Brigg Noyes, PhD

read moreWhen a relationship is off track or out of alignment, you can begin to wonder if it is even worth it any more. You're longing for her to reach out and touch you - just a hug even - but she doesn't seem to even notice you arrived home. She's clearly frazzled - the kids are yelling and who knows what kind of day she had at work. She's probably exhausted, so you decide to lovingly rub her shoulders. Rage and hurt bubble up inside you. You don't say anything because the kids are right there, but a part of you wants to do something spiteful.

read moreWe believe your relationship is meaningful - it has depth to it. Even if you've been mired in conflict or distance for years, you're here now because you want something REAL. We take this seriously and know you need more than a few simple tools or "communication skills" to get the job done. The type of therapy we do here at the Salt Lake Relationship Center is different because we teach you how to be your true self and be accepted by your partner while doing so. We first help you identify your desires and needs so you can communicate these openly and honestly.

read moreYou've had thoughts like this before. Maybe you even have thoughts like this EVERY DAY. You may not even notice them most of the time, but these thoughts are doing a number on your ability to have positive relationships. Even if you don't rationally buy into these thoughts, some subconscious part of you is a believer - every time they come up you are faced with a fear of being the authentic YOU. Wow - it's better to be safe, protect yourself from criticism and rejection if THAT's what's hiding inside.

read moreIn fact, underneath it all, you're hiding anxiety, shame, or depression. You are a mess, like you don't deserve what you have. You've worked hard to do all the "right" things in life - and you know rationally you're outwardly successful. Maybe you've reached such a point of stress and worry that you've found yourself covering things up with behaviors you're not proud of: drinking excessively, exercising too much, yelling at your kids, or even an affair. NO ONE can do it all, and none of us has a 100% "easy" life - despite what it may seem when you look around you.

read moreAnd, of course, you want to easily and openly communicate your thoughts, hopes, and concerns with your future spouse. You hope you won't ever have serious conflict, but you want to be able to confidently handle what difficulties you do face in your relationship. You also want to create a plan that allows you each to realize your life dreams around family, finances, and career. You wouldn't be considering premarital counseling if you didn't already know that relationships are not always a "happy ever after" affair.