The Arizona Relationship Institute, Author at Arizona Relationship Institute

February 2, 2024February 2, 2024

What Is Bilateral Stimulation?

EMDR Therapy is a very effective psychotherapy technique that helps deal with distressing thoughts and traumatic memories via rhythmic eye movements. These movements are a form of bilateral stimulation.

What Is Bilateral Stimulation?

Bilateral stimulation is simply an alternating sound, sight, or feeling that you experience.

- Bilateral stimulation – SOUND: An example of a sound bilateral stimulation would be snapping your fingers next to your ears, alternately left hand/ear, then right hand/ear. Do this over and over again.
- Bilateral stimulation – SIGHT: An example of a sight bilateral stimulation would be a light pen being run back and forth from left to right in front of your eyes like a doctor does to check your pupils.
- Bilateral stimulation – Feeling: An example of a feeling bilateral stimulation would be crossing your arms across your chest and tapping your shoulders: right hand/left shoulder, then left hand/right shoulder alternately. Do this over and over again.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

By moving your eyes in a certain rhythmic pattern and focusing on traumatic memories or thoughts, the brain is re-trained or “re-processed” to associate more positive emotions with the stimuli. EMDR and Bilateral Stimulation both can help individuals and therapists to deal with a wide variety of mental health concerns. EMDR usually uses a visual form of bilateral stimulation.

EMDR in Arizona

The Arizona Relationship Institute Staff is fluent in a number of psychotherapy techniques including bilateral stimulation, tapping, and EMDR Therapy.

Learn More About EMDR Therapy at AZRI >>

Bilateral Tapping for Anxiety

A very basic form of bilateral stimulation is “tapping,” and is used by many therapists and counselors alike. Bilateral tapping is a mind-body technique that utilizes tapping at meridian points on the body.

Bilateral Tapping Points

- - The side of your hand, just below your little finger (Karate Chop Point)
  - The top of your head (Brow Point)
  - The inside of your eye (Inner Eye Point)
  - Under your eye (Under Eye Point)
  - Beside your nose (Side of Nose Point)
  - Under your chin (Chin Point)
  - The center of your chest (Chest Point)
  - The side of your hand, just below your little finger (Karate Chop Point)

Bilateral Stimulation and EMDR Success Rates

The success rates of bilateral stimulation and EMDR for cognition and desensitization are clearly evident in recent studies to find out the exact mechanism of therapy.

Image Source: National Institute of Health (NIH) / National Library of Medicine

Tension, anxiety, depression, feelings of dejection, anger, hostility, fatigue, inertia, confusion, and bewilderment can all be desensitized using bilateral stimulation and EMDR therapy.

Reducing Anxiety with Bilateral Stimulation and EMDR Therapy

EMDR and Bilateral Stimulation both work wonders in working-through traumatic experiences and PTSD, but it also can be very helpful in treating anxiety, stress and panic.

Many anxiety sufferers familiar with bilateral stimulation and tapping can perform this stimulation on themselves in times of panic or stress. Just like counting when your mad, tapping and bilateral stimulation can unwind your emotions and “cool you off” emotionally (Desensitization) enough to get comfortably through the situation.

Bilateral Stimulation is the base mechanism used in EMDR Therapy. Therapists use and teach the skills of bilateral stimulation in EMDR therapy sessions. Bilateral stimulations and EMDR can be used to help a number of therapeutic concerns including: trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Grief, Anxiety, Panic Disorders, Mood Disorders, Depression and a range of other mental health concerns.

EMDR For Grief Therapy

Yes, EMDR can help reduce your sensitivity to stressors that cause depression, but it can also be helpful in treating grief. Not just the depression stages of grief, but all stages of grief:

- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance

Getting through the emotions of anger, bargaining, acceptance, and denial can also be aided with bilateral stimulation and EMDR Therapy. EMDR Grief Therapy helps to reduce your sensitivity to the thoughts and emotions surrounding loss that cause the negative symptoms of grief.

When you are suffering the loss of a loved one or any other deep personal loss, the symptoms of grief can show up without warning. Maybe it is a picture of a lost pet that triggers grief-depression; or, maybe seeing a friend’s life successes reminds you of your own past mistakes and chances never taken, sparking anger. These critical times when grief strikes is an opportunity to use the skills learned in EMDR to desensitize yourself to these negative stimuli, and overcome your bouts of grief.

What To Expect From Bilateral Stimulation & EMDR Therapy

You can expect a deeper insight into how your mind and emotions work, when starting EMDR Therapy. You will begin to learn the skills that therapists use to analyze behavior and your thought processes. You too will begin to see the processes of your mind unfold — you will see how triggers can stimulate you in a positive or a negative manner, and your reaction to these plays a big part in your mood, your happiness, or your sadness/anxiety.

The video above shows 1 hour of continuous Bilateral Stimulation. A bilateral beat, or a visual stimulation like this will be shown to you while you think about certain thoughts, emotions, memories, and images. The combination of your mind viewing the bilateral stimulation + your mind processing the thoughts and memories leads to a “desensitization” of these thoughts and memories.

In short, you practice dealing with the triggers of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, and over time you become de-sensitized to the triggers. They no longer evoke such a deep and profound (negative) response in you. Likewise, your brain can be trained to respond in only positive manners to stimuli that would otherwise cause a negative response.

Associating a positive memory with an otherwise sad photo can completely change the emotions that unfold in you after seeing this visual stimulus.

How to Start EMDR Therapy and Bilateral Stimulation in Arizona

The Arizona Relationship Institute and our therapists are well-versed in EMDR Therapy and Bilateral Stimulation. We use this form of therapy (in addition to CBT Therapy, EFT Therapy, and a myriad of other therapies) in our individual, couples, and group therapy sessions. If you are interested in learning more about EMDR for your concerns, or would like to start with a FREE 15 Minute Consultation, contact AZRI Today!

February 1, 2024

Therapy + Integrated Care for Chronic Illness

Therapy Plus Integrated Care for Chronic Illness in Arizona - AZRI

Chronic Illness is extremely common in the United States, with 60% of adults having at least 1 chronic disease, and 40% of adults have 2 or more chronic diseases. It is so important to not only treat the medical and physical health symptoms of chronic illness, but also to treat the mental aspects of living with chronic illness.

What is Chronic Illness?

