Couples Counseling

Let’s face it ~ no matter how aware we are, how much work we’ve done on ourselves, how much we cherish our partners, there are times when we feel stuck in our relationships. Repetitive patterns and old issues seem to take precedent over the intimacy we say we want. We know Love exists in our hearts, yet it gets buried beneath a backlog of complaints and disappointments until it feels like there’s a vice-grip on our hearts.

But there IS hope! And more than hope, there are actual skills and simple practices that I guarantee you, if you use them, will get you out of “the grip” of your relationship snafus. I have spent two decades exploring systems and developing practices that turned my love life from one-steep-learning-curve-to-the-next into an oasis of intimacy. My mission is to model and inspire others to living a life of exquisite connection and depth, if that is truly their heart’s desire.

Why people come to see me:

  • To discuss/explore difficult topics
  • To get clear about their agreements
  • To get out of Limbo
  • To learn how to better understand each others communication styles
  • To recommit to deeper levels of intimacy
  • To learn practical tools to increase awareness and decrease relational stress

In a relationship session, I provide a safe, spacious container where ANYTHING can be witnessed and explored. I use body-centered techniques for supporting clients in getting out of their story and into a deeper level of awareness. I help each person name and claim their part in the dynamic, and shine light on the behavior and beliefs that are affecting the relationship. Together, we develop simple practices that support each person in expanding their continued awareness of themselves and their “significant other.”

I prefer to work intensively in the beginning with people. Most couples come in with a backlog of unexpressed feelings and issues to sort through. My experience is that once awareness and the right tools are in place, people need time to go out and practice for awhile. Coaching is not about long-term process work (which can be very valuable at certain times), but experiencing insight and then shifting behavior to garner different results than previously thought possible. After couples have mastered some of the intimacy practices I share, sessions become an opportunity for them to dive even deeper with each other, in a container of safety and love.

Sessions are 90 minutes in length for couples, sometimes less for individual work. I ask for an initial ten-session commitment so that we can track results and work more potently. After that we create follow-up sessions to support the integration process and/or the next levels of co-creation.

Joy has an amazing way of being both grounded (in heart and body) and intuitive! My partner and I both felt very much cared for and supported as she help us notice and work through challenges. Neither of us got away with anything but we both walked out grateful for it! Joy walks her talk and is unparalleled in her ability to hold space for couples to thrive.~ Amber L., Ashland, OR

Seeing Joy has proven to be the best investment we’ve ever made for our relationship. She is brilliant, intuitive, and has a knack for illuminating one’s own knowing. She continues to show us how to elevate our already-solid relationship through simple practices and clear communication. If there is one thing we have learned through our work with her, it is how to achieve and maintain a thriving intimacy. Please, own your experience and go see Joy!   ~Matt & Renea Prell, Ashland OR