Stacey F. Rose, LCSW, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist specializing in helping people to get more out of what they want from their relationships and their lives. The name of my practice is The Rose Relationship Learning Center, LLC; Because RELATIONSHIPS DON’T COME WITH DIRECTIONS.
With over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, and as a graduate of Fordham University, Stacey continued her educational journey by pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology. Stacey’s practice consists of individuals of all ages, couples, families, alternative lifestyle couples/individuals, and specializes in relationships.
In addition to being a prominent relationship therapist, Stacey has presented at National conferences and to general audiences speaking on the topics of ways to make marriage work, raising teens without going insane, self-care, and many others. Stacey is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing in their lives and their relationships.
LM: Tell us about you and your practice.
SR: I am happy to introduce myself to you and your community. I am Stacey Rose, a Clinical Psychotherapist for over 25 years. The name of my practice is The Rose Relationship Learning Center and I often add, ‘Because Relationships Don’t come with Directions!’ Each day I help individuals, couples and families create healthy paths to the lives and relationships they want. Through a positive and strength-based approach, my clients and I work together to set them up for the successful and fulfilling lives they desire. After more than 25 years of being in the field of helping people to navigate through their relationship challenges, I feel honored to have walked alongside them as they have shown courage and resilience. It continues to be a privilege to do the ‘work’ I do each day.
LM: What are some of the biggest challenges you see with couples?
SR: One of the biggest challenges I see with couples is when one person in a relationship does not feel ‘seen’ or ‘heard’. The word INTIMACY, when broken down, is “IN-TO-ME-SEE”. In other words, when we truly allow our partner to ‘see inside of us, that is real intimacy and allows for a deep connection. Two things need to happen in order for this to occur. First, each person needs to do this with themselves. When someone does their own work; figuring out what makes them tick, what triggers they have and what inspires them, they bring all this clarity and wholeness to the relationship. When people do not do this, relationships become like a cracked sidewalk where you are trying not to fall into the cracks. Repair your own cracks and the magic can happen. Secondly, both people in a relationship need to feel safe. This means emotionally safe; where it is okay to show their human flaws and are still loved unconditionally. When people do their own work and help to create an emotionally safe atmosphere in the relationship, challenges to the relationship become that much easier to resolve.
LM: What advice do you have for engaged couples?
SR: Any couple that is engaged or considering getting engaged, I would strongly recommend they do some pre-marital education (note the word education, not necessarily therapy). You wouldn’t get behind the wheel of a car without taking driving lessons so why do couples get married without marriage lessons? This is a service I offer couples and am a strong believer it can help pave the way to marital success.
LM: What would you recommend to someone who is considering a divorce?
SR: If someone is considering divorce after years of marriage, and especially if they have children, I always recommend that they do ‘everything in their power’ to make the marriage work…UNLESS there is abuse. Assuming there is no abuse (emotional, verbal, physical), and also if they have children, it is important that they be able to say to themselves that they really tried to make the marriage work. What is someone considering divorce does try to make it work, and it actually works??? It is very probable that when couples do what it takes, marriage can get better! Remember that no feeling lasts forever (not even the good ones!) so this too shall pass. On the flip side though, if someone truly gives it a chance and they are still unhappy in the marriage, then yes, walk away…gracefully! What do you want to show your kids? Showing children an unhappy marriage does not benefit them.
LM: What quote has most left an impression on you?
SR: A quote that has always stuck with me is from Maya Angelou. “When people show you who they are the first time, believe them.” I love this because I think too often times we ignore that which we don’t want to see. Pay attention!
LM: Besides relationships/marriage, what else do you treat in your practice?
SR: Besides the work I do with my clients on their relationships (even relationships with themselves, or other family members, friends, co-workers, their kids, siblings, etc.), I also work with those who have experienced trauma in their lives. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) which helps people move past the trauma(s) they have experienced; minor or major trauma. This is a powerful approach to helping get people ‘un-stuck’.
LM: Do you do coaching besides therapy too and what is the difference?
SR: In addition to traditional psychotherapy, I am also a Relationship Coach. I have done relationship coaching training and this approach is a positive, future-focused, goal-oriented path to help people create the types of relationships they want in their lives. This is usually more structured than typical therapy and I work with my clients in 6-month increments.
LM: If you had one book to recommend to your clients which would it be? Why?
SR: One book I would highly recommend is Gary Chapman’s ‘The Five Love Languages’. I suggest the couples that I see read this and it puts into perspective the ways both people in the relationship feel loved and helps them to better understand each other.
LM: What do you do to help balance your life besides working in your practice?
SR: I balance my own life by taking care of myself outside my practice. I do this by working out, yoga and cross-fit, meditation, reading, playing with my dog, and singing in a band. Balance is something I’ve gotten better at over the years. Family and friends are critically important to me too, especially spending time with my two kids (23 and 20 now).
LM: Why should anyone go to therapy or see a relationship coach?
SR: Why should anyone see a coach or therapist? Because relationships, and life, by the way, do not come with directions! And while I do not have the specific directions for individuals, everyone has their own answers, I can help people find and walk the path that will bring them more fulfillment.
You can connect with Stacey at her website www.staceyrose.com