What to Expect in Couples Therapy
Relationships can be both deeply meaningful and incredibly challenging. You might be stuck in the same arguments, feeling more like roommates than partners, or wondering how to repair after something painful. You might love each other but struggle to communicate, or find yourselves in patterns that leave you feeling hurt, disconnected, or misunderstood.
Couples therapy offers a space to pause, reflect, and rebuild. Whether you’re navigating conflict, healing from a rupture, or wanting to strengthen your connection, this work can help you better understand one another—and yourselves.
A space to feel heard, rebuild trust, and grow together
There’s no “right” reason to begin couples therapy. You might be:
Therapy isn’t a last resort—it’s a powerful resource for deepening understanding, repairing emotional wounds, and creating something stronger together.
- Arguing more often—or avoiding hard conversations altogether
- Feeling emotionally or physically disconnected
- Struggling with trust, intimacy, or repair after a rupture
- Managing differences in needs, communication styles, or priorities
- Preparing for a big life transition or navigating parenthood
- Wanting to reconnect and be proactive about your relationship’s health
Therapy isn’t a last resort—it’s a powerful resource for deepening understanding, repairing emotional wounds, and creating something stronger together.
Why Couples Seek Therapy
Couples therapy looks a little different from individual therapy—it’s not just two people talking while a third person listens. I’m an active part of the process: helping you slow things down, notice what’s happening beneath the surface, and learn to respond to one another in more connected, respectful, and effective ways.
Here’s how we typically begin:
Here’s how we typically begin:
What You Can Expect in the Process
We’ll start with a no-pressure call to talk briefly about what’s bringing you in and see if working together feels like a good fit. If it does, we’ll schedule an initial assessment.
Step 1: Free 15-Minute Consultation
We begin with a structured intake process to help us understand what’s happening in the relationship and where to focus our work. This typically includes:
This process is based on the Gottman Method, an evidence-based framework for understanding relational dynamics and building healthier patterns. It’s collaborative, clear, and designed to help you feel grounded from the start.
- One joint session to hear from both of you about what’s going on
- One individual session with each partner to get personal perspectives and relational history
- A feedback session to share observations and outline a personalized plan
This process is based on the Gottman Method, an evidence-based framework for understanding relational dynamics and building healthier patterns. It’s collaborative, clear, and designed to help you feel grounded from the start.
Step 2: Couples Assessment
Once we’ve identified key areas to focus on, our ongoing work might include:
I bring tools from the Gottman Method, Polyvagal Theory, attachment science, and trauma-informed relational work to support your growth. Some sessions will feel emotional, others practical. And often, there’s a mix of both!
- Learning how to manage conflict without escalation
- Practicing new ways to communicate—especially during tough conversations
- Exploring patterns around emotional or physical intimacy
- Repairing trust after betrayal, disconnection, or hurt
- Strengthening emotional responsiveness and day-to-day connection
- Clarifying shared values, boundaries, or future goals
I bring tools from the Gottman Method, Polyvagal Theory, attachment science, and trauma-informed relational work to support your growth. Some sessions will feel emotional, others practical. And often, there’s a mix of both!
Step 3: Weekly Therapy Sessions
My approach to couples therapy is collaborative, grounded, and compassionate. I don’t take sides—but I will slow things down, help you each feel heard, and guide you toward understanding what’s underneath the surface of your patterns.
I believe therapy can hold space for both pain and play. While we’ll address hard things, we’ll also work to bring more ease, laughter, and joy back into your connection.
You don’t need to be perfect partners to benefit from couples therapy—you just need to be willing to show up, stay curious, and try something new.
I believe therapy can hold space for both pain and play. While we’ll address hard things, we’ll also work to bring more ease, laughter, and joy back into your connection.
You don’t need to be perfect partners to benefit from couples therapy—you just need to be willing to show up, stay curious, and try something new.
What It’s Like to Work with Me
Whether you’re working to repair something painful or simply want to feel more like a team again, couples therapy can help. Let’s see if we’re a good fit.
Ready to Reconnect?
Finding the right therapist is an important step, and this consultation is a chance for us to see if we’d be a good fit. In this brief call, we’ll talk about what you’re looking for in therapy, how I may be able to help, and whether my expertise aligns with your needs. This is also an opportunity for a quick “fit check”—therapy works best when you feel comfortable with your therapist, so we’ll get a sense of how we connect before scheduling an intake session. There’s no pressure or obligation—just a chance to explore whether working together feels right for you.
15-Minute Consultation
Free
We’ll talk about what you’re looking for in therapy, how I may be able to help, and whether my expertise aligns with your needs. It's a no pressure "fit check."