Jæren Couples Therapy
Welcome to Jæren Couples therapy
Jæren couples therapy is based in Bryne only half an hours drive from Stavanger and 20 mins from Forus and Sandnes. I am a native English speaker and offer couples therapy in both English and Norwegian, but also specialise in working with expats here in Norway. You can come for couples or individual therapy, I offer both.
Are you struggling with challenges in your relationship? Do you feel like the spark has disappeared and that communication is no longer working? Are you longing for intimacy, recognition, a better emotional connection, or increased physical closeness?
Perhaps problems have arisen in the relationship that are difficult to solve. You feel that things have become stuck, and you just need a little help to improve communication and have a more positive everyday life.
Maybe you're a bit unsure if the relationship can last in the long run. You feel a distance in the relationship, and you find it difficult to regain good contact. You feel a bit discouraged.
In that case, booking couples therapy is one of the smartest things you can do for yourself and your relationship.
Why choose couples therapy?
Here are some of the things couples therapy can help with:
Rediscover Love
Better Communication
Handle conflicts
Increased Intimacy
Do you feel like you are growing apart?
Feeling lonely in your relationship?
Let's try to revive the feelings that brought you together in the first place. We will focus on increasing friendship, closeness, and recognition in your relationship, so that you begin to feel happier in your relationship.
Can't seem to understand each other?
When couples have experienced a lot of conflicts and communication problems over time, frustrations can build up. Eventually, we stop making the positive changes that create well-being and harmony in the relationship. Many couples tell me that couples therapy helped them turn this around. They began to understand each other better. They were given space and tools to communicate their needs in a way that led to them being heard.
Do you miss the physical or emotional connection you once had?
Couples therapy can provide an opportunity to strengthen the emotional and physical intimacy between you. This happens gradually and in a way that feels safe and good for both parties. We figure out where you're stuck and dissolve frustrations and stress surrounding this. This way, it feels good to communicate about intimacy again.
Rebuild Trust
Strengthen bonds
Make well thought out decisions
Individual Counselling
At times, couples may experience feeling disconnected from each other. We all change over time but its not always easy to keep our partners updated. External pressures can stress a relationship, life changes like children or a new career can result in us forgetting to prioritise our relationship. The ratrace can quickly take over.
You will be given tasks focusing on getting to know each other again and have opportunities to reconnect. Couples therapy can help you create safe and good framework to start dreaming together again.
Are you wondering if breaking up or divorce is the right option? I offer empathetic guidance as you navigate through this challenging decision-making process. You'll have a safe space to explore feelings and options. This happens without agenda and with respect for the fact that the final decision lies with you.
On the other hand if you are facing a break up involuntarily I will help support you through that process so that you can navigate the practical issues and the pain, and can feel stronger again.
Do you need individual counselling or support?
Many choose to come to me for individual guidance, whether they are in a relationship or not. Some seek me out for help in getting through a breakup. Others come to process the past, change entrenched patterns, cope with stress/anxiety, or overcome unhealthy coping strategies. I have helped people get through burnout, make life changing decisions and recover from years of social anxiety. I have a range of modalities and therapeutic techniques and many years experience working in the field of mental health.
If you need individual counselling you are more than welcome to book an individual session with me.
Hi! I'm Marilyn
I'm down to earth and friendly and love my work!
Jeg snakker Norsk flytende og er vant med å ha terapitime på Norsk vel som Englelsk. Du finner min Norsk siden her.
I assist couples in rebuilding bridges towards each other, helping them heal past wounds, work through emotions, build communication, and increase emotional and/or physical intimacy.
I facilitate the process so that you can experience a shift from "you or me" to "we".
Working with me will help you build upon the strengths you already have in your relationship. At the same time, it overcomes some of the challenges so that you can become closer to your partner again.
I also work with many individuals. You don't need to have your partner with you in therapy, although it would be beneficial if you can. But even one person changing things in a relationship can change the whole dynamic.'
My clients describe me as warm, caring, understanding, and empathetic. Often, I am told, "they wouldn't be where they are today without my help". I have dedicated my life to helping people have healthy relationships with themselves as well as partners. I am committed to helping people achieve results as quickly as possible in an environment that feels safe.
I have a master's degree in social work, and before becoming a couples therapist, I have 15 years of work experience in public mental health services, including leadership experience. I have taken numerous courses/advanced training including clinical couples therapy with the Gottman Institute, Emotionally Focused Therapy with Couples, Organisational Psychology, and Rapid Transformational Therapy. I have worked as couples therapist in Stavanger as will as online.
Therapy with me can take place in person in my office, or online or a combination of both, it's completely up to you and both work equally well.
Kind words from Marilyn's clients
"I felt safe and well taken care of by Marilyn. I feel much happier and more content, with a lot more confidence. I trust my feelings more, and it's easier for me to set boundaries for myself. The changes that therapy has brought me have improved my quality of life. It's also very good that Marilyn works so intensively to bring about change. Thank you so much for guiding me through this, Marilyn!"
"I would highly recommend Marilyn to others, and I have already recommended her to friends. Marilyn is a very skilled therapist, and I have absolute confidence in her confidentiality. She inspires others and helped me regain confidence in myself. She is very kind and compassionate, and clearly motivated to help others."
