Marriage and Family Therapist, M.A., L.M.F.T., International Life Coach, A.C.C.
When working with a couple, I focus on healing through developing insight. I know this is difficult when you are facing many life struggles such as depression, addictions, affairs, grief, anxiety, and misaligned values. Through the vulnerability that comes up in therapy, healing is possible to an enormous degree.
I have worked with many couples from simply wanting to reconnect in a long term and functional marriage to couples on the verge of divorce. Utilizing mindfulness tools and teaching self inquiry, communication and how to check in and have "difficult conversations" as well as discovering more about our own needs and how to be honest and ask for support rather than hope our partner can read our minds can transform our relationships from one of unconscious habits and patterns to stepping in each day with curiosity and discovery. Though we are all always changing, we often expect our relationships to be in a fixed state and are disappointed, hurt or feel betrayed when they change. Learning to be comfortable with change is a foundation of mindful relationships!
In Imago, we believe that we all come to adulthood with childhood wounds and they are always triggered in our most intimate relationships. We also view conflict as an opportunity to grow more deeply in love. Relationships go through developmental stages just as individuals do, so when a couple is hurting and confused, my training and guidance through learning new ways to communicate and view their relationship can be very helpful.
Gretchen works with individuals and couples that are seeking a true relationship specialist, and not an individual therapist that dabbles in couples therapy, With more than 15 years of experience she works with high conflict couples, couples with a history of trauma, addiction, neglect and personality disorders. If you are looking for specialized care to determine if you will stay or leave, plan a separation, heal broken trust and chart a path forward, set up a consultation to see how individual or couples therapy can help you meet your unique goals.
My background of 20 years spent as therapist and Clinical Director of a southern CA program, and in private practice, treating clients and families with substance use disorders, has informed my practice to help couples resolve their communication issues and differences. It takes courage to face your fears, and I offer a nonjudgmental, secure holding place to heal. We will work together to support your becoming empowered to courageously face your challenges.
Psychologist, California Licensed Psychologist (License# PSY17495)
Heling couples overcome barriers in their relationships is a very common focus of my clinical work. I don't adhere to one particular model or approach but do tend to focus on helping both parties in the relationship understand each other's needs and to shift into responding to those needs in a caring way. Often this involves understanding each other's backgrounds, and unresolved issues from childhood. My view is that when these issues become activated our adult romantic relationships this can be a tremendous opportunity for healing if approached with love and consideration.
I use a range of therapeutic approaches, including Attachment Therapy and the Gottman Method, to help couples build stronger emotional connections and increase intimacy. We will work collaboratively together to resolve conflict, develop great communication with one another, and ultimately create a healthier and loving relationship.
Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, MS
Perhaps you are about to get married, or perhaps you are considering separating from your partner. Perhaps there was an affair, or perhaps your partner seems distracted with other aspects of life (career, games, porn). Regardless of what may bring you to couples therapy, I will be there to help your relationship. If you and your partner are struggling with communication, getting your needs met, or setting boundaries, I can be here to help guide you through this tricky process.