Couples Therapy
One of you reaches harder. The other pulls away. The more one person tries to be heard, the more the other feels criticized, overwhelmed or shut down. Before long, you are both protecting yourselves and neither of you feels understood.
The cycle is the problem. Not either person.
Book a Free Consultation
Neither response makes someone the villain. Both may be attempts to protect the relationship, yourself or something tender underneath.
What Lies Beneath
A tone, silence, missed bid for connection or unresolved hurt.
Pursuing, defending, explaining, criticizing, withdrawing or shutting down.
The original need becomes harder to see beneath the reaction.
Even when both people genuinely want things to be different.
Couples therapy helps slow the pattern down so you can understand what is happening before it takes over.
You do not need to agree on exactly what the problem is before beginning.
Couples therapy can support clarity and healthier relating.
It does not require a predetermined outcome.
In the Therapy Room
The therapist is not there to decide who is right, keep score or force either person to take all the blame. The work focuses on understanding the cycle between you, the emotions and needs underneath it, and what each person contributes to keeping it going or changing it.
Both partners should have space to feel heard, challenged and supported.
Accountability matters. So does context, safety and compassion.
Recognizing the cycle and what each response is trying to protect.
Saying what is underneath anger, defensiveness, silence or distance.
Learning how to return to connection after hurt or conflict.
Making clearer decisions about the relationship and what each person needs.
The direction of therapy is collaborative. No specific relationship outcome can be guaranteed.
That is common. One partner may feel hopeful while the other feels skeptical, blamed or pressured. A first consultation can clarify what couples therapy involves and whether both people are willing to participate.
You do not need equal enthusiasm. You do need enough willingness to begin honestly.
Contact UsA 15 minute conversation to ask questions and explore fit.
Typically 50 minutes so there is time for both partners and the relationship. Extended 80-minute sessions are also available.
Goals are identified together and reviewed as the work progresses.
Virtual couples therapy is available where clinically appropriate.
In person availability varies by clinician and location.
MACP, B.Sc., RP (Qualifying), CCTP-II Specialist
Founder & Clinical Director
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) | Trauma Therapist
Kids ages 9 to 12 · Teens · Adults · Couples
Trauma and complex PTSD · Anxiety · Neurodivergence · OCD
MEd, BA, RP (Qualifying), CCC
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Adults · Couples
Trauma and difficult life experiences · Childhood trauma · Emotional neglect · Relationship challenges
MACP, BSN, RP (Qualifying)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Adolescents ages 14 and older · Adults · Couples
Anxiety · Stress · Depression · Burnout
A free consultation is a low pressure first step. Tell us what has been happening and we will help you determine whether one of our couples therapists may be a good fit.
