What types of counseling services does Breath of Hope Professional Counseling provide?

At Breath of Hope Professional Counseling, we provide individual therapy, couples and marriage counseling, trauma therapy, relationship counseling, EMDR therapy, intensives, and workshops to support emotional wellness and healing.

Where is Breath of Hope Professional Counseling located?

We are located in Shavano Park, Texas, a suburb of San Antonio. Our office address is 4081 DeZavala Rd, Shavano Park, TX 78249.

Do you offer both in-person and online therapy sessions?

Yes, we offer in-person sessions for all our clinicians. We also offer online therapy through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform when provided by specific clinicians.

Do you accept insurance at Breath of Hope Professional Counseling?

Yes, some of our clinicians accept major insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO), UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna; other clinicians offer private-pay services and provide superbills for possible reimbursement.

What should I expect during my first appointment?

In your first session, we will spend time getting to know you, discussing your concerns and goals, and together we will build a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

How long do therapy sessions last at Breath of Hope Professional Counseling?

Session length and the number of sessions needed vary based on your goals and needs; your clinician will help you determine the right plan for progress.

Can Breath of Hope help with anxiety or depression?

Yes, we help individuals and couples manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional overwhelm using evidence-based approaches to support growth and healing.

Do you offer trauma-focused therapy?

Yes, we provide trauma-focused therapy including EMDR and trauma intensives to help clients process and heal from past painful experiences.

Can couples therapy help with communication and conflict?

Yes, our couples and marriage counseling helps partners improve communication, resolve conflict, rebuild trust, and deepen emotional connection.

Do you provide relationship counseling for individuals?

Yes, we work with individuals who want to improve their relationship patterns, gain insight, and build healthier ways of connecting with others.

What is EMDR therapy and how can it help?

We offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based approach that helps the brain process trauma and reduce distress associated with painful memories.

Are therapy intensives available at Breath of Hope Professional Counseling?

Yes, we offer therapy intensives for trauma and couples, which allow for concentrated work over longer sessions to support deeper healing and progress.

Can Breath of Hope help with life transitions and feeling stuck?

Yes, we help clients navigate life transitions, break old patterns, find calm, and grow both individually and in relationships.

How do I schedule a phone intake consultation?

You can schedule a 30-minute phone intake consultation by contacting us online or calling our office; this consult helps us understand your goals and match you with the right clinician.

Can therapy help with grief or loss?

Yes, our clinicians support individuals navigating grief and loss, helping them work through complex emotions and find a sense of hope and resilience.

Do you offer workshops and seminars?

Yes, we offer workshops and seminars such as Gottman relationship workshops, Gottman 7 Principles seminars, and other community learning opportunities.

Are your therapy sessions private and confidential?

Yes, all therapy sessions are conducted in a confidential, supportive environment designed to respect each client's privacy and promote healing.

Can Breath of Hope help with stress and life overwhelm?

Yes, we help clients understand stress triggers, develop coping skills, and create healthier patterns to manage stress and overwhelming emotions.

Does Breath of Hope provide workshops for singles?

Yes, we offer workshops like "Lessons in Love: Gottman Workshop for Singles" to support relationship growth and understanding.

How do I start therapy with Breath of Hope Professional Counseling?

You can get started by scheduling a 30-minute phone intake consult, after which we will help you begin your personalized counseling journey with the right clinician for your needs.

Contempt in Relationships & Gottman

Couple facing communication challenges, illustrating misunderstandings and relationship conflict at Breath of Hope Professional Counseling in Shavano Park, Texas.

Contempt is one of the most destructive forces in a relationship. According to the Gottman Method, a research-based approach to couples therapy, contempt is the most significant predictor of divorce. It erodes trust, intimacy, and emotional connection, making it essential to recognize and address before it causes lasting damage.

What Causes Contempt in Relationships?

Contempt often stems from long-standing frustrations, unmet expectations, or unresolved conflicts. It can develop when one partner feels superior to the other, leading to belittling behaviors. Common triggers include:

Feeling unheard or unappreciated over time.
Holding onto past grievances instead of resolving them.
Failing to express needs effectively.
Dismissing or minimizing a partner’s emotions.

How to Spot Contempt

Contempt can manifest in both verbal and nonverbal ways. Recognizing it early can prevent it from escalating. Here are some common signs:

Using a condescending tone or making hurtful jokes.
Dismissive body language that signals disrespect.
Attacking character rather than addressing issues.
Masking criticism with fake concern.

What to Do When Contempt Shows Up

Addressing contempt requires intentional effort and a commitment to healthier communication. Here’s how to counter it:

Shift focus to what you admire about your partner instead of dwelling on faults.
Express feelings without blaming (e.g., “I feel hurt when…” instead of “You always…”).
Foster a culture of respect by validating your partner’s emotions.
Therapy can provide tools to rebuild trust and strengthen connection.

Get Support with Breath of Hope Professional Counseling

If contempt is harming your relationship, professional guidance can help you and your partner reconnect. At Breath of Hope Professional Counseling, we use the Gottman Method to help couples overcome communication barriers and rebuild a foundation of respect and understanding. Reach out today to schedule a session and take the first step toward a healthier relationship.

Click here to schedule a session.

Understanding Contempt in Relationships: A Gottman Method Approach

What Causes Contempt in Relationships?

How to Spot Contempt

What to Do When Contempt Shows Up

Get Support with Breath of Hope Professional Counseling

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