Frequently Asked Questions

The key difference lies in the educational and professional background of our coaches. While traditional life coaches may have certifications that can be obtained in a relatively short period, our coaches hold Master’s or Doctoral degrees in psychotherapy. This advanced education provides them with a robust understanding of human psychology, ethical practices, and therapeutic techniques, which enriches their coaching practice. Although we do not offer psychotherapy to out-of-state clients due to licensing restrictions, the depth of knowledge our coaches possess enables a more comprehensive and insightful coaching experience.

Choosing a coach with a background in psychotherapy offers several advantages. Such coaches bring a deep understanding of human behavior and psychological principles to the coaching relationship. This expertise allows them to identify underlying patterns and offer insights that go beyond traditional coaching methods. They are equipped to facilitate profound personal growth and help you navigate complex challenges with a nuanced approach that is informed by their extensive academic and clinical training.

Confidentiality and professionalism are cornerstones of our practice. Our coaches, with their backgrounds in psychotherapy, are trained to uphold the highest ethical standards. All personal information shared during coaching sessions is handled with strict confidentiality, and we implement secure measures to protect your privacy. You can expect a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental environment that fosters trust and openness, enabling you to freely discuss and work towards your personal and professional goals.

Therapy is for everyone! Having a neutral, but supportive figure in your life helps you identify your blindsides and attain more love and equanimity. An experienced therapist can help you process your emotions, review your past, outline your future, and develop strong and effective skills to address any challenges you may face. Just like a coach helps an athlete optimize their game, a therapist can help you optimize your life. • Improve relationships and interpersonal communication. • Learn about your family dynamics and see how they affect your current relationships. • Identify unhealthy patterns and behaviors in your life. • Learn new tools to solve everyday or longstanding problems. • Process and heal from difficult emotions and/or events. • Grow into a more grounded and authentic being. • Raise your emotional IQ and improve your influence and connection. • Learn how to manage life transitions. • Find more purpose and love in your life.

Whether you are seeking individual or couples therapy, we believe that at our core, we are relational beings. We experience life around others and integrate healing and connection through this very lens. Although we offer a wide spectrum of modalities including humanistic, integrative, psychodynamic, analytic, existential, narrative, and various cognitive behavioral therapies, we've adopted these orientations around the relational space. In addition, within these frameworks, we incorporate a number of tools or interventions that help support healing, promote growth, and redefine our narratives. Finding a therapist does not have be hard. Our we proudly offer our services throughout Miami-Dade including Miami, Coral Gables, Brickell, Doral, Pinecrest, and Miami Beach. We also offer Telehealth mental health services throughout Florida.

You can simply visit our Book Now page to see the price and availability of each provider. Select a slot and we'll email you our intake forms which can all be filled online. This process generally only take 5-10 minutes to complete. This will also give you access to our online portal where you can access your records and billing documents. All of your information are kept on a HIPPA-secured platform which uses multi-layered encryption designed to keep your information safe. Alternatively, you may also call us at 305-605-LOVE and speak to someone in the office. We can help make recommendations or help you come to an informed decision.

Unlike most clinics and therapists that focus on symptom relief, our therapists deliver specialized treatments which aim to ameliorate our concerns at the heart of the problem. Through this process, we gain insight, identify patterns, and improve our understanding of our psychological defenses which may affect our life and our relationships. This also promotes long-term change and keeps us from the cyclical problems that can otherwise consume our world. Through the process of our highly-focused therapies, our therapists will generally help individuals explore their past, show them how it lives in the present, and outline a plan to move forward in healthier, more authentic, and more loving ways.

Your sessions are completely confidential and are maintained between you and your therapist. We know how sensitive our thoughts and behaviors can be and believe that all conversations and feelings are welcomed. Although there are some limits to confidentiality, such as potential harm to self or others, abuse of children or vulnerable populations, we encourage everyone to talk about what is going on in their life. Don't worry, we've heard it all.

