Why I Chose to Specialize in Couples Therapy: It's my Jam!
The world of couples therapy is not for the faint of heart. It is full of challenges, self-reflection, honesty and hard work. It’s a continuous balance of knowing when to push my client’s comfort levels and also knowing when to back off and let the clients feel their partner's vulnerability.
When I first got into graduate school, I was so excited to learn how to save relationships and create more meaningful connections. While this will always remain my goal, I have a greater understanding now of the complexity of this process. Working with couples is my passion.
Being a couples therapist involves discerning perspectives and goals of two different unique individuals. Also, it goes further than relationship goals. One partner can be suffering from depression and the other severe anxiety. Bringing healing to couples involves a multisystem approach. It’s challenging, but I absolutely love it! I love bringing clarity to my couples on what they really want and need from their partners, in a safe environment that leads to compassion.
Another area that I love helping my client’s in is through major life transitions. I have client’s that come for individual counseling because they are struggling with their marriage but have a partner that is completely disengaged and lacking accountability. These client’s are struggling with hard decisions, like if they can stay in their current relationship or if it’s time to move on.
Sometimes divorce is inevitable and it provides you with a safer environment that is more secure. While it is never a great experience, I enjoy helping my client’s explore every outlet and truly understanding their thoughts and feelings before making such a final decision. Regardless of the life transition you are going through, I enjoy providing a supportive environment to assist in your transition.
Helping clients through infidelity has been another focus of mine. Walking my couples through the effects of infidelity is an area that is so delicate but extremely important. My biggest goal from the start of this process is to help my client’s understand the journey that is needed for healing. I find when both client’s know what to expect, it limits disengagement and installs hope. The cycling thoughts related to this process can feel never ending, but I help my client’s understand that with transparency and commitment, this is achievable.
Ultimately therapists hone in on their skills by focusing on a specific niche, learning all they can about working with clients with those struggles, and become experts over time. I’ve chosen to become an amazing couples therapist-changing how people view connection and live relationally, impacting generations of relationships by reducing trauma and increasing meaningful connection, and helping people sit in discomfort and have hard conversations. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.