Chronic Illnesses are defined as having 3 major traits:

- - Chronic Illnesses Last More Than 1 Year
  - Chronic Illnesses Require Ongoing Medical Care
  - Chronic Illnesses Limit Activities of Daily Life

Common chronic illnesses include: heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, ALS, Alzheimer’s and dementia, arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, bone diseases and diseases related to smoking, alcohol, and/or drug use.

Therapy For Chronic Illness Sufferers

Everyone needs therapy from time to time; when dealing with stressful times in life, major life changes, and for simply getting through life more efficiently. Those suffering from chronic illness also take a lot of mental stress alongside the symptoms of and care of their physical health concerns. These stresses are best mitigated with the help of a therapist.

Therapy for Terminal Illness Sufferers

When you or a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal disease it causes a wide range of emotions including shock, disbelief, anger, and other negative thoughts and feelings. “Anticipatory Grief” is when someone starts suffering the stages of grief BEFORE a person has passed away. Both a person diagnosed with a terminal disease, and the friends and family of a terminal patient can suffer from anticipatory grief.

How Do You Deal With a Loved One With Terminal Cancer or Disease?

It is the hardest thing a person can go through, knowing a loved one is going to die, and there is nothing you can do about it. It is a heavy burden to bear, and no one should go through that grief alone. Anticipatory grief should be worked through with a grief therapist.

It is important to work through your thoughts and feelings as you experience them (while a loved one is dying from a chronic illness), instead of keeping them bottled up to be dealt with later — which is actually an impulsive self-defense mechanism. Bottling up your grief until later only leads to more issues with regret, self blame, survivor guilt, and other negative retrospective issues.

Therapy for Diabetics

Therapy for diabetes sufferers is extremely important because of the major lifestyle impact that diabetes has as a chronic illness. Diabetes is an illness that is with you always, and affects every minor detail of your life. It is important for diabetics to share their struggles, achievements and stressors with a one-one-one therapist or within group therapy for diabetics. Therapy also helps diabetes sufferers to adhere to their testing schedules and a healthy diet.

Therapy for Chronic Oral Health & Teeth Issues

Teeth and oral health are always considered a separate category of health from your body and brain health — in terms of practice, insurance, and focuses. But just as chronic health issues can effect mental health, so can chronic oral health issues affect mental health.

A person who suffers months or even years of chronic tooth pain can also be dealing with depression, anxiety, poor self esteem, substance abuse issues, and other negative side effects that are often overlooked. It is extremely important that tooth pain and oral health issue sufferers know they have access to mental health counseling and therapy for concerns.

Quite often, a person with bad teeth, tooth, pain or oral health issues may feel very embarrassed or ashamed of their condition. This can be very detrimental to self esteem and overall mental health. It is so critical to nurture a person with therapy, and keep them going while they deal with the dental side of healing.

Therapy For Unexplained Chronic Illnesses

Quite often, doctors cannot give a diagnosis for a person’s chronic illness – either because the illness is rare and cannot be named; or because doctors do not believe that there is a disease present, believing rather that the symptoms are “somatic,” or “all in their head.”

The later can be a frustrating experience for chronic illness sufferers, especially if multiple doctors and specialists cannot find a root cause for the chronic illness symptoms. At The Arizona Relationship Institute, we treat cases of Chronic Unexplained Illness twofold:

- 1. Our Integrated Doctors and Nurse Practitioners Begin Diagnostic Work to Try and Diagnose a Known Illness or Reason for the Symptoms
    - Allergists test for allergies, hay fever, asthma, etc.
    - Nutritionists check diet and health to rule out eating disorders, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies.
    - Our integrated pain, chiropractic specialists, and clinical massage therapists diagnose or rule-out bone, muscle, and nerve damage or diseases.
    - Integrated Team of Doctors specializing in Medication and Clinical Needs rule out medications causing side effects, drug and alcohol use (both present and past use), and medication interactions/accidental poisonings, etc.
  2. Our Therapists tackle the mental side of diagnostics. Their skills with diagnosing the root causes of mental health concerns can also lead doctors and clinicians to find previously missed symptoms. Therapists can help connect dots between mental and physical symptoms to draw a clearer picture of what the chronic illness actually is.

How To Get Started With Therapy For Chronic Illness

To get started on your own unique plan for therapy, you simply start your Free 15 Minute Consultation with The Arizona Relationship Institute in Mesa, AZ. We have a number of therapists, associate therapists, and student interns that can meet a wide range of therapy needs. Call or Contact Us Today!

January 15, 2024December 30, 2023

Therapy and Doctor for Sexual Pain and Discomfort

Therapist and Doctor for Pain and Discomfort During Sex - Sexual Pain Doctor

Many young men and women are confused or scared about pain during or after sex, and are not sure what to do. We wanted to make sure that everyone has the basic information on what to do if you have problems with pain or discomfort during or after sexual intercourse.

Sex Pain and Discomfort Doctors

First, it is important to rule-out any Sexually Transmitted Diseases as the root cause of the pain and discomfort. Your doctor or general physician can perform an STD test, or you can obtain information on local STD testing services from your local government services. For STD testing in Mesa, Arizona, you can check the Maricopa County STD Testing Information.

For our guests of AZRI, we can help you with our integrated nurses and physicians as referrals for and medical needs.

Finding the Root Causes of Sexual Pain & Discomfort

Once you can rule-out any communicable diseases as the cause of sex pain, it is important to also ensure that there are no physical issues with the sexual organs, pelvis, and muscles surrounding the pelvic area. Quite often your doctor may find that the pain and discomfort during or after sex is related to a completely different medical condition like herniated vertebrae in the back, pressure on the spine, herniated intestines, or undiagnosed infections.

Types of Sexual Pain and Discomfort During Sex

Pain during sex is called: dyspareunia. It is more common in females (female dyspareunia), though men also can experience pain and/or discomfort during sex (male dyspareunia).

Psychosomatic Pain & Discomfort During Sex

If your doctor cannot find any medical reason for pain and discomfort during sex, they may consider that the pain is “psychosomatic,” or the physical symptom of a mental issue. This is where it is important for your doctor and a sex therapist to work together on the problem

Sex Therapy and Doctors for Sex Pain & Discomfort in Mesa, AZ

At the Arizona Relationship Institute (AZRI), we specialize in cases of psychosomatic pain and discomfort during sex. Our therapists work with you to find the root causes of the pain and discomfort and help you to find intimacy, love and pleasure in sexual intercourse with your partner.

