At the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh, we acknowledge the profound impact of relationships on well-being. Our Couples Therapy in Pittsburgh offers empathetic support and personalized guidance. Our experienced Couples Therapists understand the uniqueness of each relationship, collaborating with couples to address specific concerns.
What is Couples Therapy?
Couples Therapy is a kind of therapy which offers relationship support for all types of couples. It is the same premise as marriage counseling with the same evidence-based interventions and techniques to help your relationship work its way back to love and connection. Many people wonder if you need to be married to seek counseling for your relationship—the answer is ‘no.’ Our commitment to fostering healthier connections is woven into every aspect of our Couples Therapy. Whether you’re married, engaged, or in a committed dating relationship, our Couples Counseling is tailored to meet your unique relationship needs.
Understanding the Role of Couples Counseling
Couples often seek Couples Counseling for various reasons, such as addressing trust issues, improving communication, managing conflicts, dealing with betrayal, enhancing intimacy, navigating family dynamics, and addressing individual challenges like mental health diagnoses or addiction within the relationship. Even in seemingly stable relationships, a periodic checkup can be beneficial, allowing couples to identify and address potential issues before they escalate. These stressors pose significant challenges, impacting the overall health and balance of the relationship.
Amid these challenges, it’s worth noting that professional intervention can be highly effective. According to the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, 90% of couples who complete Couples Therapy with a highly trained Couples Therapist report an increase in their emotional well-being. Such interventions provide valuable tools and insights, empowering couples to navigate challenges and build a more robust foundation for their shared journey.
Holistic and Evidence-Based Approaches To Couples Therapy
At the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh, our Couples Therapy is founded on holistic and evidence-based approaches, ensuring that individuals receive a comprehensive and effective therapeutic experience. Our Couples Counselors who leverage a diverse range of modalities to address the unique dynamics of each relationship. These modalities include Family Systems Theory, the Gottman approach, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
- Family Systems Theory recognizes that individuals are interconnected within the family unit, and any changes or issues in one member can affect the entire system. This approach allows our couples counselors to understand the broader context of the relationship, facilitating a more nuanced and effective intervention.
- The Gottman Method, developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, is based on decades of research and focuses on enhancing couples’ friendship, intimacy, and conflict resolution skills. It provides practical tools and strategies to strengthen relationships, promoting long-term positive outcomes.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy centers around understanding and reshaping emotional responses within relationships. It helps couples identify and express their emotions, fostering a more secure emotional connection. EFT has proven effective in addressing issues such as communication breakdowns, trust issues, and emotional distance.
These evidence-based methods empower our Couples Counselors to address a wide spectrum of issues, from communication breakdowns and trust issues to emotional disconnection and conflict resolution. By tailoring our approach to the specific needs and dynamics of each couple, we strive to promote lasting positive change and cultivate healthier, more resilient relationships.
Is Couples Therapy Right for You?
Deciding whether Couples Therapy is the right step for you involves recognizing certain signs and assessing the dynamics of your relationship. If you find that communication has become strained, trust issues linger, conflicts are escalating, or intimacy is dwindling, these may indicate that your relationship could benefit from professional support. Couples Counseling is not solely for those in crisis; it can also be a proactive step for partners seeking to enhance their connection.
Reflect on whether your relationship experiences recurrent patterns of disagreements, and if efforts to resolve issues on your own have proven challenging. If individual challenges, such as mental health diagnoses or addiction, impact your relationship, Couples Therapy can provide a supportive framework.
Consider seeking Couples Therapy if you and your partner are contemplating major life decisions, such as marriage or starting a family, or if external factors, like family dynamics, are affecting your relationship. Additionally, if you simply want to strengthen your relationship, build effective communication skills, or navigate a transition, Couples Counseling can offer valuable tools and insights.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue Couples Therapy is a personal one, guided by the desire for a healthier, more fulfilling relationship. If you resonate with any of these signs, taking the step toward Couples Counseling can be an investment in the well-being and longevity of your partnership.