Yes. We are in-network with the following insurance providers: • United (Oscar, Optum, AvMed) • Aetna (Oxford) • Florida Blue (BCBS) If you have coverage with other insurance providers, you may still have significant coverage. If you carry a PPO insurance plan, you may qualify for up to 75% of your sessions to be reimbursed by your insurance company. If your therapist does not take coverage, it may be because they may focus specialized treatments. Insurance provides quality access to medication management or generalized treatments, but once a certain level of care is desired, insurance companies may not cover it. To help explain this, you may find that your nearby service-center can manage your car's oil change, but if you have an electrical problem, you'll need to take your vehicle to specialist or the vehicle's dealership. Depending on the situation, therapy may require a more experienced level of care. Saving a marriage or dealing with an infidelity requires an extremely delicate touch. It is critical that matters like these are best addressed with the help of an expert. Other reasons why some may choose to self-pay or use their out-of-network policy: • Insurance companies often want the clinical notes about your sessions. We strongly believe that thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and your personal disclosures should be kept solely between you and your therapist. If you don't want third-parties knowing business, you may want to self-pay or opt to use your out-of network coverage. • Insurance companies may only reimburse clinicians a very small amount. Every session is essentially an expense against their revenue generated by your premium. Unfortunately, this forces providers to take on a broad variety of cases and discourages therapists from specialize in any one area. In order to make ends meet, therapist also have to take on extremely high caseloads which affects their ability to effectively treat, conceptualize cases, continue their education, or even manage their own self-care. This ultimately can have a huge impact on your care. • Insurance companies direct the terms of your care. They may shorten or limit the length of treatment. They may require a therapeutic alteration which can force you to switch therapist even after you've developed a strong therapeutic relationship with them. When you need them most, you may find that after a certain number of sessions, your insurance company may decide your what treatment may be covered. • Some treatments are limited or are simply not covered by insurance policies. For example, some types of couples therapy or sex therapy is not covered.

Therapy is a process and can vary in time and scope. Like beginning a new workout or dietary regimen, results are highly unlikely after a couple of sessions. It will take time to see results. Your openness, level of commitment, and work in-between your sessions will help you accelerate your progress. If this is your first time, give yourself at least 3 months of weekly sessions to get your feet wet. Some individuals find relief, support, or stabilize a critical event that may have occurred within their relationship. Therapeutically, this only scratches the surface but allows for a strong foundation to begin to take place. Therapies lasting over 3 months really begin to go more in-depth. By this time, the therapeutic relationship fosters trust and the necessary content for individuals to step into a new realm. If you've been doing your work, you'll be building on concepts and putting things into place. Depending on your particular situation, changes may vary. Some situations such as infidelities, those on the brink of a separation, or those who have experienced a traumatic events tend to need at least this much time to begin seeing change. Many individuals enter and remain in therapy for many months or even years. They keep their therapist in their pocket and continue to embrace personal healing or growth. Individuals extending therapy for longer periods fine-tune their life experience and can become masters of their world. Mileage does vary, but significant changes should be expected.

We use software and services that are HIPAA compliant. Skype and Facetime, while seemingly convenient and free, are not HIPAA compliant for tele-psychology. It's vital to protect your privacy, and we take every possible step in order to ensure your security.

Telehealth offers a convenient way for individuals and couples to take advantage of psychological services. Love Discovery Institute takes this a step further and adds a HIPAA secure level of protection to ensure that your information remains secure and safe. Using technology that allows your smartphone, iPad, or laptop to securely connect to our therapist, individuals seeking support can now have their therapy in the comfort of their home, office or car. Telehealth provides you an opportunity to connect with your therapist from your work, home or wherever you may need it. The typical form of communication is through video where you and your therapist will use a secure video conferencing option to connect to each other for your therapy sessions. For many individuals and couples, it has become the preferred method of carrying on their their sessions remotely. Although Telehealth has been around for years, it gained popularity after COVID-19 significantly altered the way we communicated. Individuals became more comfortable using platforms such as Zoom to connect to friends, family and co-workers.

You will need a computer, desktop, laptop, or tablet to do tele-psychotherapy. Also required is that your computer device has a camera and microphone so that you can hear and see your therapist when doing tele-psychotherapy.

After you've scheduled your appointment, you will be provided with a link to access your session. At the time of your session, you'll click the link and access your online session. Please make sure that your microphone and video are on.

Our therapist are able to provide psychotherapy in Florida and in California, however some of our providers are also able to provide coaching sessions which can provide psycho-education, solution focused support, and behavioral and goal setting programs.

Yes. A resounding number of studies continue to support the efficacy of online video platforms. While most forms of therapy have traditionally been in-office settings, the majority of therapies can be done online. Talk therapies which focus on the content of an individual's concern have greatly improved access to therapy. Here are some of the major benefits to using Telehealth: Easy access to connect to a therapist for some or all or your sessions. Get access to additional times outside of regular office hours. Avoid driving, traffic, time to park, associated costs, and unexpected delays. Use of time is greatly improved. Simply log-in for your time. Avoid To and From travel time. Be in the comfort of your own space, sofa or bed. We've taken session from gyms and boats. After an emotional session, you do not have to face a bunch of strangers in the waiting room. The extra time may provide you an opportunity to journal, or "be with your thoughts". Couple's exercises or conversations can continue after your session. No need to jump back in your car and get back to your busy life. Instead, you get to absorb your session. Couples and families can each hop on separately from 2 locations into the same session.

