The Practice of Skillful Relationship: Developing Beyond Couples Counseling

Picture this: you and your partner have a major blowout and you're clueless as to how it started. You wonder how it spun out of control so quickly and you both walk away frustrated and distant. Enough of these angry arguments and you'll think that your relationship is in trouble.

It’s happened to almost all of us. That’s because our behavior reflects a natural reflex of our brains. We’re hard wired to do it.

Have you heard the phrase 'amygdala ambush?' It refers to the automatic protective response of primitive areas of the brain when we feel threatened (physically or emotionally). Part of that response involves decreasing access to higher brain functions. It’s probably the reason we don't remember how some arguments start: our primitive survival responses override almost all other thoughts or motivations. With most of our problem solving circuits offline, it's the worst possible time to work something out.

The solution is to re-wire the brain to be non-reactive in times of disagreement. And that requires some training. So I began researching various ways for couples to help each other problem solve without the amygdala ambush. I was surprised when I couldn’t find anything.

So I developed my own program: a research driven, five week experiential therapy group for couples. We’ll practice physical and mental exercises that will inspire calmness, connection and cooperation. Taken from mindfulness meditation and other Eastern disciplines, we'll develop the awareness needed to properly activate and enhance your social brain. Sure, we'll talk some, but more importantly, we'll do even more. And novel experience is the very best way to learn. You'll discover, even in this short time, how to manage your brain differently to harmonize more effectively with yourself and your spouse.

I invite you to consider this unique couples counselling group for yourself or someone you know.

• This closed, seventy five minute, weekly, experiential group is limited to five couples or less. Whether you're in crisis, staying together, separating or looking for ways to continue growing your relationship, you'll find this beneficial.
• The cost will be $125 per couple. A payment for the first and last session will be required to register. (Check, Master Card, and Visa accepted.)
• Since the sessions involve physical movement, light and unrestricted clothing is recommended.
• A commitment for all five sessions is required since each session builds upon the previous one. Please make room on your calendars.

The sessions will run from Saturday June 2nd to June 23rd, 2012. The group will start promptly at 10:45 at 9100 Southwest Freeway, Suite 153. Please call me at 713 779-6300 to register or if you have any questions.