Sex Pain Therapy for Men in AZ

Arizona Relationship Institute (AZRI) can help men experience pain and discomfort during sex, as well as counsel the couples on overcoming the issues in the meantime. Pain on Ejaculation may be caused by the prostate gland and Chronic Protasis. Peyronie’s Disease (Curved Penis) or the general shape of the penis can cause pain in both men and women. Phimosis, is a condition where the foreskin of the penis is too tight, and this too can cause pain and discomfort in women.

Therapy for Sex Pain and Discomfort Caused by Sexual Positions

Often, it is the positions used during sex that cause the pain and discomfort. For couples experiencing pain during sex, your therapist may encourage the exploration of different positions. If other positions cause less pain or no pain at all, it can help point out any physical issues causing the pain.

Allergic Reactions During Sex

Allergic reactions can occur during sex — either from prophylactics and lubricants that are being used during sex, or other foreign matter such as soaps, body washes or other chemicals on the body. Pain during oral sex and allergic reactions from oral sex may also occur. It is important for you and your therapist to find the root causes of the pain, so they will want to rule-out any allergies.

We have an integrated allergist to help with any allergy testing needs at Arizona Relationship Institute. Get Therapy and an Allergist with our integrated team. Allergy Testing provided by Family Allergy Clinic and Wellness Center in Mesa, AZ.

Painful Orgasm and Learning How to Have Healthy Orgasms

Have you ever fought-back against a sneeze and you sneezed anyway and it was painful? This same situation can also happen with both male and female orgasms. Men and women need to allow their orgasms to progress from start to finish in an uninterrupted and health flow.

Negative thoughts, emotions, and actions during orgasm can impede a healthy orgasm and actually leave you with a painful orgasm. A Sex Therapist for Sex Pain and Discomfort will help you to learn the importance of healthy orgasmic processes and ensure that you are allowing yourself to orgasm and ejaculate completely and healthily.

Male and Female Genitalia Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Penises and vaginas are all different shapes, and erogenous zones shift around on different people. What one person finds pleasurable, another might find painful. Some penises have foreskin, and others do not. Some women have a smaller clitoris than others, and some women only feel pleasure in the clitoris while others are vaginally-stimulated and may find clitoral contact painful.

So how do you know what is the correct action or spot down there? Talking! Talk is the backbone of healthy sex, but is often missed-out on by less open couples. You need to have an openness to communicate and listen, but also you need to be open to changes and trying new things. Listening and responding to the needs of your partner is also important.

Having A Healthy Discussion About Pain During Sex

It is important for couples to be comfortable with each other and comfortable in talking to each other about pain during sex. A sex therapist should be involved if the couple is having issues with communication or openness about the problem.

Arizona Sex Therapists at AZRI are often needed to “break the ice” and open the topic for conversation between couples. Shyness about the problem or simply not knowing how to bring it up can keep couples from even mentioning the issue, let alone fixing it. Sex therapists provide couples with a safe, comfortable, and professional environment in-which they can open-up and tackle the issues.

Sex Therapy for Going from Okay Sex to Great Sex

Sex therapists can not only help couples to move from painful and uncomfortable sex to pleasurable sex, they can also help couples move from mediocre sex to great sex. Just like it is important to be open and communicate about serious sexual issues like pain and discomfort, it is important for you to communicate to your partner when you are looking for even more out of your sexuality.

Great sex is memorable, and connects you and your partner at a deeper level. Sex therapists can help you to ask the right questions, and take the right steps to move from sex that leaves you contented to sex that leaves you amazed.

Sex Therapists for All A Couple’s Intimacy Problems

At AZRI, we are world-premier sex therapists — utilizing the EFT Sex Therapy approach pioneered by our founder Doctor Lisa Gold. What sets us apart from other sex therapists is an attention to the “intimacy” between couples. This intimacy is a powerful blend of love, sexuality, and caring, emotional connections.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation for Sex Therapy with AZRI!

January 1, 2024December 25, 2023

Overcoming The Trauma of Infidelity And Betrayal

Anyone who has been cheated-on knows the deep pain that infidelity causes. Cheating is a betrayal that cuts deep and scars a person mentally and emotionally for years. In 2024, we now know the importance of treating trauma and traumatic experiences in order to keep positive mental health. We also know that betrayal and trauma caused by cheating and infidelity is extremely important to treat, as it can spiral into worsening emotional and mental problems if left untreated.

Cheating: The Ultimate Betrayal

Some individuals (both men and women) can take a nonchalant look at cheating, considering it “not a big deal” or a part of their own open sexuality. But even in open sexual relationships, feelings can get hurt, messages can get mixed, and people develop a feeling of betrayal.

Some serial-cheaters themselves are deeply racked with their own feelings of betrayal, and sub-consciously or consciously tie their own infidelities with negative feelings of resentment, remorse, and regret.

Overcoming Soft Infidelity

So-called “soft infidelity” is a rising trend in the social media age. Men and women alike can put way too much personal info or intimate images out onto Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and other platforms. Jealousy issues from Instagram and Social Media can arise between couples leaving 1 or both partners feeling betrayed.

In an over-sexualized society like we have today, many social media influencers, artists, models, and content producers may feel pressured to sexualize themselves more in their art, photos, dress, and behaviors. If your job is to sell your sexiness, beauty, image, or appeal, your significant other may develop negative feelings in-time.

These feelings can lead to infidelity from both sides, with one or the other partner cheating. Overcoming these challenges in a relationship is NOT impossible, but takes work and communication. Work and communication is aided with the help of a sex therapist or couples therapist.

When Should You See A Therapist After Being Cheated On?

If the issues are causing you any mental strain at all, and you cannot deal with it yourself, you should consider the help of a therapist. That is what therapists are here for, to assist you in dealing with your thoughts and feelings. The thoughts and feelings that erupt after the betrayal of infidelity are quite immense and usually quite negative. Dealing with so many negatives at once is difficult for even the soundest of people; so, don’t be ashamed to reach out for help.

Taking Friends Advice On Infidelity

Our blog on “Taking Relationship Advice From Friends and Family” does a great job of explaining why friends and family are not certified, trained therapists and not the best answer for your therapeutic needs. In general, don’t take relationships advice from your friends and family, or at least take it with a large grain of salt.

