BLOOMING MINDS COUNSELING, PLLC
Alison Bellows, M.Ed, LCMHCA, NCC
Couples Counseling
Relationships provide support, love, security, and comfort. But at times, relationships can also be a source of challenges, heartache, and pain. Whether your relationship is in a place of peace or distress, couples counseling can help provide you with tools to strengthen your relationship for the better or help you discern whether you want to continue your relationship.
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As your couples therapist, I am trained in Levels 1 & 2 of Gottman Couple's Therapy. This means I utilize empirically based theory and tools to help you and your partner communicate and re-connect with one another.
"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."
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Viktor Frankl
The First Phase
Session 1: The first session is all about getting to know you and your partner. Throughout the session, I will get an understanding from you as a couple about what brings you into therapy. From there, we will discuss your strengths, some potential barriers in the relationship, and your goals for therapy together.
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Assessments: After the initial session, each partner will fill out an online assessment called The Gottman Relationship Checkup. I will use the information from the assessment to further identify areas of strength and growth within your relationship.
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Session 2: Following the completion of your assessments, I will meet individually with each partner. In these meetings, we will explore your own individual narrative of the relationship, relevant family history, and your own personal goals for the relationship.
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Session 3: In the third session, I meet with you as a couple to review the results of The Gottman Relationship Checkup. Together we will discuss the plan of action moving forward in therapy.
The Second Phase
This is where we will do the majority of our work together. Each couple's goals will be different in counseling, but common areas of focus include:
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Communication
Creating Shared Meaning
Conflict Management
Trust & Betrayal
Accepting Influence from your Partner
Understanding your partner's perspective
Emotional Connection
Enhancing Friendship/Intimacy
Building Fondness & Appreciation
Learning to Listen & Validate your partner