Are you and your partner considering marriage counseling? Are you seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Tampa Marriage Counselor to help you through the process? If so, you’ve come to the right place. As a Tampa Couples Counselor with over 10 years of experience, I understand how intimidating it can be to take that first step into marriage counseling. You’ve invested in your relationship, and are not used to having someone else give their opinion. This is a tough step, and I’m honored to be able to help couples through the process. I take a research-backed approach (Gottman Method) and work to support you in ways that feel comfortable so that you can work on improving that communication, increasing connection, and having more fun together. To help you out, I’m providing some tips on getting started.
First, Recognize that Marriage Counseling is an Opportunity
The thought of starting relationship counseling can often be overwhelming. You may feel uncertain about what to expect or unsure if it is the right decision for you and your partner. I want couples to know that marriage counseling does not have to be scary or intimidating; it should be seen as an opportunity to improve your relationship and create a healthier bond between the two of you.
Tips to Get Started with Marriage Counseling in Tampa
Be Open- Minded
When beginning your journey into marriage counseling, it is essential that both partners are committed and willing to attend sessions together for them to be successful. It also helps if both partners are open-minded and willing to try new approaches or methods of communication that may arise during our sessions together. At my practice, I draw from multiple therapeutic modalities, such as Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy
(RODBT), Gottman Method, Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), Attachment theory, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention ( ERP) to best serve my clients. Each couple has unique needs and concerns that must be addressed differently depending on their circumstances.
Look for a Tampa Marriage Counselor with the Right Qualifications
When seeking out a marriage counselor in Tampa, make sure they possess the necessary qualifications such as licensure from the state board of counseling, psychology or social work. Additionally, look for counselors who specialize in couples therapy because they will have more experience dealing with common issues faced by couples such as infidelity or communication breakdowns. Lastly, ensure that any potential therapist is someone with whom you feel comfortable speaking freely about delicate topics without judgment or criticism. The relationship is one of the most important, if not the most important factor in counseling. I tell my clients, if we’re not a good fit please tell me and I’ll give you some names of counselors who might be a better fit. Some people like a counselor who is really gentle, others want a very directive counselor…you get the point. Find what works for you.
Trust the Process
Having this level of trust between yourself and your therapist is essential if you are serious about improving your relationship. Finding a compatible therapist who specializes in couples therapy can take some time but it will pay off in the long run – especially if they use evidenced-based therapeutic modalities.
When deciding on where to start with marriage counseling, there are many things couples should consider beforehand in order to ensure that they find a qualified counselor who meets their specific needs. Remember – marriage counseling should not feel like a burden but rather an opportunity for increased understanding between partners while developing healthier communication habits along the way. With these tips from an experienced Tampa Marriage Counselor under your belt, hopefully, now you feel more confident taking those first steps towards creating a stronger connection with your partner!
If you would like to learn more Tampa Marriage Counseling, contact us today!
