Great Couples Counseling in Old Lyme, CT. Therapy to heal relationships.

When I was a student at UCONN, I learned of an article called “Bad Couples Therapy”. I learned from it that many therapists who do family therapy do not have any formal training in couple therapy. How can this be? We don’t have surgeons on the operating table without formal training in surgery, yet therapists can do it? Yes, it turns out the field of therapy isn’t as regulated as one might think. Later in graduate school, I was able to get three full-time years of formal training in marriage and family therapy. The results I’m able to offer to people were well worth the extra schooling and residency I later completed.

Working with couples individually/collaboratively without blame or shame, assisting partners in understanding their role in the conflict, has been a primary focus of my 30+ years of clinical practice. I teach couples that there is no right way to live.The framework and ingredients are defined by each person in the relationship. Connection, not control, engagement, not enmeshment allow for ongoing individual growth and relationship capacity. Personal awareness, acknowledgement, new attitudes and behavioral action all contribute to building a bridge between partners. I assist my clients as they look to themselves not the other to create ongoing growth, capacity and fulfillment of commitment.

I only see couples, it is my passion! We look at the negative cycles fueled by communication, money, parenting & blended families, careers, health, and/or sex/intimacy. When was the last time you had an open conversation with your partner that wasn't hijacked by your negative relationship cycle? I am also an affair specialist and have worked with countless couples to sift through the incredible pain to see if there is anything left of the relationship to be salvaged (in most cases, there is). I have met many couples who come in as roommates & leave my practice experiencing intimacy & being a better team that can make agreements and be in sync. My common sense approach fosters accountability

The inherent difficulties with being a couple these days have become more and more complicated due to many varied reasons. If your struggling with being a couple, come see our therapist who focuses on communication and assisting on identifying and then eradicating the hurdles of being a couple in 2015 no matter your age, race or gender preference, we are there for you!

As a licensed clinical psychologist, my greatest emphasis for couples is working with people individually to address how they may improve themselves so as to improve the relationship. *Or*, I may help an individual learn more effect strategies to deal with challenging relationship struggles. My partner, a licensed marriage and family therapist, works with the couple in the room simultaneously. Those seeking this help may contact me, and I will let you know if your situation is something I can help with. If it is, we can proceed to schedule a first appointment. If it is not, I will help get you set up with my partner or another therapist who does the work you require.

I believe that our love relationships are the most powerful mirror to reflect back to us the condition of our psyches. Love provides us with the courage to face our faults, weaknesses and misapprehensions and creates the impetus to change that which stands in the way of our peace, happiness and personal evolution. In my work with couples, together we view the family systems that form each partner and then we envision and create the new system of the couple relationship. Our work together fosters intimacy, communication, empathy, and most importantly, mutual respect. Whatever the outcome, honesty and love are able to flow in the safety of this environment.

What are the most common couples' issues? If you are thinking "communication, conflict, sex, money, child rearing" you are correct. However, most therapists will go after the symptom on each side of the couple fence thinking that the way to effective change is by getting each party to "work" on their respective "issue". Many times the parties don’t agree but comply. Imagine if you could align the unconscious brains of a couple and stop the "working on your issues" part that has become so popular in therapy settings? Contact kevin@kevinflemingphd.com to learn how! Or call 877-606-6161. DR. FLEMING'S NEW RELATIONSHIP/COUPLES INTENSIVES. www.kevinflemingphd.com/marriage-couples-retreats.php