Become aware of the underlying core issues that may be creating more sexual distancing. Learn to talk about underlying core issues in a way that you learn to deepen the intimacy in the relationship. Heal the underlying issues. Rekindle attraction and bring the erotic energy back. Assist you and teach you how to talk about fantasy and desires and how to process erotic curiosity with your partner. Teach you tools that help create intimate ways in a relationship that build more of what you desire. Create a plan that fits both of your goals that works for both individuals and one integrates love and trust.

When sexual performance anxiety does not get treated it can escalate to a number of other side effects for both men and women. For men, symptoms might include difficulty in generating or maintaining an erection (ED), premature ejaculation (PE) where an orgasm may end coitus too soon, or a delayed ejaculatory (DE) response where orgasm may not be possible or when sex may last beyond a reasonable period of time or beyond the comfort level of the individual. Symptoms in women may include difficulty with arousal and lubrication. Together, these elements may increase sexual insecurities and diminish the possibility of orgasm and healthy sex.

Psychological, cultural, and social factors can have a significant effect on our sex lives. Societal pressures around womanhood and its expected roles can create stress and anxiety throughout a woman’s life and influence how she may feel about her body and her sexual world. Religious beliefs and cultural messages may also deter our ability to embrace our own sexuality or welcome our partner in to share a healthy sexual connection. Earlier traumas including sexual abuse can provoke anxiety, fear, discomfort, and a number of mixed emotions preventing the pleasurable engagement of sexual activities. Underlying anxiety brought on by stress or depression highlighted by feelings of sadness, guilt, loss of interest, or loneliness or stress can also influence sex.

A great deal of individuals often enter these relationships with the expectation that the couple will be able to handle them, but quickly learn that the dynamics with others can complicate things. This can be a delicate process since a couple who can’t work through the subtle layers in their own relationship, may find that carrying multiple relationships does not become any easier.

Although a person’s age can account for some changes in sexual interest, frequency, and duration, an individual’s physical health can be a factor. Hormonal fluctuations and underlying medical conditions may affect any one of the sexual stages. For individuals who suspect or have ruled out underlying medical conditions, sex therapy may be an appropriate treatment.

Sexual behaviors like cheating or watching porn may be used as a form of psychological or emotional medication and may cause short-term satisfaction or relief. However, in time, symptoms are likely to worsen and create significant psychological harm to the person's well-being.

Partners engaging in this world generally need support in understanding the nature of their roles, their dynamics to each other, boundaries, and how to communicate their desires, consent, or give up certain aspects of themselves for someone else.

Therapeutic techniques vary depending on the dysfunction, but therapy can often provide the necessary space to talk about our relation to sex through a non-judgmental lens. It may be helpful to untangle earlier sexual scripts which cloud our sexuality. Other times, therapy may explore the messages we tell ourselves during the act or help us become conscious of what we are actually feeling.

Understanding the cause of the problem is the first step towards recovery. There can be several reasons why your sexual life is suffering. Some of these reasons are: Informational inhibitions, such as negative messages received about sex in youth, lack of clarity about how to initiate sex, etc. Religious, cultural and societal values can greatly limit our expectation or openness to sex. Physical inhibitions like vulvar pain syndromes, prostate difficulties, stress, back pain, etc. Emotional inhibitions may include earlier trauma or abuse, withholding of sex because of negative interactions, retribution, or power issues, fears of potential rejection, etc. Alternative outlets for sex, including pornography, masturbation, extra affairs, etc. Relationship issues, such as conflict, avoidance of underlying issues in the relationship, unresolved relationship issues, and transitions in the relationship.

Sexual behaviors can sometimes incorrectly label the person, but what is important is that while the behavior may seem odd or extreme to some, it’s the behavior that is really the problem, not the person. Once the person can heal their association with their behaviors or compulsions, the person can learn to embrace a healthy dynamic to their sexuality.

In therapy, individuals are encouraged to explore the underlying causes, modes of operation, or habitual components relating to their sexual behaviors. By understanding how some of these factors contribute to their compulsive behaviors, we can determine the appropriate course of treatment. Some treatments focus on behavioral change while others require deeper explorations which aim to resolve core mechanisms which may guide soothing or compulsive behaviors.

