Welcome to Marriage Counseling Manhattan

Including Couples Counseling (unmarried), Premarital Counseling, Discernment Divorce Counseling and Individual Counseling

Jim Covington, M.Div.,MA, LMFT, specializes in marriage counseling, discernment counseling for couples considering divorce, premarital counseling and individual pshychotherapy in the NYC, Manhattan, Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn NY areas.

                            ***********

    I love my work with couples because I strongly believe in our human need for lasting, meaningful partnerships and connections. I also believe in marriage as a vital social institution and as a dynamic opportunity for personal growth.

      I believe that nearly all marriages are worth fighting for. Our immediate gratification culture makes it hard for couples to sustain life long intimacy and commitment, but I believe that most couples can succeed if they make saving their marriage their highest priority.

     If you are not yet married and are interested in pre-marital counseling, check that page.

     Or if you feel you are actually on the brink of divorce and one of you is ready to throw in the towel, check the “on the brink” page and learn about "discernment counseling."

Check my BLOG for essays, comments and guidance...

Jim Covington
212 799 1157
251 Central Park West 1A
New York, New York 10024
jimcoving1@aol.com

The poet John O’Donohue writes: When the gentleness between you hardens/ And  you fall out of your belonging with each other/ May the depths you have reached hold you still.

 The reality is that all human relationships can be difficult at times, including marriage. As someone put it: “choosing a partner is choosing a set of problems.”  Not very romantic, I admit, but true.  And sometimes those problems lead to emotional barriers and sometimes, couples will need professional help to break through those barriers and strengthen or cultivate anew the intimacy—the bond-- they still hope for.

    Unfortunately things happen that can undermine that connection: busy schedules, raising children, irresolvable differences, lack of affection and/or sexual desire, emotional distancing, betrayal and infidelity.

Any of the above can obviously lead to conflict, anger, and criticism—which only lead to more distancing. My goal as a marriage counselor is to help you have conversations that are non-accusing—to help you have conversations you need to have to feel heard, understood, and valued by each other. And if infidelity is involved, I will want to help you have conversations that can lead to healing and forgiveness.

So, if you’re a couple who may be interested in seeking my help and guidance for strengthening and repairing your marriage, contact me or call now for a free 15 minute consultation: 212 799 1157.

When we meet I will want to hear your story and help each of you identify the patterns that are damaging to your relationship. And then I will help you:

• Learn how to be “present” with each other
• Learn how to listen to each other and support each other’s emotional needs in a trusting manner
•  Learn to employ healthier communication and conflict resolution skills
•  Understand your own emotional experiences, as well as your partner's emotions
• Learn how to actively and daily relate to one another to keep your marriage strong
• Understand and accept your differences

 If what I have written above strikes a chord with you, please read more about my approach to couples counseling on the About Me page and listen to the video on this page to learn more about my view of marriage and how I work with couples to help restore trust, intimacy and friendship.

In short I will help you have the conversation you need to have but can’t seem to find a way to have on your own.