Relationship Counseling for Women & College Students in Lansing and across Michigan

First, we focus on gathering information about your specific relationship issues.

Next, we work on building awareness of your triggers, and identify what negatively affects your relationships, and what helps decrease it’s effects.

Then, we work on coming up with a plan for facing, coping with, and reducing your relationship issues based on your specific needs.

If you experience consistent communication breakdowns, constant conflict, emotional or physical distance, and a lack of trust or respect you may suffer from relationship issues. Other signs include feeling devalued, exhausted, or unable to be yourself, and a persistent feeling of resentment or unhappiness. Unhealthy relationships often feature a lack of support and a one-sided effort from one partner

Communication problems

• Avoiding difficult conversations: You or your partner consistently avoid or shut down during important discussions.

• Constant arguments: Conflict is frequent, arguments are circular, and they don't lead to resolution or empathy.

• Disrespectful communication: Fights involve name-calling, yelling, or a constant barrage of criticism instead of constructive feedback

Emotional and behavioral issues

• Emotional distance: You feel disconnected from your partner, and intimacy (both physical and emotional) is lacking.

• Lack of trust: You or your partner struggle with trust issues, which can lead to jealousy or suspicion.

• Feeling devalued: You frequently feel disrespected, unappreciated, or that your needs are consistently ignored.

• Loss of self: You can't be yourself around your partner and may feel you have to hide your thoughts or feelings.

• Feeling on edge: You often feel "on eggshells," fearful of a partner's reaction or judgment. 

Unbalanced or draining dynamic

• One-sided effort: You feel you are investing more time, energy, and emotion into the relationship than your partner.

• Resentment: You feel constantly resentful, ignored, or are holding grudges against your partner.

• Dread: You feel exhausted, angry, or drained after spending time with them, or you dread interactions.

• Stuck or obligated: You feel you have to stay in the relationship because you've already invested so much time and energy, even if you're unhappy. 

Relationship, friendship, and family issues may include poor communication, lack of trust, and unresolved conflict. Specific problems vary by relationship type, but often involve financial stress, different life goals, issues with intimacy, and external pressures like job stress or family interference. Family issues can also include addiction, grief, or caregiving responsibilities, while friendship issues may involve feeling unappreciated or growing apart. 

Common relationship issues

• Communication problems: Misunderstandings, not listening, or avoiding difficult conversations.

• Trust issues: Dishonesty, broken promises, infidelity, or feeling unsafe.

• Conflict resolution: Frequent arguments, unresolved disagreements, or anger management problems.

• Intimacy issues: Problems with emotional or physical closeness, or differing sex drives.

• Financial stress: Disagreements about money, spending habits, or debt.

• Life transitions: Difficulty adapting to major life changes like a new baby, job loss, or relocation. 

Friendship issues

• Feeling unappreciated: A one-sided friendship where one person feels they give more than they receive.

• Lack of quality time: Busy schedules leading to disconnection and a weakened bond.

• Jealousy or insecurity: Feelings that cause friction, distrust, or comparison with others.

• Growing apart: Different life goals, values, or interests that create a disconnect. 

Family issues

• Addiction and mental health: Dealing with a family member's substance abuse or mental health challenges.

• Family conflict: Disagreements with in-laws or other extended family members.

• Grief and loss: Coping with the death of a family member.

• Caregiving responsibilities: Stress from caring for an ill or disabled family member.

• Household and parenting struggles: Arguments about chores, finances, or raising children. 

Couples counseling involves two people attending counseling sessions together to try and improve communication, have better conflict resolution, increased connection, improved intimacy and increased relationship satisfaction. In relationship counseling one person is focused on improving their relationships. They might work on one specific relationship that is troubling them like a recent divorce, breakup, end of a working relationship, end of a long term friendship, or other challenges with family, friends, or relationships in general.

I use a Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) approach blending Talk Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy (ABT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to assist in coping and reducing symptoms. You will move at your own pace according to what feels right for you.

Relationship Counseling can help individuals by:

Boosting self-confidence and self-esteem by observing emotions and behaviors.

Fostering love and acceptance by letting go of unhealthy patterns, self-doubt, and self-criticism that can hinder your relationships.

Addressing personal issues through individual counseling that may be impacting your relationship such as insecure attachment.

The first step is emailing (sarah@forwardoutlookcounseling.com), or completing the contact form to book an initial consult. Once we have that consult and make sure we are a good fit, we schedule our first session. You will get an email with a link to fill out initial paperwork. Then we have our first therapy session either in person or virtually.

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