Our therapist may be able to help an individual navigate the beginnings of a non-monogamous relationship and provide a safe place for couples to discuss goals for and concerns regarding a non-monogamous relationship. Therapy may include boundary navigation, the potential for jealousy, safe-sex practices, communication skills and feelings of inadequacy or neglect.

Love Discovery Institute offers treatment for sexual performance anxiety in a safe and non-judgmental environment with the leading experts in the field of sexuality. Our certified sex therapist help individuals identify the reason for their sexual performance anxiety, teach them techniques to improve their sex, and show them how to reconnect their mind and their body.

These disorders interfere with one or several stages within the sexual response cycle which constitute physiological and psychological components including desire, excitement or arousal, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. For individuals who suspect or have ruled out underlying medical conditions, sex therapy may be an appropriate treatment.

Therapeutic techniques vary depending on the dysfunction, but therapy can provide the necessary space to talk about our relation to sex through a non-judgmental lens. It may be helpful to untangle earlier sexual scripts which cloud our sexuality. Other times, therapy may explore the messages we tell ourselves during the act or help us become conscious of what we are actually feeling. Sex is an experience that requires a holistic embodiment of mind, body and spirit, not just the functionality of our sexual organs.

The effects for both men and for women can significantly affect their time in the bedroom. Challenges to sex, including how their bodies may physiologically perform are often rooted in our emotional and cognitive factors.

All of these disorders may occur during the normal course of a person’s sex life, but they become diagnosable once they have been identified as persistent and recurring problems, usually marked by a period of at least 6 months.

Although a person’s age can account for some changes in sexual interest, frequency, and duration, an individual’s physical health can be a factor. Hormonal fluctuations and underlying medical conditions may affect any one of the sexual stages.

Those in relationships may experience conflict which can inhibit sexual interest. Conflict may at times be direct, but may also build resentment over the course of years leading to a couple’s sexual disconnect. Feelings pertaining to one’s own self-worth, body, or comfort with touch may decrease our ability and interest to engage in sex.

Abuse is a specific type of trauma that may require more nuanced help. Unlike the examples of a car accident or experiencing a natural disaster that can cause physical injuries, abuse is especially painful because of the psychological toll it takes on the individual. Abuse, be it physical, sexual, or emotional, is an attack on the character of the person who is being abused. The damage can cause changes to the person's views of the world and how they manage their relationships with others outside of the abuser.

From a clinical perspective, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) differs from other types of psychological disorders because it requires a specific event that leads to the distress a person is feeling. With this disorder For some, they may persist and worsen, requiring them to receive professional help.

People may experience the event intruding into their lives, through nightmares or “flashbacks”, avoiding the things that remind them of the trauma, changes in the way they view themselves or the world, and changes in how present they are in their daily lives. It is completely normal for people to experience some of these symptoms in the wake of a traumatic event, and sometimes those symptoms go away on their own.

They may need guidance, support, or a second set of eyes to see if they are perhaps not seeing the whole picture. Important decisions or changes can be delicate and due diligence can improve the probability of making a wiser investment.

Persistent or constant worry. Feeling keyed up or on edge. Difficulty concentrating. Excessive alertness or fear. Restlessness. Irritability. Sleep disturbances. Muscle tension.​

Sadness or hopelessness. Difficulty Sleeping. Lack of interest or ability to feel pleasure. Excessive guilt. Lack of energy. Difficulty concentrating. Lack of appetite or changes in weight. Suicidality including suicide ideation.

While it is normal to experience small amounts of anxiety or decreased mood, once it becomes persistent and difficult to manage work, school, or relationships, professional help may be needed.

These changes can produce severe emotional stress on an individual’s life and may prevent them from fully doing what they love. Changes in life can also carry a significant amount of emotional weight. Ending a relationship or at least to the degree to which it may have previously existed, can make us feel sad, lonely, or anxious.

A sense of negative self-esteem and body image often spills over into sex. Many people become self-conscious over their body size, shape or its particular attributes which may further alienate us from connecting or fully embracing it. Weight gain, scaring, body aging, and other perceived barriers may make us feel unattractive and undesirable. For many individuals with gender dysphoria, being aware of one’s genitals can make even the thought of having sex incredibly distressing. For individuals with eating disorders or body dysmorphia, the thought of being perceived by others can also be extremely unsettling.

