Couples Therapy

I work with couples on whatever is preventing your relationship from experiencing fulfilling and long-lasting love. From issues about communication, money, sex, children, and work - to concerns like infidelity or betrayal, we’ll work together to help you navigate life’s challenges. My focus is to help couples work through issues to build a healthy, happy connection.

How do we know if we need couples therapy?

Couples often start therapy when there is a communication breakdown in the relationship. One big sign of this is if conversations quickly devolve into arguments or if you are avoiding talking about certain things in order to dodge an argument. Trust and intimacy are two other big factors in a relationship that can bring couples to therapy, as they can strong affect the connection that you have with each other. Big life changes can cause stress in a relationship - having kids, moving, a new job, etc. - and having a third party to help you navigate these changes and come together during them can make all the difference.

There are many reasons that couples may want to start therapy together. If you’re interested in learning more about how couples therapy can help you, let’s chat!

Couples therapy gives your relationship the space it needs to heal and grow.

Here are a few things we’ll work on together:

Addressing and resolving past issues that may impact the relationship.

Improving communication and conflict-resolution skills for better understanding and empathy.

Aligning goals and values related to finances, careers, and family planning or parenting.

Managing expectations for the relationship and individual roles.

Developing strategies to maintain intimacy and connection.

Understanding and appreciating differences in personality and background.

A note about therapy for couples:

Sometimes people feel nervous about beginning couples therapy, worrying that it signals a problem in their relationship or that it might uncover issues they won't be able to fix together. While these concerns are understandable, they don’t reflect the true value of counseling. The truth is that engaging in couples counseling is proactive and smart. It helps address challenges before they get too big and equips you with tools and insights that many don’t have for navigating the inevitable ups and downs of life together. Romantic relationships represent some of the deepest bonds you'll share in your lifetime, and counseling can strengthen this connection, making sure you have a solid foundation to carry with you for years to come.

My approach:

When working with couples, I use a warm and directive approach. I won’t shy away from challenging any unhelpful narratives I hear, but I also won’t choose sides because it’s my aim to make sure that both of you feel heard and understood. After all, learning how to truly listen and understand is one of the most important skills in a relationship! I use two evidence-based therapy approaches with couples, called the Gottman Couples Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). The Gottman Method focuses on building a strong friendship foundation, managing conflict effectively, and creating shared meaning in your relationship. Emotionally Focused Therapy helps to identify and correct negative dynamics and create healthier emotional experiences. Together, these methods offer a well-rounded approach to help your relationship heal.

Get in touch!

Schedule a free consultation here or contact me with any question you may have.

britni@ludwigtherapy.com
(773) 373-9855