It’s ALL Relationship Therapy…
Consider for a moment the relationships in your life (including the one with yourself!):
- How often do you experience feelings of anger, resentment, loneliness, disappointment, or hurt?
- How often do you find yourself acting on these feelings in unhelpful ways (examples: withdrawing love, arguing/yelling, blaming, criticizing, pushing away, clinging, shutting down, affairs, excessive work, drug or alcohol use) that result in even more distance?
- How often do you experience feelings of compassion, warmth, belonging, safety, forgiveness, or connection?
- How often do you intentionally act on these feelings to build and nurture greater intimacy?
We are relational beings—we relate to ourselves, and we are endlessly called to relate to others—through family, romantic partners, friends, work, and day to day interactions. And while our accessibility to interaction has exploded with the use of cell phones, email, social networking, and text messaging, these means can encourage relating with little to no connection or closeness.
In addition, we bring with us into every relationship a host of beliefs about ourselves and others, as well as particular ways we have learned to relate, some of which may work really well in some situations with some people, yet maybe not so well in others, or when under stress. And because our relationships move through normal transitions, we regularly encounter times of growth and connection, and stress to our typical relating skills.
In the face of these challenges, it’s no wonder at times we find it difficult to maintain meaningful and connected relationships.
Our relationships are as unique as the individuals who share in them. So it makes sense that relationship therapy may look very different depending on the relationship in question.
Read more about what concerns may be addressed by Relationship Therapy
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The quality of interaction with others begins with our ability to relate to ourselves with awareness, acceptance, and compassion.
The relationship we have with ourselves becomes the model for all other relationships we engage in…
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Why Choose a Marriage and Family Therapist?
Marriage and family therapy research shows that couple and family therapy is a preferred and effective treatment for depression, severe mental illness, substance abuse, couple problems and parenting concerns.
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and family systems who:
- are commonly known as family therapists.
- are uniquely qualified relationship professionals who help people see their situations from a new perspective that supports their strengths and invites change.
- are highly trained mental health professionals who have completed over 1000 hours of therapy with individuals, families, couples and groups while supervised by an Approved Supervisor.
- have acquired rigorous graduate level training in couple and family therapy.
- help people explore their relationships with themselves, and with spouses, partners, fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, step-parents, grandparents, friends, neighbours and others.
- honour diversity in ability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation, spirituality and socioeconomic status.
- adhere to the AAMFT Code of Ethics that outlines responsibilities to clients, the profession and the community.
- encourage people to keep life’s most precious relationships resilient and strong. (AAMFT, 2011)
