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 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.

Family Therapy

I work with families quite a lot. It is powerful, in that there is no one left behind; and we can create a container of support around the whole of the family. I get a beautiful big glimpse of the dynamics that need tending to, and we get to the normalizing of each members’ unique ways, and individuality. The family thrives when each member is clear of its place in the circle, is valued for whom they are, and has a sense of contribution that is satisfying and positive. Within a family, it’s really important to bring up struggles and issues to the surface, so that they are not held individually by particular members, to the detriment of their well-being. it’s healing for family members to see each other being held in positive regard by a therapist, and to sense the hope and resolution that is possible, and available through a fair, realistic, and compassionate lens.

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

• Attachment Styles

• Addiction

• Adoption

• ADHD

• Conflict Resolution

• Codependency

• Interracial

• Neurodivergence

• Parenting/Family Therapy

• 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