Relationship Topics

Services

Yet another day goes by. You find yourself in the same spot on the couch, looking over at your partner and wondering how you got here.

Is this even the right relationship for me? How do other couples make it look so easy?

You scroll through social media examining all your friends’ posts about the wonderful things their partners do for them.Your partner doesn’t even make eye contact when talking. And yet, there you are – posting your own “update” stating “spending quality time with my partner. Great way to end the day!” Wow. Something has to change. You can’t go on like this. But where do you begin? This is an internal dialogue many partners have.

The relationship dynamics have somehow shifted and it’s not like it was when you first met. If you have children, this shift is even more intense.

And you’re not sure what next steps to take to accept that you’re doing the best you can. Sometimes it seems like your confidence has abandoned you and you’re no longer capable of recognizing all that you do well. That’s not to say you thought becoming a parent would be simple. You knew it would require a lifestyle change. But what you didn’t expect was to lose yourself in the process.

Areas of Focus

How to deal with frequent arguments and disagreements
Improving effective communication
Healthy boundaries
Increasing intimacy/connection
Family planning/infertility
Preparing for the birth of a new baby and postpartum
Infidelity

We work with many couples where one partner is in recovery from alcoholism, substance use and/or an eating disorder. Our approach in these circumstances often focus on identification of these addictions as the “other person” in that partner’s life, and to learn ways to rebuild trust.

Is your partner not on board with going to couples counseling? Come on your own! We can tailor our approach to assist with making any necessary changes on your end. Sometimes exploring and setting new boundaries can help lead a person down a path of new goals and change.

More about the Gottman Method

The Gottman Method Couples Therapy is a research-based therapeutic model for facilitating couples therapy and was developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. Specific assessments and interventions are utilized to provide an individualized, yet structured approach to helping clients in making their relationships work.

The Gottmans’ began their research in the 1970’s through observation of couples’ interactions in their research lab. Along with a team of experts, they developed a coding system to determine what dynamics and characteristics let to sustained marriages, and what led to divorce. Using this knowledge, formal assessments and interventions were constructed and thoroughly researched to develop an extensive training program for therapists to use with the couples they see. As stated, the treatment plan is unique to each couple, however, the goals are centered around a basic core of all relationships, called the Sound Relationship House.

The Gottman Institute website
on YouTube
on Facebook

Here’s what to expect when you work with us:

Free Phone Consult:

At Bricolage, we extend a free 15-minute phone consultation to make sure we are a good fit to work together. We will discuss what your goals are, explain what therapy will look like, and how your life will be different after working with us. By the end of this call, you will have
a clear idea of your next steps.

Initial Session:

Your first meeting with your therapist will be between 60 and 70 minutes and will allow the two of you to begin to build a relationship.
You will go over the information you provided before this initial session as well as dive into all of the elements of your story. Throughout
this appointment, you and your therapist will work as a team to create your action plan.

Weekly Sessions:

Once you and your therapist begin to work deeply together, you will experience a type of treatment that has been completely tailored
to you and your needs. Your therapist will take keen notice of where you are in your wellness journey and ensure that the exercises you complete in session will bring you a sense of comfort and peace as you move forward.

Completion of Goals

As a team, you and your therapist will continue to evaluate your progress and growth. Eventually, the two of you will recognize that you
are responding to stressors more effectively and that weekly therapy might no longer be necessary. At this point you can choose to come to session less often and together you will decide what level of support you need for the future.