What if "difficulties" and "hard times" are the stuff out of which couples build their own "happily ever after"?

Even good marriages encounter difficult times. It's not a matter of "if" but "when."

Couples experience difficulties in their relationship at fairly predictable times...

• Shortly after the honeymoon, the newly-weds realize how different the person they married really is.
• When the first baby arrives, the couple realizes how much their lives have changed – forever!
• When its time to decide who helps with homework, while the other cleans up after dinner.

Couples experience difficulties in their relationship over fairly common issues...

Money: who makes it and who spends it?

Time and activities: How much together time vs. alone time? Which activities are permitted and which are not?

Sex: Who initiates? How often?

Fortunately, most couples are able to resolve their conflicts on their own. They don't need a professional to help them sort things out.

How can you know if you could benefit from seeing a counselor?

There are times, however, when the problems have become chronic, or too complex, or too overwhelming. If this describes your marriage, the sooner you get help, the sooner you'll be enjoying life together again.

One tragically common experience deserves special attention: infidelity. Infidelity is a serious and painful wound to any marriage. If this has happened to your marriage, it does not need to be the end. The good news is that many couples survive infidelity by facing the challenge directly and honestly. Many of these marriages grow and become richer and more satisfying. Let's be clear, however, repairing your marriage will require focused work from both of you.

I help couples learn to communicate effectively with one another. Effective communication begins with clear understanding. How well do you understand your wife or husband? Many couples have found PREPARE/ENRICH to be a good starting point for understanding their spouse.

If you’ve ever found yourselves talking a lot, but not really communicating, you’ll know what I mean. But I have good news for you! As couples learn effective communication skills, most are able to develop their own strategies for resolving their conflicts. Couple Communication ® is one of the best programs available for helping couples learn to talk and listen effectively with one another.

For over 25 years, I’ve helped couples identify and resolve core issues in their conflicts.

Working with the couple, we analyze their strengths and growth areas, and together develop a strategy for overcoming the obstacles and getting their marriage back on track. Each session is structured around meeting the goals the couple has identified. When couples work together to resolve the issues that have divided them, they can build the strong, warm, and satisfying relationship both of them want.

Copyright (c) 2009, Summit Counseling Associates, Inc.

Serving people throughout the Denver - Boulder metro area.