Couples Counseling

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Couples seek counseling with a therapist when they are looking for a supportive, non-judgmental environment where the counselor is objective, does not takes sides with either party, and assist you to develop better communication skills, and harmony with-in the relationship.  Dr. Susan draws from varying therapeutic models that she believes will be most helpful to each particular couple.  Primarily, but not exclusively, she draws from Family Systems Models and Solution-Focused Therapy.  In some cases she finds it helpful to incorporate Hypnotherapy and Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) to facilitate relational healing.  The use of Clinical Hypnosis, and RRT, is an innovative approach that resolves the impact of trauma and embedded problems at a much faster rate that traditional therapeutic models.  This approach was founded by Jon Connelly and is used under license. For more information please visit www.cleartrauma.com 

Dr. Susan helps couples achieve their goals by taking a non-pathological perspective while viewing clients in the context of their lives and relationships.  To facilitate healing she embraces a holistic view of clients lives and considers the mind-body-spirit connection.  As a team, she and her clients work together to break problematic patterns of behavior, improve communication, develop new coping strategies, and improve relationships.

Your initial meeting will include a joint assessment where Dr. Susan will help you clearly identify a direction for improving your relationship in a therapeutic setting.  It may be suggested that you, and your spouse/partner, meet with her for an individual session and then proceed to joint counseling.  You can expect a plan of action for therapy will be developed that will meet your therapy needs and goals.  In addition, Dr. Susan will assist you to facilitate change by offering  book suggestions and tasks between sessions.

Couples counseling assists you in having a more fulfilling, loving relationship based on the foundation of trust and respect.  If you are in a committed relationship it is never, too, soon to seek help; unfortunately, many people seek counseling as a last resort when they may have prevented agony and pain by obtaining assistance sooner. 

Dr. Susan looks at relationships through a systemic lens and examines the interactional patterns that couples engage in that perpetuate problematic issues.  She supports each party by recognizing the part they play in maintaining the problem, and helps them find alternative strategies for positive change.  She will guide couples to identify their strengths and resources with the purpose of building towards permanent change.  Before terminating counseling sessions, you will learn how to 'anchor' these changes to promote lasting relationship improvement.