Michael Lepak, MSW, LCSW

Many couples begin therapy with one or both people unsure if their relationship can or even should be saved. Some couples come to therapy because of chronic arguing or feeling disconnected and unhappy. Some couples carry a belief that they are incompatible and feel disconnected from their partner.

It is immensely rewarding work to help couples reconnect and renew their relationships. I often work together with couples to identify the cycles between them that lead to being disconnected. These disconnections often lead couples to feel lonely, angry and unfulfilled. Often times even deeply troubled relationships can be made more fulfilling. Sometimes they are strengthened and and made more satisfying than than they were before the current crisis that brought them to therapy.

I integrate EFT, family systems theory, and contemporary psycho-dynamic theory to help couples work through the negative cycles and beliefs that contribute to the lack of fulfillment in their relationships. EFT is a way of working with couples that has proven effective by significant research. It is deeply satisfying to assist couples as they discover new ways to resolve ongoing problems and deepen their connection.

Some of the issues that can be successfully addressed in couples therapy are:

Infidelity
Addiction
Trauma
Conflicts regarding money and/or sex
General feelings of disconnection or perceived incompatibility
I have been in the field of healing for nearly 20 years, first as a licensed massage therapist and then for the past 10 years as a psychotherapist. I have trained at the The Ackerman Institute for the Family and The Center for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis of New Jersey. I have been trained in EMDR and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I have extensive experience working with people struggling with substance abuse and in working with adolescents with behavioral and academic problems.