Learn about Couples Therapy with Angelique Bush, LCSW

Responses by Angelique Bush, LCSW

For any couples that might be feeling hesitant, skeptical, or nervous about the idea of seeking couples therapy, what would you say?

"I have heard time and time again, individuals and couples say they cannot tell any of their friends or family the full truth about what happens within their romantic relationships. They do not want to paint their partner in a negative light or are unsure if it is even a situation worth discussing; couples therapy can be that safe place to work through these private and precious thoughts and feelings. What better place to go than a confidential space with a third party that will not take sides, will listen openly, and won't judge either partner for behaviors or emotions that others may not hold compassionately.

Allowing someone to see, in real time, your relationship during the good, the bad, and everything in between, is incredibly vulnerable and intimate and I never forget the privilege I have to be a part of these moments. Having an outside perspective and someone trained in identifying sticky patterns that are negatively impacting your relationship may be just what you need to move towards a healthier and more open relationship. Give yourself a chance and try a consultation call or an intake and be honest with your clinician about your hesitancy and nervousness; I would happily discuss these questions and assuage any fears that I can!"

What are some common myths about couples therapy you'd like to debunk?

"I love this question! Couples therapy is not akin to going to the principal's office for one partner to get admonished or scolded. It is not a place where I take sides and decide which partner is right or wrong regarding a conflict. It is not only for those who are married, monogamous, or even dating! Also, couples therapy does not always lead to a relationship continuing.

The way I conduct couples therapy is by holding space to identify the systems that are supporting and hurting a relationship, with the goal of strengthening the supporting mechanisms and examining the purpose of the patterns that lead to conflict, stress, or misunderstandings. I clarify that the relationship itself is my client; my focus will be on the health and status of the relationship overall. It is not my place to decide if a couple is to stay together or to break up; I will be honest about safety concerns and harmful patterns that I see and bring them to the forefront for the couple and I to explore together.

I happily welcome all relationship types into my office including: roommates, people who are considering dating one another, established relationships, LGTBQ relationships, ENM (ethical non-monogamy), those who are married, and polyamorous / polycule relationships."

What advice do you give couples going through big life changes (new baby, job loss, etc.)?

"My advice for couples going through big life changes is lean into honest communication and do not forget to take care of yourselves individually. I know work, children, friends, family dynamics, and other stressors can convince us that everything else needs our attention, but ourselves and our relationship. Your individual self-care and wellness is directly tied to how well you show up for your partner, relationships, job, and everything else. Be honest with yourself and with your partner about how you are doing and what you need and work together on how to navigate hard times when you both feel as though you have little in the tank. Try to remember you and your partner are a team and for teams to thrive, there has to be clear communication, a shared plan, and each individual has to do their part."

What do you say to couples who are worried therapy might make things worse?

"I would be honest and say, it might. Coming to therapy and beginning to have your relationship patterns highlighted or framed in a different light, may cause unsaid thoughts and feelings to arise. However, it is important to remember that therapy and I do not invent or create problems or concerns. Anything that is unearthed during sessions has been there and therapy may create a safe enough environment for tough and uncomfortable content to finally be addressed.

I do not want to put preverbal rugs over unclean floors or fancy throw pillows on a broken couch. Deep cleaning, organizing, and clearing out is necessary to bring to light each individual's most honest needs and identify the best way forward. You deserve to have the happiest relationship possible and I will keep "cleaning" with a couple, until they see the results they desire or until they decide to go their separate ways."

How long do couples typically work with you?

“I am here for my couples for as long as they need me and in whatever way they need! Most couples will meet with me for weekly sessions where we can build rapport and quickly begin to address their concerns. After two to three months, some couples find themselves ready to move to biweekly sessions so they have more time to practice the skills we developed. From there, some couples enjoy the consistency of meeting twice a month while some move to monthly, quarterly, or as needed sessions. I don't plan on going anywhere so couples are able to reach out whenever they feel as though support or a check-in would be helpful.”

What do you love most about working with couples?

"As cheesy as it sounds, I love, love and I feel incredibly honored to witness it in all forms. Working with couples allows me to watch love grow deeper, for love to be rediscovered, for love to take on a new shape and look completely, and even to softly mourn when it is no longer present. All of these iterations are real and valid and I find great joy and peace in being along for a couple's journey to remind them of that."

Angelique Bush, LCSW, is a therapist who works with couples, as well as older teens, college students, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, identity exploration, perfectionism, shame, neurodivergence, and relationship challenges. She has particular expertise supporting couples in monogamous and non-monogamous relationships seeking to improve communication, rebuild trust, or navigate transitions. 

Angelique is especially passionate about supporting anyone interested in exploring, strengthening, or better understanding their connection to another. She works to create a space where couples, polyacules, roommates, and other relationship configurations can safely begin to rebuild trust and learn how to put down old patterns that are no longer serving the relationship, express unmet needs, and rediscover connection, love, and harmony. Together, you can work through concerns such as broken trust, changes in intimacy, communication breakdowns, life transitions, and even breakups or deescalation. You deserve to have the happiest relationship possible and Angelique works with you until you see the results you desire. 

For more information about scheduling an appointment with Angelique Bush, LCSW, please reach out to us at info@hope-wellness.com.