MY SPECIALTIES

Introduction

Anger

Anxiety

Attention Deficits in Adults

Chronic Pain

Cosmetic Surgery

Depression

Eating Disorders

Infertility & Childlessness

Job Stress

Relationships

Shyness

Contact Dr. Nash

Relationship Issues

What are the most common issues that couples bring to therapy?

Often couples come into therapy because they have difficulty resolving personal differences. One or both parties may feel that they are not listened to or not heard, or that they are misunderstood. Both may feel they have difficulty getting their point of view across, getting their needs met, or resolving conflict. In some cases, couples may even resort to verbal or physical violence. Other common problems include sexual issues, money issues, and issues related to children or other family members.

What is your approach in working with a couple?

I regard the relationship as my client, and my focus is on helping the relationship become healthier, happier, or more functional. To that end, I try to balance the needs of both people in the relationship and to avoid seeming to take sides. I believe it is important for the therapist not to find fault or to blame but rather to help each person truly hear the other and to develop an attitude of good will as a basis for bringing change and improvement.

Do you always see both parties at the same time?

Initially I prefer to see both parties at the same time. This allows me to get a sense of how the couple interacts and how each views the problems that bring them to therapy. Later it may be advisable or necessary to see each part separately at times. In that case, each person would get equal time. That is, if one person is seen individually, the other will also be offered his or her own individual time. Most couples work is done with both people in the room.

Dr. Joyce Nash, PhD    (650) 329-1000