Couples Therapy
Relationships go through bliss and turmoil, it’s normal. What matters, is how we work through it together.
What is couples therapy?
Couples therapy, also known as marriage or relationship counseling, is a form of psychotherapy aimed at helping couples resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. This therapeutic approach is facilitated by a licensed therapist with specialized training in relationship dynamics. The therapy sessions provide a safe and structured environment where couples can openly discuss their issues, such as communication problems, trust issues, emotional distance, and conflicts related to finances, parenting, or intimacy.
In couples therapy, the therapist employs various techniques to help partners understand each other’s perspectives, develop effective communication skills, and identify underlying issues that may be contributing to their conflicts. Interventions may include active listening exercises, role-playing, and conflict resolution strategies. The goal is to strengthen the relationship by fostering better understanding, mutual respect, and healthier ways of interacting. Couples therapy can be beneficial at any stage of a relationship, whether partners are dating, engaged, married, or even contemplating separation, as it provides tools to navigate challenges and work towards a more fulfilling partnership.
What topics do we cover?
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Major depression, or clinical depression, has intense or overwhelming symptoms that last longer than two weeks. When you have major depression it you feel quite different from your “normal.” Some people are able to “hide it” and keep up with most the demands of life outside of the home. For others it feels nearly impossible to function.
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Also called dysthymia. Often includes less severe symptoms of depression that last much longer, typically for at least two years.
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Perinatal depression can occur during pregnancy and up to one year after having a baby. Postpartum depression goes beyond the “baby blues,” which can include sadness, worry or stress and can cause difficulty bonding with your baby and functioning in every day life.
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Otherwise known as SAD is a depressive disorder that coincides with the seasons. It most commonly affects people in the Midwest in the winter months and typically starts in late fall and early winter and ends in early spring.
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People with bipolar disorder have noticeable periods of low moods and low energy, and high moods with high-energy. During the low period, you may have depression symptoms such as feeling sad or hopeless or lacking energy and motivation. During the manic or hypomanic episodes you may have excessive energy, feel “on top of the world” or irritable, and behave impulsively.
When is it time to start couples counseling?
Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Low motivation
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Risk Factors of Depression
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Differences in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to symptoms of depression.
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Depression can run in families. For example, if one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70 percent chance of having the illness sometime in life.
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People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience depression.
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Exposure to trauma, violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression.
Modalities we use
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Cognitive Behavior Therapy
The science of changing troublesome thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT places an emphasis on helping individuals develop coping skills, whereby they can learn to change their own thinking, problematic emotions, and behavior.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Mindfulness based therapy focused on increasing psychological flexibility through six core ACT processes including acceptance, the opposite of experiential avoidance; cognitive defusion, in which negative thoughts are observed mindfully instead of avoided or reasoned away; chosen values; and committed action.
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Mindfulness Training
Mindfulness is the human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Mindfulness helps us put some space between ourselves and our reactions, breaking down our conditioned responses.
Hello Mental Health is here for you
Depression can seem overwhelming and debilitating, but it doesn’t have to be. Our therapists are here to help you find relief and live a meaningful, fulfilling life.