Who is couples therapy for?

It is both inevitable and healthy for couples to fight. However, when the frequency and intensity of your fights start negatively impacting your health and well-being, it may be time to speak with a professional. Couples therapy can help you and your partner learn tools to communicate effectively, achieve goals together, or work through a specific situation or deep rooted conflict. If you are considering a breakup or divorce, having a professional present can help you make an informed decision on what will be best for the relationship.

What can I expect in couples therapy?

I may begin the initial session to learn about each of you individually as well as how you formed your relationship (similarly to an individual therapy session). I may also appear to be doing a lot of observing in the beginning. This is so that I can get a feel for how communication and conflict may play out in your relationship so I can identify unhealthy patterns that keep you feeling stuck, dissatisfied, or disconnected. I may point things out to you and pause you, to allow for active listening and understanding to ensure that poor communication patterns are not repeated.

My Personal beliefs and approach:

A lot of times we may have needs not being met that we cannot even identify for ourselves, let alone for our partners. This is where non-violent communication skills may be helpful.

The non-violent framework provides a systematic approach that teaches us to be present to our own needs, feelings, and requests without blaming, shaming, or criticizing others.

Often we may communicate passively, critically, or manipulatively, which is so familiar and automatic that we don’t even realize we’re doing it. This leaves us feeling powerless in relationships because we are unable to get our needs met, so we repeat the same conflicts and feel alone.

By learning to identify our needs and understand our emotions, we can learn to make requests for change in empathic and compassionate ways.

This approach can be applied to any relationship and transforms the way we connect, leading to deeper and more intimate bonds.

See more about how I work and what to expect in the FAQ.

Common Questions about Couples Therapy

Couples therapy is a space for partners to work through challenges, improve communication, and strengthen their connection. It’s not about taking sides, it’s about helping you both feel heard, understood, and supported.
Not at all. Some couples come in during a rough patch, while others want to grow closer, prevent future issues, or learn healthier ways to relate. Therapy can be helpful at any stage of a relationship.
I work with couples on a range of concerns, including communication problems, trust issues, conflict, emotional disconnection, codependency, anxiety in relationships, and navigating life changes.
That’s very common! I create a nonjudgmental space where both partners can feel safe to open up. In our first session, we’ll talk about your goals and what each of you needs from therapy, at a pace that feels comfortable.
It depends on your goals and what’s going on in your relationship. Some couples come for just a few sessions to work through a specific issue, while others choose to stay longer for deeper growth and healing.
No. My role isn’t to judge or pick sides. I help you both understand each other better, notice patterns that may be getting in the way, and support you in making changes that bring more connection and clarity.
Yes. Whether you’re unsure about staying together or trying to separate respectfully, therapy can give you space to explore your options, understand each other more deeply, and make decisions with care.