Delivering cognitive behavior therapy
for preventing depression.

10 Things Your Therapist Won't Tell You from "Smart Money Magazine" 

What is Couple Therapy?

Couple Therapy: An Information Guide

Couple therapy is a means of resolving problems and conflicts that couples have not been able to handle effectively on their own. It involves both partners sitting down with a trained professional to discuss their thoughts and feelings. The aim is to help them gain a better understanding of themselves and their partner, to decide if they need and want to make changes, and if so, to help them to do so. It is unethical for the counselor to tell you "SHOULD DIVORCE" or and it is unethical for the counselor to tell you "SHOULD STAY MARRIED OR TOGETHER." Beware of counselors and clergy who practice this approach. 

Are Children Involved in Couple Therapy?

No. Couple therapy involves only the couple. Children may be affected either directly or indirectly by problems in their parents' relationship, and to varying degrees, depending on factors such as their ages and the nature and severity of their parents' problems. They may, as a result, become anxious and begin to exhibit their own problems, although not all of their difficulties necessarily stem from those of their parents. The children's difficulties may improve as the couple's relationship improves or the couple may become more confident in their own ability to help the children.

Therapy that involves both the couple and their children is a different process called family therapy, which usually focuses on the relationships among family members rather than solely on the couple's relationship. During the course of this therapy, however, the focus may shift to the parental couple for a period of time. If this occurs, children would no longer be involved in treatment. If parents are wondering whether their children should be involved in the sessions, they should discuss this with the therapist.

What is the difference between couple therapy and sex therapy?

Couple therapy focuses on the total relationship while sex therapy deals more specifically with sexual dysfunction. Other problems within a relationship often affect the sexual relationship, and the quality of their sexual relationship is important to many couples, so this may be discussed in couple therapy. However, a couple may experience sexual problems in an otherwise sound relationship. If this is the case, sex therapy may be beneficial. This treatment recommendation would be based on the therapist's initial assessment of the problem.

What kinds of problems do people usually bring to couple therapy?

People seek therapy for a range of problems and every couple is different. Some of the most common complaints include lack of communication, frequent or constant arguments, unfulfilled emotional needs, financial concerns and conflicts about children.

You may be wondering why these problems sound like common issues that many couples resolve without professional help. Couples often seek help not because their problems are different from those of other couples, but because they are unable to resolve them. Sometimes, this is because of a buildup of frustration and disappointment over time, sometimes because there is some other issue or meaning underlying the conflict. Other couples seek help as a result of a crisis in the relationship, such as an affair or apparent loss of affection and caring, or a traumatic event, such as an illness or loss in the family.

What will the therapist do?

The therapist is a professionally trained, objective third party who will listen to both partners as they express their thoughts and feelings and help them identify and clarify problem areas.

Most therapists start with an assessment. In an assessment, the therapist asks about the problems and how both people see them, the history of the relationship, and the individual histories of the partners. This enables the therapist to develop a deeper understanding. Most therapists will discuss their impression of the situation with the couple at the conclusion of the assessment. The couple then can decide whether to accept the therapist's recommendations about whether or not to enter therapy and what kind of therapy to pursue.

Again, It is unethical for the counselor to tell you "SHOULD DIVORCE" or and it is unethical for the counselor to tell you "SHOULD STAY MARRIED OR TOGETHER." Beware of counselors or clergy who practice this approach. 

Once the couple enters therapy, the therapist's interpretation of issues may offer the couple a new perspective, which permits a change in feelings and behaviour. The therapist may act as a mediator, attempting to clear up misunderstandings in communication. This is often difficult for people to do themselves because they are emotionally caught up in the situation. The therapist may also help the partners consider alternative ways of handling problematic situations.

We find that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in couples counseling is extremely helpful. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy... is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. The therapist will point out "Irrational or illogical beliefs that may be causing angry reactions or habits of critical and negative feelings." 

For More Information about CBT Click Here:http://www.nacbt.org/whatiscbt.htm

First, call us. My operators answer 24/7.  However, we encourage you to contact your health plan before making an appointment. Call the 800 number on the back of your insurance card. Ask for mental health benefits and mention my name and credentials. This can save you expense and give you better information to make your decision.