"Marilyn made me feel relaxed and comfortable talking about a very private issue. I have experienced changes and feel that I am moving forward with what is a complex and personal issue. She is knowledgeable and experienced and makes you feel safe. Marilyn has a very thorough and professional approach to her work and helps you relax quickly."
"Marilyn is a fantastic therapist. She is genuinely very caring and has a lovely relaxed, soothing approach to her sessions: I felt very comfortable with her, even in the first session. She suggested many practical tools to aid in healing and moving forward."
"Thank you so much for the pleasant conversations! Very liberating for both of us and good to have the different emotions we're dealing with explained by a third party!"
"Marilyn is completely attentive and made me feel seen and heard throughout all of my sessions. She understood my perspective but also suggested other viewpoints so I could consider perspectives I may not have thought of before. I found her to be quiet, gentle in her approach, yet still empathetic. Working on yourself to heal and improve overall isn't an easy task, but Marilyn always made the impossible seem possible. She always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself."
Frequently asked questions about couples therapy with Marilyn
Is it normal to go in couples therapy? How do I know that it is the right time?
It has become much more common to seek couples therapy, and it's great to see. There's no doubt that being in a relationship requires effort. There are many factors that may have caused couples to lose focus or prioritize their relationship for a while. Couples therapy provides you with space and peace to do just that.It's very common for couples to go through phases where things are difficult. We don't know how to have the 'good' arguments, and how to regulate our own emotions when we feel hurt, disappointed, or angry.If you're considering couples therapy, the time is now, the sooner the better. :) Research shows that the average couple waits 6 years from experiencing relationship challenges to actually seeking help. Don't wait that long! Almost every couple I meet says they wish they had started earlier. It would have saved them a lot of frustration, misunderstanding, or pain. Learn tools to improve one of the most important relationships you have in your life!
How long does it take to start experiencing a difference?
Most people leave the first session with renewed hope and a slightly better understanding of each other and the dynamics in the relationship.Some go to couples therapy only a few times, while others choose to invest a bit more time in the process. Between 3 and 5 sessions are common, some want a little more time. Most notice improvement after one or two sessions. Often, it depends on what has happened in the relationship and what challenges there have been.Regardless, it's up to you how much time you want to invest. I am focused on helping you achieve good results as quickly as possible.I establish good rapport with the couples I work with. Some choose to come back later for a refresher or during major life changes/important decisions.
What sort of couples do you work with?
I have worked with couples of all ages and life stages. From early 20s and newlyweds, to those who have been together for 35 years. I have also helped couples struggling after having children. I work with people who have experienced divorce, and people who have 'yours, mine, and ours' children. It is a given that I work with people regardless of sexual orientation, sexual preferences, religious/ethnic background, or relationship status.The people I work with have different challenges. Some have been together for a long time and feel they have lost feelings. Others have experienced or discovered breaches of trust, some struggle with handling the transition to becoming a family with children, some are on the verge of divorce. Some argue a lot, others have almost stopped communicating altogether.Regardless of the situation you are in; at Jæren couple therapy, you will experience that there is time and space to figure things out.
Can I come alone?
Yes, absolutely.
If you're seeking help for your relationship, I recommend first and foremost that both of you attend if possible. There are significant benefits to starting the process together. Along the way, I can also offer individual sessions to each of you if desired.However, there can be many reasons why you might not bring your partner along. Perhaps you're in a situation where the other person doesn't want to attend couples therapy, or you yourself need help and guidance. In that case, I offer individual sessions.I also offer individual sessions that don't necessarily focus on relationships. I have a lot of experience working with people who are struggling, approaching a breaking point, or facing challenges in their work or personal lives. You're welcome to book a session or reach out if you feel this is something for you.
We have tried couples therapy before. Is there any point in trying again?
Yes, absolutely. There can be many reasons why couples therapy didn't work for you the first time. I have worked with several couples who have come to me after trying couples therapy before, and they have been very satisfied. You definitely have nothing to lose by trying again. :)
Can we talk about intimate things like sex? Do we have to talk about sex?
It's entirely up to each individual couple what they want to talk about.I am very comfortable discussing intimate topics if couples are okay with it. Several couples I have worked with have chosen couples therapy precisely because they experience challenges with intimacy. Many have said that it was a great relief to understand a bit more about what happens in a relationship when sex becomes a challenge. Suddenly, this topic wasn't so 'scary' anymore.Of course, this is entirely optional; you don't need to talk about sex. Some couples choose to wait until later in the process if physical intimacy is a challenge in the relationship. Some choose not to address it at all.
Do you have experience working with couples where the issue is breaches in trust or affairs?
Yes, I have guided couples through a process that helps them work through infidelity and rebuild trust in each other. I do this with respect for both parties and with an understanding that they have different needs. I provide professional input on what helps, as well as what is common to feel/experience. You'll receive tips on how to reconnect with each other again. I have helped several couples build a strong relationship after a breach of trust, some of them have said that they have a better relationship now then ever. Feel free to book a session, and I can tell you more about this process.
How do we pay?
Payment is very simple, it is done via Vipps at the end of each session. The rate is 1390 NOK per hour. If you would like a 90 minute session or a double sesson let me know. Prices include 25% VAT.
Office: Forum Jæren, Hetlandsgata 9 , Bryne
Call 92219172
Email:marilynpaulatherapy@gmail.com
Marilyn Paula Therapy AS
Org nr 927 129 590