I believe that seeking out couples/relationship counseling can be one of the bravest and most rewarding actions you can take. You deserve to have a relationship with a warmer connection, deeper harmony, and more intimacy. I have experience working with people in a variety of relationship structures. 

 

As a couple/relationship, you may be seeking therapy because:

• You face constant stress and conflict in your relationship. 

• You feel there is a cold icy distance between you and your partner.

• You feel there is a lack of accountability and repair in your relationship.

• The passion you once felt has diminished or disappeared. You desperately want it back. Or, you're unsure if you still want it. 

• You have betrayed or been betrayed.

• You feel your marriage is headed for separation or divorce. 

• You have tried couples counseling in the past and left feeling disappointed.

• You are experiencing increased tension, distance, and/or disagreements related to parenting.

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I have trained and worked as a therapist since 2012 and draw from a variety of orientations such as Family Systems, Psychodynamic and Gottman Method. The approach I draw from most heavily however, is Relational Life Therapy (founded by Terry Real). It is direct, pragmatic, and I have seen it lead to profound transformation. I am currently pursuing the therapist certification track in RLT and expect to complete that in late 2026. 

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In my own life, the principles of RLT Therapy have transformed my relationship to myself, others, and the world.  Clients I work with experience the same. RLT does differ from more 'traditional' couples therapy. I have found that to be a good thing. Many couples I see come to me having already tried at least one or two other therapists without seeing the movement they hoped for. RLT Therapy can shift longstanding patterns that are keeping you stuck. 

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How is Relational Life Therapy Different?

• Direct & Active: Therapists who practice RLT tend to take a more direct approach to couples counseling. Unlike a more traditional framework, an RLT approach empowers the therapist to take sides, something that relationship therapists are often hesitant to do. RLT encourages therapists to stand on the side of change and against relationship-defeating strategies. Although it can be uncomfortable to admit, the path there is not always 50-50. I feel comfortable compassionately confronting harmful behaviors while holding the person who is employing those strategies in warm regard. This approach can motivate real, lasting change.

• Trauma Work: To support connection and deepen empathy, an RLT approach may conduct trauma work within the couples therapy session. This provides important insight into the 'why' behind your partner's patterns and underlying pain that may be driving their behavior. We often explore family of origin and how, as adults, so much of our behavior in relationships comes about through modeling or reacting to the way parents/caregivers raised us. This is not about blaming our parents/caregivers, but rather about moving forward with awareness. You will learn to take responsibility for your needs and communicate effectively.

• Pairs Insight with Action: The relational skills you learn in sessions will assist you in sustaining connection in all your relationships long after you are done with couples therapy. You will learn skills to support healthy boundaries, self-worth, repair, and emotional regulation.

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