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California Couples Counseling

Relationship Therapy in California

Premarital Counseling  |  Couples & Relationship Therapy   |  Marriage Counseling   |  Divorce  |  Family Therapy​

A Relational Approach to Treatment

An integrative, affirming approach to relationship counseling that supports communication, emotional connection, and long-term health for couples, families, business partners and other relationships.

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Here are a few of the ways I help couples, families and partners reach their goals in therapy:

In-person or Online

Relationship counseling should work for you. While I always recommend in-person sessions in my Solvang, CA office if you are close by, telehealth (virtual therapy) can be a very convenient way to do therapy without feeling the pressure of rushing to one place or another. Partners and family members can even join from different locations in California. Don't let location stop you: online therapy is secure, accessible and effective.

Learn Sustainable Skills for Connection

An emphasis on foundational concepts and practical skills supports couples in creating lasting change, strengthening connection, and navigating challenges beyond the therapy room.

Sex is not a dirty word.

Perhaps one of my favorite topics, I have found that many therapists shy away from this topic and wait for you to bring it up. At some point in our work together, we will talk about sex. It's a crucial part of a relationship (it's okay if you don't want it!). If you're specifically wanting to address sex, then you've come to the right place!

Growing at Your Pace

Some people know exactly what their goals are for therapy and some just know they want to improve their relationships. We can grow and learn at a pace that works for you. If you are wanting to attend as few therapy appointments as possible, I will tell you how we can approach treatment to increase efficiency. If you're looking long-term and want to keep growing and learning, we can continue to increase connection, intimacy and vulnerability for you and your loved one(s), adjusting goals as you see fit.

Outside of the Box Therapy

If you have tried marriage counselor after marriage counselor and one or both of you are ready to throw in the towel, I encourage you to try a few sessions with me first. I find my approach is different than many couples therapists (trust me, I've gone to a lot of them myself in the past!) and I pride myself in my straightforward, transparent approach that meets your relationship goals.

Integrative & Evidence-Based

An integrative approach allows therapy to be tailored to each couple’s unique relational patterns and stage of development. Care is grounded in an evidence-based, integrative framework, drawing primarily from The Couples Institute’s developmental model, Nonviolent Communication, and Relational Life Therapy (RLT). Additional modalities, including Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Integrative Relational Therapy, are incorporated to support meaningful and lasting change.

Transparent Communication

You know the moment when the curtain is pulled in The Wizard of Oz and we see how everything works? That's my goal as your therapist: to teach you how it all works so you can do it yourself. I'll show you why I do what I do, teach you certain skills and help you zoom out to find patterns yourself, without always needing to depend on a therapist to help you and your partner during tough times.

Affirming Approach to Care

Affirmative, supportive care that honors the full range of human identities and experiences, informed by multicultural and neurodiversity-affirming perspectives. This practice is inclusive of LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients and centers on respect, safety, and collaboration.

Neurodivergent-Affirming Support for Mixed Neurotypes

Understanding neurodiversity—and how the nervous system functions—can offer important insight into how your brain and body communicate. Neurodivergent individuals, including those with dyslexia, autism, OCD, HSP, ADHD, or AuDHD, for example, are more likely to experience relationship challenges due to differing ways of communicating, processing and sensory support needs.​

Growth for All Relationships

The concepts, skills, and personal growth you experience in relationship counseling can be applied in all areas of life. This is an investment in YOU.

Areas of Focus

Whether it’s navigating conflict, deepening connection, or managing life transitions, I help couples, partners and families build skills and grow together. Here are some common themes we focus on in relationship therapy:

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Communication

Communication

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Sex

Sex

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Divorce

Divorce therapy can be done individually or with your partner. It can be an opportunity to process grief and learn from your relationship so you don't repeat the same mistakes in your next relationship.

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Parenting

Parenting and Co-parenting

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Discernment

Not sure if you ever want to stay in your relationship anymore? Take some time to explore your relationship and see if you and your partner want to work on the relationship. Discernment counseling offers 

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Premarital & Marital

Whether you are dating, engaged or married, we can address all issues that arise or build skills while you are still in your honeymoon phase.

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Infidelity & Betrayal

Infidelity and betrayal come in all forms. Financial, emotional, physical, sexual, spiritual and much more. Whether you are reeling from finding out about an affair or heart broken over a lack of transparency, we can work through it together.

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Families with Addiction

If your loved one is in the throws of active addiction or if you're just struggling with a loved one's substance use (or process addiction), I can help you navigate boundaries, communication and support.

....and much more! There is no relationship challenge that we can't tackle together.

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Alternative Lifestyles

I have training and understanding in alternative lifestyles such as polyamory, open relationships, and kink. If I’m not the right fit for your situation, I’ll make sure you have referrals to therapists who are a strong match.

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Business Partners

Experiencing conflict at work with your business partner, boss or colleague? I can help.

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Infidelity & Betrayal

Infidelity & Betrayal

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Family Conflict

In-laws have you feeling defensive and resentful? Does another family member get too involved in your life? Whatever the issue, we can work through conflict even if the conflict is happening with people outside of your relationship.

My approaches

My integrated approach to couples therapy utilizes a variety of modalities, shaped by ongoing training and years of clinical work with couples.

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Founded in 1984 by Dr. Ellyn Bader and Dr. Peter Pearson, The Couples Institute in Menlo Park, California, specializes in evidence-based couples therapy and training. They created the developmental model of couples therapy, a widely used framework for diagnosing and improving relationship dynamics. I am currently in their advanced program for clinicians.
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