Miami Marriage Counseling » Marriage Counseling
But things just aren’t the way they used to be between the two of you.
Does communication feel much more difficult these days?
Open, honest, clear communication, which is the bedrock of any thriving relationship, can feel like one of the most challenging parts of being a couple.
As time passes, responsibility, commitments, children, and life seem to crowd out what we cherished when the relationship was new – connection. The longer you are together, the more stilted the conversations become.
Resentment from failed attempts to communicate begins to grow, as there is never really any resolution to these issues that keep cropping up. Growing frustration begins to justify aggressive communication styles or simple avoidance and stone walling.
You may find yourself flying off the handle in front of the kids, or simply checking out and avoiding things all together.
Either the outward aggression of yelling, or the passive aggression in going emotionally a.w.o.l simply stop working.
Both of you know that you do not want to live this way, and beneath the rage is a wellspring of emotional pain from not feeling understood, appreciated, supported, or even “heard.”
Although that spark may be gone, if the warm and fuzzy feelings have been supplanted by acrimony, something might be off…..
It is exhausting.
It is taxing.
How have you gotten to this place?
Remember when the two of you felt close and connected? When things seemed light, fun, and even exciting?
There are many different communication problems that can arise in romantic relationships, including:
Poor listening skills: One partner may feel like they are not being heard or understood by the other, which can lead to frustration and resentment.
Avoiding difficult conversations: Some couples may avoid discussing important or sensitive topics, which can cause issues to fester and grow over time.
Defensiveness: When one partner feels attacked, they may become defensive and less willing to listen or compromise, which can escalate conflicts.
Miscommunication: Couples may have different ways of expressing themselves or interpreting what the other person is saying, which can lead to misunderstandings.
Criticism and blame: Partners may criticize or blame each other for problems, rather than working together to find a solution.
Stonewalling: When one partner withdraws emotionally, it can make the other feel dismissed or ignored, and can make it difficult to resolve conflicts.
Invalidation: When one partner dismisses or minimizes the thoughts, feelings, or experiences of the other, it can erode the relationship and damage trust and intimacy.
Lack of emotional expression: When one or both partners struggle to express their emotions, it can lead to a lack of emotional intimacy and connection in the relationship.
It’s important to recognize that these are common challenges in many relationships, and that with effort and dedication, couples can work through these issues and improve their communication skills.
Infidelity, or being unfaithful in a relationship, is a common issue in many countries, including the United States. The exact prevalence of infidelity is difficult to determine, as people may be reluctant to admit to it, but studies have estimated that around 20-25% of married individuals in the US have engaged in extramarital affairs.
The causes of infidelity are complex and can vary from person to person, but some common factors include:
Boredom or lack of intimacy: When partners feel emotionally or physically disconnected from each other, they may seek intimacy and excitement outside of the relationship.
Unmet needs: When one partner’s emotional or physical needs are not being met within the relationship, they may look for fulfillment elsewhere.
Stress: High levels of stress or conflict in a relationship can lead one or both partners to seek comfort and support elsewhere.
Opportunity: The availability of potential partners, particularly in certain work or social settings, can increase the likelihood of infidelity.
Individual factors: Personal factors such as low self-esteem, a history of infidelity in past relationships, or a general tendency towards impulsiveness or risk-taking can increase the likelihood of infidelity.
While these factors can contribute to infidelity, it is important to note that they do not excuse it or absolve the person of responsibility for their actions. Infidelity can have serious consequences for the individuals involved and for the relationship as a whole, and it’s important for couples to work together to build trust and maintain a strong, healthy relationship.
Intimacy and sexual difficulties are common issues in many marriages and long-term relationships. Some common problems include:
Decreased sexual desire: One or both partners may experience a decrease in sexual desire, which can be due to a variety of factors such as stress, hormonal changes, relationship problems, or other physical or psychological conditions.
Erectile dysfunction: Men may experience difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, which can be due to physical or psychological factors.
Difficulty with arousal or orgasm: Both men and women may experience difficulties with arousal or orgasm, which can be due to physical or psychological factors.
Pain during intercourse: Women may experience pain during intercourse, which can be due to physical conditions such as vaginal dryness or other gynecological issues.
Differences in sexual desire or preferences: Partners may have different levels of sexual desire or preferences, which can lead to conflict and frustration.
Communication difficulties: Couples may have trouble communicating about their sexual needs, desires, and boundaries, which can lead to dissatisfaction and disappointment.
It’s difficult to estimate the exact prevalence of these issues, as many people may not seek help or may be reluctant to discuss their sexual problems. However, studies have estimated that anywhere from 30-50% of couples experience sexual difficulties at some point in their relationship.
