I often think of intimate relationships and couples therapy as a tightrope balancing act. The tightrope performer's job is no easy feat. He is faced with having to be finely attuned to his rope companion, while creating enough tension between him and the rope to maintain balance. This is the kind of struggle I see in couples coming for couples therapy and relationship counseling. The pair must strike a balance between intimacy and aggression, connection and separation, and dependence and independence. I believe that it is very rare for a couple to be able to do this intuitively. The reason why intimate relationships can be so challenging and painful is because this balancing act inevitably will evoke very primitive emotions. In couples therapy and relationship counseling, I help the pair understand how they have developed certain relational patterns that are damaging to their relationship. I also provide in couples therapy and relationship counseling a safe space where each person can express difficult feelings to their partner. If you are interested in couples therapy or relationship counseling please contact me to set up an initial consultation.
Jonathan Lichtenstein, Psy.D.
1774 Union Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-267-6199