We are also listed with several National and Regional Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) programs. Check with your employer and see if your company has an EAP.

Second, if Gil Garcia, MSW, LCSW, LMSW, is not listed as a provider for your insurance company you are allowed to inform your insurance company that you would like to see Gil Garcia, MSW. We will then make the necessary application to your insurance company to ensure coverage. We are licensed in the states of Michigan and Wisconsin.

Third, Gil is a Medicare provider and a provider for Michigan's UPHP Healthplan. We cannot bill "Straight Michigan Medicaid." Please call your UPHP phone number and ask if you have mental health benefits and can receive them from Gil Garcia, MSW. 

Fourth, We also accept self-pay arrangements. We will work with you to get the help you need. Our Standard Self-Pay Fee is $110-$125 per hour. Fee adjustments are available under certain circumstances. Payment arrangements are available. Fee reductions are available in some situations. Call and ask for info. (866) 903-6000 or (906) 864-2208.

Fifth, if we are unable to help you, we will refer you to a counselor that is supported by donated funds, United Way funds, Church funds or provides services through a county/state funded agency.

*We do not accept credit cards. However, we set up payment plans."

Working Through Relationship Problems

Past relationships, financial stress, parents, illness, infidelity, sex, work schedules, children, different expectations, anger, communication problems — all can contribute to distress in marriages or other relationships. Marriage counseling or couples counseling can help resolve conflicts and heal wounds.

Click Here:

Marriage counseling: Working through relationship problems

Sometimes, making the call is the most difficult thing about seeking help.

For some folks, coming to see a therapist or counselor can feel intimidating and uncomfortable. We don't believe in blaming clients for their problems or judge people simply because of poor choices or mistakes made. We make every effort to help you feel at home at our office. Research indicates that one of the key factors in successful therapy is the positive relationship between the client and his/her counselor. We know what it is like to parent children, teens and adults. We know about family deaths, loss, life-threatening illness, and needing help in life. We also know how important it is to love, to hope and to have faith. 

Cognitive-behavior therapy combines features of both cognitive and behavior therapies to identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones. It's based on the idea that your own thoughts — not other people or situations — determine how you behave. Even if an unwanted situation doesn't change, you can change the way you think and behave in a positive way.

"I believe these difficult experiences have helped me be a better listener, a better counselor and a better human being." --G.Garcia

Family therapy can be very effective in dealing with a long list of problems affecting your everyday life. Families don't need to live with conflict and tension on a daily basis. And often therapy simply involves the willingness to listen, understand, having difficult conversations and learning new perspectives. Learning new communication and parenting skills can be very helpful. Having an outside listener for the young person can be most helpful in times of crisis or serious changes.

We love to work with families. We feel especially honored when parents invite us to help them with their children. We have to admit the children never stop amazing us and teaching us about tender feelings, the purpose of anger, the difficulties growing up, and how important their relationships are to them. We make every effort to help children feel wanted, special and avoid blame. This can be very therapeutic for children and teens.

Problems at any age can be overwhelming and difficult. The issues of growing older, experiencing losses, living alone, feeling unwanted, living with serious illness, disability, depressed and asking important questions at this time of life. 

For your information, as a Medicare Provider, we are able to bill your Medicare coverage and supplementary insurance company and/or arrange a workable fee for you. Please ask for our billing department for specific information.

In-Home Therapy

In some cases we also provide In-Home Counseling Services. This is especially helpful for those who are home-bound and needing outpatient mental health services.

For many folks, the issues of spiritual concerns,faith and belief are challenged during difficult times. We fully understand this journey. We strive to be very sensitive, accepting and understanding of your particular issues in this area. We encourage clients to draw upon their own religious and/or spiritual strengths and resources when appropriate. We also help clients work through the problems related to these issues that sometimes contribute to their struggles and problems.

Patients who learn about their bodies do better with recovering from disorders or medical conditions. The cancer patient who is reading and learning feels more confident about treatment and surgeries.

Emotional Health is especially helped with this same learning tool. Click Here: "Emotional Health Resources"