Issues We Address in Couples Therapy

You Got This

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You Got This 〰️

Our experienced therapists are equipped to help you work through a wide range of concerns, including:

    • Improving active listening skills.

    • Expressing needs and emotions effectively.

    • Navigating difficult conversations.

    • Rebuilding trust after betrayal.

    • Addressing emotional or physical affairs.

    • Establishing healthy boundaries.

    • Deepening emotional intimacy

    • Improving empathy and understanding

    • Addressing emotional distance or disconnection

    • Addressing differences in desire or sexual preferences.

    • Rekindling intimacy in long-term relationships.

    • Navigating sexual health issues

    • Bridging cultural differences.

    • Navigating relationships with in-laws.

    • Addressing intergenerational trauma

    • Preparing for marriage or cohabitation.

    • Adjusting to parenthood

    • Navigating career changes or relocations.

    • Developing healthy argument strategies.

    • Learning to compromise and find win-win solutions.

    • Addressing recurring conflicts

    • Aligning financial goals and values.

    • Addressing differences in spending habits.

    • Planning for shared financial futures

    • Deciding whether to separate or divorce

    • Navigating the emotional process of separation

    • Developing co-parenting strategies post-separationon

Why Choose Couples Therapy?

Couples therapy provides a safe, neutral space for partners to explore their relationship dynamics, address conflicts, and work towards shared goals. It offers:

  • Professional guidance to improve communication and conflict resolution

  • Strategies to rebuild trust and intimacy

  • Tools to navigate major life transitions together

  • Support in addressing cultural and family-of-origin issues

  • Opportunities to deepen understanding and empathy between partners

Meet the Team

  • Manali Deolalkar

    Licensed Therapist (LPCC)

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  • Melanie Lei

    Associate Therapist (AMFT)

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  • Tharsana Kumarasivam

    Associate Therapist (ASW)

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 Our Approach to Couples Therapy

At Spiral Up Therapy, we take an inclusive, culturally sensitive approach to couples therapy. Our therapists are trained in various evidence-based techniques and adapt their methods to best suit each couple's needs. Some of the approaches we use include:

  • EFT is a structured approach to couples therapy that focuses on adult attachment and bonding. This method helps couples identify and address underlying emotional responses that may be causing conflict. By fostering secure emotional connections, EFT aims to create lasting change in relationship patterns and strengthen the bond between partners.

  • Based on Dr. John Gottman's research, this approach emphasizes building friendship, managing conflict, and creating shared meaning within the relationship. It uses specific tools to help couples break through barriers and achieve greater understanding, intimacy, and connection. The Gottman Method is particularly effective in improving communication and increasing affection in relationships.

  • CBT for couples adapts the principles of individual CBT to a relationship context. This approach helps partners identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be impacting their relationship. It focuses on improving communication, problem-solving skills, and mutual understanding, enabling couples to create more positive interactions and strengthen their bond.

  • While not a therapy method per se, Non-Violent Communication is a valuable communication framework often used in couples therapy. Developed by Marshall Rosenberg, NVC teaches partners to express their needs clearly and empathetically without blame or criticism. It emphasizes observation, identifying and expressing feelings and needs, and making clear requests. This approach can significantly improve understanding and compassion between partners, reducing conflict and fostering deeper connections.

We work with a diverse range of couples, including - LGBTQIA+ couples, Interracial and intercultural couples, South Asian couples, Long-term committed partners, and couples considering separation or divorce.

What to Expect in Couples Therapy

  1. Initial Consultation: We begin with a free 20-minute consultation to discuss your needs and determine if we're a good fit.

  2. Assessment: In your first full session, we'll conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand your relationship dynamics, history, and goals.

  3. Treatment Planning: Together, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific relationship needs and objectives.

  4. Regular Sessions: We typically meet weekly or bi-weekly for 50-minute sessions, adjusting frequency as needed.

  5. Progress Evaluation: We regularly review your progress and adjust our approach as necessary to ensure you're moving towards your relationship goals.

Taking the first step towards improving your relationship can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone.