Common causes of relationship issues:
Communication - Communication can be both verbal and nonverbal. Communicating with your partner is not always easy. Sometimes we assume people just understand how we feel, and what we need. We don’t always realize we are not communicating these things clearly. Once communication falls apart in a relationship it can be difficult to get back on the same page. Sometimes each person continues struggling to hear or understand the other, with mixed results. Other times couples stop communicating altogether.
Conflicts - What a conflict looks like can vary. When communication breaks down within a couple conflict can arise. Common points of conflict within relationships are intimacy, money, and family. Conflicts can also emerge when the needs or wants of one partner are contradicting those of the other. Some conflicts are loud aggressive arguments, some are passive-aggressive withholding. The longer conflicts go without adequate repair the more difficult they are to fix. The good news is, conflict within a relationship is normal. In fact, working through conflict can make relationships stronger and more long lasting.
Balancing needs and wants of both partners - Each person has their own unique set of needs and wants when it comes to relationships. Sometimes your needs and wants do not match up with those of your chosen partner. Needs for closeness and distance can become particularly problematic. Feelings of anxiety, disappointment, or distress can arise when you want to be close but your partner needs space, or vice versa.
Intimacy - Intimacy within a relationship can change overtime. Feelings of safety and security are necessary to experience an intimate connection with your partner. Intimacy can be physical, mental and/or emotional. You may have different desires for intimacy from your partner. Negotiating these possible differences can be tricky. Compromise is possible with clear communication and trust.
Trust - Trust develops in a relationship when we realize we can rely on the other person. If you feel suspicious, anxious, or uncomfortable with your partner you may not fully trust them. Trust can easily be broken if your partner does something that hurts or frightens you. Trust can be built (or rebuilt) over time with consistency, reliability, and connection.
Communication - Communication can be both verbal and nonverbal. Communicating with your partner is not always easy. Sometimes we assume people just understand how we feel, and what we need. We don’t always realize we are not communicating these things clearly. Once communication falls apart in a relationship it can be difficult to get back on the same page. Sometimes each person continues struggling to hear or understand the other, with mixed results. Other times couples stop communicating altogether.
Conflicts - What a conflict looks like can vary. When communication breaks down within a couple conflict can arise. Common points of conflict within relationships are intimacy, money, and family. Conflicts can also emerge when the needs or wants of one partner are contradicting those of the other. Some conflicts are loud aggressive arguments, some are passive-aggressive withholding. The longer conflicts go without adequate repair the more difficult they are to fix. The good news is, conflict within a relationship is normal. In fact, working through conflict can make relationships stronger and more long lasting.
Balancing needs and wants of both partners - Each person has their own unique set of needs and wants when it comes to relationships. Sometimes your needs and wants do not match up with those of your chosen partner. Needs for closeness and distance can become particularly problematic. Feelings of anxiety, disappointment, or distress can arise when you want to be close but your partner needs space, or vice versa.
Intimacy - Intimacy within a relationship can change overtime. Feelings of safety and security are necessary to experience an intimate connection with your partner. Intimacy can be physical, mental and/or emotional. You may have different desires for intimacy from your partner. Negotiating these possible differences can be tricky. Compromise is possible with clear communication and trust.
Trust - Trust develops in a relationship when we realize we can rely on the other person. If you feel suspicious, anxious, or uncomfortable with your partner you may not fully trust them. Trust can easily be broken if your partner does something that hurts or frightens you. Trust can be built (or rebuilt) over time with consistency, reliability, and connection.
Relationship counseling - how we can help
You possess the ability to have and maintain a healthy relationship. We can help you discover tools, and learn skills, to improve communication, repair trust after a conflict, get on the same page about intimacy, and balance your wants and needs with your partner’s.
It is important to note that we do not offer couples therapy. We work specifically with individuals on all the concerns listed above. We want to help you to feel fulfilled in your relationship and your life.
Break-up or divorce - How to cope when a relationship ends
Not every relationship lasts. Breakups and divorce can be difficult for both partners. Deciding to end a relationship is usually not an easy choice. Losing a significant other can be devastating. Separating your life from someone else’s is a physical, mental, and emotional process with many associated complex feelings. Experiencing symptoms of depression, anger, desperation, loneliness, and a decrease in self-esteem is not uncommon
Break-up or divorce counseling - how we can help
Going through a breakup or divorce is life changing. Unconditional support during this difficult time is something we can offer. Therapy is a good place to work through the strong emotions you may be experiencing as a result of this loss. We can help you in feeling whole again.
Not every relationship lasts. Breakups and divorce can be difficult for both partners. Deciding to end a relationship is usually not an easy choice. Losing a significant other can be devastating. Separating your life from someone else’s is a physical, mental, and emotional process with many associated complex feelings. Experiencing symptoms of depression, anger, desperation, loneliness, and a decrease in self-esteem is not uncommon
Break-up or divorce counseling - how we can help
Going through a breakup or divorce is life changing. Unconditional support during this difficult time is something we can offer. Therapy is a good place to work through the strong emotions you may be experiencing as a result of this loss. We can help you in feeling whole again.