SERVICES
Couples Therapy
California • Illinois • Online
Helping couples work through conflict and differences to feel more connected and supported.
Sound familiar?
In the quiet turmoil of your shared life, you and your partner find yourselves adrift. Communication has fractured into a series of misunderstandings and unspoken resentments, where affection once flourished. Schedules are filled with work and obligations, leaving little space for intimacy and genuine connection. One of you may feel unheard, as conversations often spiral into arguments over trivial matters, while the other grapples with feelings of inadequacy, fearing that their best efforts fall short. As the distance between you widens, the joy you once shared feels like a distant memory.
Your struggles may show up as:
Couples Therapy can help you:
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We will begin by finding the main issues in your relationship from both of your perspectives. I will facilitate the discussion, with either just the two of you or with my participation. Our aim is to understand the outside factors affecting your relationship, like cultural and social backgrounds, religious beliefs, gender and sexual identities, and power dynamics. We also aim to map out and understand each of your internal landscapes, and what parts of both of you hinder intimacy.
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You will begin to notice when the parts of you that contribute to your relationships struggles begin to take over. With mindfulness and repeated practice, you will come to recognize when you have the urge to respond with criticism, blaming, shaming, contempt, stonewalling, people-pleasing or defensiveness by paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. You'll gain tools to help manage these moments of reactivity, so that you can prevent yourself from interacting from your old, intimacy-crushing pattern. As an (imperfect) human, you'll also learn to own your mistakes and initiate repair when they occur.
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Together, we'll explore new communication strategies based on Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication. While these concepts are simple, applying them can be challenging as they contrast with our typical communication patterns.
You'll learn to express yourself using observations instead of assumptions or accusations, helping you focus on your own experiences rather than the other person. You'll also develop skills to identify and articulate your feelings, keeping the conversation centered on your internal state.
Additionally, you'll learn to identify and request for emotional needs to be met, opening new possibilities for finding mutually satisfactory solutions. Finally, you'll learn to listen and respond empathetically, even when faced with anger or criticism.
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Healthy relationships need a careful balance of giving and receiving. We'll explore ways to create an environment of mutual care, respect, and fulfillment. Whether you're just starting out or have been together for years, you'll get tools to revive your connection and make sure both partners feel valued and supported.
Couples Therapy Approaches
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Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO)
+ Fosters emotional connections by exploring partners' vulnerabilities.
+ Emphasizes self-awareness and emotional regulation for compassionate communication.
+ Helps navigate feelings and responses, creating a safe space for growth.
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Relational Life Therapy (RLT)
+ Explores power dynamics in relationships, promoting respect and collaboration.
+ Helps couples shift unhealthy patterns, enhancing communication and intimacy.
+ Empowers partners to create equitable, fulfilling connections through emotional awareness.
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Gottman Method Couples Therapy
+ Draws on 40+ years of research to identify key factors for successful relationships.
+ Enhances friendship, manages conflict, and fosters shared meaning with practical tools.
+ Develops healthier communication patterns for deeper connections.
How to Get Started with
Couples Therapy
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Click the “Schedule a Consultation” button below to schedule a free 15-minute online consultation. You’ll choose a day and time from my calendar that works for both of you to be in attendance. After I approve your request, I’ll send you both a Telehealth Consultation Consent form and a link for the video call. You must both fill out the form before our consultation. During the call, I’ll ask y’all questions, and you can ask me yours to see if we’re a good fit to work together. I will offer to send you referrals to other therapists if we are not a good fit.
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If we decide to move ahead, you'll both receive an email with a link to the online client portal after our consultation. There, you will find the remainder of the necessary paperwork, including the practice policies. You must both complete and submit all requested items before our first session.
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In our first session, we'll discuss what is prompting you to seek therapy while identifying your goals. In the following sessions, we will map out a plan, get to work, and check in on your progress towards your goals as we go.