This article addresses some of the relationship skills that couples can learn by participating in marital therapy or couples counseling with a marital counselor in San Francisco.

How Your Relationship Can Benefit By Working With A San Francisco Marital Counselor

Some couples in San Francisco often feel reluctant to enter couples counseling or marital therapy with a marriage counselor. The idea of sharing intimate details with a third party can be daunting. However, in the long run, it is helpful to address serious or long term problems in a relationship sooner rather than later. Here are some of the skills that a marriage counselor can teach you:

Communication

A marital counselor in San Francisco can teach you concrete skills which will assist you in effectively listening to and communicating with your partner. This may involve learning the rules of "fair fighting" and the technique of "active listening." It may also involve exercises such as "initiator-inquirer."

Your History and Your Partner

An essential part of working with a marital counselor in San Francisco is understanding how your past relationships have affected your perceptions of your current partner. Couples counseling can help you to understand how your perceptions of your partner may be informed by negative past experiences and relationships. When you are able to see your partner clearly (as opposed to making assumptions about their intentions), you are able to minimize conflict and suffering in your relationship. Also, if necessary, a marriage counselor can refer you (or your partner) to a psychotherapist or counselor for individual psychotherapy so that you can work through unresolved problems from past relationships.

Working with a marriage counselor doesn't have to be a daunting prospect. If you have additional questions about the couples counseling process, you are welcome to email me, Joshua Simmons, Psy.D, or contact me by phone at (415) 820-1554.