Couples Counseling

Counseling for couples is almost always a good idea – Counseling can benefit couples in distress, couples who have become bored or indifferent, couples who travel frequently, couples who have trouble communicating, couples with conflicting anger styles, and even (possibly especially) for couples who are happy, hopeful, and are engaged to be married.

I cover all angles of marriage – dating couples, premarital, newly married, long-term marriage, and spouses on the brink of divorce.

I see an equal number of couples who are not married -- couples who live together, same-sex partners, couples who would like to marry but cannot do so legally in Texas, couples with and without children, couples with and without pets, partners who are with and without passion, and clients with infidelity issues. I see partners who are from different races, different cultures, and different backgrounds.

When counseling with these couples I often see common themes, but just as often I discover unique situations and problems that are specific to the particular couple. With common problems, I often start by offering some ideas and common solutions. With unique issues, I work creatively and thoughtfully with the clients to come up with answers. Sometimes we experiment with solutions, “try something on” and see if it works. With this type of work, I get the satisfaction of being able to offer tried and true answers to recurring problems, client by client – and I also get the fun and inspiration of learning new things, exploring fresh ideas and discovering spontaneous, effective, and sensible solutions. I seem to have a good mix of clinical skill and plain good luck.

When clients choose to set up an appointment for a joint-session, I usually see both clients together unless there is a reason to see them separately. Some clients prefer to meet the counselor separately on the first session, and I am happy to accommodate this preference. My intention is to tailor the counseling process to each particular couple --- I am very aware that cookie-cutter recipes don’t work for everyone, and I keep that in mind as I prepare for each session.

I will repeat something I have said before: If you are reluctant to make an appointment immediately for couples counseling, keep doing your research, reading, and surfing online until you find the answer that makes the most sense to you. If you have questions about my counseling style, the process of couples counseling, my philosophical leanings, or if you just want to talk for a few minutes to get a feel for whether or not I would be a good fit for working with you and your partner, call my office. Unless I’m in session, I will be glad to talk with you – If I am in session, leave a voice-mail message so that I can return your call promptly. Most people are able to gauge whether they have found the right counselor within the first few minutes of conversation.

My office number is: 972.896.7437