Family counseling can be a very useful tool for families to navigate successfully through severe emotional crises. It is often used, when necessary, in conjunction with individual counseling.

Couples counseling or therapy is often seen as different from psychotherapy, because in couples therapy the relationship is the focus of attention. All psychological problems, however, and all psychological changes involve both partner’s own unique personality (behaviors, emotions, conflicts, thought processes) and how they interact in the relationship.

Couples therapy focuses on the problems existing in the relationship between two people. But, these relationship problems always involve individual symptoms and problems, as well as the relationship conflicts. In couples therapy, the goals are to address both individual and couples issues that are negatively affecting the relationship. For example, if you suffer from too much anxiety, stress, or depression, you may bring this into the relationship. This personal struggle then becomes a relationship struggle and can cause tension and increased arguments. Also, the unique way two people’s personalities interrelate may create a unique interaction which neither has had experience. Couples therapy will involve learning how to communicate more effectively, how to listen more closely, and how to identify common life goals so you can begin to share and enjoy life together.