Teresa C. Ruiz, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor | Claimed

Relationships are one of the most important things in all of our lives and healthy relationships are fundamental to our well-being and quality of life. Relationship counseling is unique, because in this setting the relationship is the client, rathen than an individual. My main goal in relationship counseling is to help people become more aware of themselves and what they are bringing to a relationship, as well as learning to be more aware of their partner. There are multiple facets to these levels of awareness, and it's a process and journey that is best and most effectively achieved together. I draw from a variety of theoretical approaches and evidence-based practices to find, together with the clients, what works best for them. I believe that one of the most important goals for me as a therapist in relationship counseling is equipping those in the relationship with the insight and skills to address challenges effectively and in a way that strengthens bonds and intimacy. Focusing on this goal and making this journey using our daily life experiences is invaluable, for the core problem is rarely the challenges themselves that we are experiencing per se as much as it is learning how to navigate those challenges together. When we can do this, we are prepared for whatever challenge comes our way. One way to describe this is the use of a psychobiological approach which focuses on what's really happening in our brains and emotions more so than fixing a particular problem. Once we understand our inner experience and that of our partner, usually a new way to solve the present issue is revealed, and with this mutual understanding we can then partner in effective problem-solving with mutual empathy and support. And this is what creates meaningful and lasting change. Serving diverse clients in a multitude of settings such as psychiatric hospitals, public schools, community mental health, forensics, and the VA has given me deep insight into the human condition and taught me that everyone's story is important. We will begin wherever you are, and work together with your strengths to build the relationship life you want.