Couples & Relationships
According to Webster, “A relationship is the state of being related or connected, encompassing kinship, connections, associations, or the way two or more people behave toward each other.” Because we are all uniquely different, relationships require healthy boundaries, conflict resolution, effective communication and emotional attunement to navigate challenges and maintain balance. Open communication, curiosity, empathy and a willingness to understand different perspectives help rebuild trust and deepen bonds after there has been a rupture; yet, because of our differences, relationships can lose their way. Poor communication, unmet emotional needs, unresolved conflict, childhood trauma and even small misunderstandings can lead to a lack of emotional attunement, distance and resentment. Ultimately, relationships suffer when connection, trust and mutual respect erode. You don't have to work on your relationship alone. As a couples specialist, I work alongside partners to heal, grow and when needed, support a healthy and respectful dissolution.
Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) is a compassionate and effective approach in helping folks deepen their connection and heal from relationship wounds. It is evidenced-based and is predicated on the idea that most relationship conflicts stem from unresolved childhood experiences and unmet emotional needs. Because our unconscious mind is driven to heal childhood wounding and trauma through romantic relationships, it is necessary to equip couples with a tool to support this process. During our time together, I will teach you the Imago Dialogue and provide you with opportunities to communicate in a way that fosters understanding, empathy and healing. I will teach you how to break historic unhealthy patterns of conflict and repair in loving and mature ways. Through research and experience, it is clear that all relationship dynamics can benefit from learning better patterns of communication and tools for repair after rupture. Imago can be utilized with couples, family members and friends so if you desire healthier ways to communicate with people you care about, Imago can support you in this dream.
Relational Life Therapy (RLT) is a powerful, direct and incredibly unique approach to helping couples build stronger, more authentic connections by waking you up, creating healing and transformation and teaching you relational skills for life. It focuses on identifying and shifting unhealthy relationship patterns while teaching you and your partner how to communicate with honesty, respect, and empathy. RLT helps uncover the underlying wounds and behaviors that cause conflict, guiding you toward greater understanding and intimacy. RLT can help you break free from cycles of blame, defensiveness and resentment, creating space for real connection and growth. In session, you will learn practical tools to navigate conflict, express your needs clearly and respond to each other with kindness and care. Whether you are in a current relationship or navigating life alone, RLT’s approach is swift, direct and effective in moving you toward the life you desire.
Sex and Intimacy are vital components of a fulfilling relationship yet many individuals and couples face challenges in these areas at various stages of their lives. For a myriad of reasons, sex is typically an uncomfortable topic and commonly avoided in everyday conversations and while intimacy may seem easier to discuss, it is regularly confused with sex. In session, I will support your exploration and address your concerns, helping you reconnect with yourself and/or your partner on a deeper level. Through guided conversations and exercises, folks can identify underlying issues affecting their intimate life, such as communication breakdowns, mismatched desires, or past trauma. We will work to understand, rebuild trust and foster a more satisfying and loving connection through sex and intimacy.
Safe Conversations® (SC) was developed by the creators of Imago Relationship Therapy for folks outside of the therapy office and designed to help people foster deeper understanding and connection through mindful communication. It emphasizes creating a safe environment where both participants can express themselves openly and listen empathetically. As a certified SC facilitator, I will teach you how to talk without criticism, listen without judgment and connect beyond your differences. Whether you are in an intimate partnership, friendship, work relationship or beyond, SC can support you in learning a new way to communicate so that your relationships feel “safe” and fulfilling.
Discernment Counseling is a unique process designed for couples where one partner is uncertain about the future of the marriage and may be hesitant about traditional couples therapy. This method provides a structured map whereby each partner can explore their feelings, gain clarity about their desires and understand the potential paths forward. The process respects ambivalence, allowing both individuals to reflect on their relationship without the immediate pressure to make definitive decisions. During each session, I will work with you to identify the underlying issues affecting your relationship and determine whether reconciliation is possible. The goal is to help both partners gain insight into the situation, improve communication, and decide on the most constructive step to take: commit to six months of couples therapy, maintain status quo or pursue separation and divorce. This thoughtful approach supports each partner's emotional needs while fostering mutual respect and understanding and lasts no more than five sessions.
Therapeutic Supervised Visitation (TSV) is a specialized service designed to facilitate safe and supportive interactions between parents and their children, particularly in situations involving high conflict, safety concerns or the need for reunification. I provide a safe and structured environment where parents can engage with their children under therapeutic supervision, ensuring that these interactions are both secure and nurturing. This service is especially beneficial in cases where there are concerns about child safety, such as instances of abuse, neglect or domestic violence. By offering a neutral and controlled setting, TSV aims to protect children while supporting the development or restoration of healthy parent-child relationships. Additionally, TSV often incorporates therapeutic interventions to address underlying issues, promote positive parenting skills and work toward family reunification when appropriate.