Couple relationships often seem easy at first: we like the same things; it’s easy to talk to each other; it seems every little thing our partner does is magic. But over time, reality happens and the 21st century challenges to couple happiness have their way. Never before have we counted on our partners to be so much for us—companions, conversationalists, entertainers, lovers, consolers, co-parents, cooks, housekeepers, providers, and business partners. And we’re supposed to be all these things while each pursuing often demanding, stressful careers, childrearing, dealing with parents and in-laws, cultivating friendships, overcoming intercultural issues—heavy lifting indeed. 

Is it any wonder that, being human, some of us may find us wanting more from our partners in given areas while our partners are struggling, sometimes unsuccessfully, to make us happy. One partner thinks that if the other partner “would just change, everything would be fine,” while the other thinks, “if my partner would just cut me some slack or leave me alone, everything would be just fine.” If this cycle persists, frustration can turn to irritation, irritation to anger, and continued distress may leave both partners sad, lonely, and hopeless. 

Managing these challenges requires skills that are rarely taught proactively. But when both partners want to develop their relationship skills, they can make up for lost time. At BACC, we practice Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), an evidence-based therapy with research showing significant improvement in 88 percent of couples treated. We help our clients improve their communication to reverse painful negative cycles. They can restore the spirit of generosity, acceptance, and gratitude that their relationship was initially founded upon to meet modern challenges as a team—secure in their connection and love.  

Are you interested in learning more about the field of psychology?  We have openings for nonclinical internships where undergraduate, graduate, and post undergraduate students can gain experience in the field of psychology.  Nonclinical interns volunteer for the Institute for the Advancement of Psychotherapy's (IAP) group practice, providing marketing assistance, research assistance, and helping to facilitate workshops and trainings.  

Nonclinical interns are able to attend IAP trainings and workshops for free (after a period of time) and are able to participate in IAP's monthly meetings where they meet, listen to, and learn from therapists with expertise in child, adolescent, and couples therapy, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder treatment, and Cognitive Behavioral, Emotionally Focused, and Family Systems approaches.  Our clinicians work as part of our six speciality Centers: Center for ADHD, Center for Anxiety, Center for Couples, Center for Adolescents, Center for Children, Oppositional and Conduct Clinic.  It is important to note that none of our nonclinical internships involve direct work with clients, so if you are looking for direct client interaction, unfortunately it would not be possible in this internship.

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Contact us or call (415) 488-6122