Couples Counseling

FRANCINE FARRELL & ASSOCIATES SERVE OUT OF SACRAMENTO, CA, AND PROVIDE IN-PERSON AND ONLINE APPOINTMENTS

At the practice of Francine Farrell, LMFT, and Ann Leber, LMFT, located in Sacramento, California, we believe that every relationship has the potential for growth and healing. Couples therapy provides a supportive environment where partners can explore their expectations for a relationship, how they relate to each other, and why their communication may be breaking down. Whether you are facing a crisis or trying to rekindle your happiness, we can help you navigate your lives together.

Reasons People Go to Couples Counseling

Common reasons couples seek counseling include intractable conflicts, mismatched goals for marriage, parenthood, or career changes, and issues such as lack of warmth, infidelity, or differing values.

For partners dealing with a loved one’s mental illness or health complications, feelings of guilt or shame can often arise. It’s not uncommon for clients to feel overwhelmed by their partner’s struggles and question their own feelings or responses. Asking for help takes a lot of courage and indicates a strong desire to save the relationship. Counseling is a safe space for partners to express their feelings, explore their experiences, and work toward understanding each other more deeply.

Imago Therapy Techniques

Francine Farrell, LMFT, uses Imago Therapy techniques, which focus on understanding the unconscious patterns that influence relationships. Imago Therapy encourages partners to explore their childhood experiences and how these shape their current interactions. By recognizing these patterns, couples can deepen their empathy and compassion for one another.

Imago Therapy also emphasizes the importance of intentional dialogue, allowing partners to understand and communicate their feelings and needs in a structured way. This technique helps to create a safe space for vulnerability, enabling couples to express themselves without fear of judgment. As partners learn to listen and respond to each other, they can build a stronger foundation for their relationship.

What to Expect in Couples Counseling

Couples counseling in Sacramento or through telehealth also provides a structured environment for addressing conflicts. With a therapist to act as a neutral referee, partners can work through their differences while staying focused or taking breaks if they’re getting too heated. This process can help uncover if there are underlying issues fueling a long-running conflict.

For partners of people with mental health challenges, our therapists are equipped to provide compassionate care. We help clients understand that it is normal to have complex feelings in these situations. By exploring these emotions in a supportive environment, partners can learn to stop judging their feelings, maintain boundaries that will keep them safe, and learn how to best care for their loved ones.

Strengthen Your Bond with Professional Help

If you and your partner are having a rough time in your relationship, we invite you to reach out to our Sacramento, California, office. To schedule a consultation with Francine Farrell, LMFT, and Ann Leber, LMFT, either in-person or online, call (916) 971-1159 or submit a request through our website.