Family & Couple Therapy
Family Therapy
Family support can act as a buffer against life’s challenges. This especially true when there has been a significant loss or traumatic event. Family therapy can be a beacon of hope for families struggling with difficult circumstances. Every individual within a family system has a unique perspective and important insight to contribute even when all members are experiencing the same event(s). Coming together, in a neutral space, offers an opportunity to
improve communication,
process emotional, physical & relational changes,
build empathy & understanding,
strengthen a nexus of support,
managing conflict,
negotiating compromise & boundaries, and
and fortify bonds.
Family therapy is generally short term (8-12 sessions) and focused on a single issue or practical skill.
Couple Therapy
A significant loss or traumatic event can impact your relationship in many ways. This impact includes, but is not limited to:
communication challenges,
changes in roles / responsibilities,
challenges with physical and emotional intimacy,
loss of life dreams or plans,
emotional reactivity, intense emotional pain
feelings of disconnection or isolation
The goal of a trauma-informed approach to couple therapy is to support resilience, connection, and understanding.
Learn more.
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Losing a loved one (especially a child) changes your life in VERY PROFOUND ways. Your heart hurts so much. And the pain often feels overwhelming. It may feel as if no one really understands. You may be experiencing sadness, denial, guilt, anger, and anxiety, as well as many other emotions.
Grief counseling for couples focuses on
the shared experience of the loss,
living with the loss,
respecting different ways of grieving,
understanding your own grief experience, and
maintaining connection with those living and deceased.
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Experiencing a traumatic event can have a lasting impact on the your relationship. It is often important to look at each partner’s life and personal history to develop a deeper understanding of how each partner views and understands the things that have happened, as well as the lasting impact on the relationship.
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Update: The waiting list for pre-marital counseling is currently closed.
Couple Resources. Feel free to check out these videos and modules free of charge.
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As an integrative couple therapist, I am comfortable blending couple therapy modalities to meet your specific needs (including but not limited to the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), the Developmental Model, and solution-focused techniques).
Lastly, I also tend to be more directive during couples counseling. I find that it is occasionally necessary to interrupt negative or harmful interaction patterns that emerge during session.
Resources for Couples
Learning modules reflect my clinical experience and understanding of the current research. However, every couple is unique. My hope is that the information in these modules (including areas of disagreement) will be used to support honest conversation as you co-create a relationship that serves you both.
Each module has three parts:
an introductory video that gives an overall sense of the topic,
additional videos links to broaden understanding, and
a PDF with homework/practice exercises. A lot of the work happens between sessions. Homework is essential. It provides an opportunity to practice new skills and deepen connection.
Module 1. The Art of Listening
The goal of this module is to increase connection and understanding through effective listening. Thoughtful listening helps build trust and increases openness. It is an active demonstration of caring and respect.
Additional Videos:
Module 2. Trust and Commitment
In this module, we will explore trust, commitment and the concept of the “good enough” relationship.
Additional Videos
Module 3. Small Things Often
Small things can make a big difference. Please join me as we explore the impact of appreciation and gratitude. We will also examine the effect of giving your partner the benefit of the doubt.
Additional Videos:
Module 4. Attachment
Let’s take a look at the science of love. In this module, we explore attachment, attunement, styles of relating and the couple bubble.
Additional Videos
Module 5. A Positive Perspective
This module is devoted to creating a positive perspective. We talk about positive sentiment override, accepting influence and differentiation.
Additional Videos
Module 6. Your Nervous System
The topic of discussion for this module centers on our nervous systems, based on the work of Stephen Porges and Dan Siegal. Understanding the way we respond when activated can help with communication and conflict.
Additional Videos
Module 7. The Dance: Patterns of Interaction
Now, it’s time to turn our attention to the patterns of interaction within the relationship. This is an interactive module that asks both partners to consider the ways in which each contributes to the relationship dynamics.
Additional Videos
Module 8. Expressing Needs
The focus of this module is on recognizing and expressing attachment needs. For some, this is a relatively easy concept. However, for those that prioritize others’ emotional well-being over their own, it may be a little more challenging. I’m interested to know how it goes for you.
Additional Videos
Module 9. Conflict & Repair
Every relationship will have disagreements and conflict. Although uncomfortable, conflict can be a catalyst for deeper understanding and growth. In this module, we will explore ways to express disagreement and manage conflict in ways that strengthen the relationship.
Additional Videos:
Module 10. Life Dreams & Shared Meaning
In this module, we examine the ways in which couples co-create shared meaning and dreams. We will talk a little about how roles are established, the ways in which individual dreams are supported and how couples use rituals of connection to strengthen a shared sense of purpose.
Additional Videos: