Category Archives: Couples Therapy Menlo Park/Palo Alto

Adult ADHD Relationships

Posted on by Phil Boissiere
03 Dec

There is considerable information out there about adult ADHD relationships. Unfortunately, the bulk of this information focuses on the negative effects adult ADHD has on relationships. I think it is of equal importance to give some attention to how adult ADHD can actually prevent the person with ADHD from being empowered in their relationship. This lack of empowerment can limit one’s ability to change or even get out of a bad relationship.

I see this often with clients who “come out of the ADHD fog” as I have named it. When adults are too distracted, forgetful, or struggling to maintain work or school performance, they often don’t have the psychological resources to address their romantic relationships. Something that also makes this problem worse, is that most adults with ADHD have considerable shame and self-doubt, which leads them to believe that any relationship struggles they face, are their own fault. It is true that adult ADHD can wreak havoc on relationships. However, this does not give clemency to the non-ADHD partner, nor does it mean that issues unrelated to adult ADHD also plague some relationships.

It is an honor to accompany my clients on their journey towards change. We all deserve healthy, symbiotic, and supportive relationships. Those people challenged by adult ADHD need to know and believe that also, so they may advocate for themselves and shape their lives in a positive way. There are many people walking around San Francisco that I have worked with around adult ADHD relationships through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), skills training, and relationship work. To know that there are people who are out of the fog and living life to it’s fullest, and know that I touched their lives, gives me a great big smile inside.

Couples Counseling San Francisco

Posted on by Phil Boissiere
20 Nov

San Francisco and the surrounding areas (Silicon Valley, Berkeley, Menlo Park, Palo Alto etc.) are full of psychotherapists providing couples counseling. Unfortunately, there seems to be a large amount of therapists treating couples without adequate direction and focus on goals. It is very common for a couple to come to me with the same complaints about previous therapy. Often the husband or boyfriend feels “ganged up on” or the couple feels that they paid weekly to fight in-front of someone and were sent home without anything to try or practice.

I work diligently with couples of all combinations to quickly identify the reasons that have brought them to my office, their individual goals, and their shared goals. I believe it is paramount to have clear goals in couples therapy in order for it to be effective. Couples in San Francisco and the Silicon Valley are often pressed for time and want to feel that they are being provided with tools and skills to improve their relationship on a weekly basis. My entire practice, whether working with individuals or couples in therapy is focused on using research based and targeted treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

In my work with couples in counseling, I bring in elements of the Gottman Method, Relational Life Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in a way that is specific to the couple. No two couples are the same and every couple deserves individualized treatment.

If my approach sounds like a good fit you and your partner, give me a call so we can explore working together.

Contact Phil here.