Relationships Reimagined
We all have expectations about how our relationships should work. These expectations are often shaped by a variety of sources, including the relationships witnessed in our upbringing, the experiences of our friends, depictions we have seen in media such as TV shows/movies, and even past partners we have been involved with. Even couples we encounter through podcasts or social media can leave a lasting impression on our expectations. Together, these experiences heavily influence our thoughts, actions, and emotions within relationships. When our expectations aren’t met, it becomes a recipe for anger, disappointment, and resentment. By examining the origins and implications of these expectations, couples can develop a more realistic and mutually satisfying vision for their relationship. Together, let’s move towards greater fulfillment, shall we? #TimetoLEVELUP
“Don’t rely on your partner to shift your moods, heal you, or fill your empty spaces. And remember it’s not your responsibility to do that for your partner either. Support is an important part of a relationship. We’re there on the bad days with compassion and a loving embrace. We’re there on the good days to cheer them on. But mostly, we rely on ourselves to give that to ourselves. We trust that our partners can wrestle with their own demons. We offer space for them to discover their own happiness, while we focus on creating our own.”
– Lynn Newman
Love On The Brain…
Enhance Your Emotional Connection With Others & Cultivate Self-Growth
As difficult as it is for you to admit it, you have noticed some shifts in your feelings towards your partner. You fear you may be approaching a crossroads, where you are not sure whether you want to continue sharing your one, precious life with this person for the rest of your days. Neither of you wants
your relationship to end, but you also know things can’t go on like this. Something has to change — in yourselves and in your relationship as a whole — if this relationship is going to last. The crossroads you are standing in front of now presents an opportunity to growth, transformation, and renewed commitment. It requires dedication, patience, and a shared willingness to evolve both as individuals and as a couple.
You fight over even the smallest things (e.g., pulling in too far in the garage, not washing dishes the same way you do, which you believe is the right way). One of you says something, the other gets upset, and it suddenly becomes impossible to communicate effectively at all. This happens so often in the relationship; it almost becomes a predictable cycle of conflict, so much so that you’ve both started to bite your tongue and stuff whatever it was you were going to share deep down, to avoid yet another argument. Ugh, here we go again.
Partners in Progress: Navigating
Relationship Growth Through Couples
Counseling across MOST of the
United States
Consider me your guiding compass, guiding you towards a stronger, more vibrant relationship and away from unhelpful patterns that are causing you to grow further apart! Communication breakdowns are a common source of conflicts in relationships. With my expertise, we’ll create a safe space for open dialogue, where I will equip you with tons of tools and techniques to improve your communication skills, foster empathy, and finally discover mutually beneficial solutions. You will learn how to express your needs constructively, become a master at resolving conflicts while fostering a deeper understanding of each others perspectives, and rediscover what brought you together in the first place! Through tailored strategies and compassionate support, we’ll unlock the potential within your relationship, transforming it into a haven of connection, growth, and shared joy. Let’s embark on building a solid foundation for a fulfilling future together, one empowering session at a time.
“A great relationship is about two things: First, appreciating the similarities and second, respecting the differences.”
– Unknown
Some myths I want to bust about couples counseling:
You don’t have to be married to receive couples counseling. P.S. this is an antiquated idea. No relationship is too old or too new to invest in. Your happiness and satisfaction deserve it!
Regardless of how long you have been in your relationship, it is never too early to start.
Your relationship does not have to be in “dire straits,” “on the brink of divorce,” and no one has to have cheated in order to attend couples therapy. In fact, it can be immensely beneficial for any couple wanting to get a pulse on how things are going, improve communication, reduce the frequency of conflict by addressing underlying issues, or check-in about some baggage one, or both of you have brought into the relationship. All of the above (and more) are perfectly normal and legit reasons to engage in couples therapy. Engaging in couples therapy is a proactive step towards maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship at any age or stage! It provides a space for both partners to explore their feelings, expectations, and concerns in a neutral and supportive environment. By doing so, couples can gain valuable insights, develop effective communication strategies, and learn constructive ways to navigate challenges.
It’s also important to know that coming to therapy for couples does not indicate your relationship has “failed,” or that any partner is to blame. Going to therapy for yourself and your partner signifies a willingness and commitment to invest in the relationship’s growth and well-being.
Couples therapy does in fact help “save” a lot of relationships and help them thrive! It can provide couples with the necessary tools, insights, and support to overcome challenges, improve communication, and foster a healthier connection. However, it’s important to acknowledge that not all relationships can or should be saved. There are instances where couples therapy may lead to the realization that ending the relationship is the absolute best course of action for both individuals involved. In such cases, couples therapy can still be valuable in helping the couple navigate this decision gracefully and amicably, with increased understanding and respect. The goal of couples therapy from my POV is not solely to keep couples together at all costs, but to facilitate a deeper understanding of each individual’s needs, desires, and personal growth. It aims to create an environment where couples can safely explore their relationship dynamics, make the best possible informed decisions, and works towards the most positive outcome for all parties. Both scenarios can be considered a positive outcome for couples counseling.
You, courageous couple, have come to the right place!
Relationship Work with Dr. Vincent:
Better understand why the same conflict keeps happening
Navigate difficult conversations better
Learn how you can show up better for your partner in your relationship
Improve connection and communication
Identify relationship expectations and learn how to get your needs met
Learn practical tools to help you break old patterns
Helping you is what I do.
I often use a metaphor of describing therapy as driving a car. YOU are in the driver’s seat and you tell me what your final destination is. Want to gain insight into relational patterns or develop the skills necessary to communicate and problem solve with your partner more effectively? I am your professional GPS and know many ways to get us to your respective destination(s). Some routes may be shorter, while others may be longer, less bumpy, more scenic, and require experimenting to find the ones that resonate with you and are the most efficient in reaching your desired destination. Like Waze and Google Maps, alerting you to upcoming obstacles or suggesting alternate detours, I will also help you navigate these obstacles and find better paths. Therapy is just a matter of making tweaks and trying new routes until we find the one(s) that are the most efficient for you! Unlike Waze and Google Maps, my professional GPS navigation system comes equipped with oodles of valuable support, encouragement, a consistent presence throughout the length of your therapy journey and expert tactics to help you create the life you crave. This all begins in therapy by: leaving your comfort zone, experiencing a relationship with appropriate boundaries, connecting with someone who can handle #allyourfeels, having someone show up for you consistently, and whom you genuinely trust to share your authentic self with.
Disclaimer
Online counseling is not appropriate for all kinds of problems.
If you are in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, it’s important that you seek help immediately.
24/7 Help is available at your fingertips: please call 1-800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) or visit them
at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ and ask for help.
You may also text ‘HOME’ to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Life In Progress Psychological Services, PLLC does not offer emergency services.
Therapy can change your life if you let it…
Life In Progress
Dr. Nichole Vincent, PsyD
“I’m always looking for ways to help you have the best life possible. No matter what you have been through, I believe you can still have a life worth living that is full of meaning.” ~David Kessler
SERVING ALL OF:
AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD,
MI, MN, MS, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC,
TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV and WY
THROUGH ONLINE COUNSELING
