Couples Therapy

No matter your issues, I am ready to support you in reaching your relationship goals.

Good or bad, relationships are some of the most meaningful experiences we have in life. It is worth investing time and energy into having the best versions of them we can have.
My passion for working with couples comes from my own journey of experiencing difficult relationships in childhood and then learning the power of healthy relationships in my adult life.

I implement a combination of Attachment Theory and Terry Real’s Relational Life Therapy (RLT). My style is not to just sit back and listen to you. I am very interactive, direct and involved in the sessions. I will work with you to evaluate exactly what is keeping you stuck and outline steps for each of you to take in order to change. What I tell you might be difficult to hear at times, but it is necessary for you to make lasting changes in your life.

The brain is wired for relationships, and we learn things more easily when such growth is supported day in and day out by those we share our lives with. Couples work also has the added benefit of improving fun and reducing stress in the home environment, which pays huge dividends to all family members.

Premarital Counseling

Premarital counseling is recommended for all couples considering committing to a shared life for the long-term. ‘Premarital’ may not be the best term, as not all couples define their commitment in terms of marriage, but the concept is the same: To receive support from an experienced third party in exploring issues that can affect the trajectory of your lives together. Good premarital counseling assesses any areas that could create friction moving forward, helps you develop the skills to prevent those problems from happening, and helps you in discussing matters that are likely to be important to your partnership. Premarital work helps couples develop greater awareness of their strengths and weaknesses, and provides guidance and resources to keep a relationship as strong and fun-loving as possible.

Couples are encouraged to sign up for three 50 min. counseling sessions to cover the foundational components of long-term relationship as well as any issues unique to your partnership. We will discuss areas in which the relationship is strong as well as areas that as a couple you might want to keep an eye on. Improving skills in certain areas may be recommended to avoid future problems and support good habits from the beginning of a life partnership.
I love doing premarital counseling and helping couples build healthy habits from the outset of their relationship. This type of counseling is especially important for young couples engaging in their first life-long relationship commitment.

Individual

When we are struggling in life, feeling stuck, hurt, confused, or alone, we all deserve a place to talk with someone who we know will not judge or shame us. Instead someone who will walk alongside us and guide us to create change, find purpose in suffering and restore our hope and strength.

I often say I am in the business of life editing. I want to help you live a more engaged life, a life you feel excited about… and that requires editing your life ruthlessly and often.

If you are interested in making the investment in yourself to begin therapy you might be wondering what kind of commitment this would be for you. I recommend a 10 minute phone call before setting up the first session so that you can have all of your questions answered and get a feel for how I am as a therapist. I am also available by email to answer any questions. If we decide to set up the first therapy appointment I will send you some paperwork to fill out and bring to the first session.

I believe in the innate healing power and resilience of people but also understand that at times it can be important to integrate medical consults and treatment with our counseling. While we generally advise lifestyle modifications first, I work with a psychiatrist, should medication be needed. Such collaboration and coordination between the medical and counseling aspects of treatment is invaluable and accelerates healing and growth.

I am honest and direct and do not shy away from conversations surrounding mental health issues. When appropriate, I believe in discussing mental health diagnoses and their effective treatment in a collaborative fashion with clients. Some issues, such as active addiction, eating disorders, and acute unresolved trauma can benefit greatly from the specific attention of topic specialists. Depending on the presenting issues and the treatment plan we develop together, I occasionally work in conjunction with or refer to specialists in certain areas in order to ensure the most effective care for each client. I believe in putting you and your needs, health, and optimum life first, and to support you in all the ways that I can.

Therapy is an investment in yourself. You have the potential to make a lot of progress.

Groups

Group therapy is a great way to learn how to relate to others better, be yourself, and form authentic and meaningful bonds with others. Group therapy provides a safe environment in which to explore emotions and gain skills that change every relationship, from those in the workplace to those at home.

Group therapy has roughly two goals: 1) To help you improve your social skills such as emotional awareness, setting boundaries, individuation, seeking connection, expressing frustration and anger, receiving loving attention, and communicating warmth and empathy toward self and others. And 2) To gain insight into your own behavior, the roots of your relationship style, how your family history shapes your way with others, and automatic reactions you have to others. There are other benefits as well, however, such as developing greater comfort in a group, becoming more authentic in your self-identity and in how you present yourself to others, the healing benefits of bonding with a small group dedicated to growth and exploration, and the accountability the group provides to help you reach your goals.
Group therapy works in a variety of ways. One way is through the facilitation and shared insights of the therapist who is the group leader. But perhaps even more powerful are the reactions and feedback received from group members. Unlike individual therapy, group therapy offers multiple opinions from different people around the ways we relate to others. Such feedback can be invaluable, especially if relationships have been a sticking point in one’s life.

Group therapy also offers an opportunity to expand qualities such as patience, acceptance, and empathy for a broad range of individuals. One learns how to understand and relate to those whose personalities we may generally struggle with in life. Attachments may be formed, much like in a family of diverse individuals, conferring benefits such as increased psychological flexibility, emotional regulation capacity, and the skill to handle even sensitive topics of conversation effectively.

Sex Therapy

I am currently in the process of becoming a certified sex therapist in the state of Florida. I will update this page as soon as I have completed my certification. In the meantime, I am still available to discuss sex and sexuality issues with any clients that wish to do so, just without the title of “Sex Therapist,” or I can happily refer you to a certified sex therapist.

You may attend talk therapy or speak with a certified sex therapist about sex-related issues. Both types of therapist may help people with questions or concerns about their sexuality. Therapy can help people enhance or restore their enjoyment of physical intimacy. It may also help them get to the root of distress or confusion about their sexual feelings or behaviors. Therapy for sexual orientation should help people accept their sexuality and an affirming therapist will help that person process and come to terms with their feelings about sex.

It’s important to remember that healthy expression of sexuality comes in many forms. People with a non-normative sexuality or gender may feel alienated from society. These feelings may cause mental health issues that bring them to therapy. Other people may seek therapy for issues related to sexual intimacy. Worries about sexual issues can profoundly affect a person’s mood, thoughts, and well-being. Finding the right therapist can offer a person a safe place to share their fantasies, fears, memories, or desires about sexuality.

Inclusive Therapy

Finding a therapist shouldn’t feel like you are taking a risk. All people with all abilities in all bodies deserve equal access to identity affirming, culturally responsive care.

I honor full neurodiversity spectrum and advocate for mental health care for people with disabilities. Additionally, I cater to the needs of black, indigenous, people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. I will be the first to make a referral if I do not feel like I am the best fit for you, I am always willing to work to understand our differences, and I aim to responsibly admit when I am wrong or don’t have the answer.