My approach to
Couples Counseling in Austin, TX
People tend to think of couples therapy as a place you go to work on communication skills and conflict resolution. While this is true, it's not the whole picture. It's important to know that you can also be pro-active about your relationship.
It is inevitable in any marriage or relationship, that issues will come up that are difficult to resolve. When you are happy in your relationship, it's easy to sit down and negotiate ground rules with your partner.
If both partners have agreed to this BEFORE an altercation occurs, then it makes it SO easy to treat hiccups in a relationship in the EARLY stages, rather than letting them linger, brew, and finally explode.
Additionally, sometimes couples need help getting real with each other.
You can love your partner and still want more for your relationship. Coming to therapy isn’t just about fixing problems. It can also be a place to set up goals, create intimacy, and create a shared vision for the relationship.
Counseling can help you get closer to your partner and build a deeper connection.
This can be done by:
It is inevitable in any marriage or relationship, that issues will come up that are difficult to resolve. When you are happy in your relationship, it's easy to sit down and negotiate ground rules with your partner.
If both partners have agreed to this BEFORE an altercation occurs, then it makes it SO easy to treat hiccups in a relationship in the EARLY stages, rather than letting them linger, brew, and finally explode.
Additionally, sometimes couples need help getting real with each other.
You can love your partner and still want more for your relationship. Coming to therapy isn’t just about fixing problems. It can also be a place to set up goals, create intimacy, and create a shared vision for the relationship.
Counseling can help you get closer to your partner and build a deeper connection.
This can be done by:
Creating Emotional Safety
When defenses are up, it’s nearly impossible to get anywhere in a conversation. Together we will create a safe space where you both feel comfortable talking more openly. Most people end up feeling a sense of relief, as though a weight has been lifted.
Going below the surface
We’re good at hiding from the real issues. Good therapy is about getting to the deeper problems (hint: it’s never really just about the laundry or finances).
Practicing Over Time
Change does not occur in one hit-and-run conversation. Resolving conflict and getting closer is hard, and it takes practice. Therapy does get easier, and it has the potential for big gains.
Creating Emotional Safety
When defenses are up, it’s nearly impossible to get anywhere in a conversation. Together we will create a safe space where you both feel comfortable talking more openly. Most people end up feeling a sense of relief, as though a weight has been lifted.
Going below the surface
We’re good at hiding from the real issues. Good therapy is about getting to the deeper problems (hint: it’s never really just about the laundry or finances).
Practicing Over Time
Change does not occur in one hit-and-run conversation. Resolving conflict and getting closer is hard, and it takes practice. Therapy does get easier, and it has the potential for big gains.
My passions
in working with couples in counseling
Navigating Transitions
Moving in, getting married, preparing for kids, thinking about breaking up or getting divorced—these can all be stressful moments in a relationship.
Facilitating Connection
There are many ways to connect in a relationship (verbally, sexually, emotionally, etc.). Intimacy, like dancing, is an art-form which must be practiced.
Addressing unmet needs and improving communication
It’s frustrating and lonely when your partner no longer seems to hear or see you. Communicating is as much about listening as it is about talking.
Rebuilding Trust
Whether trust was broken by lying, cheating, or neglecting one another, betrayal takes a toll on relationships. Rebuilding trust is essential to moving forward.
Set your appointment
Whether you still have questions or are ready to make an appointment, I'd love to chat with you on the phone.
Address
4131 Spicewood Springs Road, Bldg. C Suite 8 Austin, TX, 78759
Phone
830-351-8477
info@alexbarnettecounseling.com
