Stages of Relationships

Couples relationships progress through sequential developmental stages that resemble the stages of development we go through from children to adults. Each stage has specific tasks to be mastered and, as a couple progresses, each stage will become more complex with corresponding skills that are specific to that stage.

When a couple seeks therapy, it is usually because they are having problems progressing through a specific stage; and counseling will be a series of interventions with developmental assists that help the couple progress through their issues. I use several diagnostic tools that evaluate each couples' stage of development as well as therapeutic exercises that help improve their communication skills.