Couples Therapy
in Phoenix

What is your therapeutic approach to Couples Therapy?

Couples Therapy is tailored to each couple depending on their unique goals. In general, I approach work with couples using a framework that integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy, The Gottman Method, and Systems Theory. Want to learn more? Click here:

How much will this cost?

Couples Therapy is $250 per 50 minute session.

Will we start getting along better after a session or two of Couples Therapy?

It can feel really good to take the first steps toward reconnecting with each other and working on your relationship. Sometimes, couples feel relief after the first session or two; however, long-term change doesn’t happen in a couple weeks. In fact, sometimes it even gets worse before it gets better. It’s kind of like opening a closet you’ve been stuffing with things you need to organize. When you first open the closet, it looks like a bigger mess than before you started. Getting everything out in the open helps to know what’s there. Then, you can start sorting through things and organizing. Therapy is similar in that sometimes getting all those emotions out in the open can be more painful than keeping it all in. It can feel like your relationship is getting worse! That’s when some couples start thinking therapy may have exacerbated their challenges. But, if couples continue to work on the challenges that are out in the open, with time they can start to reconnect and approach each other differently. Therapy is hard work, and Couples Therapy is no exception. Even if both partners are putting in the effort and committed to their relationship, it will likely take more than a couple weeks to start feeling better about your relationship. Time, effort, and commitment (to therapy and each other) are the ingredients give a relationship the best chance at getting better.

How long will Couples Therapy take?

I wish there was a magic formula, but there’s not. The length of Couples Therapy depends on what you are working on and how both of you feel about the progress being made. Most couples attend sessions once each week then attend less frequently once they meet some of their goals.

Are there any topics you can’t help us with?

There are few topics that I can’t help with in Couples Therapy. First, if your relationship is not physically safe, my services are not going to be helpful for you. If there is physical or sexual abuse happening to you or a loved one, please call the domestic violence hotline at (800) 799-7233 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). If you are in immediate physical danger, call 9-1-1.

Second, if you or a partner is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse or addiction, it’s most helpful to start by working on the addiction. If one of you is in recovery (even at the beginning stages) and your relationship does not include violence, we may be able to work together. For help finding a substance abuse program, please call  1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free confidential help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The third situation that sometimes interferes with Couples Therapy is if one partner has pressing emotional concerns, such as frequent thoughts of harming themself or someone else. Because Couples Therapy often brings up strong emotions, it’s important that both partners are able to keep themselves and others safe when emotions intensify. If you or your partner need support right now, call 9-1-1 or click the button below to get a list of resources for immediate emotional support in the Phoenix area.