My Therapeutic Approach
Couples Therapy Interventions
I’m a Gottman Level 2 certified therapist. The Gottman Method is a couples therapy model developed from over 50 years of research conducted by The Gottman Institute on the most effective interventions to help couples learn to manage conflict, deepen friendship and intimacy, and share their life purpose and dreams.
Emotionally focused therapy EFT is a short-term treatment grounded in attachment theory. Developed by Sue Johnson and Les Greenberg in the 1980s, this couples therapy approach is based on research and is notable for its effectiveness in relationships, sense of self, and in improving emotional bonds.
Individual Therapy Interventions (and often incorporated with couples work)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports individuals in living a life aligned with their values. If traditional cognitive behavioral approaches have left you frustrated, this may be a great fit for you. A huge difference is that ACT isn’t about getting rid of uncomfortable and unpleasant thoughts. Instead, the goal is to allow them to be present while using your values to drive your decision making. Stop wrestling and start accepting. (Easier said than done.)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a non-pathologizing evidence-based psychotherapy that identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities within each person’s mental system. It focuses on healing the wounded parts and restoring mental balance and harmony by changing the dynamics that create discord among the sub-personalities and the Self. IFS treats individuals, couples, and families and a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, panic, phobias, trauma, substance use, and general functioning.
Breaking Free of Unhealthy Relationship Habits
Way back in the 50s, John Bowlby developed attachment theory identifying four adult attachment styles.
If you’ve noticed patterns of behavior in your love life that aren’t serving you, it could be related to your attachment style. Let’s dive in and learn how you can be safe and secure in a healthy relationship!
Understanding Your Attachment Style
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Often a result of inconsistent or unmet needs (physically &/or emotionally) from your primary caregiver.
May look like: an adult with low self-esteem, intense fear of rejection or abandonment, and clinginess in relationships.
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Often the result of a strict and emotionally distant primary caregiver with little regard for expression of feelings, and encourage their child to be independent or use tough love.
May look like: an adult who is confident and self-sufficient. Little tolerance for emotional or physical intimacy.
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Often a result of physical, verbal, or sexual abuse in childhood.
May look like: an adult with extremely inconsistent behaviors and difficulty trusting others.
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People who have developed this type of attachment are able to self-regulate their emotions. They are aware of and able to express their feelings. They also tend to build deep, meaningful, and long-lasting relationships.
Recovering from a Past Relationship
Sometimes a past relationship continues to affect you long after it’s ended. Whether it involved a partner, family member, friend, or colleague, these experiences can leave you feeling unsure or protective.
Through healing and reflection, you can regain clarity, strengthen your sense of self, and move forward feeling more grounded and empowered in your relationships.
If you are currently in a relationship that is emotionally, physically or sexually abusive, please reach out! For immediate support, contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Can our problems really be solved?
With the exception of emotional, physical or sexual abuse, many relational issues can be resolved within six months of dedicated work.
However there are times when longer-term therapy is beneficial.
While many challenges can improve in a few months, some experiences take more time to fully heal. Recovering from betrayals, processing deep wounds from past hurts, or working through longstanding patterns often benefits from longer-term therapy. This provides the space to rebuild trust, process emotions, and create lasting change in how you relate to yourself and others.
And is some cases, separation may feel like the healthiest option.
As a couples therapist, my role isn’t to decide the future of your relationship. Instead, I support you in exploring your needs, hopes, and dreams, and understanding how you and your partner are aligned.
I help couples explore their needs, hopes, and alignment, without judgment or pressure. Therapy provides a safe space to find a path that feels balanced, positive, and supportive — whether that means staying together or moving forward separately in a healthy way.
If you’re a data-driven person, you’ll find the Gottman Relationship Checkup very helpful for evaluating your progress. This assessment tool was developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman whose approach has been proven to not only support and repair troubled marriages and committed relationships, but strengthen happy ones. It’ll give you a clear picture of your strengths, areas for growth and treatment plan. Let me know during your consult if you’re interested in learning more.