Distance. Fights. Silence. For couples who feel their relationships just aren't what they used to be, and that perhaps they've lost each other somewhere along the way, couples counseling can help them walk a path back to each other again.
Peace Family Counseling therapists Luke Harty, LCSW, and Grace Patterson, LMHCA, state that every relationship faces challenges at some point. Luke adds that there’s no shame in not knowing how to overcome those challenges as a couple. In their day-to-day practice, these counselors offer specialized couples therapy to help them strengthen their relationships and move forward together.
"More than 75% of those in couples counseling find their relationship has improved, so recognizing when to seek help is already a meaningful step toward healing and connection," verifies Grace. "Sometimes, life throws things your way that you can’t control. But we believe you can write your story on your own terms and come out stronger, ready to live the chapters yet to unfold. We’re here to guide you toward a healthier, more fulfilling connection."
Common reasons that couples seek counseling include:
- Disconnection and emotional distance.
- Betrayal and trust issues.
- Recovering from a divorce, separation or breakup.
- Frequent and unproductive arguments.
- Intimacy issues.
- Financial disagreements.
- Conflicting parenting styles.
While couples counseling may include some individual sessions, Luke and Grace say they mostly will take place in joint sessions, aimed at different phases of couple’s lives. Those sessions take on personalized approaches.
Relationship Counseling: This is for couples who live together or apart, and for all types of relationships, even those that already feel solid. This is a space to grow, reconnect or simply tune in more deeply to one another. Communication, intimacy, emotional understanding and whatever matters most to each couple is explored.
Premarital Counseling: This one benefits couples preparing for marriage who want to build a strong foundation. This type of couples therapy can help twosomes navigate topics such as finances, future children and potential challenges, while providing the tools to work through them.
Marriage Counseling: Designed for married couples in general, this one also includes those considering separation or divorce. This type of counseling addresses a range of issues, from parenting and co-parenting to managing outside influences, setting boundaries and rebuilding emotional connection.
Couples Workshop Scheduled For Jan. 31
Peace Family Counseling therapists Luke Harty, LCSW, Grace Patterson, LMHCA, and Lisa Franklin, LCSW, will host an intimate, transformative workshop for couples on Saturday Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This will take place at their Greenwood office, 48 N. Emerson Ave.
This trio will guide participants through the secrets to emotional intelligence in relationships; how to communicate one's needs effectively; tools for understanding and resolving conflicts; strategies for deeper emotional connections; and ways to maintain individual growth while strengthening partnerships.
Registration for the workshop is $175 per couple before Jan. 11, and $200 after that date. The price includes lunch, handouts, resources, practical tools to use at home immediately after the workshop and interactive exercises and personalized insights.
"Whether sudden disruptions or something that’s been building over time, certain challenges in relationships can lead to consider couples counseling."