Couples Therapy
Couples therapy at 3rd Wave Counseling is a collaborative space where partners can slow things down, understand one another more deeply, and learn new ways of relating. We work with couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, communication breakdowns, trust issues, and ongoing conflict. Grounded in DBT principles, our services focus on emotional regulation, validation, and interpersonal effectiveness—helping couples step out of blame and into connection. Through practical skills and compassionate guidance, partners learn how to express needs, repair ruptures, and build a relationship that feels safer, more balanced, and more aligned with their shared values.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness in couples therapy helps partners slow down and truly notice what’s happening—within themselves and between each other—before reacting. By learning to pause, observe emotions, and stay present during difficult conversations, couples can step out of automatic patterns like defensiveness, shutdown, or escalation. Mindfulness creates space for curiosity instead of judgment and understanding instead of blame. At 3rd Wave Counseling, we use mindfulness-based DBT skills to help couples respond with intention, regulate intense emotions, and reconnect in the moment, even during conflict—laying the foundation for healthier communication and deeper emotional intimacy.
Emotion Regulation
Emotion regulation in couples therapy helps partners manage intense feelings that can arise during conflicts, misunderstandings, or stressful life events. At 3rd Wave Counseling, we teach couples DBT-based strategies to recognize emotional triggers, reduce reactivity, and respond in ways that promote connection rather than escalation. By learning to regulate emotions individually and together, couples can navigate disagreements with clarity and calm, repair ruptures more effectively, and build a relationship grounded in understanding, patience, and mutual respect. Over time, these skills help couples feel safer, more supported, and more capable of sustaining meaningful connection.
Communication & Connection
Effective communication and connection are at the heart of couples therapy at 3rd Wave Counseling. We help partners learn how to express their needs clearly, listen with empathy, and respond without judgment or defensiveness. Using DBT-based skills, couples practice communicating in ways that foster understanding and rebuild trust, even during conflict. As communication improves, emotional connection deepens, helping partners feel seen, heard, and supported—creating a stronger, more resilient relationship.