Marla Mathisen (she/her)

When it comes to couples counseling, attachment-focused therapy is a game-changer. It recognizes that our emotions are at the heart of our relationships, and that by better understanding and managing our emotions, we can create deeper, more meaningful connections with our partners. Couples learn to identify and express their emotional needs and to learn how to respond to their partner's emotional states in a supportive and caring way.

In any long-term partnership, it's inevitable that conflicts and challenges will come up. We thrive when we feel safe and loved, but we often have had damaging experiences in relationships that have wounded our ability to safely connect when stakes are high. As soon as something happens to disconnect us to others - a misunderstanding, disagreement or fight, hurtful words or actions, or betrayal - it can become difficult to know how to reconnect with those we love or repair the relationship.

When we're in a relationship, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to make time for each other and to nurture our bond. But without that attention and care, our relationships can start to feel stale and disconnected. When the disconnection continues for too long it can turn into consistent conflict that doesn't ever get fully resolved. Couples counseling can be a lifeline, providing the guidance and support you need to get back on track and feel closer to your partner.

Attachment therapy aims to help individuals who have issues with relationships stemming from childhood experiences such as neglect, abuse, or trauma. These experiences can affect a person's ability to form healthy and secure connections in adulthood, leading to problems like anxiety, depression, and difficulty in forming and maintaining close relationships. The goal is to help individuals develop a more secure attachment style, leading to better relationships and overall emotional well-being.

Couples counseling can be a lifeline, providing the guidance and support you need to get back on track and feel closer to your partner. It's an investment in your future happiness and well-being as a couple. Don't be afraid to take the first step and ask for support. You deserve to have the love and connection you want and deserve.

My approach to meeting with clients has been deeply influenced by the work of Sue Johnson with Emotionally Focused Therapy, a highly researched and validated, evidence-based model. We'll work together to help you and your partner repair your ability to trust each other again and feel deeply connected.