Couples & Premarital Counseling
Premarital Counseling
We all have expectations of what marriage looks like, usually based on what we observed growing up in our own families. These expectations are often unspoken, meaning that we may assume our partner shares our values and expectations and we may become disappointed when we realize they have their own set of expectations. It could be as simple as washing the dishes and drying them to the left or right of the sink – neither is wrong, it is just what we have learned, and sometimes the expectations can be much more complex such as how each of you handles finances. Some of the most frequent challenges new couples face are finances, sex, chores, child-raising, and communication. Having a safe space to discuss these challenges early on can contribute to a strong foundation in your marriage.
How can therapy help?
Premarital counseling helps couples take the next step in their relationship and possibly resolve issues before they arise as well as setting relationship goal before committing to marriage. Premarital counseling can guide you in these challenging conversations as you uncover some of these expectations you have for one another and maybe some of those “blind spots” in the relationship. Premarital counseling can also help you in identifying those areas where you are compatible and how you successfully work together in the relationship and celebrating those areas as you nurture them. At MEND, we have counselors who are SYMBIS certified and PREPARE/ENRICH certified.
Couples Counseling
Being in a romantic relationship can be challenging as it takes daily commitment and dedication. Some of the most frequent issues couples face are finances, sex, child-raising, communication, and chores. Whether you have been together for months or decades, couples counseling can be a space where both individuals have a voice to share their perspective and experiences of the relationship.
Issues we work with:
Infidelity
Trauma
Communication issues/conflict
Attachment issues
Significant life events
Intimacy issues
Emotional distance
Parenting
Infertility
How can therapy help?
At MEND counseling, we strive to create a safe space for you and your partner to work through whatever issues you may be facing together. Couples therapy is extremely important, and we hope to work with you in strengthening and repairing your relationship. Couples often experience “roadblocks” where communication stalls out or an issue feels impossible to resolve. Having an experienced couples therapist who can help with de-escalation and providing steps to improve communication as well as changing unhelpful patterns can be crucial for a relationship.
