For many people, relationships are a central focus of life. While tension at home bleeds into the rest of life, the inverse is also true. Healthy, satisfying relationships help when weathering storms.

As a therapist, I find work with couples uniquely rewarding. I get to witness the ways in which two people are trying to reach one another, be heard, and connect. Yes, couples therapy involves communication skills training, but it is deeper than learning how to say things “the right way.” It is about reinvesting in the foundational friendship and working to create a life of meaning for both partners. It is a privilege to be allowed to bear witness to relationships and encourage partners to slow down, invest in what’s important to them, and build intimacy.

Couples often leave my office learning something new about themselves or their partner. Sometimes they view a dynamic in the relationship through a new lens. They learn to invest in the emotional “bank account,” to appreciate their partners small gestures of care, and how to effectively communicate what they need. Of course, they gain skills for managing the inevitable conflict that arises in any partnership, but they learn to do so from the perspective of “partners on the same team” rather than adversaries. The work that couples engage in is stretching, but also meaningful.

If you and your partner have been curious about seeking couple therapy but aren’t sure if it will be helpful, reach out. I would love to talk more.