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Mixed-Faith Couples Therapy
For partners navigating different religious beliefs or a faith transition.
What it is
Interfaith and mixed-faith relationships require partners to navigate unique and complex differences. This can include differences in how each person understands reality, meaning, morality, and what a good life looks like. Conflict can easily become overwhelming, especially when it involves how to raise children.
Tension can be especially high when one partner is actively deconstructing or questioning their faith. It forces the relationship to navigate changes that neither partner controls on their own. It is also often unclear what the end result of the changes will be, which adds another layer of uncertainty and fear.
ISDR does not have a theological agenda. We do not label faith transitions as good or bad, and we do not carry assumptions as to whether mixed-faith partners should stay together. Our primary goal is to help partners navigate the complexity of their relationship.
What we work with
- One partner leaves religion while the other remains
- Different beliefs about children's religious upbringing
- Navigating family-of-origin pressure
- Community engagement differences and grief
- Differences in sexual values
- Holiday or ritual conflicts, including pressure from extended family
- Grief about losing a shared vision of the future
How we work
Our approach is grounded in Self-Determination Based Therapy (SDBT) which helps clarify your psychological needs and how to create an environment that supports them. You may worry that remaining with your partner during their faith transition means abandoning your values. Or, you may be going through a faith transition and feel like staying in the relationship requires sacrificing your selfhood going forward. Therapy involves helping both partners understand what their values mean to them. It also involves exploring ways of navigating differences that may feel irreconcilable.
Our clinicians may integrate elements of faith development theory and couples therapy (Gottman, Emotionally Focused Therapy) in our work together. If you're navigating a faith transition individually, also consider Faith Transition Therapy.
Specializing Therapists
Also consider
If one partner is uncertain whether they want to remain in the relationship, Discernment Counseling may be a helpful starting point.
If you're navigating a faith transition, also consider Faith Transition Therapy.
Not sure where to start?
A free 15-minute consultation can help you figure out the best starting point for your unique situation.
Schedule a ConsultationDifferent religions doesn't always mean different paths.
Navigating faith differences takes bravery and grit. We can provide tools to help.
Schedule a Consultation