Dealing with the Trauma of Infidelity

The first order of business is to treat the initial trauma of infidelity in the person being cheated-on. The feelings of shock, disgust, disbelief, and grief can take an emotional toll on the individual and cause them to make rash decisions, lose control of their emotions, or engage in unhealthy behaviors themselves.

No “Eye For An Eye” Cheating

The worst idea you can have in response to infidelity is to think that you “deserve” to cheat also, or that cheating yourself will also cause your significant other the same pain you are feeling. This is a rash decision that can have significant negative repercussions on your mental and physical health.

Also, be very careful about immediately pursuing other relationships or sexual encounters immediately after experiencing the betrayal of infidelity and being cheated-on. Once again, you may think you “deserve” the new encounter or relationship, but that is not a healthy way to start a relationship.

Overcoming Trust Issues After Infidelity

The biggest therapy issue facing those who have been cheated-on is learning to trust again. Men and women alike identify a lack of trust in their partner as the longest-lasting of the negative symptoms of trauma from infidelity. Many cheaters themselves also are acting out of their own long-term symptoms of trauma, including deep trust issues.

Ironically it is often a lack of trust that makes many individuals cheat; a lack of trust that they are loved or cared for, or lack of trust that anyone will be sexually faithful to them.

Trauma-Informed Therapists in Mesa Arizona

At the Arizona Relationships Institute (AZRI) in Mesa, we focus on overcoming the hardest of challenges in relationships, especially infidelity. Additionally, many of our therapists are expertly trained in the latest trauma-informed therapies and trauma-focused education. As an institution, we recognize the large part that trauma plays on the human psyche and the importance of treating trauma for a healthy and sound mind, body and soul.

Therapy for Overcoming Cheating and Infidelity

If you have experienced a particular devastating betrayal in your life that has caused you significant trauma, we invite you to reach out to the Arizona Relationship Institute or other Competent Trauma Therapists to start the healing process.

Without overcoming infidelity, many individuals let the effects of trauma last for months or even years, and allow the trauma to negatively affect positive relationships with good people. AZRI wants to help you rebuild connections in your life and rebuild yourself into someone who can safely and comfortably build new relationships.

December 23, 2023December 20, 2025

The Therapist’s Toolkit: Crafting Meaningful Goals for the New Year

As the New Year approaches, we are sure to hear “New Year, New You”. You may even be hearing this from yourself. This is the year!!! The year you are going to lose weight, get your finances in order, good back to school…Get your life together. While it is not uncommon to want to set goals for the new year, it is uncommon to still be working or holding to those goals come mid-March.

So how do we set goals and give ourselves the best chance of reaching them? Well, much of that has to do with how we are setting those goals. It is essential to approach goal setting with intention and mindfulness. Use the following 5 steps to set goals for the best chance of reaching them and experiencing the “New Year, New You” everyone talks about.

The Therapist’s Toolkit: Crafting Meaningful Goals for the New Year

Step 1: Reflect on the Past Year: Before setting goals for the future, it’s important to reflect on the past year. As a therapist, I encourage clients to take stock of their achievements, challenges, and areas for growth. Reflecting on what went well and what could have been better is crucial for laying a solid foundation for setting meaningful New Year goals. If done right, this can be difficult to do. We have to be willing to sit in uncomfortable spaces and think about areas where we did not show up how we would have liked and what caused us to show up in the manner we did. Learning to own what we need to own is a huge area of growth and where we need to be honest with ourselves. It can be hard and uncomfortable but will also lead you to real areas of growth.

Step 2: Identify Your Values: When was the last (or first) time you sat down and wrote out what your values are as an individual, couple or family? Goals that are aligned with your core values tend to be more fulfilling and empowering. Take some time to identify your values—the principles and qualities that matter most to you. Are you striving for better relationships, improved health, career advancement, or personal development? Clarifying your values will guide you towards setting goals that resonate with your authentic self.

Step 3: Be SMART: Therapy is one of the many places where the SMART framework is used to set goals. Becoming familiar with and applying this approach to your new year’s goals can bring clarity and structure to your aspirations.

Specific: Think about what it is you want to achieve; then break it down. Then break it down again. Keep breaking it down until it is as specific as possible. “I want to lose weight”, is not specific. What are you truly looking to do, do you want to gain muscle, lose fat, become more flexible? How are you planning on accomplishing this. Change your diet? Lift weights? Start Yoga?

Measurable: Establish clear criteria on how you want to measure your progress. Will it be the number of times you go to the gym? How many days in a week do you prioritize self-care?

Achievable: Ensure your goals are realistic and attainable. Setting the bar too high can lead to discouragement, while aiming too low may not push you to grow. Find the sweet spot that challenges you while being feasible.

Relevant: Do your goals align with your values and broader life aspirations. Ensure they are meaningful to you and contribute to your overall well-being.

Time-Bound: Assign a timeline to your goals to keep yourself accountable. Set deadlines or milestones along the way to monitor your progress and make adjustments if needed. If you are not hitting the milestones, stop and reevaluate the goal. Does it align with your values? Is it realistic? Dose it possibly need to be broken down more. Don’t give up; but do take time to look at the goal again.

STEP 4: Self-Compassion: Goal setting often goes hand-in-hand with self-criticism and perfectionism. As a therapist, I encourage cultivating self-compassion throughout the goal-setting process. Speak to yourself the same way you would your friend, child, or dog if they were trying to reach a goal. When a toddler is learning to walk and they take those first few steps and fall, you don’t say “you’re so stupid, if you couldn’t do it the first time you will never walk.” No, you encourage them…” come on baby you can do it just keep trying.” Practice that same compassion with yourself. Remember, setbacks and challenges are natural. Be kind to yourself when you encounter obstacles. Self-compassion allows you to learn from setbacks and rebounds with renewed determination.

Step 5: Seek Support: Change is hard, and having support can make all the difference. Reach out to loved ones, get an accountability partner. The two of you don’t have to be working on the same goal to hold each other accountable. Consider working with a therapist to help you navigate the ups and downs of your goal-setting journey. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can provide encouragement, accountability, and valuable insights.

Therapy for Setting Goals

Setting goals in the new year can be an empowering and transformative process when approached with intention. By working through the above 5 steps, you can set yourself up for success in the coming year. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace the growth and self-discovery that accompanies your pursuit of these goals.

May this new year bring you fulfillment, resilience, and abundant opportunities for personal growth.

Be Mindful, stay compassionate with yourself and Have Fun…

November 12, 2023December 2, 2023

Male Therapists or Female Therapists? Which Is Better For Your Needs?

