As a result of the COVID-19 virus, Bluffview began providing teletherapy. We will continue supporting any clients
who would like an alternative to in person therapy.
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COUPLES
Couples Therapy
Can our relationship heal?
At Bluffview Counseling we offer a wide range of Dallas therapy groups, including Sex Addiction, Recovery for Partners of Infidelity, and Couples. Our goal is to provide you with as many tools as possible to facilitate your healing and growth. Group therapy is not only seen as the most effective and successful form of treatment for all addictive disorders, but it also provides amazing support for partners of addicts and couples who are in the healing process. Contact us today to find out more about times and availability of groups that meet your specific needs.
We also provide customized and individualized intensives for you, your relationship, or your family.
Identifying and asking for what you want from your partner can be difficult; you may fear the worst case scenario. While less effective, it is much easier to complain. One of the great paradoxes of intimacy is that in order to have a healthy, passionate relationship, you must be willing to risk it.
A good relationship is not one in which the raw parts of ourselves are avoided. A good relationship is one in which they are handled. And a great relationship is one in which they are healed.
How can I understand my feelings?
The following is what to expect in the early stages:
Relief: The addict usually finds a great sense of relief after admitting the secrecy of the addiction. The end of the double life may bring a premature sense of accomplishment, which needs to be balanced by attending meetings, going to group therapy, and connecting with program friends for support. Partners also feel a sense of relief at the end of secrecy and the validation of their experience of pain.
Anger: Both partners can expect to experience anger. The revelation that the life partner is a sex addict may trigger much anger, mixed with legitimate hurt and betrayal. The addict feels anger about the need to make changes as part of recovery. Both partners may blame and shame the other.
Hope: The work being done by both partners can bring new life and hope to their relationship.
Self esteem: The self esteem of both partners initially may worsen, but with continued work it will improve.
Intimacy: Recovering couples began to communicate at a more intimate level, often on issues they have never discussed before. Communication skills such as empathetic listening, being respectful, and expressing vulnerability, are essential to both partners recovery.
Grief: The addict experiences pain over the loss of their "best friend", the addiction. The partner mourns the loss of the relationship as it was imagined to be. Partners often berate themselves for not having been aware of the addiction sooner.
Sexual issues: Sexuality has a different meaning in recovery. The goal becomes intimacy rather than intensity. Abstinence, and later the frequency, types, and quality of sexual contacts, are issues that recovering couples must address. Past sexual relationships, as well as possible past child sexual abuse of either partner, need to be explored. Where other sexual partners were involved, the possibility of an HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases must be faced early. Couples who continue to learn about healthy sexuality will do better as they address these sexual issues.
At BluffView Counsling we are skilled and highly trained to help you and your partner navigate the road to healthy couples recovery. Please contact us today to start the healing journey!
What can I expect in terms of healing?
The first 3 to 6 months of couple’s recovery are usually the most stressful. Both partners will experience a wide range of powerful feelings. There are often difficulties in the areas of communication styles, intimacy levels, sexuality, spirituality, parenting, past trauma, and finances. Identification of the sexual addiction or co-addiction systems, although painful at first, holds hope for the eventual relief of the far greater pain of the addiction.
A solid relationship with a skilled therapist at Bluffview Counseling, trained in love addiction can help guide you through your healing process.
“For us, the couples workshop was extremely rewarding and gave us additional tools for our communication and brought us closer together. The interaction between Gene and Cole was awesome and they provided warmth and safety throughout the day. We really enjoyed getting to know the other couples in the workshop and learned so much from being with them.” Anonymous Couple
How can we establish a level of trust?
One of the most painful experiences in a relationship is feeling like you can’t trust the person you’re with. If betrayal is involved, the steps for rebuilding trust need to be negotiated. We can help you determine your needs in the relationship and what steps you need to take to get them met. We will discuss positive actions you can take to help each of you feel valued and important in your relationship.
Couples who are willing to identify and to work through their own individual issues, such as family of origin difficulties, possible past trauma or neglect, and the need for better skills to cultivate intimacy, can do well in healing their relationship.
What's our next step?
It can be difficult to take the next step, and to seek action, but that might be the most important step of your life. You can schedule an appointment online, or call or email us with any questions you may have at (214) 390-5800
or email us at Info@BluffviewCounseling.com.
If we are unable to answer, you can leave a secure and confidential voice mail and someone from our office will follow up with you as soon as possible.