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couples Counseling
Every relationship faces moments that test its foundation. Perhaps you’re struggling to communicate effectively after years together, working to heal from a breach of trust, or simply feeling disconnected despite sharing the same space. Even strong relationships occasionally need support to navigate life’s challenges and grow deeper together.
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 18 years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of couples rebuild trust, deepen their connection, and create lasting positive change. Through our work together, you’ll discover practical ways to break free from recurring conflicts and build a stronger, more fulfilling partnership.
Drawing from proven approaches I create structured pathways tailored to your unique relationship. We’ll work together to identify and transform destructive patterns into opportunities for connection, develop concrete skills for managing conflict, and rebuild emotional intimacy that lasts.
In our sessions, both partners receive equal attention and support within a judgment-free environment. You’ll gain practical tools you can implement immediately, receive clear feedback and direction, and see measurable progress as we work toward your relationship goals. My role isn’t to take sides, but rather to help you both discover new ways of understanding and connecting with each other.
My extensive background in relationship dynamics and couples therapy ensures you’re receiving professional guidance based on the latest relationship science. Through advanced training and continued professional development, I bring both expertise and understanding to help you navigate whatever challenges you’re facing.
Your path to a stronger relationship begins with a carefully structured approach designed to create lasting positive change. Let me walk you through exactly what to expect when you start couples counseling with us.
Your journey begins with an extended initial session where we’ll explore your relationship’s unique dynamics. During this crucial first meeting, I’ll take time to understand your shared history, current challenges, and individual perspectives. This isn’t just about listing problems – it’s about uncovering the patterns that shape your relationship and identifying the strengths we can build upon.
Following our initial session, we’ll work together to develop clear, achievable goals for your relationship. Whether you’re seeking to rebuild trust, improve daily communication, resolve ongoing conflicts, or rediscover intimacy, we’ll create a concrete plan to help you get there. This roadmap keeps our work focused and allows us to track your progress throughout our time together.
Our regular sessions serve as your dedicated time for growth and transformation. Using proven therapeutic techniques, you’ll learn and practice new ways of connecting with each other. These aren’t just conversation hours – they’re active working sessions where you’ll gain practical tools, explore deeper emotional connections, and work through challenges in real-time.
Each session builds upon the last, helping you develop stronger communication skills, deeper understanding, and more effective ways of supporting each other. You’ll receive specific feedback, guided practice, and take-home exercises to reinforce what you’re learning between sessions.
As your therapist, I bring both structure and flexibility to our work together. While we’ll follow your customized treatment plan, we’ll also address immediate concerns as they arise, ensuring you have the support you need for both long-term growth and day-to-day challenges. My role is to guide, support, and sometimes challenge both partners equally, helping you create the relationship you envision.
Every successful journey needs a clear path forward. At Churchill Counseling, I’ve developed a structured approach that helps couples create meaningful, lasting change in their relationships.
We begin with a comprehensive session dedicated to understanding your unique relationship dynamics. During this time, I’ll learn about your history as a couple, explore current challenges, and understand each partner’s perspective. This deeper understanding allows me to create a treatment approach specifically tailored to your relationship’s needs, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.
After gaining a clear picture of your relationship, we’ll collaborate to develop specific, achievable goals. Rather than setting vague objectives like “better communication,” we’ll identify concrete changes you want to see in your relationship. For instance, if communication is a concern, we might focus on developing specific skills like active listening during disagreements or creating daily connection rituals.
Our sessions provide the consistent support and guidance needed for lasting change. Each session builds upon the last, incorporating proven therapeutic techniques and practical exercises designed for your specific situation. You’ll learn and practice new skills together, explore deeper emotional connections, and work through challenges in real time.
Research consistently shows that couples counseling creates significant positive change, with studies revealing that therapy positively impacts 70% of couples who participate¹. At Churchill Counseling, we integrate these proven approaches to help couples build stronger, more resilient relationships.
The Gottman Institute’s landmark research demonstrates that successful relationships are built on specific, learnable skills². Through professional guidance, couples develop these crucial abilities, transforming how they connect and communicate.
Studies show that couples who complete therapy experience remarkable improvements in their relationship quality³. Partners interrupt less frequently, engage more positively, and resolve conflicts more effectively. Research from the University of California reveals that couples practicing active listening techniques see a 31% reduction in conflict intensity⁴.
Beyond verbal communication, we focus on the powerful role of non-verbal cues, which account for 93% of emotional communication⁵. Couples learn to recognize and respond to these subtle signals, creating deeper understanding and trust. Through structured sessions, partners develop:
The long-term impact is clear: A five-year study shows that couples who complete therapy are 50% less likely to separate, with 94% maintaining their conflict management skills⁶. Using methods validated by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy⁷, we help couples create lasting positive change that extends far beyond our sessions together.
¹ Johnson, S. M., et al. (2019). “The effectiveness of emotionally focused couples therapy: A meta-analysis.” Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 45(3), 341-361.
² Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.” Harmony Books.
³ Christensen, A., et al. (2020). “A randomized clinical trial of couple therapy.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 88(8), 669-678.
⁴ Roberts, L. J., & Greenberg, D. R. (2021). “The development and maintenance of trust in adult romantic relationships.” Personal Relationships, 28(1), 44-67.
⁵ Mehrabian, A. (2017). “Nonverbal Communication.” Routledge.
⁶ Snyder, D. K., & Halford, W. K. (2018). “Evidence-based couple therapy: Current status and future directions.” Journal of Family Psychology, 32(2), 121-133.
⁷ Lebow, J. L., et al. (2022). “Research on the treatment of couple distress.” Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 48(1), 1-24.
Taking the first step towards improving your relationship through couples counseling can feel daunting, but it signifies a commitment to each other and the future you share. Whether you’re dealing with communication problems, intimacy issues, or just feeling disconnected, our couples counseling services are here to help. With experienced therapists and a variety of counseling options, including online couples therapy, we make it easy and convenient for you to get the support you need.
My process begins with a simple consultation. During this initial meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and what you hope to achieve through therapy. It’s a no-pressure conversation designed to make you comfortable with the idea of counseling and to answer any questions you might have.
Don’t let uncertainties hold you back. Let’s make the first step together towards a healthier, happier relationship.
Clifford offers couples counseling in Hobe Sound, Stuart, Jupiter, and Tequesta.