
- Communication and Conflict
- Struggling to communicate effectively with your partner.
- Dealing with frequent arguments or unresolved conflicts.
- Feeling misunderstood or unheard in your relationship.
- Intimacy and Connection
- Experiencing a decline in emotional or physical intimacy.
- Feeling disconnected or distant from your partner.
- Wanting to rekindle the closeness and affection you once had.
- Trust and Commitment
- Facing trust issues, whether from infidelity or other breaches.
- Struggling with commitment or contemplating separation.
- Wanting to rebuild trust and strengthen your bond.
- Life Transitions and Stress
- Navigating significant life changes together, such as becoming parents, career changes, or relocating.
- Managing stressors that impact your relationship, like financial issues or health concerns.
- Supporting each other through grief, loss, or other major life events.
- Personal Growth and Relationship Dynamics
- Desiring to grow individually while staying connected as a couple.
- Exploring and understanding each other’s needs and desires.
- Improving relationship dynamics and fostering a supportive partnership.
Couples Therapy with Robert
When I work with couples, my focus is on the relationship. At first, I tend to watch and assess some of the things you guys do that might not be working as effectively as they could. I’ll bring light to traps or moments where your partner shuts down or reacts. Together we’ll find ways to express yourself that can be heard and accepted. I utilize aspects of a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to your unique relationship needs, including:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Relational Life Therapy (RLT)
- Mindfulness-based approaches
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy
I offer a non-judgmental environment that focuses on mutual respect for both of you as individuals as well as what is best for you as a couple and for your family. If this feels like a space where you can work and if you suspect that we might be a good fit, then please know that you can schedule an appointment online or get more information by calling (650) 394-4473.