For relationship and couples therapy, Whole Psychotherapy uses the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of therapy as the foundation of our treatment of couples.  With IFS, each person is able to communicate for the various parts of themselves that they are bringing to the relationship, including any ambivalence, anxiety, resentment, frustration or other feelings that may be present in the relationship while still acknowledging the love, history, commitment, friendship, and other aspects of the shared relationship.  

This technique is particularly powerful with couples, as it allows each person to be seen, heard, and understood while gaining empathy and compassion for their partner’s thoughts and feelings. 

At Whole Psychotherapy, we generally work with couples as a couple, though at times it can be useful to meet with individual parties at the beginning of treatment in order to fully understand the situation overall.  We ultimately leave that to the couple to decide what is best for them, and will offer suggestions on format if I see that something would be helpful.  

Whole Psychotherapy is here to support your relationship, and is happy to work with all couples and families including non-traditional and poly relationships.  We are also LGBTQ friendly and informed.

However, as a note, we do not tolerate secrets between one member of a couple and the therapist.  Should our therapist be put in such a position for any reason other than offering support or advise as to how the person may communicate with their partner), the member of the couple will be asked to disclose the secret to their partner.  Should this fail to occur, the therapeutic relationship will be terminated.