Those experiencing grief may even feel unconsciously worried about losing others or parts of themselves which may surface an existential threat that can be deeply worrisome. In an attempt to alleviate grief, some individuals may turn to avoidant behaviors such as the use of alcohol or substances. Some may turn to unhealthy sex patterns, gambling, or other addictions in order to escape the emotional pain. Others may attempt to bottle up their pain, only to later have it surface through other other defenses or expressions which could have devastating consequences.

Some may turn to drugs or alcohol to help cope with their feelings of anxiety while others might exercise or practice meditation. Learning different and more effective ways of coping with feelings of anxiety or depression through the therapeutic process can be a useful way of addressing these concerns while addressing their specific causes.

When we grieve, we may enter and progress through a series of stages which may at least sound vaguely familiar. The stages first identified by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross can occur after a loss or a break-up. Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance

The advent of social media does not make this problem any better. With the constant influx of positive news from your peers you might compare yourself against the unfair version of your peers that they present online. People typically don’t post unflattering photos of themselves, and all the new ways of filtering and touching up photos can make living with our real bodies very difficult.

After any loss, we may feel saddened, depressed or even enter a natural period of bereavement. However, when our feelings persist, we may need to find someone to talk things over with. A therapist can provide caring and supportive space to elicit and help individuals find some solace and peace within their emotions. A therapist can help nourish missing elements and help connect missing dots.

Part of the internalization process of our self-judgment is a popular stigma against discussing body image difficulties with other people. The silence around having a negative self-esteem or negative body image typically can make the problem worse, as we assume those around us do not deal with these issues as well.

From increased situational stress to grief and loss, these disorders have a variety of causes. Anxiety and depression can persist when factors outside of your control add additional stress in your life, whether it is job-related, a chemical imbalance in your brain, or even a string of bad luck. Furthermore, different habits that we pick up growing up may make it more difficult to overcome these problems.

Divorce counseling offers several benefits, including coping with the emotional challenges of divorce, finding healthy ways to process grief and loss, and developing effective communication skills for post-divorce relationships. It can also provide a safe space to address unresolved issues, improve co-parenting relationships, and support personal growth and healing.

When their status has changed to divorced or single, individuals may find themselves carrying some insecurities, regrets, or a low sense of self-esteem which may prevent them from fully embracing their future. This is often subtle, but most individuals have a difficult time letting go during divorce recovery and truly clearing the path for someone new. Our therapists help you rediscover your self worth and self esteem so that you can enjoy your new chapter in life.

When choosing a divorce counselor, consider factors such as experience, specialization, and compatibility. It's important to find a counselor who understands the unique challenges of divorce and with whom you feel comfortable opening up and working towards your goals.

The physical connection a new couple attempts to establish is often guided by chemicals in our brains which after some time will inevitably decrease. Sex can be an exciting phase to any new relationship, but it can also set the wrong expectations or create a layer within the relationship which is not necessarily seen or explored at first. Our therapists can help you navigate those spikes in chemicals and make the best decision for yourself.

Work, family, or just a change of scenery can sometimes be a positive reason to move into a new city or town. It can feel exciting to discover a new area, follow an opportunity, reconnect with others, or simply make new friends. However, couples may often find these moves difficult. They may miss the familiarity and safety of their previous habitat. They may feel uncomfortable in new surroundings, feel disconnected from the social circles that were once a part of their lives, or feel alienated in a new home which may not entirely feel like a home yet. These new circumstances can interfere with the relational space as emotional sadness, anxiety, tension or even expectations may begin to contaminate the couple’s previous dynamics.

Entering a new stage of a relationship Recovering from affairs or infidelities Moving to a new city or a new location Embarking on a new career Changes in responsibilities at a new position New family member or new baby New Empty Nesters Discovery of a new illness or condition

A discernment counselor provides couples a supportive environment where they can find a mutual understanding of what is occurring behind their decisions. The process walks couples through their current needs and emotions, so that their decisions can be made from a healthier place.

There are many reasons individuals find themselves in the midst of an affair. While most people are quick to label the person as a cheater or attempt to make sense of the behavior, it may be helpful to consider an affair as a symptom. In most clinical cases, the affair comes as a result of something that has already created distance or frustration within the relationship. We also see individuals coming to us not fully understanding why they’ve taken such drastic actions to hurt their partner or sabotage their relationship.

Couples counseling (also known as couples therapy) is designed to address relationship issues for romantic partnerships. The goal of couples counseling may vary depending on your specific situation and desired outcomes.