It’s important for couples to seek help if they are experiencing sexual difficulties, as these problems can have a significant impact on the relationship and overall quality of life. There are many effective treatments available, such as counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes, that can help couples overcome these challenges and improve their intimacy and sexual satisfaction.
Money and financial disagreements are common in many marriages and long-term relationships. Some of the most common issues include:
Budgeting: Couples may disagree about how to allocate their income, prioritize spending, or manage debt.
Savings: Couples may have different views on the importance of saving, or may have different ideas about how much to save each month.
Spending habits: Partners may have different spending habits, such as one person being more frugal while the other is more impulsive with spending.
Investment strategies: Couples may disagree about how to invest their money, such as whether to invest in stocks or real estate.
Debt: Couples may have different attitudes towards debt, or may have different amounts of debt that they are trying to pay off.
Retirement planning: Couples may have different ideas about when to retire, or how much money they need to save in order to retire comfortably.
It’s estimated that money and financial disagreements are common in around two-thirds of couples. These disagreements can be stressful and can cause significant strain on the relationship, but they can also be resolved through open and honest communication, budgeting, and seeking professional financial advice if needed. It’s important for couples to work together to develop a shared understanding of their financial goals and priorities, and to regularly check in on their progress towards these goals in order to maintain financial harmony.
Differences in parenting styles can be a source of conflict in many marriages, as each parent may have their own unique approach to raising children. Some of the most common differences in parenting styles that can cause problems in a marriage include:
Discipline: Couples may have different views on what is appropriate discipline for children and may disagree on when and how to discipline their children.
Structure: One parent may prefer a more structured and routine-based approach to parenting, while the other parent may prefer a more relaxed and spontaneous approach.
Boundaries: Couples may have different opinions on what is acceptable behavior for children and what types of boundaries should be set.
Independence: One parent may be more lenient, allowing their children more independence, while the other parent may be more strict, imposing more rules and restrictions.
Attention and affection: Couples may have different approaches to showing affection and attention to their children, which can lead to disagreements about the level of attention and affection that the children are receiving.
It’s important for couples to understand and respect each other’s parenting styles, and to work together to find a compromise that works for both of them and for the children. Couples should also be open to learning from each other and incorporating elements of each other’s parenting styles into their approach. By working together and approaching parenting as a team, couples can minimize conflict and create a positive, supportive environment for their children.
Issues with in-laws can be a common source of conflict in many marriages and long-term relationships. Some of the most common issues include:
Interference: In-laws may interfere in the couple’s relationship, offering unsolicited advice or opinions, or getting involved in their personal life.
Differences in parenting: In-laws may have different views on parenting than the couple, which can lead to disagreements about child-rearing practices.
Differences in culture or values: Couples may have different cultural backgrounds or values, which can lead to disagreements about holidays, traditions, or other aspects of their lifestyle.
Boundary issues: In-laws may not respect the couple’s boundaries, overstepping their bounds by frequently visiting, calling, or otherwise intruding on their personal life.
Competition: In-laws may compete with the couple for the affection or attention of their children or grandchildren.
It’s estimated that issues with in-laws are a common problem in around one-third of marriages. These issues can be stressful and can cause significant strain on the relationship, but they can also be resolved through open and honest communication, boundary-setting, and seeking mediation or counseling if needed. It’s important for couples to set clear boundaries with their in-laws, to communicate openly and respectfully, and to seek outside help if the issues are persistent and cannot be resolved on their own. By addressing these issues, couples can improve their relationship with their in-laws and reduce conflict in their marriage.
Differences in values, beliefs, and goals are common among married couples, and can sometimes lead to conflicts or disagreements. Some examples of these differences include:
Religion: Couples may have different religious beliefs or may practice their religion in different ways, which can lead to conflicts about holidays, traditions, or other religious practices.
Political beliefs: Couples may have different political beliefs or may have different views on important political issues, which can cause disagreements and conflicts.
Life goals: Couples may have different long-term goals for their lives, such as whether to have children, where to live, or what career path to take.
Personal values: Couples may have different values, such as different views on honesty, loyalty, or trust.
Lifestyle choices: Couples may have different preferences for how they spend their time, such as different interests, hobbies, or social activities.
Money values: Couples may have different views on the importance of financial stability, saving, or spending, which can cause disagreements about budgeting and financial planning.
Stress, depression, and other mental health concerns can negatively impact a marriage in several ways:
Communication Breakdown: Mental health issues can make it difficult for individuals to express their feelings or engage in meaningful conversation with their partner, leading to communication breakdown in the relationship.
