“The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives”. - Anthony Robbins
When working with couples I first look at two essential elements: behavior and insight. What limiting behaviors are the couple using in their relationship and how much insight is there behind those behaviors?
Together, we develop an “observing triad” to study the behaviors, (which include communication styles) that either enhance closeness and functionality or disrupt it.
After clarifying and establishing a safe atmosphere for processing, we explore the meaning behind the behaviors; the core beliefs, attachment wounds, myths and unspoken truths. Usually, chronic, indirect and dysfunctional behaviors indicate a loss of support that occurred at some point in each partner’s personal history. The evolution of a family can include times of great fortune and misfortune, abuse and avoidance, which can have a price that is paid by the next generations.
After clearing up destructive behaviors and communication styles, we find out about the family history, the losses (and victories), wounds of attachment, intimacy and lingering unresolved conflicts and begin repairing their effects on the relationship.
Using mindfulness, body-tracking , transformational experiments, transpersonal insights and some common sense, we explore the unmet needs, negative behaviors and the present desires of your relationship.
We then integrate and practice new insights and behaviors, fine tuning and perfecting them until they become the “new normal” way of being together.
I have been working with couples for 25 years using a body-centered and mindfulness based approach. I was trained by Devi Records, the originator of Hakomi Coupleswork, completed a certification training at the Colorado Institute for Marriage and Family taught by Suzanne Pope and Jan Raynak, Co-created a training in Experiential Coupleswork with Rob Fisher, Co-taught a course called Somatic Approaches to Couples Therapy at Naropa University with Kekuni Minton, Pd.D , was certified in Family Therapy by the Colorado School for Family Therapy in 2005 and obtained a License in Marriage and Family Therapy in the state of Colorado in 2006.
Relational Life Therapy
I am a Certified Relational Life Therapist with the Relational Life Institute (www.terryreal.com) . I currently serve on the RLT/ Foundation Board where our mission is to bring RLT to underserved populations.
Terry Real is one of the family therapists to write frankly and compassionately about men and their struggles with depression and untreated trauma. RLT looks at how unnamed behaviors of grandiosity and toxic shame, in either partner, play a part in perpetuating destructive couple, family and group dynamics. Using the RLT protocol, I guide both partners through the unstudied territory of their family wounds and their subsequent defense systems and introduce the "wise adult" who can self-regulate, extend generosity to the other partner and make choices that lead to closeness and ease.
Like Murray Bowen, Pia Melody, and David Schnarch before him, Terry Real’s Relational Life Therapy emphasizes personal power, individuation and integrity while supporting the couple in finding a love that flourishes and cherishes.
Please watch video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IaltdZB_do
The result of all my experience is a comprehensive therapeutic approach that includes the wisdom of traditional theory, techniques from the latest somatic, neurological and wholistic discoveries, and the impact of current sociological factors.
Couples sessions are always at least one and a half hours long. Additional quarter hours can be added as needed.
See Fees and Hours Page for further information about my practice.
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Taoist Proverb
For more information on Experiential Couples Psychotherapy please see Rob Fisher’s article here. The major influences in my Coupleswork include: Terry Real, David Schnarch, Resmaa Menakem, Devi Records, John and Julie Gottman, Sue Johnson, Stan Tatkin, David Richo, Sherrod Miller, Lisa Merlo Booth., Marshall Rosenberg, Bert Hellinger, Margo Anand, Charles and Caroline Muir. I am a “Graduate of The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy Training under Ellyn Bader Ph.D. at The Couples Institute.”
Family Therapy Elders include: Virginia Satir, Murray Bowen, Salvador Minuchin, Jay Haley, Cloe Madanes, Suzanne Pope, Jan Raynak, Devi Records (founding member of The Hakomi Institute and originator of Hakomi Couples Work).
“When my partner and I came into to Jaci’s office, we were completely at a loss as to how to move forward in a kind and loving way in our 8 plus year relationship. I’ve been to many therapists in my life and wasn’t expecting much because I knew our situation had decayed severely…the anger was palpable in both of us. I was amazed at Jaci’s ability to use tools to make us understand what we were doing to further corrode the relationship and more tools to give us ways to communicate in sane and constructive ways. She gave us words to use that immediately allowed openings in communication and understanding. Those tools and words changed the course of our downward spiral and helped us continue healing. I can’t thank Jaci enough for her professionalism and wisdom.” M.B.-Boulder
"Our session was very impactful for both of us.. it was inspiring, revealing and humbling. Thank you for gently guiding us to what we needed to see. “ GW+DK, -Boulder
Getting on Board for Coupleswork ( warning: is not a gender-neutral article, but it's a good orientation)
https://lisamerlobooth.com/healing-your-relationship/?inf_contact_key=de9094e04360be0e09979193affa0220
Helpful Blog: https://lisamerlobooth.com/blog/
Podcast with Terry Real and Rebecca Wong about Relational Life Therapy
https://connectfulness-practice.captivate.fm/episode/terry-real-us-conciousness
UPCOMING COUPLES workshops and RETREATS 2024:
LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC WELCOME