Communication issues can be a significant factor in relationship struggles and general discontent in a couple's life. When communication turns to conflict, individuals in a relationship start to experience and build anger, resentment, rejection, and frustration. Over time, these emotions can turn into the disintegration of love and intimacy. It is essential to identify and address relationship communication issues if you want to save your relationship.

Yes, divorce counseling plays a crucial role in facilitating healthy co-parenting relationships and managing family dynamics post-divorce. It offers strategies for effective communication, conflict resolution, and creating a nurturing environment for children. Counseling services tailored for divorcing couples can also address unresolved issues and work towards a healthier future.

There are several ways to recognize signs of toxic communication in your relationships. One or both partners may be engaging in communication barriers that can be detrimental to their relationship. If you and your partner find yourselves consistently saying harmful or degrading words to each other, this is a sign of serious toxic communication.

● Explore readiness and willingness towards next steps. ● Make decisions on whether you and your partner want to stay in the relationship. ● Identify ways to safely reconnect and begin a process of healing. ● Begin to regain and define trust and authenticity. ● Collaborate on a process of commitment. ● Bulletproof relationship.

Discernment therapy leaves you feeling more comfortable in the decisions being made and considers healthier relationships in the future, whether that is with an old partner with whom you may need to co-parent with, or with someone new in your life. For those that align and decide to work on their relationship, discernment therapy can significantly improve your relationship and help you rekindle your connection.

While some couples reach a point where they require a therapeutic intervention to help maintain their relationship, other couples are much more proactive about their relational wellness. Both couples counseling and premarital counseling can help young couples learn how to navigate important facets of the relationship. This could include: Develop ways to resolve conflict in loving and constructive ways. Learn to identify how and why you each may contribute to cyclical conflict. Develop healthy boundaries for the relationship. Develop healthy boundaries with other family members, friends, or colleagues. Future family and life planning. Conversations about the roles and expectations. Facilitate conversations about culture, politics, finances, and other topics. Facilitate conversations regarding sex or intimacy. Exploration about each others faith, religion, and beliefs. Exploration about each others past and how it may affect them today. Outline relational goals and aspirations. Develop ways to support and nurture the relationship.

When families take shape, the kids often become the glue which helps parents remain involved in their lives and in their activities. Their activities and their presence can in some ways become distractors which unknowingly to the couple may alleviate tension or anxiety between them. Once the child goes off to college or leaves their house or decides to move in with a new partner, the couple is left facing each other. Gone are the everyday memories or activities which were once shared as a family. The family, while still present and functioning, may drastically change as the couple now enters a new phase. This can serve as an opportunity to reestablish long forgotten aspects of their bond and may give them the space to connect in new ways. Between their loss and changes, couples often need help learning how to reconnect and establishing a new layer of intimacy in their relationship.

On the surface, both men and women seem to agree on why they cheat. They consistently report that the top three reasons for their affairs have to do with: a lack of love for their primary partner desire for sexual variety situational factors which may lead them to sleep with someone else

Couples therapy has proven to be highly beneficial in helping couples overcome communication issues. A well-trained therapist can help provide the tools a couple needs to move past their gridlocks. They help the couple effectively understand their emotions and tie them to the situation, not the other person. This helps foster curiosity and a greater sense of understanding.

Couples struggling with communication can improve their communication style after several sessions. However, most couples need more time to break away from their typical communication themes. This can vary from person to person, but we generally recommend that couples allow for a few months of therapy before they can really identify how their communication styles contribute to destructive communication patterns.

New job opportunities may require one or both individuals to relocate to a new location which along with the move, may carry a whole new set of responsibilities including time away from family and increased work pressure. A new job may require a new level of responsibility which often will create more stress to the individual and to the relationship or family. With new stress and building tension, self-care becomes an even more important facet. Life transition counseling can help couples stop transmitting their tension or stress onto each other and family members.

Common challenges in the divorce process that can be addressed through counseling include managing stress, building resilience, addressing feelings of guilt and anger, navigating co-parenting relationships, and finding support from others who have gone through similar experiences.

● Learn how to ask for what you need and want. ● Learn how to embrace uncomfortable conversations. ● Navigation through a delicate disclosure process. ● Develop clarity and understanding of events. ● Understanding the full impact of betrayal. ● Understanding of the dynamics that contributed to the affair.

Tone of voice - Raised voice, yelling, condescending, or sarcastic tones. Toxic words - harmful or degrading words Poor Non-verbal Communication – lack of or negative expressions and body language. Poor Listening Skills – failing to listen and instead using the time to prepare for their own answer Zero communication - Not talking to one another will create space and distance between you two. Excessive Communication - consistently saying things to each other in a state of anger.

