Couples Therapy

The philosophy of Urban Balance is that we all can benefit from therapy or counseling at different points in our lives because we all deal with various issues as a normal part of the human condition. Similarly, we believe all couples can benefit from therapy or counseling to reduce stress, conflict and negative interaction and improve relationship strengths and increase intimacy and happiness. 

It is a common misconception that seeking couples therapy means your relationship has serious problems or is doomed.  All relationships have issues and conflict and we have professionals who can help you manage them in a way that improves your quality of life.  UB recommends couples counseling not only when experiencing relationship distress or a specific issue, but also seeking therapy preventatively at times of transition (i.e. moving in together, getting married, starting a family, etc.).  Some couples decide to participate in couples counseling even if they have decided to split, especially when children are involved and they need to develop ways to communicate and co-parent effectively.  

Many couples seek therapy for communication problems, conflict resolution problems, issues related to finances, trust/boundary matters, commitment questions, sexual/intimacy concerns, parenting, division of labor, and relationship stress due to various life issues (health, career, finances, etc.). These or common issues that many relationships deal with from time to time. They can be worked through in therapy.  

Some couples may need to start with individual therapy prior to doing couples work.  Some people may participate in individual and couples therapy simultaneously.  Urban Balance therapists are experts in assessing whether individual therapy, couples work or a combination would be most beneficial for you and your partner.  While therapy is confidential, clients may choose to give consent for their individual and couples therapists at UB to collaborate to ensure that everyone is working together effectively and efficiently.  

Therapy is a safe and confidential place to get support, insight, guidance, information, tools, resources and skills to improve your relationship for years to come.  UB therapists are trained and seasoned experts in facilitating relationship healing and growth.  

Many couples participate in therapy for a period of time until they resolve their presenting issues and check in with their UB therapist as needed for ongoing relationship support.  Therapy can be a positive experience to learn about your partner and nurture your relationship.  

If you or your partner is unsure if couples therapy is right for you, consider committing to 1-3 sessions to try it out.  The benefits can certainly outweigh the costs of time and money invested.  

Family Therapy

Family therapy may be right for you if you and your family are dealing with any of the following: 

• Communication issues
• Parenting issues
• Dealing from grief or trauma
• Recovering from addiction
• Parent/child conflict
• Boundary/role issues

UB's Approach

The therapists at Urban Balance use a family systems approach when working with couples and families.  The therapist will usually meet with the couple or family as a whole for most sessions, and may use some sessions to meet individually with each member to gather that person's history or to hear that person's perspective privately.  During initial visits, the therapist will gather information about the relationship/family history, presenting issues and concerns, etc. while providing a supportive and empathic environment.  Throughout the course of treatment, the therapist will focus on the strengths of the individual and couple/family and provide a safe, therapeutic and confidential setting.  Therapy will help its participants: