We are long taught through movies, books, and our community that relationships are amazing and wonderful—and they sure can be. What our education often leaves out is the hard work and struggle it can take to get them running more smoothly, as well as the regular maintenance they need to be fulfilling. This experience alone is often a shocking one, when the fantasy is so different from the reality. Many may think that they’ve made a big mistake in getting to a relationship, or that they are a failure, when things don’t go smoothly.
Having couples sessions can be useful for a variety of reasons including: learning better communication skills, managing conflict more effectively, understanding one’s own needs and the needs of a partner, practicing and deepening intimacy, talking about marriage or divorce, or addressing other challenging conversations and situations.
While couples therapy can be effective when the relationship is struggling, it is also useful during transitions, or as a “tune up,” to keep things running smoothly.
Couples Therapy for New and Young Families
It’s hard to imagine a more common and bigger life change than starting a family (having or adopting a child) or joining one (marrying into a larger family). Many people experience this with some distress and are surprised as they were not prepared for its struggles. Dr. Levy has helped many new and young families find their balance as they take on this important work and dramatic lifestyle change.