My Approach
I feel so grateful every day to be able to support, witness, and guide individuals and couples as they engage in counseling— it is extremely powerful work. It is my belief that some of our biggest pains and greatest joys come from the quality of our connections to others— we are built for connection.
At this point in time we also have the benefit of several decades of extensive research into what makes the best relationships function so well and the ability to learn from the “masters” of successful, happy and loving long-term marriages and partnerships. I have dedicated myself to studying and conversing with top practitioners to bring you the most effective interventions that we have in the field. My hope is to bring the wealth of scientific research and best practices along with the humor, creativity and artistry of relational living, to help you hone a strong and beautiful bond that it unique only to the two of you— a true masterpiece.
My deepest hope in our work is that I work myself out of a job— that you and your partner take the skills and learning that happens in the therapy space and have confidence that you can navigate future discussions and challenges as a team together outside of the therapy room.
It is also my belief that healers should engage in the same emotional and relational work that they ask of their clients. I have participated in individual and couples therapy myself and know firsthand the courage it takes to show up in those spaces! In our work together, I draw on my own emotional growth and the pathway of growth that my husband and I have traveled together. I meet you in the therapy space as a fellow human in this “school of life.” This work can be challenging, and you deserve a therapist that will be “in it” with you.
Past clients have described me as warm, nurturing, and insightful. Clients have shared that my kind and direct approach helps each partner to identify a clear pathway to heal past hurts and bridge the distance between them.
Below are the therapies and training that I most frequently use in my work
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Gottman’s extensive research on couples and his methods for keeping couples connected are highly effective and evidence-based and are considered one of the “gold standard” therapies for couples. Gottman Method uses over 40 years of research to “disarm conflicting verbal communication; increase intimacy, respect, and affection; remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy, and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship." I have received Level 1 & 2 training in Gottman Method and use many tools and aspects of Gottman Method in my work.
Marathon Couples Therapy (MCT)
Connie Feutz developed Marathon Couples therapy, her unique couples intensive that draws from the best of Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, and mindfulness and non-violent communication approaches. I have received extensive training and mentorship from Connie, one of the 6 original master therapists with the Gottman Institute, who has over 35 years of experience working with couples. She is a highly respected and sought after couples therapist and I feel very lucky to have received such close mentorship and instruction from her.
Relational Life Therapy (RLT)
RLT aims to help partners resolve conflicts, develop personal accountability, improve communication, and foster intimacy within their relationship. Developed by the best selling author and family therapist Terry Real, RLT is based on a long tradition of family therapy, feminist practitioners, and non-violent communication. RLT equips people with the powerful tools they need to continue building authentic, healthy relationships long after their time in therapy is over.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
EMDR is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. This therapy is a highly researched and evidence- based somatic therapy for trauma that provides more rapid relief from emotional distress. I frequently use EMDR to support clients, either individually or, occasionally, as a supplement to couples therapy.
Cultural Respect and Humility
Throughout my time as a counselor, I have cherished opportunities to learn from others with different identities and worldviews. In our work together, I pledge to honor your experiences and viewpoints and to continually seek out my own areas of growth and learning. I am dedicated to anti-oppression work and to providing affirmative counseling for members of the LGBTQAI+ community.