Couples therapy

Initial Sessions:

I follow the Gottman Method of assessment for our initial sessions which will be comprised of the following format: 

1. Joint Session(s): I will meet with you and your partner to discuss the history of your relationship, how you met, significant events, and the issues that bring you to therapy. This will include observing your interactions and communication patterns. You'll likely be asked about your individual perspectives on the problems and what you hope to achieve in therapy.
2. Individual Sessions: Each partner will then meet with me individually. This provides a safe space to share personal histories, feelings, and perspectives without the immediate presence of your partner. It allows me to gain a more comprehensive understanding of each individual's experience and needs within the relationship. It is not a session to provide individual counseling. 
3. Feedback Session: After the initial assessment, I will provide feedback about my observations and the results of any assessments. We will discuss your relationship's strengths and areas for improvement, often using the framework of the Gottman Sound Relationship House.
4. From there we will collaboratively determine treatment goals for therapy, in which I will integrate Gottman Method interventions, and Emotion Focused Therapy processes to help you achieve your goals. This may include exploring the negative interactional cycles that trap you as a couple, and guiding to identify the primary emotions and unmet needs that fuel your negative cycles. This often involves moving beyond surface-level complaints to the deeper fears and longings for connection, love, and validation.

In our sessions, we will work together to:

• Improve Communication: Learn effective strategies for expressing your needs and feelings clearly and respectfully, while also actively listening to your partner's perspective.
• Understand Relationship Patterns: Identify recurring cycles of interaction that may be contributing to conflict or dissatisfaction.
• Enhance Emotional Intimacy: Explore ways to deepen your emotional connection, build trust, and foster greater vulnerability.
• Develop Conflict Resolution Skills: Learn constructive approaches to navigate disagreements, compromise, and find mutually satisfying solutions.
• Address Specific Issues: Provide a safe space to discuss and work through challenges such as infidelity, financial stressors, parenting differences, or loss.
• Increase Empathy and Understanding: Gain a deeper appreciation for your partner's experiences, perspectives, and needs.
• Strengthen Commitment and Shared Goals: Re-evaluate and align your individual and shared aspirations for the relationship's future.

Couples therapy is not about assigning blame or taking sides. Instead, it's about creating a shared understanding of the relationship's dynamics and empowering both partners to take responsibility for positive change. My role is to facilitate open and honest communication, offer insights into relationship patterns, and guide you in developing the skills necessary to build a more resilient, loving, and satisfying partnership. This is an opportunity to invest in your relationship and create the connection you both desire.

Duration of Therapy:

There is no set timeline for how long therapy will last. The active engagement and willingness of both individuals to participate fully in the therapy process, including attending sessions, completing exercises, and implementing learned skills outside of sessions, significantly impacts the pace of progress. Couples with clearly defined and more limited goals (e.g., improving communication around a specific issue) may experience a shorter duration of therapy. Couples facing long-standing, deep-rooted issues like infidelity, significant trust violations, or chronic conflict may require a longer therapeutic process to address these complex layers and rebuild trust.

Sessions and Fees:  

• 50 minute session - $200
• 90 minute session - $275

Please note: I am an out-of-network provider. I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. Payment is collected on the morning of your appointment.