Couples may choose to address specific issues in counseling such as intimacy, differing views of finances, parenting styles, and communication. Often people come to me citing communication difficulties at the main source of tension in their relationship but it is discovered that each partner is harboring years of resentment and past hurt. These hurts are then slowly revealed and worked through while learning appropriate boundaries and assertive communication.

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I have worked with couples who have a history of infidelity and other couples who are in active polyamorous or open relationships. It's important to know that each couple teaches me about their relationship, values and culture. When we have reached a mutual understanding of the current situation is when the real work begins as I challenge current view points, dynamics, and patterns of interacting.

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Couples therapy can sometimes feel like I'm taking sides when in reality all of my interventions are to enlighten the couple. In working with couples, the relationship as a whole is my client and not either partner. Generally, I suggest that each partner is in their own individual counseling to address any historical trauma or mood disorders that affect the relationship. Individual therapy concurrent with couples therapy often produces the fastest healing.