I love to work with couples. I have always had a strong desire to work with them before I began practicing as a clinician. I love to see people happy and in love, and if I can assist in that process to help them rediscover each other, then that makes me happy. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which is considered to be the best couples therapy modality out there according to the research. I utilize this modality the most in my work with couples, while also borrowing elements from Gottman's Method and the Prepare/Enrich modality. My goal is to give you the most comprehensive and effective treatment possible as a couple.
I have over 20 years of experience with assisting individuals develop healthy relationships skills, improve communication skills, and with providing couples and marriage counseling as well as pre-marital counseling.
I have hosted a 13 episode national podcast of relationships, conduct pre and post marital therapy, assist with dating and uncoupling, have copy-written 3 books on relationships.
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.
The goal of Couple Counseling is for a third party to help the couple see what they cannot see in their interactions, hear from each other what they have not been able to hear, have empathy for feelings of which they were unaware, forgive what they were too angry to forgive, and appreciate what they have forgotten to be grateful for in their relationship. I believe that if two people want their relationship to work, it definitely can! If even one does not, it will not work.
In my work, both parties are taught how to communicate more safely and effectively during therapy through in office practice and coaching. Couples can learn how to handle the inevitable triggers that occur and hopefully how to channel the intense pain to join together in creating a more lasting, fulfilling, loving relationship for both partners.
I have been a psychologist, marriage therapist and coach for many years and truly enjoy helping people find ways to overcome life challenges in their personal life, workplace, and relationships. I see myself as a teacher as well as a therapist.
I use the approach used by John Gottman which has revolutionized marriage counseling in terms of positive results. He and his colleagues have followed over 3000 couples for well over 30 years and have discovered many helpful keys to strengthening a marriage.
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.
With couples, we emphasize good communication skills as part of the foundation of any relationship and utilize our training and experience to help couples break negative cycles and see themselves as being on the same team, rather than as adversaries as they work through specific issues that are a challenge to having a healthy and fulfilling relationship.