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Meeting Purpose

Consultation for couples therapy with Stefany Murillo.

Key Takeaways

• Core Issues: Communication breakdown, intimacy problems, and feeling "disconnected" after a year of travel and Joanna's recent role as primary caregiver for her father, who is battling cancer.
• Proposed Method: An action-oriented approach using practical homework (podcasts, books) and daily WhatsApp journaling for real-time tracking, designed for rapid, short-term change.
• Key Decision: Postpone Jonathan's psychiatrist appointment for one month to first test if therapy alone can resolve his recent hyperactivity and insomnia, avoiding potential medication side effects.
• Next Step: Jonathan and Joanna will decide whether to proceed with Stefany after this final consultation.

Topics

Couple's Challenges & Goals

• Primary Goal: Address communication and intimacy issues before they become irreparable.
• Jonathan's Perspective:
  • Initial skepticism about therapy evolved into appreciation for an objective, experienced guide.
  • Feels the couple's foundation should be stronger than to reach near-divorce thoughts during arguments.
• Joanna's Perspective:
  • Feels "paralyzed" while Jonathan is busy with work and projects.
  • Recent stress from being the primary caregiver for her father (battling cancer) has exacerbated the disconnect.
• Cultural Context: The couple's backgrounds (Jonathan: UK/US; Joanna: Colombia) are a factor, but Stefany's method uses this for understanding, not as a permanent excuse for behavior.

Stefany's Proposed Therapy Method

• Action-Oriented Philosophy: Focus on rapid, practical change via homework, not just discussion.
  • Rationale: To ensure sessions end with a sense of calm and progress, not just rehashed conflict.
• Initial Phase: Individual sessions to explore personal history and cultural background.
  • Rationale: To understand root causes without the pressure of a partner's presence.
• Tools & Techniques:
  • Homework: Practical tasks (e.g., podcasts, books) for daily application.
  • WhatsApp Journaling: Individual, daily updates to Stefany for real-time tracking and crisis intervention.
  • Physical Space: Tasks to declutter and optimize the home environment to support emotional well-being.

Jonathan's Mental Health & Therapy Plan

• Concern: Jonathan has a family history of bipolar disorder and has experienced recent hyperactivity and insomnia (waking at 2–3 AM).
• Plan: Jonathan has a psychiatrist appointment scheduled for today.
• Stefany's Recommendation: Postpone medication for one month to first test if therapy can resolve the symptoms.
  • Rationale: To avoid potential medication side effects and determine if the issues are situational (e.g., anxiety from relationship stress) before introducing a new variable.

Logistics & Scheduling

• Scheduling: Sessions are typically weekdays, with the first few being individual and requiring privacy.
• Payment:
  • Method: Bank transfer (Bancolombia, Nequi) or international transfer service (e.g., Remitly).
  • Packages: Available for 6 or 12 sessions at a discount.

Next Steps

• Stefany: Send a PDF with session package pricing and payment details.
• Jonathan & Joanna: Decide whether to proceed with therapy and schedule the first individual sessions.

Action Items

• Send WhatsApp to Jonathan/Joanna w/ bank transfer details + package pricing PDF - WATCH (5 secs)