Peter Rivera – Couples and Family Therapist in Seattle, WA. (he/him)

I work with partners at any stage—whether you're adjusting to a new marriage or reigniting your bond after many years together. When practical skills are needed, like conflict resolution, we will use proven methods such as the Gottman Method. Then, we’ll dive deeper with Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy to strengthen emotional connection and break negative patterns. My approach fosters understanding and creates a supportive space for lasting, meaningful change in your relationship.

Working with men on attachment and relationship issues, I focus on understanding how early attachment patterns may be affecting current relationships. By using approaches such as Family Systems and Emotionally Focused Therapy, I help men explore their emotional experiences, break down barriers to vulnerability, and develop healthier ways of connecting. My goal is to create a supportive space where men can address relationship challenges and build stronger, more secure connections with others.

With six years of education in marriage and family therapy, postgraduate training, and over 12 years of hands-on experience, I have become skilled in Internal Family Systems (IFS). My background allows me to help clients explore and understand the various parts of themselves, fostering emotional healing and integration. Using IFS, I guide clients to navigate their inner worlds with compassion, creating space for lasting personal leadership and healthier relationships.

With six years of academic training in marriage and family therapy and specialized postgraduate education in the Gottman Method, I’ve developed a strong foundation in using this research-based approach to help couples improve their relationships. My training equips me to guide couples through effective communication strategies, conflict resolution, and rebuilding trust.

With specialized training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), I am well-equipped to help couples understand the emotional patterns driving their conflicts. EFCT enables me to guide couples in breaking negative cycles and fostering deeper emotional connections. My education and experience allow me to work with couples at any stage of their relationship, helping them feel more secure, understood, and emotionally bonded through the transformative power of EFCT.

I offer specialized treatment for race-based trauma and internalized racism using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. This approach allows us to explore the different parts of you that have been impacted by racial trauma, helping you to understand and heal the wounds of oppression, discrimination, and internalized beliefs. IFS creates a space where you can connect with these parts compassionately, unburden them, and reclaim a sense of inner balance, self-worth, and empowerment.