One important aspect of creating a successful relationship involves crafting collaborative responses to the the many challenges which all couples inevitably face. Each individual brings his or her own personality, likes and dislikes, past experiences and memories into the relationship. These may mesh or they may not.

Even in the best of circumstances, there is a learning curve that a couple has to master. Initial questions such as, "Who are you?" and "What are your preferences?" or " How do you like to spend your time?" seem easy to answer and are instrumental in building a strong relational foundation. But often we don’t really grasp the deeper ramifications of the differences we might experience as individuals in the couple. Good communication and interaction skills are vital for a viable, loving partnership.

This checking-in process is difficult to do even in the best of time, but external stressors can strain any couple to the breaking point. Some such stressors might be: complications with parenting a child, or a child with special needs, adoption concerns, financial strains, work-related stress, sexual issues or infidelity, addictions of one or both partners, elder care complications, and many more such situational challenges.

When these kinds of stressors bear down on the already complex mechanisms of a relationship, the couple may find themselves asking if there is a better way to work things out, or even if they still want to stay together.

Couples therapy for partners where one or both have ADHD or ASD requires a specialized approach that addresses the unique communication and relational dynamics brought by neurodivergence. I can help bridge communication gaps, as neurotypical partners may struggle to understand behaviors stemming from executive dysfunction or sensory sensitivities, while neurodivergent partners might feel misunderstood or criticized. Together we can explore dynamics and patterns that are typical in neurodiverse couples and find ways to cope more effectively and productively.

I love working with really difficult situations. If you have been in therapy before and you did not feel you could resolve your struggles, we can have a look at what is keeping you stuck. Working within couple sessions can aid tremendously in the process of progressing to a healthier, more loving relationship. •