Couples Counseling
Are you in a relationship that is leaving you frustrated and lonely?
- Do you and your partner seem to be missing each other over and over, but you’re not sure how to fix it?
- Are you still very much committed to your partner, but something in your relationship needs to change?
- Has your ability to communicate been negatively impacted by recent life changes like a move, having kids, getting a new job, etc.?
- Is your relationship not where you want it to be?
You miss your partner, but you don’t think they are hearing you. Sometimes it feels like the harder you try, the more they pull away. Everything seems to be getting in the way – your families, your kids, your jobs, and your phones.
You want to be closer to each other, but you’re not sure how to get through this same cycle of arguments that keeps happening over and over. You love your partner, and you’re not ready to call it quits, but you are worried about what the future holds if something doesn’t change soon. If this keeps going, you worry what it will mean for your relationship and your family.
The resentment inside you is growing, and that’s starting to scare you. You could see bigger fights starting to happen, or worse, empty silences. Going to bed could feel more like sleeping next to a stranger rather than this person you care about the most in the world.
Your relationship can be better.
We can work together and help you feel more comfortable and at home with your partner again.
Marriage is hard, but it doesn't have to be
Being with somebody day in and day out normally leads to some wear and tear on your nerves with each other. It’s crazy how you can feel so angry towards someone that you would quite literally die for. It’s just a known fact that being in a relationship for a long period of time leaves you with ups and downs. Of course there will be times when you’re not firing on all cylinders.
So often couples come to me when they have been together for awhile and things have slowly slid out from the way they want them to be. Usually it’s no one person’s fault. I have yet to meet a couple where both partners haven’t changed in some way since the start of the relationship. It’s unreasonable to expect that life would throw us changes and we wouldn’t change and bend in some way.
The Roommate Effect
A lot of times, when people hit this place it can look a couple different ways. It can look like yelling and screaming, but more often than not, it looks like co-existing. You and your partner are just getting through the daily grind, trying to get kids where they need to be or making 3 different dinners because your kids won’t eat what you cook or trying to make sure you meet a deadline at work that has you stressed out. Couples here don’t always yell and scream, they are more like two ships passing and then quite literally passing out at the end of the day.
Because I have seen this so often, I can confidently say with some intentional pursuit and the help of a seasoned couples therapist, couples can make changes to be more like romantic partners rather than co-parents.
Couples therapy: Rediscover joy in your relationship
If you and your partner have lost the fun and connection that once defined your relationship, couples therapy can help you get it back. I specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a highly effective, evidence-based approach that has helped countless couples rebuild trust, strengthen their emotional bond, and find joy together again.
With over 10 years of experience working with couples, I understand how difficult it can be to break out of negative cycles. EFT is considered the gold standard in couples therapy by the American Psychological Association (APA), and it’s backed by decades of research showing its ability to improve relationships. My extensive training in EFT, including completing a 4-day externship and core skills training, equips me to help you and your partner create the lasting change you need.
What to Expect in Sessions
When we begin, we’ll spend some time getting to know each other and talking through what’s going wrong in your relationship. In the first session, we’ll dive into your history as a couple and start understanding the root of your struggles. The second and third sessions are one-on-one, where I’ll meet with each of you individually to learn more about your personal background, family dynamics, and attachment history. This helps me understand how each of you shows up in the relationship and allows me to better guide our work together.
In the fourth session, we’ll bring things back to the three of us, and from there, all of our work will happen in joint sessions. This early phase is critical because it gives us the foundation of mutual understanding, while also allowing me to learn about your relationship’s unique dynamics. With this information, we’ll be able to target the specific patterns that need to change to improve your connection.
A Safe, Vulnerable Space
Couples therapy is one of the most vulnerable forms of therapy, but that vulnerability is what creates real change. My role is to guide you and your partner through this process in a way that feels safe and supportive. I make sure that both of you feel heard and understood, and I’ll work to ensure that both sides of the relationship are equally represented in sessions.
I don’t tell couples what to do; rather, I point out patterns I see in the room. For example, if one of you starts speaking more quickly or raises your voice, I’ll help you explore what’s happening emotionally in that moment. Over time, you’ll learn to recognize these emotional shifts as they happen and be able to course-correct before things escalate. It’s about developing greater emotional awareness and taking small but impactful steps toward better connection.
Long-Lasting Change
With over a decade of experience working with couples and intensive EFT training, I’m confident that change is possible. If both partners are motivated and willing to do the work—whether it’s practicing vulnerability, learning new communication skills, or addressing emotional barriers—most relationships can heal and grow stronger.
It’s normal for relationships to go through tough phases, but with EFT, you can clear the emotional “gunk” that’s in the way and get back to the connection you truly want. With patience, commitment, and support, you and your partner can rediscover the joy, love, and intimacy you’ve been missing.
Could couples therapy actually make things worse?
It’s natural to wonder if therapy might make things feel harder before they get better. I often compare it to deep cleaning your house: sometimes things get messier before they get cleaner. Just like a deep clean uncovers things you can’t see, therapy helps bring underlying issues to light, allowing you to address them and create a stronger, healthier relationship. Without this process, those hidden issues will continue to impact your day-to-day life.While it might feel tough at first, the end result is worth it—a fresh, clearer, and more vibrant relationship.
Isn’t therapy expensive?
While counseling is an investment in both your relationship and personal well-being, research shows that improving marital satisfaction can significantly boost your health. My goal is to help you create lasting change that strengthens your connection. Therapy isn’t a quick fix, but with the right tools, you’ll be empowered to navigate challenges on your own in the future—without weekly sessions for life. Investing in therapy today means investing in a healthier, more connected future together.
Are you going to take sides?
One of my goals as your couples therapist is to remain neutral and focus on what’s best for your relationship—not take sides. It might sound a bit cheesy, but I often say that two things can be true at the same time—and I truly understand both of your perspectives. While I may point out things that are uncomfortable, I do so in a respectful, compassionate way, helping you see them with clarity so you can work through them together.I’m here to support you both in creating a relationship that works for both of you.
How do I know if I even need couples therapy?
If you’re wondering whether it’s time for couples therapy, here are a few questions to ask yourself: Am I happy in my relationship? When I hug my partner, do I feel relaxed, or do I tense up? Can I talk openly with my partner, knowing they’ll listen and understand? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it may be time to consider therapy. I’ve also written a blog post here to help you more thoroughly answer this question.
You can have the relationship you want
I’d love to help you and your partner build the relationship you desire. You can schedule directly on my calendar for a 15-20 minute consultation call with me to ask any questions and see if we are a good fit for your couples therapy goals. I will respond within 24 business hours.
11438 Lebanon Rd Unit H,
Cincinnati, OH 45241