Couples Therapy is a very useful modality of help for couples who are experiencing difficulties such as repetitive arguments; feelings of distance or emptiness in the relationship; pervasive feelings of anger, resentment and/or dissatisfaction; or lack of interest in a physical relationship with one another.

My model of Couples Therapy is based on the model of a 'Conscious Relationship', as opposed to an unconscious relationship where couples act out patterns of relating with little awareness of why they are behaving the way they are. A 'Conscious Relationship' is a stable, fulfilling and passionate relationship between committed partners which results from both partners agreeing to consciously look at themselves and their relationship patterns.
A conscious relationship is NOT dramatic, abusive, addictive, or an emotional roller-coaster. In a conscious relationship it is acknowledged that:

• both partners are equally responsible for what happens in the relationship;
• excellent communication skills are essential;
• feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness, insecurity and anger occur regularly in life and in relationships.It is important that feelings be discussed instead of withholding them, withdrawing, or projecting them onto a partner in the form of blame;
• unconscious forces originating in childhood strongly influence romantic attractions and the types of disappointments, dissatisfactions and conflicts which arise later in a relationship;
• disappointments, dissatisfactions and conflicts are often signals that unconscious forces from childhood are being activated; constructively dealing with such conflicts is a wonderful opportunity for personal development.

In Couples Therapy I combine behavioral approaches to relationship enhancement (such as learning how to listen and communicate, how to set boundaries, how to argue constructively, how to enhance pleasure and intimacy, and how to turn conflicts into solutions) with a psychodynamic investigation which helps both partners understand how their experiences in their families of origin contribute to the types of attractions and conflicts which arise in their adult relationships. In addition to couples therapy sessions, couples are given exercises to practice at home to deepen their understanding and practice of the ideas discussed.

Couples can also participate in my powerful Intimate Relationship Skills Workshop "Passage to Intimacy" which is offered twice a year.

Please call me at 212.260.5162 or email me at ingrid@ingridwright.com for more information or to schedule a session.