Services

Infertility has many ambiguous dynamics. In addition to struggling with infertility is also trying to maneuver around all the IVF jargon, terminology, calendaring, office visits, medications, etc. Dr. Hunter can work with you on the IVF Education/IVF Process, educating family members and friends supporting someone with infertility and IVF and the emotional aspects of infertility and IVF. Addressing any spiritual issues that may surface with infertility and IVF is another factor some who struggle with IVF face. Building communication skills to strengthen the partnership/marriage through the IVF/infertility process can certainly be helpful with the pressures that infertility causes. Acknowledging unmet expectations is a huge feat with infertility and not knowing whether you are planning for a birthday party or a funeral of your shattered dreams can be unbearably painful if you are not talking with someone regularly. Grieving the loss of what could have been or if you were pregnant and grieving a miscarriage at any stage needs to be met with empathy and compassion. Coping skills on how to juggle job and office visits are essential in this time along with how to communicate with your partner when shame and body image issues surfaces and women’s or men’s issues with sexuality becomes an issue. There are a plethora of reasons why going to therapy during this time is needed to care for your emotional health as an individual and/or as a couple.

How does one know when to start couples therapy? Just like having one cough does not warrant a trip to the doctor’s office, one argument does not mean the couple should seek out a therapist. However, if physical issues persist and become bothersome or worse, those are your bodies signs letting you know it is time to seek a physician. The same is true for when couples should seek couples therapy. There are emotional and marital signs that give us indicators of an issue that should be checked out.

Here are some signals you may need a professional to help with strengthening your relationship:

1. You no longer feel physically or emotionally safe—especially in arguments.
2. Children are being affected by the constant tension.
3. You see your partner as the ‘enemy’ or ‘other’ and it has become an ‘us vs them’.
4. You feel misunderstood or invalidated by your partner.
5. You feel unseen or unloved.
6. Fights have become more about being right and winning over loving and validating your partner.
7. Words are no longer clear and kind.
8. The word ‘Divorce’ is weaponized.
9. Name calling, put downs, and constant yelling are used in arguments.
10. You feel like you are living more as roommates than as a couple or spouse.
11. You feel stuck and want a change.

I am a systemic and collaborative supervisor who uses the integrative model approach, as well as a common factors approach, to help my supervisee be intentional in therapy, meet their goals, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Some of these approaches includes, but not limited to SFBT, Narrative, Experiential, Satir, Attachment and ACT. Our greatest goal is to meet clients where they are, in the ways that they need. I believe that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. When addressing couples, individuals, or families, how do you listen to their needs and keep the space for them? I believe that supervision is about gaining insight and learning new approaches as well as strengthening your methods and skills as a therapist.