Inclusive and Supportive Environment
The Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all couples, offering Couples Therapy to individuals, couples, or triads within the LGBTQ, kink, and poly communities, as well as those in “non-traditional” relationships. We understand the unique dynamics that different couples bring to therapy and strive to create a safe space where everyone feels heard and understood. This commitment is rooted in our belief that each person, regardless of their relationship structure, deserves access to compassionate and effective therapy tailored to their unique needs.
Our inclusive approach reflects our dedication to recognizing and respecting the diversity of human relationships. We aim to foster an environment where individuals and couples of all backgrounds can seek support, guidance, and understanding without judgment. Whether you are navigating a traditional or non-traditional relationship, our experienced Couples Therapists are here to provide empathetic and affirming care to help you nurture healthier connections and achieve positive growth in your relationship journey.
Specialized Support for Intimacy
Recognizing the significance of intimacy within relationships, our Couples Therapists are designed to offer targeted assistance in fostering both emotional and physical connections. Embracing a sex-positive philosophy, we create a supportive environment for couples to openly navigate and resolve issues related to sexual health and intimacy.
Our team of experienced sex therapists is dedicated to addressing a spectrum of concerns, ranging from sexual dysfunction to arousal disorders. Through a holistic approach, we aim to contribute to the overall well-being of relationships by nurturing a deeper understanding and fulfillment in both emotional and physical aspects.
Empowering Positive Change With Couples Therapists
The essence of our Couples Counseling lies in empowering couples to embrace positive change. Beyond addressing immediate concerns, our Couples Therapists focus on enhancing emotional regulation, improving communication skills, and fostering a sense of connection. Our goal is to equip couples with the tools they need to navigate challenges independently and create a thriving, resilient partnership.
Couples Therapy at the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh is a journey towards nurturing healthier connections and building resilient partnerships. Whether you’re facing specific challenges or simply seeking to strengthen your relationship, our experienced Couples Therapists and Couples Counselors, are here to guide you. Embrace the opportunity for positive change, and let us support you in creating a relationship filled with connection, understanding, and joy.
Meet Our Couples Therapists
Get Started With Couples Counseling!
Choosing Couples Therapy is a significant step toward fostering a healthier and more fulfilling relationship. To initiate this transformative journey you can reach our dedicated team directly by calling 412-856-WELL or fill out the form below.
Free Compassionate Listening Guide
Couples Therapy in Pittsburgh Blogs
Your Guide to Compassionate Listening Skills
by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghJune 18, 2024 active listening, communication, communication exercises, compassionate listening, conversations for couples, couples communication, good listening skills, how to improve listening skills, listening, listening skills0 comments
Your Guide to Compassionate Listening Skills
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What Is The Marriage Counseling Success Rate?
In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of marriage counseling, addressing common questions about the marriage counseling success rate. Our exploration will shed light on the effectiveness of marriage counseling, especially when conducted by therapists with specialized training, such as our dedicated...
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by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghAugust 1, 2023 communication, communication exercises, connection, conversation, conversations for couples, couples communication, couples counseling, couples therapy, marriage counseling, questions for couples, questions to ask my partner, questions to ask your partner, relationship counseling1 comment
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Learn MoreImprove Your Active Listening Skills For World Listening Day
by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghJuly 17, 2023 active listening, communication, communication exercises, connection, conversation, conversations for couples, emotional intelligence, interpersonal effectiveness, interpersonal skills, listening, professional development0 comments
Are you a good listener? Do you want to develop your active listening skills further?In honor of World Listening Day on July 18th, let’s explore the significance of active listening skills as an art and a valuable skill. Active listening goes beyond merely hearing words; it involves fully engaging with the speaker, understanding their perspective, and providing meaningful...
