Margaret Amerongen, M.S.W., RSW
Toronto, 416 920-4545
Marriage Counseling
Marriage and couple problems include
Conflicts about issues such as lifestyle, sex, money, children and in-laws
Poor communication
Emotional distance and a stagnant relationship
Mistrust and infidelity
Concerns about whether to stay together or separate
Special challenges of conditions such as Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, ADHD, Aspergers, Learning Disabilities, aging and physical illness
These problems are often grounded in repetitive patterns and cycles of mutual injury and efforts to protect oneself from further injury.
How marriage counseling helps
While struggling with problems, it can be difficult for couples to agree to seek help. One partner is often more willing, the other more reluctant. It can help to accept that this is not unusual and to focus on just organizing the first appointment. Willingness to meet with a therapist together is in itself a major achievement. Margaret will help you both to discuss your anxieties about marriage counseling and to work towards an environment of emotional safety in the sessions.
Margaret works collaboratively with you to uncover the previously invisible needs and fears that drive problematic relationship patterns and vicious cycles. With empathy towards each partner, she helps you to understand yourselves and each other.
Anger and retaliation come to be understood as rooted in vulnerable feelings such as hurt, sadness and fear. Conflicts come to be understood as efforts to protect oneself and to get needs met by each other.
Relationship transformation is possible as Margaret helps you to replace long-term patterns of conflict with more effective and fulfilling interactions, promoting forgiveness and growth.