This is an important question that each individual seeking therapy must ask when trying to find a therapist nearby. It is also incredibly important to be open-minded and overcome gender stereotypes when looking for a therapist.

Men and women can BOTH learn a lot from therapy with a male therapist, just as they can with a female therapist. Your admissions specialist may even recommend that you see both a male and female therapist at the same time or off-and-on between the two.

The Differences Between Male and Female Mindsets

Men think differently than women, and women think differently than men — this is the way nature made us, and it is a very intelligent design, actually. Males and females work together with their strengths and weaknesses to form a better single unit.

Females tend to have similar thinking patters while males tend to share the opposite thinking patterns; this leads to 2 distinct perspectives to every problem, a side-view and top view, if you will. Just as you can turn a Two-Dimensional Drawing (2D) into a Three-Dimensional Drawing (3D) with an additional perspective, you can see problems and their solutions more clearly with an additional DIFFERENT perspective.

Gender Preferences For Therapists

Usually a person already has a preferred gender in-mind for their therapist before they start searching for nearby therapists. In the beginning, patients of therapists are very adamant about the gender of a therapist that they want to see: male or female. Quite often, patients are also very adamant that they DO NOT want to be seen by a therapist of a certain gender. Your intake specialist will take your preferences into consideration when matching you with the best therapist that matches your needs.

Should Men See A Male Therapist and Women See A Female Therapist?

It is a popular opinion and pre-conceived notion that women should automatically see a female therapist, and men should see a male therapist. This is NOT TRUE, and in some cases, matching a patient and a therapist solely on gender can lead to a mismatch with your counselor / therapist.

In the cases of sexual trauma, sexual dysfunction, and other sensitive topics, the gender of the therapist may weigh more heavily on the decision of which therapist is best for you. However, intake specialists see past many gender and cultural stereotypes, and focus on therapeutic specializations and experience.

The Benefits of a Female Therapist for Therapy

Females (in general) are more emotionally-minded than males, and they are much better-equipped to give their perspective on your concerns from an emotional standpoint, whereas males are more logic-minded and give a more mechanical perspective from a standpoint of what is logical (to them). These are very general perspectives and are gender stereotypes themselves; each therapist brings their own unique perspective, experiences, and education to the therapy session, and their dedication should always exceed their own gender and/or knee-jerk stereotypes.

Why Women Should Consider Seeing a Male Therapist

Some of the best advice many women have gotten has come from men, and likewise the best advice men have gotten as often come from women. Women see their own problems from their own FLAT (2D) point of view most of the time, but can see their own problems and concerns from a second perspective with the view of a male therapist.

Using this better view of both sides of their problems, a women can find their own solution to mental and emotional problems on their own. Likewise, the same process can happen with men who see female counselors.

Why Men Should Consider Seeing a Female Therapist

Men should consider seeing a female therapist for their own emotional and mental health concerns to get a different perspective of the concerns. Quite often the very first session with a female therapist can show a man the female perspective on their problems. This new perspective can offer better and quicker successes in therapy than may have been achieved without the unique perspective of a female therapist.

Relationships Problems in Men Versus Women

In therapy and counseling for relationships and sexual, intimate relationships, men have a tendency to only want to discuss the issues with another man. Vice-versa, women are compelled to only want to divulge their sexual and relationship secrets to another women. This comes from our social standards — in society; men are expected and taught to discuss and learn-from each others intimacy and relationship issues in a group of men, while women are encouraged to keep their discussions within their own gender group.

Relationships are built on the bridging of opposites — you learn each others’ differences and similarities. You and your significant other meld your own personalities together and your relationship becomes a part of you. Looking at your own relationships and diagnosing problems with it is as difficult as looking at yourself and diagnosing your own faults. This is why we usually seek the outside opinions of our friends for relationship problems.

Because of our own gender stereotypes, and what we are taught is normal, men tend to only feel comfortable talking about their relationship problems with other men, and women with women. This usually does NOT help, and is why we seek further advice from a therapist. At this point is important to be open-minded to the therapeutic opinions of the opposite sex.

Being Open to Cultural Uniqueness in Your Therapist

Just as you should be open to the idea of a therapist of the opposite gender, you should openly embrace the cultural differences you and your therapist share. Even if you are in a heterosexual relationship, you can benefit from the perspective of an individual in an LQBTQ+ relationship, just as queer, gay, and lesbian couples can benefit from the perspective of a heterosexual male or female.

Everyone has unique backgrounds, and when people of different background get together and simply talk, that is when the magic of humanity happens. Someone from the “East Coast” can learn from the perspective of a person from the “West Coast,” Christians can learn from the culture and perspective of those of the of faiths, and so-on…

Be Open-Minded in Your Search For a Therapist

Our best advice is to be open-minded to a therapist who DOES NOT share the same gender as you, especially for emotional, mental, and intimacy therapy. Breakthroughs in therapy happen when you see your problems from a different perspective and are able to take-action to resolve those problems. Breakthroughs are harder to attain if you are staying only in your comfort zone versus seeing your problem from all different sides.

It is important for you to be open-minded to your therapist’s background and characteristics, just as it is important for them to be open-minded to yours…

At The Arizona Relationship Institute We Have a Diverse Team of Different Genders, Gender Identities, Cultural Backgrounds, and Faiths

We Invite You To Start A Free 15 Minute Consultation to See Which Therapist Matches Your Needs Best! Your Match May Surprise You, and That Is A Good Thing!

Meet our Team >>

October 15, 2023December 2, 2023

What is Polyvagal Theory?

The “Polyvagal Theory” is an idea that people have a range of physiological/psychological states in our everyday behaviors that affect our overall health and wellness. Simply-put, the idea is that our nervous system has a “mind of its own” and regulates our mental and physical health. It does this without the brain and our consciousness being aware that it is happening.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) per Polyvagal Theory

The Polyvagal Theory theorizes that an Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) not only acts as an autopilot for the body, but suggests to us how we should consciously react to situations. This is thought to be the mechanism behind our “instincts” that have an affect on our behaviors.

Image Source: Wikipedia | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvagal_theory

What Are The 3 Principal States Per Polyvagal Theory?

