Although I don't pretend to be able to save every relationship (run away from any counselor who says they can!) my couples counseling clients offer regular and ample feedback that I am compassionate, real, practical, direct, effective and fun.  (Yes, fun.  Counseling doesn't have to be a gloomy experience!)  I have been told by many couples that working with me is the first thing they’ve tried that has actually helped.

When necessary,  I also help couples clean out their “emotional closets” in a way that is effective, safe, and emotionally loving rather than destructive and damaging.  It‘s amazing to see the return of closeness in a relationship once this work is done the right way.  My aim is to help couples remove the barriers to intimacy and closeness in a way that heals the relationship.  In that process, couples learn helpful, effective skills that they can take into their lives to make their relationships happy and healthy again.

Occasionally, relationship and marriage problems can be caused by the difficulties one partner is having, such as post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, grief or some other problem.  I help couples identify this, and then work with them to formulate a plan to address and resolve the problem.

My clients often tell me they feel respected, understood, challenged and, ultimately, empowered to make the changes they want and need to make.

“You’re so easy to talk to!  You actually listen and get it.”

“I thought I would be embarrassed to tell you ______, but I just feel relieved.”

“I know you care about me.”

“Thanks for being honest with me.  It’s hard to hear, but it’s what I need.”