My couples and relationship communication coaching draws primarily from parts-work theories, but also includes aspects of general systems theories and neuroscience. It is an experiential approach born out of a desire to carry the concepts of inner parts into the inter-relational setting and to use the relationship itself as a vehicle for growth of the individual, as well as improving connection within the relationship.

How can this approach help us?

Challenges in relationships come when partners are not consciously aware of their vulnerabilities or needs, and communicate with each other from their protective parts by manipulating, bullying, withdrawing, etc. While their intention is to get their own needs met, protective parts often end up triggering the other person's vulnerable parts and activating a matching protective stance, This escalating 'protector to protector' pattern leads both people down a path of disconnection and pain, where needs remained unseen and unmet.

Through the process of relationship communication coaching, both partners are supported equally with the goal of recognizing the unique destructive dances that happen in their relationship, and how each person plays a part in continuing the cycle which ultimately hurts them both. We then begin to explore a different way of communicating about hard topics, in which each person is helped to separate from their defenses/offenses and truly listen to the needs of the other. From this space of understanding and empathy both partners can work together to solve their challenges while strengthening the connection between them.

Relationship communication coaching addresses many of the issues people face in relationships. These include problems with connection, tensions between attachment and avoidance, difficulties with accepting each other’s differences, conflicts over decisions, feeling misunderstood or unloved, intimacy concerns, frustration that the other person isn’t changing, disrespected boundaries, relationship ruptures, and betrayals.

Relationship Communication Coaching vs. Couples Therapy:

Relationship Communication Coaching is just that: investigating the ways you communication in your relationship and how you can improve them to have healthier, happier, and more connected lives together. Couples counseling and couples therapy are services offered by licensed mental healthcare workers, which I am not. They are licensed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions and bill insurance.

Disclaimer: My work is not licensed psychotherapy, clinical social work, marriage and family therapy or clinical mental health counseling. I offer insight-oriented, client-centered dialogue to facilitate self-exploration and transformation. I am not a licensed psychotherapist, clinical mental health counselor, or social worker in the state of Utah, and therefore do not treat diagnosed mental illness, diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe behavior modification or medication, or bill to health insurance as a mental health care provider.