Improve communication and restore connection.
Therapy for Couples in Pasadena, CA
You love each other, but things feel hard right now.
Maybe you're finding it difficult to communicate without arguing, or perhaps the intimacy that once brought you close has faded. You may feel stuck in repeating patterns that lead to frustration and disconnection. Despite your best efforts, you’re struggling to understand and support each other in a way the other can receive.
It’s a good time to ask for help. Sometimes people think couples therapy is the last resort and wait until it’s too late. Starting couples therapy is a vulnerable and brave choice and deciding to show up fully and openly is the first step to creating lasting change for a more satisfying relationship.
Navigate conflict. Cultivate empathy. Strengthen your bond.
HOW THERAPY WORKS
Change is possible.
Most couples I work with get stuck in differentiation. This means they’re deeply committed to the relationship yet they’re struggling with how to be their truest selves while sustaining their connection. Working together, we get to make space for each partner to acknowledge, understand, and share their emotions. This results in strengthening the foundation of the relationship while fostering deep acceptance of one another.
How will we get to this point? I use both Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Developmental Model. I find that they compliment each other wonderfully. EFT focuses on exploring and sharing your emotions with the goal of developing a secure attachment within the relationship, no matter the season you’re traversing. The Developmental Model is where we get to do the deep work on differentiation. This approach makes space for differences in the relationship to be points of connection and even celebration, rather than fodder for disagreements and activation.
Through our work together, I will help to illuminate the difficult patterns in the relationship and how they get activated. In a space that is safe and contained, you will learn how to listen in a way that allows you to truly hear your partner without taking their feelings personally. And in return, you also will have the opportunity to be truly heard. Additionally, I will work with you to help you expand your toolbox, empowering you with practical skills you can use outside of session.
Couples therapy can help with…
Communication
Conflict resolution
Sex & intimacy
Rebuilding trust
Parenting & Stress
Grief & loss
Frequently asked questions about couples therapy
FAQs
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During our first session, you will have the opportunity to share what brings you to couples therapy. I will invite you to talk about your relationship, going all the way back to when you first met, and we will begin to identify your goals for our work together.
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Every couple is different, and I work with you to create a treatment plan that is individualized to your needs. Because of this, each couple's length of treatment varies. Being consistent with weekly appointments and consciously bringing what you take away from our sessions into the rest of your week will support lasting progress and positive changes in your relationship.
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While therapy can provide tools and insights to improve your relationship, the outcome depends on both partners' commitment and willingness to work on their issues. Couples therapy offers a supportive environment to facilitate positive changes, but success ultimately relies on your effort and dedication.
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I offer in-person sessions in South Pasadena and virtual sessions throughout the state of California.
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Couples therapy is most effective when both partners are present in the same room, as much of the work focuses on the connection between you. I understand that occasional work travel or other commitments may necessitate joining a session separately, but these are generally the exception.