Life Transitions

TRANSITIONS

Many couples find that although they feel their relationship is strong, it can begin to feel strained as they face significant life transitions. Sometimes, even seemingly positive changes can cause couples to feel that their relationship is not as satisfying as it once was. Our therapists have helped countless couples navigate life transitions and helped them to find more fulfilling love relationships with one another as they pass through these transitions.
Transitions couples frequently seek therapy to address include:

Birth of a Child
Many changes arise for couples after the birth or adoption of a child. While becoming a parent is a positive and exciting experience, the emotional, physical and financial impacts of caring for an infant are enormous. Many couples find that they are unprepared for the impact a child will have on their relationship once their child actually arrives. Loss of intimacy, and a feeling of "disconnect" from their partner are often expressed by these couples as they adjust to meeting the needs of their new child. Some of the issues couples also express include: Lack of time for the couple Feelings of jealousy or resentment toward the child Decreased libido Conflicting views on childcare responsbibilites

Changes as Children Develop
	As children grow and develop, new parenting challenges are constantly presented - dealing with active toddlers, scheduling of activities, homework, etc. The teenage years bring even more changes and challenges. While the couple may feel prepared for one stage of their children's development, the next stage may seem overwhelming. Some of the issues couples express concern about include: Conflicting parenting/discipline styles Differing expectations regarding involvement with children and children's activities Managing homework, schoolwork, and acitivities Setting boundaries for children

Career Changes, Relocation, Job Stress or Job Loss
Issues affecting the career of one or more partners can significantly affect the couple emotionally, financially and even physically. Long hours, relocation, travel, and job stress can spill over into the couple's personal life and damage the relationship. Finding an optimum work/life balance may be difficult for the couple to achieve on their own. Some of the issues couples often express concern about: Excessive work hours and/or travel Phone calls/interruptions from work during family time Prioritizing career focus in a two-career couple Delegation of family/home responsibilities with the couple Loss of intimacy

Health Issues
No couple expects to face significant health issues. Shifting responsbilities and role changes are often necessary to deal with illness. Making these changes can cause strain on the couple as they adjust to their new roles and as they deal with the emotional, physical, and financial impacts of a a significant illness. Some of the issues couple express concern about include: Shifting of established roles within the relationship Issues of sexuality related to illness Grief over lost vitality/mobility/health

Caring for Aging Parents
Dealing with the responsibilites of caring for aging or ill parents (often along with the responsibilities of rearing their own children) can quickly drain a couple's emotional, physical financial resources. Some of the issues couples express concern about: Balancing the needs of the couple with the needs of the parent Family of origin alliances vs. alliances to the partner/immediate family Lack of intimacy
If you and your partner are experiencing the strain of dealing with life transitions, our therapists can help. For more information on starting therapy, click here.