Some Common Issues

There are many issues that can contribute to relationship problems, and the specific challenges that couples face can vary widely depending on their personalities, communication styles, values, and life circumstances. Here are some common issues that couples often struggle with:

Communication Problems

Communication is a key factor in any relationship, and when communication breaks down or becomes negative, it can lead to a host of issues. This can include misunderstandings, conflicts, hurt feelings, and feelings of disconnection or distance. Couples may struggle to effectively express their thoughts and feelings, listen to and understand each other, or find a way to resolve disagreements.

Trust Issues

Trust is a foundational element of a healthy relationship, and when trust is broken, it can be difficult to repair. Trust issues can arise from a variety of situations, including infidelity, dishonesty, or past traumas. Without trust, couples may struggle to feel secure and connected, and may find it challenging to rebuild a strong foundation for their relationship.

Priorities and Values

Even in the most compatible relationships, partners may have different priorities and values that can lead to conflict or tension. For example, one partner may prioritize career success while the other prioritizes family time, or one partner may value financial stability while the other values adventure and spontaneity. These differences can cause couples to struggle to find common ground or compromise, leading to frustration and disappointment.

Marriage Counselor Traits

Couples seeking counseling are typically looking for someone who can help them address their relationship problems and improve their communication, trust, and overall satisfaction in their partnership. Here are some specific qualities that couples may look for in a relationship counselor:

Empathetic Approach

Couples want to feel heard and understood by their counselor, so it’s important that the counselor has a non-judgmental and empathetic approach to their work. They should be able to create a safe and supportive space where both partners feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.

Knowledge & Expertise

Couples want to work with a counselor who has experience and training in working with relationship problems. They want someone who is knowledgeable about common issues that couples face and can offer guidance and advice on how to address them effectively.

Effective Communication

A good counselor should be an active listener and be able to communicate effectively with both partners. They should be able to provide feedback and guidance in a way that is clear and understandable, and they should be able to help both partners understand each other’s perspectives.

Benefits

An experienced, licensed marriage counselor can offer several benefits for couples who are experiencing relationship issues. Here are some of the benefits:

Improved Communication
Conflict Resolution
Rebuilding Trust
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills
Increased Self-Awareness
Strengthened Emotional Bond

Improved Communication

A marriage counselor can help couples develop healthier and more effective communication skills. They can teach techniques for active listening, expressing needs and concerns, and resolving conflicts constructively. Improved communication can enhance understanding, reduce misunderstandings, and foster a stronger emotional connection.

Conflict Resolution

A marriage counselor can provide guidance and support in resolving conflicts. They can help couples identify underlying issues, explore different perspectives, and find mutually satisfactory solutions. Learning effective conflict resolution skills can minimize destructive arguments and promote a more harmonious relationship.

Rebuilding Trust

If trust has been damaged in the relationship, a marriage counselor can facilitate the process of rebuilding trust. They can help couples address trust issues, explore the root causes, and develop strategies to rebuild trust and restore a sense of security and intimacy.

Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills

Increased Self-Awareness

Marriage counseling often involves individual self-reflection and introspection. Through therapy, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their emotions, and their relational patterns. This increased self-awareness can lead to personal growth, improved self-esteem, and a better understanding of their role within the relationship.

Strengthened Emotional Bond

Working with a marriage counselor can help couples cultivate a stronger emotional bond. By addressing underlying issues, improving communication, and fostering empathy and understanding, couples can develop a deeper emotional connection and intimacy in their relationship.

Previous slide

Next slide

My Personal Approach

My counseling, programs, and tools can provide you and your partner numerous ways to bring about change that you would not normally know how to accomplish on your own. I provide a supportive environment for you to identify and communicate the issues, feelings, and behaviors that are bothering you, to facilitate understanding and positive change.

When Is The Right Timing for Couples Therapy?

A study quoted by Dartmouth College says that the average couple waits too long before seeking help for marital problems, and marriage therapists agree that more couples could be helped if they seek help earlier. Please call or text me today to discuss the issues you are facing.

Free Consultation

Take advantage of a free couples therapy consultation to discuss the issues that concern you, and the options for us to work together. Fill out the form below for a phone counseling session, and I will contact you promptly to schedule a time for us to speak.

What Clients Say

Thank You Dr. Collins for all you have done for me and my wife! When my wife set up the appointment to come see you, I did not want to come. We had been to counseling in the past and I always walked out feeling worse about myself and my marriage and very beat up. Your “Positive Marriage Program” approach to therapy saved our marriage. I looked forward to coming to sessions. Not only has it saved our marriage, I feel that I know and understand more about myself and personally am a much happier person. Thank You Again!

Scottsdale, AZ

Anonymous Couple

When my husband and I went in to see Dr. Collins, I was done with our marriage and just wanted someone to confirm it. After the first 4 sessions, I started to look at myself and my marriage in a different way. Dr. Collins worked with some old wounds we both had that triggered strong reactions that caused us to shut down to one another. Once we addressed and looked at the real issues we were able to communicate for the first time in a long time. Thank you, Dr. C., for sticking with us!

Chandler, AZ

Anonymous Couple

My wife and I were married for 15 years and had grown tired of having the same arguments over and over again and neither one of us was feeling very loved or appreciated. I was ready to move on and find some peace in my life. I talked with Dr. Collins and within a few weeks we were working on some core issues that were causing the arguments and began to understand that each of us felt loved in a different way. We both have worked at understanding our needs and communicating them to each other which has given our marriage a whole new life. Thank you, Dr. Collins.

Gilbert, AZ

Anonymous Couple

When we came to counseling with Dr. Collins, I was an emotional mess. My wife of 30 years told me she wanted a divorce. I thought I was going to the session to have help ending our marriage. After the first session we walked out with tools and an action plan to give our marriage a chance before we divorced. After using the tools, we began to communicate and hear each other and reconnected emotionally. Our sessions with Dr. Collins saved our marriage and transformed our lives. Dr Collins we owe so much to you. Thank You!

Mesa, AZ

Anonymous Couple

Dr. Collins, I can’t thank you enough for saving my marriage! We were well on our way to walking the pathway to ending our 18-year marriage. I never thought after my infidelity my wife would ever forgive me. Your process of getting us to go deeper into suppressed emotions that was causing us to disconnect allowed us to express ourselves and reconnect on a whole different level. We are so blessed we found you!

Scottsdale, AZ

Anonymous Couple