We understand how difficult and anxious-provoking it can be to ask for help or let a third party into your relationship dynamics. We are here to work with you as a team, in a confidential and non-judgmental environment, to address your concerns and find a way to move forward. Your relationship does not need to be in crisis for counseling to make a positive impact. All couples can evolve and benefit from advice and care.

Divorce counseling is a form of therapy that provides support and guidance to individuals who are going through or have recently gone through a divorce. It helps individuals cope with the emotional challenges of divorce and navigate the process of healing and rebuilding their lives.

Dating, which has now primarily gone online, can feel distant or like a complete misrepresentation of who you are or who you’ll find. It can sometimes feel like a roller coaster without an end. The ups and downs however can serve as an opportunity to get more familiar with the ride and the people on it. Therapy can help you explore how it feels when you are high and how you feel when you are low and how those that come in and out of your life.

We sometimes see early daters come in just months after meeting to ensure they are ready to establish a solid relational foundation. We also do premarital counseling to help couples learn more about themselves, form a deeper bond, or simply learn tools to bulletproof their relationship for decades to come.

A relationship coach treats you individually while you are seeking a potential partner. A coach can help you make the opportunity to establish meaningful connections. So, whether you are seeking to get back into dating, wanting to know how, need support during the process, or see how your past may continue to color your relational world, our clinicians can help you understand and learn techniques to help you build deeper connections at every stage of the process.

Your counselor can help you and your loved one enhance your communication, navigate a breach of trust or uncover what’s lying under your intimacy problems. If needed, your counselor can provide a safe space and guidance for you to part ways. Couples counseling can also help you navigate infertility and life transitions.

If you are the victim of an affair, the most essential part is understanding your unique situation and defining the term yourself. This is where therapy can be greatly beneficial for your recovery process. The knowledgeable therapist acts as a neutral, third party with expert knowledge to help you heal from your specific situation. Most couples who undergo couples therapy significantly improve their relationships after an affair.

Individuals may sometimes jump in too quickly to find a new life raft without ever exploring their loss or the readiness to date more openly. This is neither loving to themselves or authentic to another. While in this phase, the exploration of previous relations can provide significant insight into your new quest to find love.

Dating and sex are similar, as there are many different influences that change the way we view them and our partners. How we are raised typically has an influence on how we both perceive and make relationships with others. For some, sex signifies the strongest connection you can have with someone, whereas for others it can be simply seem mechanical or essential only to procreation. Knowing how to identify these potential differences and communicate them with a potential partner effectively is a skill that can be learned and practiced.

An affair is an uncommitted, emotionally involved or romantic relationship between two individuals while one of them is already in a committed relationship. Affairs can happen with or without sexual intercourse. Traditionally, affairs are seen as the sexual relationships that are materializing behind a partner’s knowledge. More prevalent however are the non-sexual affairs that couples often face.

You and your partner may want to think about premarital counseling as a course in relationships. Most couples gained their relationship toolbox through the relationship they experienced or witnessed from their parents. Although many individuals assume that their parents serve as great relationship models as evidenced by their relationship status, once we look a bit deeper, we may come to learn that years in a marriage does not necessarily equate to a healthy relationship or a conscious one for that matter. In very subtle ways, expectations, dependencies, conflict avoidance, and messaging, could have all shaped our present understanding of what a relationship should be. Others who may have faced parental divorce may have similarly, but perhaps more directly faced a relational fracture. They too may have a difficult time learning how to break through the fallout and understand how to identify the generational patterns which could lead to future fractures.

Individuals may sometimes find that their partner may not be ready to undergo a therapeutic process. They may find that their partner may perceive mental health as something negative or that they may not be able to gain any benefit from therapy. Some individuals may also not want to embark in therapy as it may put them in a very vulnerable position where they may be asked to share uncomfortable or thoughts or emotions which they may prefer to keep private. There are dozens of other reasons, but should your partner not be ready to begin therapy, we recommend that you do your own work. Therapy can help you develop or strengthen the tools you need to take care of yourself and those around you. It can help you embrace the best version of yourself and learn how to set boundaries in loving ways. It can also help you learn about the dynamics at play in your relationship and help you adopt more autonomy, authenticity and love for yourself.

There may be a time when one partner may be ready to take on a new challenge. They may feel a calling to embark on a new career path which may significantly affect the couples finances, time together, or future goals. When this occurs, partners can sometimes feel more responsible, which could lead to increased tension, anger, or even resentment. A shift in a new career may take years to shape or produce a significant amount of debt, but more importantly, it may divide and alter the way a couple relates to each other.

We offer a 3 step affair recovery process vital for your healing process from top experts in a safe and judgment-free environment. We ask couples to refrain from making decisions about staying together or divorcing until they get to stage 3. I -The Crisis Phase - Disclosure Stage II - Insight Phase: Understanding Why The Affair Happened III - Envisioning the Future Phase

Couples therapy can help you address issues in any stage of the relationship: before marriage (preventative or pre-marital counseling), while married (marriage counseling), after a violation of trust or affair (infidelity counseling), or when you are trying to make decisions regarding divorce (discernment counseling). Couples therapy can also help aid specific target areas of your relationship, including communication problems and sex-related issues.

Certain warning signs may point to the fact that your partner may be having an affair.* ● Changes in how they communicate with you. ● Lying and also avoiding the subject. ● Changes in your sexual relationship. ● Your partner seems very uninterested or apathetic to your interests/feelings. *It is important to note that while these are possible signs of infidelity, they do not mean that your partner is having an affair.

Couples may decide to eventually conceive and welcome a new member into the family. The decisions, whether planned or unplanned, may bring in a new layer of financial and relational responsibility. For many couples however, bringing a new baby home can be an exciting phase in their lives. A newborn represents a part of who they are, how they would like to nurture and care, and how they may feel that the relationship or their life has reached a new milestone. As the new baby shifts much of the attention away from a partnership, life transitions counseling can help avoid new tension which could last years, with subsequent children perhaps disconnecting the couple even further.

Most individuals enter the dating world with a map, or an expectation which is rooted in earlier relationships, healthy or not. When they attempt to shape a new connection, they often fail to really understand what is pulling them towards or away from their new date. Subsequently, they usually find themselves with the same type of people or scenarios literally repeating the same relational patterns without ever exploring whether it's truly an authentic connection, or even a healthy one for that matter.

Exploring and working on conflicts Gaining deep insight into yourself and your partner Identifying and shifting unhealthy patterns and beliefs Strengthening connection and intimacy Improving communication Recovering trust Embracing vulnerability Tuning into purpose and passion

Many individuals are often caught with the “looks” or “successes” of their date, without exploring the depths of their being. They may drink to “connect” but fail to really know how to consciously and authentically open a space to get to know themselves and their partners. The problem with why most relationships eventually fail, is not what’s been missing 5 years into a marriage, but rather what was simply missed within the early phase of a relationship. Individuals fail to recognize red flags, fail to ask the right questions, or get caught looking at the wrong things.

There are many different kinds of affairs, from everything to a fling to a love affair. Romantic Affair - This kind of affair occurs when the person's heart or feelings are involved in their non-committed relationship. Casual Affair - This is when two people are sexually involved (emotions may be involved as well), but they have no expectations of an official romantic relationship. Emotional Affair - This is when two people are emotionally intimate with one another without sexual interaction. Emotional affairs can easily turn into sexual experiences. It is important to note that emotional affairs can be just as damaging to the primary relationship as sexual affairs (if not more). Cyber Affair - This is an online affair that happens via webcam, email, text, or chat. Cyber affairs are capable of having sexual or emotional tones. Cyber affairs can also include the secret use of pornography.

Couples entering premarital counseling work with a psychotherapist to establish a strong foundation to their relationship. In this type of therapy, couples learn how to communicate more effectively and learn how to address some of the problems often experienced in committed relationships. Premarital counseling can help couples learn how to improve their communication styles, address their differences, learn how to find shared meaning, learn how to support each other and learn how to create a safe-space to discuss difficult topics.

A safe and non-judgmental space where you can learn how to explore each other's worlds effectively. Help identifying core issues that may be preventing you from sharing each other's inner worlds and unhealthy communication patterns. Learn how to use practical tools that you can implement in your relationship. Learn how to create an open environment where you can listen to each other's hearts. Develop and learn how to communicate healthier boundaries.

Divorce counseling can help individuals heal emotional wounds caused by the end of a marriage by addressing feelings of guilt, anger, and sadness. It provides strategies for emotional healing and self-care, and offers support in navigating the challenges of adjusting to a new life post-divorce.

Frequent fights or arguments Communication problems Sexless marriages or relationships Financial strain Difficulties with in-laws or family members Religion or spiritual problems Fertility or childbearing challenges Abuse or toxic behavior* *Your safety is our priority. If you are experiencing a violent or abusive relationship, contact the domestic violence hotline (1.800.799.7233) or visit its website.