My approach to relationship counseling can be described as peeling the layers of an onion. The first layer is communication with an emphasis on increasing awareness of how each person contributes and ways to enhance that contribution. Here, I coach folks to apply new skills to the issues that bring them into marriage counseling.

 

The next layer is about greater emotional self-sufficiency. This might involve anger-management, coping with depressed mood, anxiety and/or learning how to balance facts and feelings. Such work can reduce emotional dependency and enhance intimacy.

 

The third layer is insight and empathy building through exploration of unresolved material brought to the relationship.  This may include research into family of origin experiences and other past relationships.  An awareness building process, it tends to shed light on unconscious material and how it affects today's thoughts, feelings and behaviors.