Alternative
Relationships
Falling
in love and experiencing physical and emotional intimacy can
be a beautiful thing. Yet relationships aren't always easy. Bringing
two or more people together to connect and form a family unit is a
challenge in itself. The saying goes that we're not just bringing
our current issues into the dynamic, but all of our past history and
'baggage' as well. Communication can become skewed in any
relationship. The challenges faced by interracial couples are
multiplied, as each individual struggles to relate to the others'
culture and community. Solving problems together can seem foreign
when each person has their own set of different values. Same-sex
couples often have to contend with prejudice or misunderstanding
from others. This can make the couple feel isolated and overly
dependent on each other. Polyamorous groups not only have to
learn to negotiate trust and guidelines with each other, but are also
sometimes shunned by society. All of these scenarios can lead to
strife, unfair fighting, codependency, shutting down, lack of
sexual intimacy, and unhealthy power dynamics, as well as other
problems.
If
you and your partner(s) are grappling with similar challenges, you
may need some assistance to figure out what's going on between you.
While conflict is a natural part of intimacy, we need to be aware of
the ways in which we express our feelings and opinions. I can help
you learn how to hear each other, communicate effectively, and be
sensitive to each others' wants and needs. I offer creative ways
to develop closeness and greater intimacy through the use of
the arts and trust-building exercises. As well, I can support you
with marital and pre-marital counseling for alternative
relationships. Together, we can identify the places where you get
stuck in patterns of relating and negotiate reasonable solutions. I
know from personal and professional experience how difficult it can
be to maintain alternative relationships. Yet the rewards of
establishing true intimacy and commitment are well worth the effort.
________________________________________________________________________________
3120 Telegraph Avenue, Suite 9#c
Berkeley, CA 94705