Couples Facilitation
I am humbled that my book has helped so many people. But I also understand some couples need a little more support.
I work with couples on the specific topics of gender norms, household balance & shared home values and operations. I am comfortable with proactive conversations for new relationships, and I am comfortable helping a couple change well-established patterns.
I have been facilitating for 20+ years. Like my book, my facilitation approach is appreciative. I start by learning about your life experiences (which then helps me understand your expectations and decisions) and I'll never point a finger, judge your decisions, or place blame. I will ask hard questions and hold you each accountable to your actions - but I act as a neutral facilitator who helps couples set & work towards shared goals.
- Are you an established couple, and looking to shift patterns? Or are you in need of some discussion to come to a shared peace about how things are divided in your home?
- Are you in the early stages of parenthood and trying to figure out how you can both work and both tackle home stuff so you don't burn out?
- Are you newly partnered - and want to set healthy patterns from the beginning?
I am happy to help with any / all of the above.
The objective of our sessions is different for every couple, and I certainly can't promise equal partnership after a few hours together. But think of our conversations as a pause button - a time to take a breath, check in with yourself and each other; to talk about your partnership, have some honest conversations, listen to each other, and agree on the way forward.
What if your partner does not want to join you?
Maybe you are the one in the home who "does all the things," and you've repeatedly asked your partner to step up, but they're not? And you're just flat out frustrated, exhausted, and don't know what to do next? I admit you have fewer options - but you do have options. And I am happy to meet with just you, and listen, and help you think through those options. (I can't make promises, but sometimes I find that this conversation leads to couples sessions.)
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Another option is to go with a licensed marriage counselor. This work will likely focus on underlying issues impacting your relationship and your communication. For couples who have experienced trauma, and/or couples who want to talk about issues other than household balance, this is a better option for you. (If at any time I think you should consider working with a therapist - I'll be honest about that.) Sometimes, therapists will send couples to me. I'll do sessions over a discrete period of time to tackle the specific topics of gender norms and household work, and then that couple can return to their counselor for help with communication and implementation.
Are you interested?
You can listen to one of my podcasts, or read one of my articles, to get a feel for my approach and my style. I think you’ll see that I work hard to create judgement-free spaces, that I am an empathetic listener, and that I focus my attention on practical actions and behaviors. I am not anti-man! I am not here to vilify anyone, nor jump to conclusions based on gender stereotypes.
Feel free to reach out to set up a free consultation: askkatemangino@gmail.com
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20 Minute Consultation = FREE
If we decide to work together, we can discuss rates. My standard rate is $150/session, but I always save a few half price and a few pro-bono slots. We can discuss and determine what fits for you.