Life has a way of creating challenges in relationships.
How your relationship is with your partner has such an effect on your life.
If things feel solid and connected, you notice that you feel better. But if things are off, it seems like it affects many other aspects of your life. It’s harder to focus on work; you feel more irritable, down, or anxious; or you don’t even know what you think because you distract yourself from it all.
You want to feel close, like you have a true partner and best friend who makes you feel wanted, special, and loved. Isn’t that what relationships are supposed to feel like?
Lately, however, it seems you’re more like roommates or co-CEOs of your busy life than anything. The demands of work and kids have taken their toll. You see other people doing the same things who somehow seem to be able to manage it better and stay connected, and you wonder what you’re doing wrong.
Problems can arise.
You love your partner and the idea of your life, but you see some problems you haven’t been able to figure out.
The same fights occur repeatedly. Even though you try to communicate your feelings or needs, you never walk away feeling like your partner gets it.
Things might change for a while, but somehow, they slip right back into how they used to be – not good.
Seek guidance and overcome the challenges.
You’ve had years and years of developing some unhelpful patterns in your relationship. It takes time and intention to undo them.
Therapists provide another set of eyes and ears and offer guidance rather than judgment. Working with a therapist can make a big difference!
You want to feel like partners again
When the same conversation keeps becoming the same fight, it can be hard to remember what it felt like to be on the same team. You may still care deeply about each other while feeling lonely, misunderstood or worn down by the demands of everyday life.
At Renovation Counseling, couples and marriage counseling offers space to understand those patterns and practice a different way of relating. Rachel Larson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (opens in new tab)with a warm, active approach to working with both partners.
Work on what keeps pulling you apart
Rachel listens for what is said and what is harder to put into words. Together, you can slow down recurring arguments, explore the feelings underneath them, and notice how each partner contributes to the dynamic.
Sessions can focus on listening with greater understanding, communicating needs, handling conflict and addressing accumulated hurts. You’ll work on practical skills in session and have opportunities to practice them outside the office. Progress depends on your situation and participation; no particular outcome is promised.
If an affair is part of what brings you here, learn about affair counseling. If you’re unsure whether to work on the relationship, ask about discernment counseling.
In-person in Circle Pines, with online options
Our Circle Pines office serves the Twin Cities area. Online counseling is available for clients in Minnesota and Wisconsin. During your consultation, we’ll discuss fit and the next step for your relationship.
Rachel is active in sessions and listens deeply to what is said and not yet said. She notices possible patterns, identifies underlying feelings, and works to understand the “why” of each person’s part of their relationship dynamic. She values hearing and understanding both partners and their concerns and works to ensure you feel safe and supported in your experience.
You’ll have help slowing down to listen carefully to understand your partner and develop empathy for their perspective, and they’ll do the same for you.
When unhealthy or unwanted behaviors occur, you will have someone to call out those behaviors to help you learn and grow. You’ll each face your triggers and contribution to the relationship dynamic to understand why you react the way you do.
Rachel will provide you with tangible tools and help you build new skills so you can learn to relate to each other differently. And through it all, you’ll talk about whatever hurts have accumulated through the years in a safe space that promotes healing.
We are here to help you meet the challenges.
Therapy can make a difference by helping you address issues that create strife in your relationship.
As Rachel listens, asks many questions, teaches, validates, and challenges, you will learn to create a different way of interacting, allowing you to overcome challenges that keep pulling you apart.
In the future, you will be so glad you decided to invest in your relationship. Rachel will help you meet your goals if you come ready to work.
FAQs
Is marriage counseling different from couples counseling here?
This page is the starting point for both marriage and couples counseling at Renovation Counseling. During your consultation, describe your relationship and concerns so we can discuss fit.
Can we meet online?
Renovation Counseling offers online sessions for clients in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as in-person appointments at the Circle Pines office. Ask about the appropriate format during your consultation.
Is couples counseling appropriate when there is ongoing abuse or a safety concern?
Rachel does not provide couples counseling when safety is an ongoing concern in the partnership. Individual support may be an option; discuss appropriate support and fit rather than assuming joint sessions are suitable.
Approval note: The safety exclusion is stated on the existing FAQ. Rachel should approve the wording above; do not make suitability judgments through a booking widget.
