Relationship Counseling
Conflict in relationship is not a bad thing. All relationships encounter difficulties and points of misalignment. It is how we work through those that matters. And sometimes we all need some guidance.
Let us help you with the how.
Read on for areas we help with:
Consensual Non-Monogamy
There are often road bumps when practicing or considering ethical non-monogamy. We work with couples in or considering alternative relationship structures to help with common issues that come up in polyamory or CNM:
Jealousy
Time management
Establishing relationship agreements
Disclosure to others, etc.
We understand the nuances of navigating issues that arise when the structure of monogamy is not present. We also know the deep joy, fulfillment, and closeness that couples can experience through open relationships.
AdDing to the family and life with children
Becoming a parent—especially the process of trying to conceive and navigating the transition with a new baby—can challenge even the strongest of relationships.
Managing the stresses of parenthood with small children and little time for yourself can take a toll.
We can help you improve communication, balance the mental load, reconnect with each other and yourselves individually, and appreciate the here-and-now—chaos and all.
Ongoing communication struggles
We don’t exactly get a manual for how to navigate relationship issues. And we all come to relationships with our own histories.
Sometimes this might be trauma
Throughout the course of any relationship, there will be times when couples feel challenged or disconnected, when things feel bleak.
Breaches in trust, built-up resentment, frequent bickering, sexual misalignment, differences in values and priorities, or simply wanting to strengthen skills of communication are all good reasons to get support.
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75-Minute Sessions
Intake Session: $210 (Melissa’s rate: $225)
Subsequent Sessions: $190 (Melissa’s rate: $205)
Please note: All couples/relationship counseling is private pay. For further explanation, see our FAQ page.
In relationship counseling we will help you:
Reduce conflict by recognizing unhelpful communication patterns and conflict styles and practicing alternatives
Identify specific ways to building connection and meaning in your relationship
Gain deeper awareness of your attachment styles
Attune to dysregulated emotional states
Learn to tackle obstacles and reach mutual understanding together without trying to change your partner
Deepen your ability to see your partner’s perspective and express your own needs productively
Unlike in individual therapy, the conversations in relationship therapy are between you and your partner, with the therapist as a guide—offering you tools and input, but ultimately working towards the goal of helping you function on your own.
Our practice is LGBTQIA+ and kink/BDSM affirming. We celebrate all expressions of love and sexuality.
We are trained in using Gottman Method for relationship therapy, an approach based on decades of research.