Why Do I Choose Crucible Therapy?
By Ben Borkan, Maine Relationship Institute Founder
Ben Borkan, LCSW & Founder of The Maine Relationship Institute
I am incredibly passionate about Crucible Therapy, and I believe it works because I've used it firsthand to develop myself and experience the positive impacts on my marriage, daughter, family, friends, and clients.
And I developed the Maine Relationship Institute to share this incredible experience and help people like you.
In my work, I aim to help you see yourself clearly and feel empowered to make decisions based on what you see in others that feels good to you.
My Journey with Crucible Therapy
Studying Crucible therapy became a part of my personal journey after spending years of my life between anxious and depressed.
Before Crucible, I had tried therapies including somatic experiencing, sensorimotor psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems, and Gestalt Therapy.
These all helped a little; I became more aware of my negative thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors, gained insight into my childhood, learned about my parts, and became more connected to both my physical and emotional body.
Despite all of this, I still struggled to manage myself and my reactions in my relationship.
My Relationship With Crucible Therapy
I first learned about Crucible Therapy in my own couples therapy.
The therapist not only saw me but was compassionate toward who I was and believed I could do better. This struck a chord.
That is, I was shown I could be less reactive, more grounded, and make decisions that aligned with my values while considering my partner's and my perspectives.
This therapist helped me integrate my values, feelings, and behaviors, and feel empowered to handle myself better with my partner, now my wife, in ways that work better for both of us.
Crucible Therapy made me feel more empowered and less reactive, and it helped me build my own tolerance for difficult experiences without reacting poorly to them.
Rather, I became better at deciding how to respond in a way that didn’t have negative consequences.
I don’t mean to say I do this perfectly; I still have plenty of moments when I need to eat a slice of humble pie and apologize for mishandling myself, but even then, I can see myself more clearly, both from the inside and outside.
Crucible Therapy As a Mirror
Crucible Therapy integrates our internal experiences and invites us to see ourselves and see how others see us.
Most notably, we may learn how to see ourselves the way our partner sees us, and find more choice in how we want to conduct themourselves in better ways.
I think this is one of the biggest pieces all previous therapies missed. I had no idea how people in my life saw me, because I was so focused on my own internal world!
Crucible Therapy At The Maine Relationship Institute
Through the Maine Relationship Institute, I now help people improve themselves and their relationships while supporting the broader Midcoast and Maine community.
At MRI, I offer individual therapy, couples counseling, and various learning venues through individual and group consultation, as well as public speaking.
If you'd like to learn more about these experiences, please feel free to write to me directly.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss how Crucible Therapy and MRI can support your growth.
Schedule an Appointment With Me
Hi, I’m Ben. Let’s meet!
Learn more about the crossroads of Crucible Therapy and couples work. Schedule an appointment with me.
I also offer complimentary 15-minute consultations so we can see if this is the right fit.
My in-person and online counseling is designed to help you develop stronger, more fulfilling relationships.