Decreased Intimacy: Stress, depression, and other mental health concerns can reduce a person’s desire for intimacy, leading to decreased physical and emotional closeness in the relationship.
Increased Conflict: Mental health problems can increase feelings of irritability, frustration, and anger, which can cause arguments and conflicts between partners.
Decreased Emotional Support: When one partner is struggling with a mental health concern, they may feel isolated and lack the emotional support they need from their partner.
Decreased Satisfaction: Mental health issues can negatively impact overall satisfaction with the relationship, causing feelings of hopelessness and dissatisfaction.
Therefore, addressing mental health concerns is essential for a healthy and fulfilling marriage.
Truthfully, most couples could benefit from some counseling in communication, or assistance with a few “sticking points”. Healthy growth and progress in a partnership is critically important and sometimes ……painful and confusing.
Couples therapy provides a common neutral space and fair perspective from an outside mediator. This can be just the difference a couple needs in order to break down barriers in communication and strive for a new understanding.
Whether it be a desire to rekindle sexual activity, resolve a pending conflict, or just seeking support in a difficult transition, a professional couples’ therapist can be the right choice in creating a healthy future for your partnership.
While all of our counseling options are designed to be effective support for you and your partner, rates depend on scheduling and length of sessions. All of our therapists are certified professionals dedicated to helping you reach your goals, and as independent counselors, each has their own rate based on experience and career credentials.
Typically rates are between $175 and $250 per 50 minute session.
Our therapists prefer to maintain a very LOW volume of work so that they can help clients get exceptional results. They understand that you are seeking assistance with a relationship that you have likely put vast amounts of time, effort, and love into. The space between the two of you is perhaps that fertile ground where your children are being raised. The work requires expertise, focus, a wealth of experience, and the ability to be very “present.”
There is a method to their work, and it is not as straight forward as routine car maintenance.
It is your option and responsibility to communicate with your insurance provider and make claims as we do not work directly with insurance companies and cannot guarantee reimbursement.
Couples’ sex therapy offers the opportunity to recognize and define what problems might exist between partners and what goals they would both like to work towards. A Certified Sex Therapist (CST) can help recognize issues and potential solutions that might otherwise be hidden from view within a couples’ relationship dynamic. Clinical experience in dealing with such a personal and potentially awkward subject to discuss can lead to a more comfortable and realized intimacy and effective form of communication. Our CST professionals, whether they be psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, or Clinical Social Workers, are all members of the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Whether it be uneven sex drives or sexual boundaries between partners, buried trauma, or a sense of disconnectedness, professional judgement-free treatment can help a couple reinvent the thriving sexlife they envision.
Depending on how willing a couple is in collaborating with their therapist, their level of commitment, respect, and their transparency in discussion will all affect how successful their therapy sessions are. Most couples start to see results in 6-8 sessions. Of course every relationship is different and each couple is made up of two complex individuals, each with a unique perspective, history, sensitivity and vulnerability. Longer sessions of 2-3 hours can lead to more profound discussion and consistent meetings maintain the dialogue fresh in everyone’s mind in order to maximize time in each session.
Most couples are reticent to try teletherapy…..until they have done their first session! Then, they never go back. No commute and no lack of intimacy or effectiveness.
Everyone has busy schedules, it’s no wonder that people are paid according to hours worked. Teletherapy has become common place and even obligatory in some cases and can be seen as a great advantage, streamlining the process and economizing everyone’s time, couples and therapist. Using a secure and HIPAA compliant video conferencing platform you can be confident and relaxed during your session within the comforts of your own home or choice environment. We suggest a quiet, private space free of distraction where you are able to focus online in order to work towards a better understanding with your partner.
There may be any number of issues and conflicts in a relationship, stemming from past trauma or anxiety about the future. Oftentimes the problem is a matter of communication and perspective which couples’ counseling can highlight within a balanced, respectful and neutral space.
By recognizing the problems and their sources a couple can begin to create a new understanding and goals to forge a path towards a healthy future.
Couples’ sex therapy offers the opportunity to recognize and define what problems might exist between partners and what goals they would both like to work towards. A Certified Sex Therapist (CST) can help recognize issues and potential solutions that might otherwise be hidden from view within a couples’ relationship dynamic. Clinical experience in dealing with such a personal and potentially awkward subject to discuss can lead to a more comfortable and realized intimacy and effective form of communication. Our CST professionals, whether they be psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, or Clinical Social Workers, are all members of the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Whether it be uneven sex drives or sexual boundaries between partners, buried trauma, or a sense of disconnectedness, professional judgement-free treatment can help a couple reinvent the thriving sexlife they envision.
Miami Marriage Counseling » Marriage Counseling