Lina Kaplan, Psy.D. Los Angeles, CA Psychologist Couples Therapy "And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." -- Nelson Mandela Much of our satisfaction in life depends on our ability to create and maintain meaningful and mutually satisfying relationships. In fact, committed relationships and marriage can be your greatest source of love, support, and laughter. Yet, many relationships that go well at the start develop challenging problems over time. Emotional distance and negative feelings can grow, conflicts escalate and your relationship becomes a source of pain and tension rather than comfort and nurturance. Like many people you may be ignoring or sedating your anger and disappointment, hoping "it’s just a phase" and "it will go away". Unfortunately, left to fester, a troubled relationship may only worsen, leading to despair and even "wanting out". However, the situation does not have to deteriorate this far. In Couples Therapy, you can turn your relationship difficulties into incredible opportunities for growth and change. A couple should consider seeking Marital Counseling when: feelings of "us" are replaced with feelings of "you" and "me" one or both partners are less invested in spending time together the communication is filled with fighting, bickering and criticism one or both partners feel that their emotional needs are not being met there is persistent sexual dissatisfaction one or both of the partners are seriously considering having an affair or have been unfaithful partners feel they are staying together just "for the sake of the children" cultural differences become a source of unresolved conflicts partners simply want to strengthen and enrich their relationship pre-marital couples wish to iron out differences and develop better communication and conflict resolution skills In the safety of couples therapy, you and your partner can explore the underlying dynamics that are interfering with effective communication and reducing relationship satisfaction. You can both become aware of how certain predictable and circular patterns of interaction continue without reaching any satisfying resolution. Increased awareness helps yield change in feelings and behaviors within the relationship. Old patterns can be interrupted and replaced by more constructive, mutually supportive ways of relating. Please feel free to contact me by email or phone to learn more about Couples Therapy and to schedule an appointment. I look forward to speaking with you. home | background | individuals | couples cultural transitions | infertility | pregnancy loss languages | dance psychology | contact Dr. Lina Kaplan, Psychologist 9911 W Pico Blvd, Ste 507 Los Angeles, California 90035 (310) 277-4305 Contact Me