Counseling and psychotherapy for individuals and couples.
Relationship Therapy
Couples Therapy | Relationship Therapy
Your Relationship Deserves Support and Commitment
Explore the ways in which you and your partner connect.
Couples therapy, relationship therapy, or counseling, is a collaborative process between a counselor and individuals in all types of relationship dynamics, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, including LGBTQIA+.
Whether you are seeking therapy for pre-marital counseling, are a married couple, divorced and co-parenting, co-habituating, or different "relationship designs" such as polyamorous, open relationships, non-monogamist, kink/BDSM dynamics, Vazier Counseling provides relationship and sex therapy right here in Dallas and all across Texas.
The goal is to improve communication and understanding and develop healthy conflict resolution.
What to Expect During Couples Counseling
For the first session, I meet with everyone together. This helps us explore the goals of the relationship and whether I can be of assistance in meeting those goals. Depending on the issues of the relationship I may meet with each person individually for a session to gather additional information.
The expectation is all parties be present for all sessions.
Something to keep in mind.
~ Secrets. Many counselors will not work with individuals unwilling to disclose vital information or unwilling to stop engaging in behaviors that damage the relationship. It is counterproductive to participate in counseling while engaging in unhealthy behaviors. I believe it is crucial for the health of the relationship, as well as the individual, that the "secret" be addressed.
In my experience, people will resist seeking help if they are fearful of what the secret will do to the relationship. I have experienced relationships end whether the secret was known or not. I have experienced relationships improve after discovering the secret.
I will not be the one to disclose a partner's secret, however, I will work toward helping the individual with the secret to disclose it. I will not work with relationships where someone continues to engage in the secret, for example, infidelity or substance use.
Let's Talk About Sex!
Sex can be an issue in a lot of relationships. Discussions about sex may be a part of the therapy discussion, such as identifying factors that impact intimacy and each individual's sexual satisfaction within the relationship. It is important to determine each person's satisfaction with sex and intimacy in case there are underlying issues. Additionally, we can talk about anatomy, sex, communication styles, and experimentation options.
Talking about sex feels awkward and strange for most people. Clients can feel anxious and embarrassed about the topic and hesitate to bring up concerns. As a therapist, I do my best to make it as comfortable as possible. There is no pressure or judgment at any time.
It is important to note sex therapy does not include any physical contact or sexual activity among clients and therapist.
Do You Ever Find Yourself Wondering:
- "Am I the only person experiencing these issues?"
- "What is a healthy relationship?"
- "What if I can’t trust them again?"
- "How do I talk about intimacy issues with my partner?”
- "What is sex supposed to feel like?"
- "How do I feel better about my relationship?"
- "How do I tell him/her we need to spice up our sex life?"
- "Why can't we just talk?"
- "Why do we keep having the same fights?"
- "How do I enjoy sex after infidelity?"
You are not alone in thinking these thoughts.
Have You Experienced Any of the Following:
- Guilt or shame about your relationship
- Regular conflict and tension
- Don't feel heard or understood
- A lack of desire to have sex or feeling ashamed for having sex
- Avoiding intimacy
- Fearing something is wrong with you
- Lack of trust and feelings of being taken advantage of
- A sense that you are on the verge of separation
- Sexual problems with your partner and needing a safe place to address these concerns
- The devastation of infidelity
- Disagreements on different parenting styles, money, roles in the home, or lack of affection
Helping People Improve Communication Will Lead To Resolving Conflict, Establishing Boundaries, and an Overall Better Connection.
Common Issues In Relationships
Trust
Having a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone. There are many reasons trust is broken between individuals. Working to rebuild trust can be difficult without guidance and an objective view.
Communication
A process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. Communication is learned and most people do not have healthy role models on ways to communicate difficult thoughts and feelings.
Boundaries
Boundaries help you define what you are comfortable with and how you would like to be treated by others. It promotes a healthy exchange between individuals. It also allows others to know what you need and what you are willing to do to meet their needs.
Intimacy
Intimacy in a relationship is a feeling of being close, emotionally connected, and supported. It means being able to share a whole range of thoughts, feelings, and experiences that we have without fear of judgment or consequence. This can include sexual intimacy.
Money
Finances are difficult and are a common cause of relationship issues. When arguments over finances are not handled appropriately, they can lead to even bigger issues and stress. It's important to work with your partner to manage your finances in a positive way.
Infidelity
Infidelity not only includes physical cheating but can also include emotional cheating. Working through infidelity means you have to be honest with each other and will need to work together to move forward. Cheating hurts and requires both partners to be committed to moving forward, together.
Relationship Dynamics
It can be difficult to find a therapist familiar with what some would call "nontraditional" relationships.
Sessions are a safe place to process the exchanges and desired goals for the benefit of the relationship and experience of all involved. Some common topics discussed in the session:
- Role expectations
- Misunderstandings related to communication styles
- Differences in intimacy
- Insecurities
Improve Your Relationship
By Starting With Your Mental Health
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