Couples Counseling

I'm certified in Relational Life Therapy, aiming to meet couples where you're at, to understand & connect, & identify the patterns you’re stuck in to help guide you out of that pattern into a more functional one. We’ll work on this by relationally embodying “full respect living” in sessions. We’re aiming for living w/ integrity: what often evolves is a deep, fundamental characterological transformation: a change (for the better!) in who — & how — you think you can be (with yourself & others).

In addition to the Gottman method, I also incorporate elements of emotionally focused therapy as well as sampling from other experts in the field in order to create the most enhanced experience for the couple.

As a licensed Marriage Family therapist, I received masters level training in couples counseling. I also worked at several domestic violence shelters and facilitated batterer's intervention programs, where I taught about "healthy relationships" and how to have a relationship based in respect. Since that time, I have studied the Gottman method. I am most interested in helping couples use mindfulness and positive communication strategies to build a better relationship.

My couples counseling approach focuses on enhancing communication, emotional connection, and understanding personality dynamics. I introduce the Gottman Method to provide tools for improving emotional intimacy, recognizing bids for connection, and managing conflict effectively. Finally, I integrate the DISC Assessment to help couples understand their individual communication and behaviors. My approach swiftly moves couples from identifying their goals to making real progress.

I help couples reconnect, improve intimacy, and communicate effectively about what truly matters. My role as a counselor isn’t to assign blame or take sides but to guide both partners toward solutions. Together, we’ll identify unhelpful patterns in your relationship and transform them into healthy connections. You’ll gain deeper understanding of yourselves and each other, making it easier to address challenges. My goal is to help you build and strengthen a healthy, lasting relationship.

I have worked with couples and relationships for over 15 years. I am currently certified in Level I of the Gottman Method and pursing Level 2. My goal is to complete all three levels of the Gottman Method. In couples counseling, I take the approach that trust is the foundation of the relationship with communication, validation and compromise making the walls. The ceiling is viewed as shared goals for the future.

Couples therapy can help whether you're preparing for a major step, like marriage or starting a family, or struggling with disconnection and doubt in your relationship. Challenges like communication issues, financial stress, cultural differences, or past traumas may feel overwhelming, leaving you uncertain about the future. Couples therapy offers a safe, structured space to rebuild trust, improve communication, and address root issues with compassion.

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.

My approach enhances communication, emotional connection, and understanding of personality dynamics. Incorporating the Gottman Method, I provide tools to improve emotional intimacy, recognize bids for connection, and manage conflicts effectively. Many couples seek counseling to rebuild their connection amid resentment or distance. Together, we’ll explore times when your relationship felt stronger, identify changes, and foster empathy. I create a safe space to break unhelpful patterns.

When we fight with our partners, it feels like there is something else under the surface. Fights are like icebergs, some of it may be visible, but there may be deeper reasons. My goal is to help you and your partner express your true feelings and needs in a healthy manner, which lie beneath the surface. I will help you discover the cycle you are both stuck in, what you each contribute, and how you can each be your true selves. With this we can come to the best outcome for the relationship.

My approach in working with couples is to have each person learn about their own inner dynamics. I talk about turning the "microscope on yourself" to learn what is really driving you so that you can communicate your needs more clearly. You cannot communicate clearly what you aren't clear on within yourself. Most folks are focused on changing the other person, yet your partners is a mirror to see your own dynamics. this is powerful & courageous work.

Is your relationship not what you thought it'd be? Do you want to reconnect with your spouse or partner? You don't have to be in the midst of a crisis to seek out help. Couples therapy helps with addressing old resentments, improving communication, rebuild trust. Are you ready for your relationship 2.0? Contact me for a 15-minute phone consultation.

I have spent the last several years focusing intently on this area and learning as much as I can. I have studied various techniques and employed them with clients. Couples work has been so rewarding for me as a professional that I continue to be motivated to learn as much as I can! I have spent countless hours with couples and feel my skill set is a great fit in this area!

I have been involved in the delivery of multiple evidence-based couple interventions, including training in PREP, Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT), and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT). In addition, I ran the VA San Diego's Family Mental Health Program for many years, developing a national reputation as an expert in interventions such as these.

I've been working with couples in both consensual non-monogamous relationships and monogamous relationships since 2013. I can almost guarantee you haven't invented a new way to struggle in relationships. Since I started working with couples though, I have learned many new ways to support your relationship(s).

As a couples therapist, I lean heavily on my training in family and relationship systems, and draw on EFT and Gottman principles frequently. I emphasize your existing strengths, and help clients work on improving communication, building interdependence and differentiation, cultivating greater intimacy, and learning to have productive conflict. I help clients understand their conflict & attachment styles, and begin to have a greater understanding of one another and themselves.

As a couple’s therapist, I enjoy working with couples in a variety of life spaces, including pre-marital therapy, working with clients who are dealing with life transitions, assisting couples who've experienced infidelity, communication and/or intimacy issues. Our work together will focus on learning more about the history of the relationship, your individual life experiences, and past relationships, and how the past may be impacting the current relationship.

In my practice, my expertise in couples counseling is built upon a profound understanding of interpersonal dynamics and a passion for nurturing healthy relationships. Through specialized training and a compassionate approach, I guide couples through communication hurdles, conflict resolution, and intimacy challenges. My aim is to empower them to cultivate stronger connections and lasting fulfillment in their relationships.