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THERAPY SERVICES

Therapy can be a very effective tool... especially when you find a good fit with your counselor and you are motivated to change!

 

Whether you are struggling with:

  • RELATIONSHIP ISSUES

  • TEEN ISSUES

  • PERSONAL GROWTH

  • GRIEF or LOSS

  • DATING PROBLEMS

  • TRAUMA

 

It is important that you feel comfortable enough to be your "genuine self" with me. Although I am non-judgmental, empathetic, open-minded, and provide a "safe space" in our counseling sessions...my candid, transparent, and down-to-earth creative counseling style may not be for everyone. For this reason I focus on making sure we are a good fit before moving forward with any in depth counseling and offer a free 15 minute consultation.

WHAT IF

"What if I'm wrong?"
"What if I fail?"
"What if I'm not good enough?"
"What if I'm rejected?"
"What if I'm abandoned?"

It can be paralyzing...that fear that keeps you stuck...that stops you from trying something different...

All those "what ifs" gone unanswered, all those dreams never attempted, all those places never traveled, all those passions never realized, all those adventures never experienced, all that talent never discovered, all those people who never got meet you...the unveiled "GENUINE YOU ".

​

I have experienced those fears and have felt paralyzed at times by uncertainty and lack of belief in my resiliency. It took me taking that first LEAP OF FAITH to try something different....and with help from my therapist, some wonderful people, lots of practice, and a little courage, I felt myself shifting...shifting in ways I never thought possible.

 

That first step started my journey toward creating the life I wanted...a profession that enriches me, relationships that nurture and challenge me to grow, trust in myself to guide me and remind me..."I CAN do this", resiliency to help me get back up when I stumble, but most importantly...that first leap allowed me to find that deep unconditional love, not just with others but most importantly for myself!

RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS?

First things first....YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Couples come in many shapes and sizes....and almost all experience bumpy roads along the way.

 

Whether your relationship is struggling from infidelity, financial problems, high levels of conflict, parenting issues, dealing with a challenging teen, extended family, transition, stress, poor communication, lack of physical intimacy, growing apart etc., couples counseling can be an effective tool!

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According to research, most couples have been UNHAPPY OR STRUGGLING FOR 6 YEARS prior to seeking marriage or couples counseling. The longer you wait the more negative experiences you will have with each other...likely leading to increased conflict, emotional or physical distance and unhappiness.

 

The GOOD NEWS is you are reading this and already took a step toward finding some relief!

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Signs you may need couples therapy

  • Lack of physical or emotional intimacy

  • Drifting apart

  • Frequent and unresolved arguments

  • Poor communication

  • Hostile language, yelling, name calling

  • Frequent avoidance to discuss ongoing issues

  • Feel overly criticized or put down

  • You feel stuck in unhealthy patterns

  • Walking on eggshells

  • You feel lonely

  • Excessive jealousy

  • Controlling behaviors

  • Dishonesty

Can couples counseling help us?

Yes! Over 75% report an improvement in their relationship after participating in Couples Therapy with a Marriage & Family Therapist-MFT.

“Clients reported marked improvement in work productivity, co-worker relationships, family relationships, partner relationships, emotional health, overall health, social life, and community involvement.” (AAMFT)

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Failure to repair the inevitable conflicts and disconnection that all couples face is the leading cause of unhappy couples and relationship failure.”

- Dr. John Gottman, PhD

Believe it or not, research shows that couples therapy can be very effective in strengthening the relationship and repairing ruptures (when certain key factors are present):​

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Willingness vs Willfulness

Open to therapy and willing to focus on what YOU can do to improve the situation for BOTH YOU & YOUR PARTNER vs digging in your heals and refusing to budge from your individual perspective.

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Skill & Training of the Couples Counselor

MFT's are specifically trained to focus on Marriage & Family Therapy, with the primary focus on relationship issues.

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Empathy & Compassion

Able to put yourself in your partner's shoes to better understand their experience; while showing love, kindness and concern for your partner (you can show empathy and compassion even if you disagree with your partner's actions or their choices are painful for you)

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Let's get to work!

Lisa Conn-Akoni, MA, MFT

Creative Counseling & Consulting


(805) 714-4055

LisaConnAkoni@gmail.com

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