Why Couples counseling? Relationships are complex. That being said, they are also an amazing opportunity to work together with the intention of creating a relationship based in the here and now vs. the repetition of negative patterns that no longer serve us well. I provide a warm, safe, and neutral space which allows couples to come together and explore the myriad relational issues that present themselves in unique ways in all relationships. Couples counseling may be helpful in addressing many issues that you are facing - including (but not limited to): If you are having trouble communicating needs, wants, or feelings If you are having trouble navigating disagreements and need to learn how to “fight fair” If there is a history of abuse or violence in the relationship If you are struggling with negotiating and setting boundaries around sex or other sexual issues If you are having difficulty in discussing money issues in the relationship If you are navigating the roles in your relationship If you are having trouble trusting your partner – jealousy If there has been a violation of agreement – such as infidelity If you are struggling to define your relationship – such as monogamy vs. non-monogamy If you are questioning whether or not to continue in the relationship If you are in the midst of a break-up and attempting to do this amicably *** Note that Couple’s counseling does not have to be undertaken when things seem unfixable. In fact, counseling can be most helpful when a couple seeks consultation before entering “crisis” mode. Couples work can assist in making a good relationship even better. Relationship “Tune Ups” or check-ins Couple’s counseling “tune-ups” are a helpful way of reinforcing skills learned in an earlier series of counseling, getting through specific issues that arise, or by addressing an irritation before it becomes an ISSUE. Gay and Lesbian Relationships I have a particular interest in working with Gay and Lesbian couples around issues that pertain to trying to have a successful relationship in the face of uniquely nuanced issues that confront the LGBT community. Here are some issues that may be addressed slightly differently when working specifically with Gay and Lesbian Couples: Marriage(?), domestic partnerships, legal issues Having or adopting children and becoming a “family” Monogamy vs. non-monogamy negotiations Defining roles in same sex relationships and issues that may come up around these roles HIV/AIDS and or sero-discordant couples (one HIV-positive – one HIV-negative) Issues surrounding religion / faith and being Queer Family Issues – acceptance by or unresolved issues that may be affecting current relationship Drug use/abuse of one or both in a relationship While this list is by no means complete, the above are a few examples of issues that may benefit from working in the context of couples counseling. Please contact me via e-mail or phone if you have any questions, or if you wish to speak further about the services that I offer by clicking here. For more information about individual psychotherapy click here. To find out more about my professional background click here.   Contact.htmlIndividuals.htmlBio.htmlshapeimage_1_link_0shapeimage_1_link_1shapeimage_1_link_2
Joey Downey, LMFT Psychotherapy & Counseling e: joeydowney@mac.com p: 415-860-0433 mailto:joeydowney@mac.comshapeimage_2_link_0
Couples Counseling
 
 
“A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together.
It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.”
 
- Dave Meurer