Couples Counseling

You, me and your partner/spouse/lover. We'll unpack what's not going so well. Then, you'll learn and practice better ways of interacting. You'll walk away with new skills to think and act relationally.

There's something special about having both personalities from a particular relationship in the same special. From the therapist's standpoint, it's extra challenging. But I also think it's extra interesting. I'll help you identify the unconscious patterns you're running over and over in your relationship. We'll look at the roles each of you is playing in those patterns and also work to identify the source of those roles and patterns in each of you. And then we'll work to change those patterns.

A common place to get stuck is in some version of a vicious cycle: where one partner’s distancing triggers the other’s pursuing or critical tendencies, which exacerbate the distancing, and so on. Both partners are left feeling helpless, frustrated, and alone. But there is hope! Underneath our suits of armor are very practical, important human needs to be met: for secure, loving connection with our partners. When we put our suits on, it’s hard to even notice those needs.

We bring our histories, insecurities, and hidden desires into our relationships. If you are feeling disconnected from your partner(s), I can help you to work together and start communicating from a place of deeper intimacy and connection. I utilize EFT, Gottman, and the developmental model of relationships in my work with couples.

I am trained in Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT). Using IBCT, I have worked with couples experiencing challenges to include infidelity, communication difficulty, and intimacy challenges.

I have a big tool box and find that my approach here is as eclectic as the people I work with! My main modalities in couples work are, Gottman & Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Through couples counseling I help couples discuss and identify what the vision is for their relationship. I help them discuss and identify areas for change and improvement. Many couples struggle with communication as well as reigniting the spark in their relationship. Life has many demands and at times couples have a hard time juggling it all. At times some couples experience infidelity and couples counseling can help to restore and rebuild the trust.

I have assisted couples to improve their communication, regain respect and admiration in their relationships. If both are willing to put in the effort and work then let's make your relationship a healthy one.

I have personally experienced a rich and generative 30 year marriage, the heartbreaking transition of divorce and mid-life dating and relationships. As a Life-Cycle Celebrant and a therapist I have been honored to work with diverse couples and families at the thresholds of marriage and the birth of children. When couples have lost intimacy and connection, I enjoy helping them communicate, rediscover their vitality and clarify how they want to live -- sometimes together, sometimes apart.

I'm in expert in this area because I completed professional training over 30 years ago and have frequently used it in my practice to help numerous people.

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate by trade. Though I treat various things as a therapist my primary focus and first love in my practice is working with couples. I have helped a number of couples find a common ground within their relationship and leave my care with their relationship in a better place. I have been married for over 20 years so I am adept at applying practical knowledge on helping relationships last and work for both parties.

You want to enjoy each other's company, learn about yourself & grow as individuals. Challenges can easily arise at any stage - how to meet someone, dating, premarital, commitment, re-organizing around Life events, etc. Communication is high on the list for connecting well, but before this, your silent ideas of what you expect or need from one another. In Counseling you step out of the day to day & visit the brass tacks of what your relationship is built on.

Do you feel like you could use some support to get back to the gratifying part of your relationship? It's hard work being part of a couple. I welcome the opportunity to open the conversation between you and your partner so that hot topics can be navigated with safety, respect and increased insight.

I described my work with couples in an earlier segment. But again, the best work I do with couples has to do with uncovering themes of vulnerability. I use the book Wired for Love in our sessions, and I make use of Brené Brown's writing and presentation.

Sometimes resolution of an issue is not the end goal but better understanding of your partner is. Through understanding and greater appreciation conflicts fade. I help couples identify the patterns that are preventing happiness and what steps each partner can take to improve their relationship. I specialize in LGBTQ couples.

I love working with couples because it’s such a primary relationship. Who we are to each other brings meaning to who we are to ourselves. I have been married for 30 plus years and together we have experienced many ups and downs couples face including infertility, adoption, and cancer. My own couples counseling has taught me a lot and is what made me want to become a therapist.

You want to enjoy each other's company, learn about yourself & grow as individuals. Challenges can easily arise at any stage - how to meet someone, dating, premarital, commitment, re-organizing around Life events, etc. Communication is high on the list for connecting well, but before this, your silent ideas of what you expect or need from one another. In Counseling you step out of the day to day & visit the brass tacks of what your relationship is built on.

I enjoy helping couples' understand why they chose their partner based on their own childhoods. When this is understood for yourself and your partner it can help you meet your own needs during conflict as well as meet your partners needs. Increasing compassion and connection strengthens a relationship. Looking at your own, as well as your partner's maladaptive coping (ie nagging, yelling, stonewalling) mechanisms during couples' conflict can help to loosen your view on yourself and each other.