How do we risk the committment of an intimate relationship and yet maintain our own unique individuality?  This question goes to the very core of constant friction and estrangement or a joyful and fulfilling relationship!

The foundation of effective couples counseling involves helping couples navigate through the difficult balance between providing value for each individual and value for the relationship itself.

Intimacy can be defined as the ability to maintain closeness with another human being.  We are all interdependent – we need each other!  At the same time, all human beings have blocks to relating – in the form of “baggage” from prior relationships.  This baggage consists of wounds in the form of hurts, disappointments, resentments, and betrayals from the past. Inevitably, we carry these wounds into current relationships.  As soon as our partner provokes us in some way and opens that wound, we go into protective mode with anger, coldness, or distance.

To regain the intimacy and passion that brought the couple together, genuine communication of deeper feelings must be restored.  Successful couples counseling serves to work through emotional wounds and promote understanding, empathy, cooperation, and love!

Michael Levittan, Psychotherapist specializes in treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anger Management, Domestic Violence, Spousal Abuse, Child Abuse in the greater Los Angeles area. He also works as an Expert Witness, Media Psychologist, and is currently in development to do his own Anger Management Reality TV Show.