Our relationships are where we are most fully ourselves — and most vulnerable. They can be the source of our deepest joy and our sharpest pain, sometimes in the same week. Whether you are working to strengthen a partnership, navigating a difficult transition, or coming to terms with an ending, counseling offers a steady, supportive place to do that work.
Relationships and Intimacy
Expanding one's capacity to love another, to be in a rewarding relationship, and to keep learning how to love is an ongoing endeavor — not a destination we reach once and for all. Intimacy is a skill that can be developed by enlarging our ability to be empathic, to communicate with compassion and respect, and to validate both ourselves and our partners. It also asks us to be willing to change the negative images we hold of ourselves and of the people we love.
Effective counseling is designed to increase empathy and acceptance and to build the skills that support a relationship's growth and vitality. Often that work involves learning to listen differently and to speak without blame — skills you can read more about on our communication and assertiveness page.
Separation
Separation is not always the end of something — sometimes it is part of a healthy developmental process, such as individuating from one's family of origin. At other times separation means coming to terms with the end of a relationship, or living within an ongoing relationship that is changing shape. Anger, guilt, fear and frustration can all get in the way of a mature, clear-eyed separation. Therapy supports the separation process: it helps you reflect without harsh judgment, center yourself, and move forward with intention rather than reactivity.
Divorce
Despite our best efforts, sometimes relationships end. Divorce is one of life's most stressful experiences, and counseling provides an opportunity to reflect on what went well and what did not work. Concerns and feelings stemming from unresolved conflicts and old hurts deserve attention rather than avoidance. The insights that emerge can then be used to avoid repeating unhelpful patterns, to create an ending that is less painful for everyone involved — including children — and to lay a foundation for healthier relationships in the future.
For families navigating divorce, the American Psychological Association offers helpful, research-based guidance on supporting children through the transition.
Support for Couples and Individuals
You can come to relationship counseling as a couple or on your own — both are valuable, and both can create change. Our network includes therapists experienced with couples, intimacy, separation and divorce. You may also wish to explore anger and conflict or browse all of our therapy specialties. When you are ready to find the right fit, get in touch through our contact form.