I am writing a review of the Couples Clinic not as a client but as a researcher and clinician, who develops relationship counseling approaches, consults with and evaluates clinics. I have read the other reviews posted and have visited the clinic to spend time with the staff and make recommendations.
In 1999 Consumer Reports did a nationwide study of client perceptions of mental health services and also interviewed clinicians about their experiences. A major finding of that study is that marriage (relationship) counseling is the most difficult form of therapy for a clinician to deliver and the approach most complained about by clients. The complaints typically come from one person in the couple who sees their partner "at fault" and are expecting the therapist to "fix them". Complaints like that say more about the complainer than the therapist because typically the "relationship", how the couple interacts, is the issue. Two very nice people can have a "bad" relationship if their way of dealing with each other is lacking. Relationship therapists must be careful to not "side with one partner against the other" and help both individuals see the "systemic" nature of the problem in their relationship. This is not easy to do especially if one partner is convinced that "it's him/her that is the problem, not me."
When I visited the Couples Clinic, I was impressed with the attitude of the staff and their commitment to delivering "evidenced based" therapy. That is, they conduct therapy in a manner consistent with standard of care in mental health service delivery. The director of the clinic works diligently to ensure the Clinic delivers high quality care delivered with empathy and concern for client welfare. I was impressed with the range of programs offered as well as the commitment of the staff. In sum, I would refer friends and relatives to the clinic without hesitation.
Harvey Joanning, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Founder and former director, Marriage and Family Therapy Doctoral Programs, Iowa State University and Texas Tech University. Adjunct Professor and Principal Investigator, the Brain in Love Research Program, Department of Psychology, University of South Alabama. Clinical Member and Fellow, Outstanding Postgraduate Research Award Recipient, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; Licensed Psychologist; Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. read more
