My approach to
Couples Counseling in Austin, TX
Transitioning to Marriage
I know it can be intimidating to begin therapy during your engagement period or in the first year of marriage. You might feel embarrassed or think you just need to accept your relationship as is, but marriage is a huge transition in life.
Your relationship is not doomed if you need help with this transition!
Adjusting to marriage is hard. So instead of laying a foundation for years of resentment and avoidance, I can help you put a solid framework in place so that you and your partner are prepared for issues as they arise.
In our work together, you will get more comfortable having hard conversations and tolerating the difficult emotions that might come up during them. This is exactly what therapy is–a place to practice having hard conversations without getting stuck at an impasse and a place to learn how to repair conflict.
Transitioning to Parenthood
I’ve heard it so many times now, “All we do is work, prepare meals, and clean”. As a mother, you might be overwhelmed by the constant emotional and physical demands of parenting. All you want is a moment to yourself, but the minute you get it you feel guilty.
As a father, you might notice that you’ve never felt so stressed out in your life. Though you wouldn’t dare say it, you miss having fun and you worry that all future dreams are going down the drain.
Both of you probably agree this isn’t what you thought it’d be. Your overwhelmed, exhausted and drifting apart. The number one issue I help couples transitioning to parenthood tackle is how to work together as a team.
It’s lonely and isolating for both of you to work tirelessly without feeling appreciated or supported by each other. I can help you form a protective boundary around your relationship (instead of a brick wall in between you) so that you can reconnect and learn how to communicate and comfort each other.
The hard truth you’ll have to confront is that you can’t do it all (especially not by yourself). What you’ll gain, however, is a partner that has your back. Together you’ll get clear on what’s most important to you and how to put your marriage first so that everything else runs more smoothly.
The process of couples therapy:
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
