Jill Smith and Associates

Counseling, Coaching, and Change

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  • Our Team
    • Jill Smith
    • Sarah Dover
    • Amy DeLuzio
    • Kayla Sweet
    • Terri Hallman
    • Cindy Royce
  • Therapy at JSA
    • Individual Psychotherapy
    • Couples Counseling
    • Children & Adolescents
    • Family Therapy
  • FAQs & Fees
    • FAQs
    • Fees
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Couples Counseling

Couples counseling may sound like something we would only be interested in if a relationship were failing; in fact, it is the single greatest tool that can prevent it from doing so.

Grounded in the theory and process of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we approach couples counseling through an attachment lens. We believe that when couples fall in love they become securely emotionally attached.  And that’s a good thing. Attachment helps us feel we are known, heard, understood.  We feel emotionally safe.  When this attachment is threatened through relationship strife of any kind, the fear of losing this safe feeling can become overwhelming. When we are overwhelmed, we reach for certain coping patterns we have known all our lives (we shut down and get quiet or  we lean in and fight).  These coping styles can wind up pushing us farther apart and a painful cycle ensues.

The couple therapist becomes the wise observer and broker, allowing each person to express feelings in an organized fashion. They can see things through the eyes of both parties but never take either of their sides.

If a decision has been taken to end the relationship, our therapists can also be helpful in helping to negotiate a graceful and kindly ending, one that honors the best sides of the relationship.

We believe helping couples is so import ant and the problems are so complex that we only scheduled couples with therapists  at JSA who have taken in depth trainings in EFT and have committed themselves to ongoing study and consultation in this  specific area.

Therapy At Jill Smith & Associates

  • Children & Adolescents
  • Couples Counseling
  • Family Therapy
  • Individual Psychotherapy

Phone & Fax

Phone: 803-814-5559
Fax: 800-878-7600

Two Locations

1401 ½ Calhoun Street Columbia, SC
130 Gibson Rd Lexington, SC

Email Us

[email protected]
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