Couples
A nother prominent focus of my work is couples counseling. With this population -- more often than not -- I lead by following closely.
Each couple knows themselves more completely than I ever will. Even in the thick of conflict or discontent they usually know what they want and need from each other and from the relationship that matters most. I see my task in couples therapy as multifaceted: 1) help the couple define and communicate their individual and shared needs more clearly and receptively; 2) learn how to co-navigate their relationship more effectively toward the attainment and realization of those needs in a healthier manner, 3) teach and help practice more effective problem solving and/or conflict resolution skills. 3) minimize defensiveness; 4) increase empathy and compassion; 5) assist them to reconnect with their individual and relationship strengths and "assets" that may have gotten buried under their strife; 6) and ultimately assist in the development of a more mutually pro-active approach to providing each other with the practical and emotional nurturance that becomes the "engine" that keeps the relationship alive and well.
I will call "foul" when needed. I will not side one against the other but I will align myself alternately with one or the other when I believe it to be clinically sound and functionally necessary to maintain the integrity of the process. I am professionally committed to helping couples preserve and grow their relationship whenever possible. However, should amicable separation be a shared goal, this can be accomplished with the implementation of many of the same components of the skills set already mentioned.
In addition to my own private practice, I am affiliated with two long standing and well respected Group practices, one in Long Beach and the other in Redondo Beach. I mention this only to highlight the fact that based on my track record with both Group practices, and the feedback received about my work from the principles at these offices, I have become recognized as the in-house "go-to guy" for much of the couples work undertaken in each practice.