Couples Therapy

People come to couples therapy for many reasons. For some, it’s to strengthen the foundation of the relationship. For others, it’s to improve communication and understanding and needing a neutral space to learn how to do it. Regardless of your reason, our couples therapy in Austin, TX can help.

You’ll have a neutral and nonjudgmental space to process your issues, understand each other more deeply, and reconnect in meaningful ways. With the help of an experienced couples therapist, you’ll learn how to get ‘unstuck’ from cyclical patterns. No relationship is perfect, but with support, growth is possible.

Couples Therapy in Austin, TX can help

The Belonging Counseling approach to Couples Therapy

Our couples therapy in Austin, TX focuses on working to create a nonjudgemental, supportive space where partners can work through challenges together. Through in-person or virtual couples therapy, you can improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen your bond. While we see all kinds of couples, we specialize working with folks who are planning for kids or already parents.

Evidenced-Based Methods for Couples

At Belonging Counseling, we use EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) and The Gottman Method—two of the top evidenced-based approaches to couples therapy.

EFT is a structured approach that helps partners strengthen their emotional bond. Based in attachment theory, EFT helps couples identify and reshape negative patterns that cause conflict and distance to create secure emotional connections, improve communication, and build a deeper sense of trust and intimacy.

The Gottman Method encourages couples to connect with one that builds mutual respect and appreciation using new skills and practical activities. As a result, they’re able to develop a deeper, more meaningful relationship.

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Parenthood is one of the most challenging trials a person can go through in their lifetime. Parenthood changes so much about our life that it can be hard to sit down calmly and keep track of it all and adjust accordingly. Nobody gives us a manual on parenting (at least not a good one) let alone how to handle a relationship or marriage on top of that. Here are some common things I hear in the therapy room:

We specialize working with parents or those family planning

  • The act of raising kids demands so much of our time and attention. It’s hard to find the time and energy to devote to our relationship. You may find the things you used to do in your relationship (romantic dates, fun vacations, new restaurant trials, etc.) aren’t as easily accessible. And this is especially true for couples who new to parenthood and in the throes of sleep deprivation (if that’s you—hang in there!).

  • Parenthood comes with a lot of new responsibilities and stress. This stress is bound to test your limits and your relationship’s ability to deal with them. It’s important to have the skills for conflict resolution, communication, and emotional attunement.

    While finding solutions for our problems is important (like figuring out who will wash the dishes this time or who will do research on the baby’s speech development)—just as important is our need to emotionally understand and “see” each other.

  • Having a baby/kids also changes our sex life. On top of any challenges that existed before kids, there’s changes on our bodies, desire discrepancies (libido), fatigue, feeling “touched out,” lack of time/free space, etc.

    Being able to name and process those changes is so important. And next comes learning how to have a satisfying sexual relationship is this new phase of life.

  • Perhaps you’re preparing for a baby through adoption, IUI, IVF, unassisted conception, or other methods—the process can be stressful and sometimes even painful. It can cause disconnection and stress of all kinds.

    Whatever methods, taking the time to discuss and prepare for life with children can help set you up with a strong foundation.

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  • Sex and intimacy issues

  • Attachment style differences

  • Prenatal / postpartum complications

  • Emotional disconnection

  • Parenting

  • Conflict

  • Trust and communication

  • Fertility issues

Common issues for couples in family planning / parenting:

  • Trauma

  • Gender roles

  • Division of labor issues

  • Family / in-laws issues

  • Changes in identity after kids

  • Life goals / dreams

  • Conflicting values

  • Cultural differences

"The lack of emotional responsiveness rather than the level of conflict is the best predictor of how solid a marriage will be.”

- Dr. Sue Johnson, creator of EFT

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