Polyvagal theory states that the mind and body moves fluidly through 3 primary states:

- Relaxed
- Immobilized
- Mobilized

Relaxed – Paraysmpathetic Nervous System | Ventral Vagal Pathway. The relaxed state is characterized by normal heart rate and muscle tone, and this state encourage the conscious being to be: Relaxed, Engaged, Curious, Creative, and Hopeful.

Immobilized – Parasympathetic Nervous System | Dorsal Vagal Pathway. The immobilized state is characterized by low heart rage and muscle tone. Immobilized individuals show low energy, and emotions of: bliss, dreaminess, tranquility, meditativeness when feeling safe. When feeling unsafe in the immobilized state, you can expect an individual to react with emotions of: depression, unhappiness, loneliness, and hopelessness.

Mobilized – Sympathetic Nervous System. The mobilized state is characherized by increase heart rate and blood pressure. Hormone flow is also elevated in the mobilized state, and accompanies increased muscle tone. Mobilized individuals are energetic, active, playful and motivated when feeling safe. When feeling unsafe, the mobilized individual shows ‘fight or flight’ emotions, is fearful, anxious and increased stress leads to feelings of impending doom.

Your Current State + Outside Stressors and Stimuli = Your Behavioral Reaction

As an example, if you are stressed and on edge (Your Current State is: Mobilized) and are subjected to another stressful situation, then the Polyvagal Theory suggests that you will most likely react with a “fight or flight” instinct.

Therapists and counselors have seen that applying the Polyvagal Theory to psychotherapy can help to analyze behavioral responses. Used in combination with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), therapists can better understand why we react and behave the way we do.

This is especially helpful in therapy for individuals with self-destructive behaviors that they cannot seem to avoid. It is often found that past trauma keeps the individual in a mobilized state more than is healthy for daily behaviors. In this mobilized state, an individual is more likely to react to stress, fear, and anger in a negative way. Helping the individual work around these states is easier for the therapist and individual once these states and behaviors are recognized.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Polyvagal Theory

DBT and the Polyvagal Theory work-together very well for therapists and those in therapy. Before we can fix the mental, behavioral and physiological issues that face us in daily life, we must first understand the issues thoroughly. Using DBT and Polyvagal Theory, therapists can find the root causes of addictive behaviors, substance abuse, sex addiction, sexual and arousal issues, anger issues, and anxiety issues.

Treating Anxiety and Panic With Polyvagal Theory

Anxiety and panic disorders leave individuals in a constant state of worry. Small details cause so much worry in anxiety sufferers, that sometimes even leaving the house or going to work is an excruciatingly painful experience. The Polyvagal Theory shows that these individuals are constantly at a mobilized state, and this constant state of nervous system arousal causes automated emotions and responses.

Recognizing that state, and being able to calm yourself into a state of relaxation can prepare you to make a more positive reaction to stressors. Some anxiety sufferers that work deeply with DBT, Polyvagal Theory and recognizing their own behaviors, are able to recognize negative thoughts BEFORE they become a negative behavior. Recognizing your own negative behaviors and changing them is a key turning point in therapy; and can be achieved more quickly when therapists are cognizant of Polyvagal Theory and implement the core principals into their own process.

Polyvagal Theory and Couples Therapy

Your Polyvagal State not only dictates your mental state, but it plays a part in your part of the state of the relationship. Think about it… the 3 states easily translate into a person’s perspective on the relationship. A person has one of 3 views on their own relationship with their intimate partner:

- Relaxed
- Immobilized
- Mobilized

We want to have a good balance between Relaxed, Immobilized and Mobilized with our partner. We need to be: strong, comfortable, and vulnerable in a healthy intimate relationship, especially a sexual relationship. Problems arise when the 3 states are imbalanced or don’t match-up (much like mismatched desires).

Sexual Trauma, Polyvagal Therapy, and Sexual Trauma Therapy

Some of the deeper work with Polyvagal Theory involves identifying the behaviors around trauma, sexual trauma, past traumatic experiences, PTSD, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Polyvagal Theory has helped therapists grasp a deeper understanding of the “fight or flight” mechanisms of the brain that are involved with trauma.

Polyvagal Theory breaks down the stages and reactions of the brain and body when a person has an “emotional shutdown” (complete Immobilization due to fear, stress, and perceived threats). Likewise, it outlines the process and behaviors surrounding aggressive or violent responses and behaviors from some individuals. This highly focused Mobilization state can also be more focused on the positive end of the spectrum also — leading to very intense and passionate responses.

Sexual Trauma Therapists at The Arizona Relationship Institute

The Arizona Relationship Institute has therapists and counselors that are specialists in dealing with trauma, PTSD, past sexual trauma, and Adverse Childhood Experiences. We invite readers to Start With a Free Consultation to find the right Therapist that matches your needs.

Polyvagal Theory at The Arizona Relationship Institute

Many of our therapists are Polyvagal Theory-Informed, competent with the principals, and/or are studying further on the topic. It is a valid theory that has shown great benefits in real-life therapy sessions.

Meet The AZRI Team >>

August 15, 2023August 22, 2023

How Therapy Can Help You Find Direction In Your Life

Therapy is not only for those with serious, complex issues; the light touch of therapy can help guide individuals through life and keep a focus on their goals and priorities. Therapy is a great option for those that are seeking advice about their lives and directions in life, but have more questions than friends and family can answer.

Nobody ‘Has It All Figured Out’ in Life

There is no secret formula that will guarantee that you make all the right moves and decisions in life. We all do our best to ponder the choices and opportunities we have, and try and make the best set of decisions that lead us to a better outcome.

It is scientifically-proven that group discussion (including 2 or more individuals) will yield more perspectives and evidence for decision-making than just a single person can conjure-up themselves. Even the most open-minded people can have narrow views and perspectives on topics — especially when it is about themselves. Therefore, outside eyes and ears can help us see picture our lives differently.

Affordable Therapy Options offer individuals an outside, objective perspective on their life problems, struggles, challenges, and questions. This outside perspective is NOT meant to TELL you what to do in life, it is meant to help you better-decide what to do in life.

Do I Need A Therapist or a Life Coach? Is there a Difference?

It all depends on the unique aspects of YOUR life and your journey. A life coach is primarily for those who ONLY need the moral support and constant push from someone else to keep up their own endurance. Like a “hype-man” or someone that builds you up and pushes you through to your goals.

Whereas, a Therapist is more of a teacher that shows you skills for building your own confidence and showing you the way towards your goals. There is a lot of overlapping area between life coaches and therapists, and it is not uncommon for an individual to work with both at different times.

