Relationship Coaching
Quite often I hear people question why relationships are so difficult, and they wonder if they are with the ‘right’ partner. Those are the very questions that ultimately lead to deeper connection and greater intimacy in relationships. The process of inquiry provides a rich opportunity for couples to begin to dialogue with each other about what they want to experience in the relationship, as opposed to what they don’t want.
Most of us have grown up with romantic notions of the ‘perfect’ relationship. When the reality of the partners we’ve chosen falls short of our expectations, we may either leave the relationship, tolerate something that is less than satisfying, or look outside the relationship for ways to feel more alive. Relationship coaching is the vehicle to revitalize a stale relationship and transform toleration into possibility!
What is Relationship Coaching?
Relationship coaching assists you and your partner to create the relationship you desire. Whether we meet by phone or in person, I work with you to:
• Articulate a shared relationship vision of what you want
as a couple
• Design and implement a plan to make the vision a reality
• Clarify your values — the essence of who you are and
what is important to you
• Stay focused so that you do not give up or lose momentum
• Release obstacles that hold you back from having
an extraordinary relationship
• Experience a richer, more loving and fulfilling relationship
My Ideal Clients
My ideal clients are couples who are committed to their relationship and who recognize that both partners share the responsibility to make the relationship better. Despite the challenges they face, they are aware of the strengths of the relationship — what’s already working — as a way of moving toward the vision of their ideal relationship. They do not expend a lot of energy blaming their partner for passed hurts or disappointments. Regardless of what has occurred in the past, they want to consciously create a mutually satisfying relationship with a focus on the future and with a clear intention toward action rather than deep introspection. Whether you are in a new relationship, ‘empty-nesters’ who have been together for many years, or experiencing a relationship challenge that you want to address, coaching provides a safe and supportive structure to clarify your vision and narrow the gap between where you are now and where you want to be!
Relationship Coaching Success Stories*
Client Situation: “We have a great marriage but have the same disagreement over and over again about managing our finances.”
Mark and Debra were a dual income, professional couple who came to coaching after 12 years of marriage. They were in their 40’s, had no children and enjoyed a lifestyle that included travel, leisure time with friends and family, and spending time with their beloved dog, Max. However their conflicting views about money was having a negative impact their relationship.
The Process
Through our coaching relationship, Mark and Debra created a vision for their relationship that included not only finances, but also living a healthy lifestyle, having more fun together, and planning for the time when they would no longer be employed full-time. Coaching was a safe place to communicate about what they both ideally wanted in each area of the relationship. They began with a plan for ways to enjoy each other more which included going out on weekly dates as a couple as well as getting together with friends on a regular basis. The connection that resulted from having more fun together made them more receptive to addressing their financial differences.
The Outcome
Debra and Mark ultimately created a savings and spending plan that honored both of them. The coaching conversations about money led to greater awareness and understanding about their differences. For example, Debra realized that her spending habits were related to stress at work. That awareness assisted her in making other choices at her workplace to alleviate the stress directly. Mark felt that he was solely responsible for managing the household finances. He made a request of Debra to work with him on a household budget. Debra was happy to accommodate Mark.
Client Testimonial
“Coaching gave us the tools to communicate better and to address an area of our relationship that was difficult for us to tackle on our own. Lisa’s coaching style was warm, respectful and accepting of both of us. We would recommend relationship coaching to any couple who truly wants to make their relationship better!”
Client Situation: “We have such full lives with our careers, two teenage children and other responsibilities. We seem to have lost the intimacy in the relationship.”
Bob and Cindy came to coaching with a desire to make their relationship as much of a priority as other areas of their lives. They wanted to rekindle the passion that was no longer present in their marriage.
The Process
In creating a relationship vision, Cindy realized that she missed having time each week to connect with Bob in some meaningful way. This included going for a walk, sitting at the kitchen table talking, playing a game or snuggling in the bedroom. While Bob also wanted to make time to connect with Cindy, he felt consumed by his job and all of the work that needed to be completed in the home they recently purchased. The relationship vision made Bob more aware of how much he wanted Cindy to work with him on the house projects so that the house would be a reflection of both of them. Cindy had always assumed that Bob wanted to do the work by himself since he was a skilled handyman, and he had never asked her to join him.
The Outcome
By honoring Cindy’s request to make time to connect each day, Bob learned how to be more present in his relationship with her. This deepened their connection, and it also helped Bob to become more present in other areas of his life, including his relationships with his two children. Cindy, on the other hand, learned new ways of connecting with Bob through house projects. She also took great delight in learning home improvement skills from him!
Client Testimonial
“The best part of coaching was that we learned so much about each other that we had never known before. It’s like having a shared history and getting acquainted at the same time! Lisa’s style creates a safe environment for us to communicate with each other in an open and honest way. We are now able to use the skills we learned in coaching on our own.”
*Names have been changed
Contact Lisa for a FREE CONSULTATION today!
