A:

My suggestion is to ask them to read this. Tell them you care about your relationship and want it to be as healthy and satisfying as possible for both of you. After this is read, ask them to consider attending just one session – to check out the counselor and to see how it feels. Once this is done, then discuss whether you want to return or not.

Many spouses who resist coming to a session simply do not understand what takes place. They likely imagine an unpleasant, perhaps confrontational experience – or had a previously bad experience in counseling. This is far from what happens in my sessions.

My job as a counselor is not to take sides or judge, or get someone to admit they are “the bad one”. My job is to facilitate understanding of:
·         Each other
·         The distinction between what has worked in the relationship and what hasn’t
·         Where you want to go from here and how to create that
·         The components of a healthy and satisfying relationship
·         How to stay consistently in healthy, stress-resilient  states-of-mind

So the experience is one of learning, discovery and creativity – in essence a mini-seminar tailored to your unique needs. This almost always proves to be interesting and enjoyable.

Success simply requires:
·         Openness to the possibility that each person has done the best they know
·         Each person can learn more and become better at the relationship
·         Giving the process an honest try
·         Follow-through in “practicing” until the healthier and happier relationship becomes your “new normal”

Please email or call if you would like to discuss this topic or if you would like to schedule an appointment.

Craig Polsfuss, MA, LP, LICSW / clpolsfuss@msn.com / 952-322-2111

My suggestion is to ask them if they are open to hearing about something you’ve found valuable, and then ask then to read this. Tell them:
·         You’ve found an interesting form of counseling/coaching and how it has helped you feel better and do better in your life (and work)
·         Why you thought they’d like it and get a lot out of it too

After this is read, ask them to consider attending just one session – to check out the counselor and to see how it feels. If you are open to it, tell them they could even come to a session with you. Once this is done, then they can decide whether they want to return or not.

Many people who resist the idea of counseling simply do not understand what takes place. They likely imagine an unpleasant, perhaps confrontational or embarrassing experience – or have had a previously bad experience in counseling. This is far from what happens in my sessions.

My job as a counselor is not to judge. My job is to facilitate understanding of:
·         Oneself
·         The distinction between what has worked in your life and what hasn’t
·         Where you want to go from here and how to create that
·         How to stay consistently in healthy, stress-resilient  and effective states-of-mind
·         How to use your innate health and wisdom to resolve specific problems or issues

So the experience is one of learning, discovery and creativity – in essence a mini-seminar tailored to your unique needs. This almost always proves to be interesting and enjoyable.

Success simply requires:
·         Openness to the possibility that one has done the best they know and can learn more to feel and do better
·         Giving the process an honest try
·         Follow-through in “practicing” until the new understandings and healthier and happier  state-of-living becomes your “new normal”

Please email or call if you would like to discuss this topic or if you would like to schedule an appointment.

Craig Polsfuss, MA, LP, LICSW / clpolsfuss@msn.com / 952-322-2111