COUPLES COUNSELING

Are You Feeling Disconnected in Your Relationship?

  • Are you having the same arguments over and over with no resolution?

  • Have you searched the web, watching countless Instagram videos on relationships, and even asked your friends for advice?

  • Do you find yourselves scrolling endlessly on your phone because it’s easier than trying to find something to talk about?

  • Do you both feel you are putting more energy into the relationship than getting out of it?

  • Have you started thinking about ending the relationship or thinking about how to leave?

A woman holds an umbrella in a rain storm.

When you're feeling disconnected from your partner, it can be deeply painful and isolating.

You've likely tried a lot of things already to improve your communication and get the spark back.  But even with all your best efforts, you both keep having the same issues come up again and again.

You begin to feel exhausted at the amount of energy you are putting into the relationship and begin to drift apart. You might be thinking, "I know we love each other. Why isn’t this working anymore?" or "What's wrong with us? Everyone else seems to be doing ok."

A group of daisies blow in the breeze on a windy hillside

Many Couples Face These Same Challenges.

Here's what might surprise you: research shows that 69% of couple conflicts are perpetual problems that can't be "solved" in the traditional sense. Instead, successful couples learn to manage these ongoing differences in ways that bring them closer together rather than drive them apart.

The Gottman Institute's extensive research with over 40,000 couples reveals that all relationships face predictable challenges.

We’re happy to answer your questions!

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Even the happiest couples deal with…

  • Communication breakdowns during stressful periods.

  • Different conflict styles that can escalate minor disagreements.

  • Emotional flooding that makes productive conversation nearly impossible.

  • Negative sentiment override where everything your partner does feels irritating.

  • Intimacy challenges that ebb and flow throughout the relationship.

  • Life transitions that disrupt established relationship patterns.

    Most couples face an endless number of stressors and demands on their lives. Some of the more common ones are extended families, balancing careers, finances, sex, raising kids, and religious/spiritual differences.

    You also may find that while earlier in your relationship, things were great. You found plenty of  excitement and energy for each other. Small things were overlooked and not a big deal. Over time, however, life started to get in the way, small disagreements festered, and eventually you find yourselves living separate lives under the same roof.

a cozy cup of tea sits on a table

The good news is that it is not too late to reach out for help!

According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), couples therapy has a 70% success rate. There are several evidence-based therapy approaches for couples therapy such as the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). These scientifically backed approaches give couples a chance to learn what works in a successful relationship.

dried branches blow gently in a breeze at sunset

What Makes Couples Counseling Effective.

Couples therapy helps you learn about destructive and negative patterns that have taken sometimes years to develop. In some cases, you may have learned “what works” in a relationship from your own upbringing. Once you are able to identify and change these negative patterns, your relationship can begin to heal.

In couples therapy, we help you identify these specific patterns and develop new ways of interacting that actually work. Using proven approaches like the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we help change the negative patterns into more productive ones. Again…all based on the most recent science in the field.

What Makes Our Approach Different

Therapists help you understand the underlying emotions and patterns you are stuck in. This deeper understanding allows you to respond to each other from a place of curiosity rather than defensiveness.

The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to improving your trust, commitment, and friendship. This also gives you very clear examples of how to have disagreements, and the nuts and bolts of what makes satisfying marriages work.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on learning how to emotionally connect on a deeper level. This increases your trust and reliance on each other.

Phase 1: Assessment and Understanding

Initial Sessions (First 2-3 Meetings): Your first sessions focus on understanding your specific cycle and relationship history. We'll help you identify:

• Your unique conflict patterns and triggers

• The underlying emotions driving your interactions

• Your relationship strengths and areas for growth

• Clear, achievable goals for therapy

• Initial tools you can start using immediately

We use research-validated assessment tools to understand your relationship dynamics deeply. This helps us identify specific areas where we can make the most impact together.

What to Expect in Couples Counseling

Your couples therapy journey typically covers three main phases, each building on the previous one to create lasting positive change in your relationship.

Phase 2: Active Change

Next 8-12 Sessions. This is where the real transformation happens. You'll learn and practice:

  • How to express your needs without triggering defensiveness

  • Ways to respond to your partner's emotions that build connection

  • Techniques for managing your own emotional reactions during conflict

  • Methods for breaking negative cycles as they're happening

  • Skills for rebuilding trust and intimacy

  • Strategies for maintaining connection during stressful periods

Phase 3: Integration Phase

(Final 4-6 Sessions): We'll help you solidify your progress and prepare for continued growth.

  • Reinforce successful new patterns

  • Create a plan for managing future challenges

  • Develop ongoing connection rituals

  • Establish check-in systems for your relationship

Additional Benefits You Can Expect

Throughout your therapy journey, many experience various positive changes:

  • Decreased frequency and intensity of arguments

  • Improved ability to discuss difficult topics calmly

  • Greater emotional intimacy and connection

  • Better understanding of each other's perspectives

  • Increased relationship satisfaction and happiness

  • Stronger sense of partnership and teamwork

  • More effective problem-solving skills

  • Enhanced physical and emotional intimacy

a hopeful sunrise on a clear morning

Common Concerns About Couples Counseling

What if my partner is reluctant to come to couples counseling?

This is a common concern. We offer a free 15-minute consultation where both partners can ask questions and better understand the process. We find that many spouses that are able to have their concerns and worries answered upfront can engage more effectively in couples counseling. In the end if your partner does not want to go, individual counseling can still be helpful in processing and working through your relationship.

How long does couples counseling take?

While every couple's journey is unique, most couples attend 12-20 sessions. We'll work together to establish clear goals and regularly assess your progress. Many couples report seeing positive changes within the first few sessions. The frequency and duration of therapy can be adjusted based on your needs and progress.

Is it too late for counseling if we're already considering separation?

No, it's never too late to seek help. Many couples find that counseling helps them either rebuild their relationship or make clear, conscious decisions about their future together. The key is being willing to engage in the process. Research shows that even couples in high distress can benefit significantly from professional support.

What makes your approach different?

Our group only uses evidence-based methods when it comes to treatment. We are not simply going to sit back and listen to the two of you talk and give a few worksheets. We provide a clear evidenced-based approach to utilize to get your relationship back on track. We are active in your sessions and want you both to come away with a better understanding of the other’s thoughts and feelings.

Take the Next Step in Getting Your Relationship on the Right Track

Don’t settle for the same negative patterns. Learn what works based on decades of science for a meaningful and rewarding relationship. Relationships can be complicated and face challenges. Get professional help and get back to living a happier and more fulfilling relationship.

We offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation to ask any questions, voice your concerns, and see if we might be a match. Reach out today.

Our locations:

LAS VEGAS OFFICE

7318 WEST POST ROAD
SUITE 211
LAS VEGAS, NV 89118

SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE

2211 POST STREET
SUITE 300-301
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115

VIRGINIA TELEHEALTH

SERVING THE GREATER RICHMOND & NORTH VIRGINIA AREAS