Couples Counseling

People in relationship seek Couples or Marriage Counseling for different reasons. Unlike Individual Counseling, in Couples or Marriage Counseling the relationship is the focus. However, through this process, individuals typically experience increased personal awareness and begin a personal journey toward self-improvement.

The more time that passes with struggle or contention present, the more difficult it may be to repair the relationship. Thus, we encourage couples to consider Couples or Marriage Counseling sooner than later.

A couple’s success in therapy is informed by each individual’s motivation for therapy and their dedication to the process. In working with your therapist, each couple will examine their relationship, themselves as individuals, and their contribution and role in the relationship. A willingness to bring about positive change will empower the couple to achieve goals and objectives they, together with their therapist, identify early in the process.

There are many modalities of treatment for Couples & Marriage Counseling. We apply strategies from several different modalities, to customize treatment for each couple’s unique needs and difficulties.

Issues Often Addressed In Couples Counseling

• Communication Problems
• Problem-Solving
• Conflict Avoidance
• Power Struggles
• Conflict Resolution
• Sexual Dissatisfaction
• Infidelity

The Gottman Model
– developed by John Gottman

Focuses on avoiding common pitfalls in relationship such as contempt, criticism of the other’s personality, stonewalling and defensiveness. A priority is placed on increasing compromise and attempts at connection as well as altering the way couples respond to anger.

Emotion-Focused Therapy
– developed by Sue Johnson

Focus is placed on attachment issues and communication styles

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

Focus is placed on healing from trauma and finding balance in self while learning how to take responsibility for reactions and emotions each person has within the relationship.

Prepare-Enrich
– developed by David & Karen Olson

This program focuses on Inventories completed by the couple online that results in a customized couple assessment that identifies the couple’s strength and growth areas. It is one of the most widely used programs for premarital counseling and premarital education. It is also used for marriage counseling, marriage enrichment, and dating couples considering engagement.

At Tucker-Huggins & Associates, individuals aged 5 and older are eligible to receive individual counseling services. We consider counseling to be a success when a client experiences positive personal growth, develops problem solving and coping skills, and sees a reduction in bothersome symptoms or problems.

Children

Our younger clients often have a parent, teacher, or grandparent who has identified behaviors in a child that they believe to problematic in nature. The most common issues addressed include:

• Divorce Adjustment
• Step Family Adjustment
• Temper Tantrums/Anger
• Outbursts
• Excessive Worries and Fears
• Separation Anxiety
• Social and Emotional
• Immaturity
• Bullying Behaviors
• Physical/Emotional/Sexual Abuse

Teens

Our therapists have a combined experience spanning over 30 years of working with teens and their families. We are well versed in understanding the specific challenges that teens face in today’s society. Often teens are interested in receiving help in one or more of the following areas:

• Self-Esteem
• Depression
• Cutting Behavior or other Self-Harm
• Stress/Anxiety
• Parent-Child Relationship issues
• Relational Interaction with peers

Adults

We serve a wide range of clients in our adult population; from those diagnosed with a mental health disorder to those undergoing significant life changes and searching to resolve internal conflicts. A highly personalized approach is tailored to each client’s individual needs to help attain optimal growth and life satisfaction. Our treatment includes:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Bipolar Disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Divorce Adjustment
• Grief and Loss
• Work and Career Challenges
• Stress Management
• Conflict Resolution