FINDING A WAY OUT OF CRISIS TOGETHER: THE GOAL AND METHOD OF COUPLE THERAPY

There are various indications that a couple’s relationship is in crisis: The dispute over the same issues increases, or goes in circles, without a solution being in sight. One (or both) partners feel that they are not being heard by the other. The fronts have hardened and you are no longer sure why you are still together with the person at your side. It is often hard to imagine that a couple will ever be able to get out of this crisis again.

Whether acute relationship crises, recurring conflicts, emotional distance or communication difficulties - in couples therapy I work primarily according to the Gottman method. This practical and emotion-oriented approach is based on decades of research, and has proven to be highly effective. The goal here is to defuse conflicts in verbal communication, to strengthen intimacy, affection and respect, and to increase empathy and understanding within the relationship.

PREMARITAL CONSULTATION

Getting married is a big step in a couple's life. Support for couples considering marriage can help to ease the start into this new phase of life. I will provide you with tools related to your communication with one another and conflict management, support you in addressing important issues that may not have been discussed before, or in working on existing conflicts and insecurities.

SEPARATION ASSISTANCE

The goal of couples therapy is not always to save the relationship. If one or both of the partners have already ended the relationship, the separation process can be accompanied by couple therapy.

COUPLES THERAPY FOR INDIVIDUALS

Individuals can also take advantage of couples therapy. Even if your partner is not yet ready for joint couples therapy, you can benefit from recognizing your own contribution to conflicts and changing your behavior accordingly. The systemic approach assumes that changed behavior of individuals causes changes in the system, in this case your couple relationship, and thus also in your partner.

If you are single or have been looking for a relationship for some time, it can also be helpful to recognize your own patterns that may have contributed to relationship failures or unfortunate partner choice.