Fostering Healthy Relationships
Sarah Potter and Marilyn Napier, Clinical Psychotherapy Interns at Seattle Anxiety Specialists, are currently offering free Couples/Relationship Therapy (queer and/or polyamorous populations welcomed). Sarah is also offering free Family Therapy. You can learn more about these types of therapies below, and can self-schedule a session with Sarah Potter or Marilyn Napier by clicking on the “Schedule an Appointment” button below.
NOTE: This program is winding down so spots are very limited, if open at all.
IMPORTANT: By submitting an appointment request, you thereby also attest that you have completed our brief online safety screening and will be in the State of Washington at the time of your appointment (even if it’s a Telehealth appointment). And, if you sign up for a paid service, you thereby acknowledge and agree to our billing and cancellation policies.
Couples/Relationship Therapy
Each individual that makes up a romantic relationship has their own assumptions about what “being a couple” means. Tensions are likely to rise in a relationship as differences between each individual’s expectations occur. A common issue resolved in couples therapy is the feeling of a loss of autonomy for each person involved. For some, monumental life experiences (e.g., moving in together, having a child, and pursuing new career opportunities) can magnify anxieties about losing one’s identity. To bridge the gap between different motivations and desires in a relationship, a balance must be established to accommodate each person’s identity in a relationship. Individuality in a relationship is important for maintaining a sense of self, however, it is also essential to understand and support one’s partner by showing an interest in their interests and hobbies, as well.
Couples commonly experience issues regarding the lack of feeling loved and valued by one another. Additional conflict dynamics can be embedded in dissatisfactions or disappointments regarding the amount of quality time spent together in a relationship. If one partner is unhappy with the amount of time their spouse spends working, it can lead to feelings of resentment and insecurity. In certain cases, attachment issues and expressions of love can be side topics that surround the main, focal issues that bring couples to therapy. Significant issues such as extramarital affairs and volatile occurrences are among the more severe issues couples can work through in therapy, and typically require more work to unravel the basis for these troubles.
Learn more about couples/relationship therapy here.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is an evidence-based treatment that provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment for expressing oneself. During a family therapy session, a clinician typically asks each family member about any concerns or challenges as well as their goals and hopes for therapy. Each family member will be encouraged to speak and listen to one another. If applicable, the therapist can help each family member clarify their words and feelings so everyone can better understand one another. This is especially important, because when there are communication issues, individuals might not understand the impact of their words and behaviors on other family members. In this case, the clinician can help a family work together to create positive change as well as suggest strategies for altering problematic communication styles and patterns.
Family therapy is especially useful in various situations that cause stress, grief, anger, or conflict. In addition, psychotherapy can help individuals support other family members that have serious mental health issues (e.g., schizophrenia, addiction, major depression).While family therapy will not automatically solve family conflicts or make challenging situations go away, it can offer skills to cope with such situations in a more effective manner. Family therapy should be sought after when issues such as chronic mental illness or substance-abuse disorder persist and create conflict within a family. Additionally, when families experience long-term issues within communication and relationship dynamics, a clinician help provide guidance and foster active communication among family members to bolster their relationships and family bonds.
Learn more about family therapy here.