communication issues in dallas
“Communication to a relationship is like oxygen to life. Without it… it dies.” Tony Gaskins
Counseling to improve communication
You feel like you’re just going around in circles- arguing about the same things over and over again without any resolution.
You get frustrated when even the simplest things turn into heated debates. It’s like you can’t say anything without your partner having a rebuttal or trying to prove that you’re wrong- even when it comes to how you feel. It’s infuriating. You just want to feel heard, to feel understood and cared for by your partner.
Or perhaps you feel like you constantly have to defend yourself- that nothing you say or do is ever good enough. You’ve gotten so tired of feeling like you have to justify every action that you just stop responding. You shut down or retreat because nothing you say or do seems to matter.
Regardless of what role you play, the result is the same- you feel rejected, hurt, and alone.
You wish you could just hit the reset button and go back to when you still had fun together. You remember the good times, but those times may be beginning to seem so distant now.
how can relationship counseling help?
Relationship counseling is more than just learning to fight better. True relationship counseling goes much deeper than that.
When I work with couples who are struggling to communicate with each other, I first help them identify the patterns that keep them feeling distant from each other.
The way you communicate is like a dance. I can predict that when one partner moves a certain way how the other will then respond.
What you’ll learn through relationship counseling
Over time, you’ll discover new, more effective ways to have difficult conversations- whether it’s about money, sex, the in-laws, or children. You’ll be able to talk in a way that leads you both to feeling heard and understood.
Now I’m not suggesting that breaking these negative cycles will be easy. After all, most couples stuggle for many years before walking through my door.
But within just a few short months you can see significant improvement in your relationship.
That’s because you’ll learn that your partner isn’t just trying to be a jerk. In fact, the reason they “nag” or shut down is actually because they do care. Crazy, right?
Imagine being able to talk to your partner without it turning into a big fight. Imagine talking to each other in a loving way even when you disagree. Imagine knowing that no matter what is said (or unsaid) in your relationship, that you know without a doubt that your partner loves and respects you.
It’s not just a daydream. It can be your reality.
I’m ready when you are! Your beautiful marriage is right around the corner.
What If My Partner Won't Go To Counseling?
It's not uncommon for one partner to be more reluctant or even simply refuse to attend counseling. If this is the case, I typically advise partners to approach the topic in a positive way.
Partners may get the signal that they are defective or that there is something wrong with them when you say, "Honey, I think we need to see a marriage therapist."
Instead, tell your partner how important your relationship with them is and how you would like to explore ways to make it even better. If your partner is still reluctant, they are more than welcome to schedule a consultation with me to discuss it further.
It's free, and we can explore some of the common barriers and misconceptions people have about marriage counseling.
Shouldn't We Be Able to Figure This Out On Our Own?
If you're here, the answer to that is likely 'no'. It's also likely that you have tried to fix your marriage on your own. And if you got a manual for love when you got married, I'd love to get a copy.
The advice you often get is learning about how to communicate better or compromise. It's about learning to be nicer to each other or how to 'fight better'... If that's all marriage is about, then more people would probably elect to never get married. After all, I could compromise with and be nice to my college roommates...
As Sue Johnson says, "Love is not a psychotic mix of sex and sentiment..." It's so much more than that. Yet, it's simple really. Once you know that love is all about bonding on an emotional level with another human being, you can understand it. Love is a survival instinct that tells us to keep those we love and trust close by.
By knowing what love is, we can mold and shape it. It gives us a map to intimate relationships that we've never had before.
But We've Tried Couples Counseling Before...
Oh man, if I had a dollar...
70-80% of therapists say that they work with couples. Very few of them have specialized training to do so. They mean well, and some of them are helpful to an extent.
But if you really want to level up your relationship, you need an expert. You need someone with a map and a compass.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy provides me with said map. I know the destination, and more importantly, I know how to help you get there.
I've Heard Couples Counseling is Expensive...
Depends on what you consider expensive. I think Starbucks coffee is expensive (and I don't even drink coffee).
Yes, couples therapy is an investment in yourself and in your relationship. If we are talking business terms, it has an incredible ROI.
Struggling with your most intimate relationship is toxic to your health. If you and your partner are unsatisfied with your marriage, you're more likely to be sick and feel the effects of stress more intensely.
I could go on about the benefits of therapy, but I'll highlight just one- you're less likely to get divorced.
10 sessions of therapy will cost you about $2500. A divorce will cost you about $15,000; not to mention the emotional turmoil for everyone involved. How's that for preventive care?
This Sounds Great, But We Just Don't Have the Time...
If you allow your schedule to interfere with your ability to improve your relationship, I have bad news for you.
Not to mention that I currently offer evening and even Saturday appointments. You can schedule your appointments online 24 hours a day without having to worry about playing phone tag.
Stop making excuses and schedule your consultation today by using the link below.