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by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghMay 8, 2023 attachment styles, attachment theory, couples counseling, couples therapy, dating, relationship, relationship conflict, relationship counseling, relationship resolutions0 comments
Attachment theory, which was first introduced by British psychoanalyst John Bowlby in the 1950s and 60s, posits that the way a child forms attachments to their primary caregiver can have a significant impact on how we approach romantic relationships as adults. Research has shown that early attachment styles can manifest in a variety of ways within our adult romantic relationships,...
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by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghFebruary 20, 2023 communication, couples communication, couples counseling, couples therapy, dating, healthy relationships, the five love languages0 comments
Have you ever felt like you were putting a lot of effort into showing love to your partner, but they just didn’t seem to be getting the message? Or maybe you have felt like you and your partner aren’t speaking the same language when it comes to showing affection. Learning which of the five languages is yours and which is your partner’s could be the key to unlocking a...
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by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghDecember 21, 2022 compassion, conflict resolution, conversations for couples, couples communication, couples counseling, couples therapy, gratitude, making up after fights, marriage, marriage counseling, new years resolutions, relationship, relationship conflict, relationship resolutions, resolutions0 comments
Setting Couples New Year’s Resolutions is a great way to create a stronger connection, reinforce your bond, and set expectations for the future. Having shared goals can help you both stick to your promises—the more effort you two put in, the stronger the relationship. If you’re looking for some goals to work toward with your partner, this list of 6 Relationship Resolutions...
Learn More32 Questions to Ask Before Marriage
by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghOctober 24, 2022 couples communication, couples counseling, couples therapy, premarital counseling, premarital counseling questionnaire, premarriage counseling, questions for couples, relationship, relationship conflict, relationship resolutions, wellness counseling0 comments
If you have recently answered ‘yes’ to a marriage proposal, then along with the rush of planning your version of the perfect wedding you also may also be considering whether you should be going to premarital counseling. Premarital counseling is a form of couples therapy that emphasizes wellness. Our counselors have put together a list of questions to ask before marriage to...
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by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghSeptember 5, 2022 couples communication, couples counseling, couples therapy, gottman marriage counseling, gottman method counseling, healthy relationships, marriage counseling, quiet quitting0 comments
The term quiet quitting is a wave that sparked from the great resignation, and the apathy that some workers have experienced in dead end and toxic workplaces. Quiet quitting happens in many places including our romantic relationships. Any time that we are in a relationship and we notice that we stop caring and stop connecting with our partner, we are quiet quitting.
To use Gottman...
Learn MoreEverything You Wanted to Know About Boundaries in Relationships
by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghApril 7, 2022 borderline personality disorder, boundaries, communication, conflict resolution, conversations for couples, couples communication, educational, emotional intelligence, how to say no, personal growth, relationship, relationship conflict, relationship resolutions, self care, stress management0 comments
You may have heard that boundaries in relationships are good and worthwhile. Understandably you might have some questions about boundaries such as what are they? How do I set a boundary? How do I communicate a boundary? How do I enforce a boundary? Is there any flexibility to boundaries? I will answer all of these questions for you because as a licensed marriage and family therapist I...
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by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghOctober 18, 2021 comfortable relationship, couples communication, couples counseling, couples therapy, healthy relationships, relationship, relationship conflict, relationship resolutions0 comments
Relationship Advice for Couples
At the start of a relationship, it’s perfectly normal and natural to feel nerves. You are still trying to present the best version of yourselves. Over time though and as the relationship progresses, it’s vital to learn how to feel comfortable in your relationship. A lack of comfort with your partner can prevent you from growing as a couple and can possibly...
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by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghSeptember 13, 2021 borderline personality disorder, couples communication, couples counseling, couples therapy, dating, jealously, jealousy, marriage counseling, marriage counseling near me0 comments
Jealousy is an important and useful emotion. It can indicate that something is amiss in our relationship. It can help us act in a way that brings greater closeness and security to our connections when we respond to the signals of this emotion in a supportive and relationship-supporting way.
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