The Group, Inc. provides professional Marriage Counseling in Fredericksburg, VA and Couples Counseling in Fredericksburg, VA.

Working with Couples

When we meet with a couple we listen to their stories.

As their story is related each member tells a tale that is almost always true. The events are as reported, or very close. Offenses committed by either are, typically, accurately reported.

Why then can’t the other person see, hear, and understand the situation?

Our ability to answer that question with accuracy and sensitivity is what enables us to work so well with couples.

The First Step

We are listening for the “off” note. It is the moment that signals there is miscommunication present. Danger - Detour Ahead.

It is our ability to identify these moments that enables us to be effective.

How and when we intervene is a decision we must make in that moment. What is crucial though, is that the moment be recognized.

What Happens Next?

A couple enters the office with a myriad of strengths and a history of caring.

The combination of these factors should help create a status quo that leads to 1+1 equaling more than 2.

Then something goes wrong and the result leads to the painful reality that not only is the sum now less than 2, but the path to figuring out exactly how to remedy this situation has become blocked.

This is where we come in...

Not only can we see both the depth and complexity of the presenting problems, we are able to explain what we see and hear to our clients. We are able to do this in a manner that not only clarifies the situation, but also diminishes the pain experienced by the couple.

The problems, once defined and communicated to each member of the couple, can then be experienced more objectively.

Clarity, a necessary ingredient for working through a problem has now been introduced.

A possibility is now visible that had been previously unseen: a solution.