![\"Marriage](\"http:\/\/chappelltherapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/09\/couplestherapyhelps.jpg\")
<\/p>\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.8″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
We all expect the thrilling days of courtship to continue forever. We look at friends or family members who have been married for years and have settled into a comfortable but mundane relationship and vow, \u201cThat\u2019s not going to happen to us.\u201d But, the daily grind has a way of rubbing off the shiny and we find ourselves heading in just that direction. We still feel affection, but is that enough?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not nearly enough, and you don\u2019t have to settle for a marriage that disappoints you daily.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ve tried patiently waiting for things to improve. Maybe you\u2019ve had some heart-to-heart conversations and vowed to do better. Doing better on your own isn\u2019t easy. You each have your own perspectives on who should step forward (and it\u2019s usually your partner, isn\u2019t it?). You are both so enmeshed in your feelings about what\u2019s going on that it\u2019s hard to be rational.<\/p>\n
Marriage counseling San Diego can be an unbiased, educated, and experienced addition to the mix, if you\u2019re willing to try therapy.<\/p>\n
As a therapist who specializes in marriage counseling, I know that one or both of you is likely anxious about coming to therapy for several reasons:<\/p>\n
Not at all. Every couple has issues and struggles to regain a happier place. The fact that you\u2019re reaching out for help means that you\u2019ll likely get there faster and with more tools to use the next time you have difficulties.<\/p>\n
Your partner, like you, will be encouraged to talk openly and honestly. If a secret does come up, your partner already knows it and I can guarantee I’ve heard it before at least a dozen times. I will not be shocked<\/a> or judgmental. If the secret is contributing to your troubles, it\u2019s something that needs to be addressed.<\/p>\n If you or your partner says something negative (and you are almost certain to do so), I\u00a0will see that you both have a chance to give your perspective. Getting the negative feelings out will let you understand what each of you has been experiencing.<\/p>\n As your marriage counselor, I \u00a0see your relationship as the client and ensure that you both feel safe being open and honest.<\/p>\n Just because the therapist is the same gender as your partner doesn\u2019t mean you will be on the losing side. In fact, therapists (including myself) don\u2019t think in terms of sides. A good marriage counselor will not pinpoint a \u201cbad guy\u201d. When providing marriage counseling, I\u00a0will be looking at your relationship as a whole organism and exploring what each of you can contribute to making it healthier. I will constantly check in to make sure that you are both feeling heard and understood along the\u00a0way.<\/p>\n There is an end, although there\u2019s not much point setting a deadline before you\u2019ve even begun. Marriage counseling San Diego can be very short term or it may need to continue for several months. Ideally, you want to plan for 8-20 sessions. I use Emotionally Focused Therapy<\/a> which is research based and considered short-term. The issues that divide you, your individual willingness to confront your problems and to change will determine how long it takes. If cost is an issue, discuss your concerns with your therapist who may be able to lower your fee. While I don\u2019t bill insurance directly, your insurance may cover marriage therapy, or you may get reimbursed with \u201cOut-of-Network\u201d coverage. Please consult your individual insurance plan for all of your options.<\/p>\n Your marriage is the most important relationship in your lives. If you have the courage and commitment to do what it takes to make it healthy, the rewards can last a lifetime.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\nIs the therapist going to be biased against me and take my partner\u2019s side?<\/span><\/h3>\n
Is there any end to this? What\u2019s it going to cost?<\/span><\/h3>\n