Couples Therapy

Rediscovering Connection and Understanding Conflict
Couples therapy with me goes beyond simply resolving conflicts—it's about rediscovering the connection that first brought you together (Emerging Themes) and understanding how your need for connection or personal space plays out in your conflicts (Boundary Negotiation through Family Dance).

Emerging Themes
The qualities that initially attracted you to each other often lay the foundation for your relationship. However, these same qualities can also become sources of distress over time. For example, if you were drawn to your partner's dependability for a sense of security, you might later feel that the relationship lacks excitement. How do you navigate this shift?

Boundary Negotiation through Family Dance
Although arguments in relationships may seem to stem from different issues, they often reflect common themes, such as negotiating closeness. These arguments frequently follow a predictable pattern—a dance with expected moves and outcomes. For instance, you might feel neglected and express disappointment, leading your partner to feel attacked and withdraw emotionally—a common "demand-withdrawal" pattern. Are you aware of what you're negotiating? Can you break this cycle and address your concerns constructively?

Fostering Growth Through Deeper Understanding
I work with you and your partner to foster open communication, rebuild trust, and deepen your emotional bond by helping you understand and accept the nature of your relationship. Whether you’re facing recurring arguments, major life transitions, or emotional distance, we’ll explore the roots of these challenges and develop new ways to connect. My goal is to guide you from disconnection to mutual understanding and shared growth.

My Commitment to Couples Therapy
My deep interest in relationship dynamics began during my early years in graduate school, where my Master’s thesis focused on Family System Theories. At the Psychoanalytic Institute, I delved into Psychoanalytic Couples Therapy. In my Ph.D. program, I expanded on this work by developing the concept of Behavioral Communication, exploring how people use behaviors instead of words to convey messages. This research was published in a reputable peer-reviewed journal. For my doctoral dissertation, I studied illusory perceptions in romantic relationships and their strong predictive value for relationship quality (approximately 70%). This work was published in a leading American Psychological Association journal. I hope that my academic research and years of experience in Couples Therapy will make me a good candidate to be your therapist.