What happens in therapy?
In individual therapy you will have a safe space to speak openly about your relationship challenges. We will explore behaviours that are limiting and develop new ways of communicating. Identifying your emotions, developing healthy emotional expression, working through conflict, building trust, and learning to be vulnerable, will be explored. Understanding negative communication cycles, where your patterns emerged and understanding the patterns you get stuck in will be unpacked. You will also practice new ways of communicating and learn how your thoughts impact your mood.
In couples or family therapy you and your partner/family member will have a safe space to speak openly about your relationship challenges. You will each have an opportunity to share your perspectives. We will explore behaviours that are limiting and develop new ways of communicating. Identifying your emotions, developing healthy emotional expression, working through conflict, building trust and learning to be vulnerable, will be explored. Understanding negative communication cycles, where your patterns emerged and understanding the patterns you get stuck in will be unpacked. You will also practice new ways of communicating and learn how your thoughts impact your mood.
It is very common for relationship issues to impact mental health or for existing mental health issues to effect relationships. During therapy we will also address other challenges that are impacting your relationships such as:
- Generalized anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Depression
- Unhealthy coping strategies (i.e. addictions)
- Trauma (i.e. sexual abuse)
- Coping with chronic pain
- Medical issues
- Trust issues (e.g. infidelity, deep betrayals)
- Grief
- Attachment Injuries that are undermining safety (i.e. blocks to attachment that arise between distressed couples)
Self-awareness and an understanding of unhealthy communication cycles and resulting emotions will be discussed. Changing old patterns and creating new connections is key. It all starts with developing goals and strategies to formulate your unique therapy plan.
