Couples

For many, intimate couple relationships are at the core of the experience of life enjoyment. While couple relationships can be deeply rewarding and fun, often after the initial “honeymoon” phase of a relationship, couples find themselves becoming stuck in emotional patterns that dampen the sense of fulfillment in relationship. This phase can lead to escalating conflict and disillusion about the intimacy’s future. This is a potent turning point for a relationship; it’s at this time that conflict and dissatisfaction can be explored and worked through, and transform to the next level of growth and intimacy. For others, beginning a relationship with an exploration of mutual aspirations and goals within a therapeutic context can set the stage for creating a satisfying journey together.

In therapy with a couple, I align with each to get clarity on visions and aspirations. We explore how the social gender programming impacts how they relate to each other; the set of beliefs and assumptions and expectations they have gathered along the way that may or may not, serve the relationship best. We explore how each partner functions in the world. I see a satisfying and fulfilling aspect of intimate relationships being about each partner supporting the other shine. In order to get there, partners have to understand, respect, and value the differences each bring in the coming together. One of the greatest point of tension I witness in couples I work with, is the expectation in each partner that the other one behaves and functions as they do from simple things such as loading the dishwasher to communicating uncomfortable emotions.

Yes, we will dig the past a bit and understand attachment imprints, and explore behaviors and thinking/emotional patterns that are sticky. We may do some trauma focused healing. A good amount of focus is directed toward fostering positive communication that diffuses reactivity, builds responsibility and deepens intimacy. Exploring how building compassion and understanding of each other’s triggers and sensitivities can support the appreciation each partner’s qualities, and enhance the relationships rather than dampen it, is also at the core of Couples Therapy.

I specialize and have training in working with the following couple experiences/challenges:

  • Attachment Styles

  • Addiction

  • ADHD

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Codependency

  • Interracial

  • Neurodivergence

  • Parenting

  • Life Transitions

  • Sexual Intimacy and Satisfaction

  • Same sex couples

  • Trauma

I integrate the following modalities:

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy

  • Internal Family Systems

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Solution-Focused Therapy

  • Existential and Narrative Therapies

  • Mindfulness

  • Psychodynamic

  • Somatic Experiencing