At Arizona Relationship Institute, we have a large staff of therapists, life coaches, and other specialists to offer our clients a wide range of help that is as unique and varied as their individual lives.

Life Coach Therapist

The Arizona Relationship Institute invites those in Mesa, AZ and near Phoenix to inquire about our Life Coach Therapist and Therapy Services.

Affordable Therapists in Arizona

The Arizona Relationship Institute proudly works with therapists-in-training and those that are continuing their education towards becoming a full licensed therapist. These “Associate Therapists” are available to AZRI clients at a more affordable rate than our “Therapists”, and offer cost-saving benefits to our guests while giving real-world experience to our “Associates.” Learn More about our Affordable Therapy through Associate Therapists Program >>

Getting Over Grief and Getting On With Your Life

There are many obstacles in life that keep us from achieving our goals or cause us to stray from the path. Grief is the most common negative factor in life that holds us back. Fear of death, fear of grief, and unresolved grief can keep you from taking steps forward in life.

Grieving is a process that should resolve itself in “closure.” A person MUST move healthily through the stages of grief into eventual acceptance so that they can continue on with their lives. A Grief Therapist can help you overcome the negatives that are holding you back in life.

Death is not the only form of grief. People grieve the death of ideas, the closing of businesses, and the loss of friends and family (to communication issues — not death). Divorce too can cause a form of grief — where individuals mourn the death of their former life and can go through months of years of grieving.

Getting over grief is essential to healing and puts you back on the correct path in life (towards your goals) so that only should need the “light touch” of a life coach or therapist to give gentle nudges that keep you on the right track.

What Is Life Transitions Therapy?

Life is made up of phases, and the changing between these phases can be difficult. Moving from childhood to teenage years, and teenage years to adulthood, are two phases that are known for their difficulties. These awkward times in life are natural changes, but our reaction to the change can cause us to falter in life.

Individuals that do not healthily adjust to changes in their lives often fall into negative habits like drugs, drinking, and exhibit negative relationship patterns. This is where therapy and counseling are critical: when individuals are struggling to find the meaning in their lives.

Without a healthy guide through these life-changes, we run the risk of going down the wrong paths that do not lead to our goals, but rather to endless searching and questions. Life Transition Therapy in Arizona is available through The Arizona Relationship Institute.

Online Therapy to Help You Through Life

Therapy should be flexible and fit into your life. If you do not feel comfortable laying down on a couch and telling someone your problems, then that is not the style of therapy for you. Instead, you need a different approach to therapy that fits your unique needs.

At The Arizona Relationship Institute, we allow for flexibility in style and approach, and all of our therapists have their own style. This makes therapy more comfortable for those that do not know what to expect, or have only stigmatized expectations of therapy from the images of therapy on TV and Movies.

Online Therapy Options are available, as well as in-person, and group therapy options. See our Arizona Group Therapy Events coming up on the calendar…

Individual, Couples, and Family Counseling in Mesa, Arizona

At The Arizona Relationship Institute, we offer counseling and therapy for individuals, couples, and families, as well as teen and adolescent counseling. Start with your FREE CONSULTATION and see which of our many options for therapy and counseling will fit your needs best.

Feel free to contact us with any questions, and we accept patient referrals for outpatient therapy.

July 4, 2023July 23, 2023

How Does Counseling and Therapy Help Depression?

If you are suffering from depression and anxiety, counseling and therapy can help… but how exactly does it help?

Too many people think that counseling and therapy can’t help their depression/anxiety because they don’t understand how it is designed to work. This article will help you understand the mechanisms of counseling and therapy, and learn exactly how therapy helps depression.

How Therapists Help Depression & Anxiety

People need the help of a therapist or a counselor in dealing with depression and anxiety for two main reasons:

1. Therapists can teach you skills to deal with the emotions and thoughts that cause or worsen depression.
2. The ongoing sessions give an outlet for stress and allow an individual to go through the very important action of “unloading” their thoughts and emotions (opening-up, getting it off your chest, venting).

Why You Should Talk To A Therapist About Your Depression, Not Your Friends and Family

When it comes to “venting” or letting-out all the thoughts, feelings and frustrations surrounding your depression, your friends and family are NOT the best choice. It is fine if your family and friends just listen and don’t get too involved in trying to fix your problems.

The problem arises when family and friends give bad advice about your depression and anxiety. This can lead to a worsening of the smaller issues that lead to the bigger issue of looming depression and anxiety.

Depression and anxiety is like a knot your body and mind that needs to be worked-out. To work out that knot, you need precise actions in-order to untangle all of the strands. There are many smaller strands (problems, thoughts and frustrations) that make up your depression and anxiety. It requires focus on the individual strands to loosen the knot and relieve the depression and anxiety that have you “all tied up.”

What Skills Help Fight Depression?

There are numerous skills that therapists teach that can help with your depression and anxiety. The triggers for depression are just as numerous (a bad day, anxiety about an upcoming event, financial/life worries, etc.). Different skills can help to battle different triggers for depression.

For instance, if your depression is triggered or worsened by memories of childhood trauma or adverse childhood experiences, a therapist will teach you skills for dealing with the thoughts and feelings that re-surface in the form of depression and anxiety.

Skills to battle depression and anxiety may include any of the following:

- - CBT
  - EMDR
  - DBT
  - Analytical Psychotherapy
  - More…

The best medicine truly depends on what exactly triggers your depression.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) For Depression

CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is one of the leading forms of psychotherapy for depression. It is also used to help treat those with addictive behaviors (Addiction, substance abuse, and/or alcoholism), and can help you break personality traits and habits.

How CBT Helps Depression and Anxiety

Depression is characterized by periods of time when a person’s sadness is overwhelming and interferes with their day-to-day lives. Those periods of time are usually caused and worsened by “triggers.” For instance:

- A song could remind you of an ex-friend or lover…
- The thoughts of this person can remind you of past actions you are ashamed-of…
- This feeling of shame leads to doubt in yourself and thoughts/feelings that are painful or scary…
- You become anxious about your future, feel like there is “something wrong with you”, and/or feel hopeless…
- The cycle of depression digs deeper…
- More triggers cause a pileup of negative thoughts and feelings until every moment of the day is filled with only negative (Sadness, shame, anxiety, self-doubt, etc.)

The triggers are different for each person, but this is a real example of how one small strand can snowball into extended periods of depression and melancholy.

