Great Couples Counseling in La Porte, TX. Therapy to heal relationships.

“Stop trying to change me!” The complaint often targeted at a partner during a heated discussion. My response, in couples therapy, is often, “Of course you are being asked to change.” Allow me to explain… In relationships, we go from “I” and “you” to “we”. As “we”, we become better people; hopefully. We have a responsibility to ourselves and to the relationship. The intention is to not “lose ourselves” in a relationship, however, a healthy partnership challenges growth and change. In couples therapy, my approach is to target areas of growth, and yes, change, for the individual and couple. The “change” is discussed, agreed, and mutually beneficial.

We specialize in couples counseling. Our approach is one which acknowledges the emotional aspect of both individuals. We listen intently and provide a critical analysis so that all involved have a clear understanding of the issue and where there is possible miscommunication. We have found that there are typically areas in which both individuals can improve, and we focus on where those areas of improvement are needed. We also understand the delicate nature of couples counseling in that each is typically passionate in their own beliefs. We are very skilled communicators in getting buy in to where personal growth is needed.

My approach to helping couples includes an exploration of patterns of communication and whether interactions are considered healthy or unhealthy. Each partner's family of origin would be explored as well as their perspectives on issues within the relationship. I therapeutic approach utilizes the empirically based Gottman Method. The Gottman Method encompasses 40+ years of research on couples and what makes them successful.

I facilitate constructive and open dialogues to strengthen relationships. Through effective communication strategies and conflict resolution techniques, I guide couples in addressing issues and enhancing emotional connection. My goal is to help partners rediscover shared goals, improve mutual understanding, and cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling partnership.

Many couples seek counseling when they are experiencing conflict in their relationship. The most common reasons couples come to counseling is due to difficulity in communication, money and intimacy. Most of us learn to communicate by watching our own parents who may not have been the best teachers. I teach couples the common styles of communication (ie. often one person want to work out the issue immediately and the other person needs time to think and process the situation which can lead to distress). I help couples learn to communicate in a way that they can be heard and understood. Communication is also key to express intimacy needs and to get them met in a way that is mutually satisfying

Let me guess. One partner feels alone and like they don't matter and the other feels they are always being criticized and can't get anything right. The more one asks for the other to show up, the more the partner disappears physically and emotionally. You both bicker and fight and the idea of sitting and just hanging out seems elusive, if not impossible. Something like this? Often we crave connection but are blocked by the pain and the history that gets in the way. Small fights about little things become battles that highlight our struggle to have our basic relational needs met. I can help you get under the bickering to the parts crying out for connection- to an enriching relationship.

Are you feeling lonely in your own marriage? Disrespected? Misunderstood? It doesn’t have to stay this way. Far too often, high-achieving men feel disrespected and lonely within their own marriages. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I help men and their wives to rediscover the incredible value they bring to the marriage, and help them negotiate a hopeful path forward. I will help you identify destructive patterns in your marriage and provide healthier alternatives. I’ll help you improve communication, learn to fight fair, and increase understanding and connection. While it’s not easy work, there is hope. If given the chance, I would be honored to help you fight for your marriage.

Through my extensive training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, I work to understand each partner's perspective of their relationship. Collaboratively, we explore how current interactions lead towards disconnection, and then we make efforts towards reconciling that disconnect towards a more nurturing, secure relationship that provides love and respect for both partners.

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