Who is dating therapy for?

Dating therapy is for couples who are committed, but not that committed. It's for couples who have been dating for months to up to two years, may or may not live together. Are not engaged yet, and don't have children in common. 

Dating therapy is ideal for couples who love each other and recognize that they have certain issues that need to be addressed. They may feel hesitant about taking the relationship towards the next milestone, without the appropriate tools to navigate the issues they are facing. These issues don't have to be catastrophic but are persistently distressing for one or both members of the couple. Issues can range from living with anxiety, recovering from substance use, an emotional affair, or setting boundaries with friends.

What is dating therapy?

Dating therapy is conducted by a relationship therapist who specializes in working with couples at the early stage of their relationship. They have advanced training in an evidence-based model of couples therapy, like the Gottman Method, Imago Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy. They completed a thorough assessment process to really get to know you and your partner, both as a couple and as individuals. Based on their evaluation, they will identify the problem(s) and collaboratively set goals with you. They might make suggestions including seeking an individual therapist if they think it would be beneficial. 

Through your work with your couples therapist, you will learn to identify core beliefs that might be at the root of your most recurring and heated arguments.  You will learn how to have an open dialogue about difficult topics without these escalating. Your couples therapist will teach the two of you how to create an environment that fosters emotional and commitment safety. 

Why is dating therapy important?

We are often sold the idea by Disney and the media that "if it's the right person, it should feel easy." That's #fakenews! It's important to normalize having issues in your relationships, yet not struggling in misery for years before seeking help. Couples therapy is not just for older couples on the verge of divorce. I work with couples across the life span and I love it. Yet, sometimes overcoming years of resentment and hurt is not possible. I am passionate about working with couples who are dating because it's so much fun (yes, fun!) to see couples set a healthy and strong foundation for their future together by tackling issues as they come up. It's so rewarding to help couples heal together because so much of the work we do in dating therapy has to do with healing our own individual wounds.

Dating therapy is here to stay and I'm all about it. I think that's the biggest and loudest "I love you" you can say to your partner. Choosing to engage in dating therapy sends to your partner the message that you are truly in love with them, that this relationship is a priority for you, that your commitment is secure, and that you are willing to make the efforts necessary to strengthen your relationship.