CBT Therapy teaches you how to deal with these triggers and not allow the small strands to build up into a bigger knot. CBT teaches you to look at that sad song trigger for what it really is — it is just a trigger that will lead you down a negative road if you let it… You don’t need it, and it has no bearing on your life and your happiness, whatsoever.

An individual that is experienced with CBT and has-practice will easily shrug-off the trigger and will not allow it to get to them. This is the magical difference between someone with untreated depression and someone that is working with a therapist.

The untreated may ask, “How am I supposed to just shrug it off? How am I supposed to NOT let it bother me?” Whereas, those with the skills to fight depression and anxiety recognize the trigger as something that will hurt them or make them feel bad, so they avoid it just as they would a dangerous snake or spider. CBT creates learned behaviors that keep the body and mind away from the pain and dangers of depression.

Treating Depression and Anxiety from Childhood Trauma

Depression that stems from childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and PTSD, is slightly different that melancholia or depression that stems from a chemical deficiency.

With trauma, there is a past experience that put the person into a state of danger. The danger might be from a sexual assault, physical assault, mental assault, or other perceived threat to a person’s safety. The traumatic experience itself left a “learned behavior” in the individual’s mind. The triggers for depression and anxiety in trauma victims trigger feelings of sadness, anxiety or fear in-order to “Warn” of a dangerous situation.

This warning is kind of like a short-circuit in the brain that was hard-wired by the trauma. This is why a survivor of sexual assault my be triggered into depression and anxiety by the thoughts and feelings of sex, even with a trusted partner in a safe setting. The brain is still warning of a situation that it fears.

Re-Setting Trauma Triggers for Depression

Seeing a therapist for depression can help you to learn techniques to re-wire your brain in a positive manner. Utilizing CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy can show you how to teach your brain new positive learned behaviors. Teaching your brain to relate touch of a loved one to happiness, safety and love can help to re-set the trauma triggers for depression seen in those suffering with trauma from a past sexual assault.

Learn More About CBT For Treating Clinical Depression

CBT for depression has shown such great results, that we encourage readers to read-on in our companion article HERE >>

May 14, 2023May 14, 2023

What is Discernment Therapy for Couples Counseling?

When couples are stuck in deciding whether or not to break-up, Discernment Counselors can offer a way to sort through the pros and cons of a decision in either direction.

What is Discernment Therapy for Couples Counseling?

Discernment Therapy is recommended for couples who are “ambivalent” about breaking up or divorcing. This means that they are unsure of whether or not they want to break up or stay together. Ambivalent couples tend to “lean-in and -out of their desire to break-up.

Couples needing discernment therapy and counseling are unsure of how to move-forward and are at a stalemate. A discernment relationship counseling can help couples to break the stalemate and move-forward with a decision confidently (whether that decision is to break-up or stay-together).

Discernment Therapy for Couples Looking to Make A Big Step Forward

Couples do not only use discernment therapy for the decision to end a relationship; couples can also discern whether or not to make a big step forward in the relationship: either getting engaged, married, having kids, or other life events.

What Are The Core Principles of Discernment Counseling?

Bill Doherty, a University of Minnesota counselor, developed the principals of Discernment Counseling as a way for couples to clarify whether or not their relationship problems can be fixed. The principals are based of 4 core questions that couples should ask each other and themselves:

- - What happened in the relationship that caused us to consider ending it?
  - What has been done to try and fix the relationship?
  - How do children factor in the the decision to end the relationship?
    - Either existing children or hopes for future children
  - What were the best best times we experienced in our relationship?

These 4 questions start the framework for looking-at the foundation of their relationship in the past, present and future. This foundation is the groundwork on-which the discernment of the relationship rests.

Interfaith Pre-Marital Counseling >>

Discernment Therapy Before Marriage Counseling

Often times, marriage counseling can begin with a lot of arguing and non-productive fighting and bickering. In these cases, discernment counseling BEFORE the marriage counseling can help to clear away many of the small issues that do not play a big part in the relationship, but cause a lot of arguments.

Pre-marital Counseling Services >>

By clearing away the mess, and getting the couple to ask themselves if the want to continue, the couple and the counselor start marriage counseling with the ability to get directly to the core issues.

When Should You See A Discernment Counselor?

When you are thinking about ending your relationship or taking a big step forward is the best time to see a discernment counselor. A Discernment Therapist will help couples to organize their thoughts, ideas, worries and goals. This organization helps couples to confidently make decisions about moving-forward or ending a relationship.

Separating The Decision to Save the Relationship from the Work to Save The Relationship

Not only does saving the relationship take a lot of work, but simply deciding whether or not to save the relationship is a big step. Discernment Therapy breaks it down into 2 separate phases: First, decide whether or not the relationship is worth saving. Then start building a path forward in the second phase; either a path forward together, or separately.

What Is The Difference Between Marriage Counseling and Discernment Counseling?

Couples in marriage counseling have already agreed to save their marriage. Couples in Discernment Counseling are weighing whether they want to save the marriage.

A big problem in marriage counseling is when 1 partner wants to save the marriage and the other has already decided to give up on the marriage. Marriage counseling will never be successful if the two partners have not yet agreed on whether to save the marriage — and technically, these couples are still stuck in discernment therapy, not marriage counseling.

“Is My Marriage Worth Saving?”

The 3 Conclusions of Discernment Therapy

There are 3 conclusions, or outcomes, from discernment therapy:

- - Both partners commit to the work of couples therapy (commit to fix the problems).
  - Both partners agree to proceed with a separation.
  - The partners maintain the status quo (stay stuck in the stalemate and not commit to separating or working on the relationship)

It is important to understand that the third outcome (Maintaining the Status Quo) can be maintained for years… Like Tic-Tac-Toe, it will always end in a stalemate unless the two partners both allow the game to end.

Discernment Counseling in Mesa, Arizona

At The Arizona Relationship Institute, Discernment Counseling is an integral part of all of our couples therapy and marriage counseling services. All couples must first decide whether or not the relationship is worth saving, and commit to saving the relationship — or no progress will be made.

Our therapists have a wide range of backgrounds, education, and specialties in their therapeutic backgrounds. Making us capable of successfully assisting with individuals, couples, and families in dealing with an equally wide range of issues.

Our integrated team of medical professionals, nutritional wellness technicians, behavioral health technicians, and nurses give us the ability to address numerous life-concerns that play a part in relationships.