Relationships are a central part of life and are central to our happiness. You don’t have to figure them out on your own. I use comprehensive approach when treating your unique relationship that is based in the Gottman method, an evidence-based method proven to improve communication and increase marital satisfaction. It is my job to guide partners into a deeper connection than you can accomplish on their own. I’d love to help you create a long-lasting relationship. I have been married for 9 years and understand the ups and downs, radical love, and deep challenges that come along with a committed relationship.
couples therapy
Finding yourselves caught in a cycle of conflicts or struggling to reconnect? Couples therapy can offer a productive and healing way forward. With the help of a skilled couples therapist, you and your partner can have a safe and supportive space to express your feelings, understand each other's perspectives, and learn healthier communication and problem-solving skills.
what is couples therapy?
My job is to provide you and your partner a safe, structured place to explore each of your unique perspectives of the relationship. The role of the therapist in couples counseling is to (1) serve as an unbiased and neutral facilitator between the couple and (2) help the couple learn new strategies for identifying and resolving conflict. I can also help provide techniques and guidance to make discussions easier to navigate, while respecting the needs of the individuals.
Specialty Areas
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So much buzz and excitement comes with the announcement of marriage. In the past, pre-marital counseling was associated with couples with serious issues or religious reasons, however pre-marriage couples counseling, a commitment to 10 structured sessions, offers insight to your strengths and areas of growth as a couple. Going through challenging topics with a trusted professional can help you strengthen your relationship. You’ll learn new skills, discover meaningful information about yourself and one another, and solidify your foundation.
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Living with ADHD or ASD can come with a great deal of challenges. When one partner is neurodiverse and one is neurotypical, it is easy for misunderstandings to build into resentment and frustration. Building and maintaining an emotional connection becomes more difficult if a couple discovers that they speak "different languages" and have a disparity in how they think and experience emotions. Couples counseling with a focus on neurological differences can prevent divorce and allow for healing and true love to flourish.
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Counseling is not meant to be a “one size fits all” approach. When it comes to couples counseling, desiring better communication, wanting shared values, navigating differences in communication styles or conflict, it is important to me as a clinician to hear the unique needs and goals of each couple I meet. I have spent the past several years helping couples, both straight and gay, create and maintain greater love and health in their relationships. I’d love to help you, too!
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There is no denying the profound impact serving in the military has on the health and wellbeing of an individual and a couple. One area I am particularly passionate about is the transition from military to civilian life and the strains such an adjustment can put on a marriage. I understand the stigma of asking for help and ensure effective solutions.
When is the right time?
Couples often seek out couples therapy when their relationship feels stuck. Perhaps trust has been broken, arguments are getting more frequent and intense, communication is breaking down, or emotional and physical intimacy is diminished. Sometimes they may simply be having difficulty communicating and need help expressing themselves in a way that your partner can understand. I also strongly recommend pre-marital counseling for all couples to start your lasting commitment as strong as possible.
What can I expect?
an objective and supportive approach
increasing sense of safety
improvement in communication
rekindling intimacy
discuss problem behaviors safely
repair broken trust
identification of harmful patterns
new ways to address old problems
relating better to one another
addressing sexual issues
move toward a more hopeful future
How can I get started?
I consider it a deep honor to walk alongside you as a couple on your relational journey. If you are in the Hampton Roads area and looking for relationship help, please schedule an appointment today. I would love to talk with you both and hear about your unique problems to start working toward a solution. Head over to the Get Started page to learn more. I look forward to meeting you soon.
