Couples & Relationship Therapy

When you arrive at my Placentia office, you are welcome to take a seat in the waiting area, and I will greet you both at our exact appointment time. During our first session, we will focus on understanding your shared history, identifying the negative communication loops holding you back, and defining clear goals for your relationship. For optimal momentum, I typically recommend meeting weekly for the first four weeks of care.

Not at all. You don't need to know which therapeutic model fits best before reaching out. Drawing on over 29 years of clinical experience, I integrate evidence-based techniques from the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Psychodynamic patterns, and trauma-informed care (EMDR) based on your unique relationship needs. We will collaborate on a personalized plan together.

No. In couples therapy, the client is the relationship itself, not either individual partner. My role is to remain objective, neutral, and compassionate toward both of you, helping you identify underlying patterns without assigning fault or declaring a "winner" in arguments.

It is completely normal for one partner to feel uncertain or anxious about starting therapy. You are welcome to begin with a brief consultation to address any concerns. Framing therapy as a neutral, collaborative space to improve communication—rather than a place to assign blame—often helps ease a partner's hesitation.

The duration depends on your goals and the complexity of what you are navigating together. While many couples gain clarity and practical communication tools within 8 to 12 sessions, others choose to remain in therapy longer to navigate deeper pattern shifts, heal past betrayals, or build long-term relational resilience. We will regularly review your progress together.

Yes. Therapy provides a structured, safe environment to explore your feelings and options without pressure. If you are unsure about the future of your relationship, we can use our time to help both partners gain clarity, communicate honestly, and make informed decisions about whether to rebuild the relationship or transition apart amicably.

Codependency in a relationship often looks like one or both partners losing their individual identity, struggling to set personal boundaries, prioritizing the other's emotional state over their own, or feeling constantly responsible for keeping the peace. Couples therapy helps you establish healthy emotional boundaries, improve self-differentiation, and build a balanced partnership based on mutual support rather than caretaking.

Yes. Research consistently shows telehealth couples therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions. Virtual sessions are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform for couples anywhere in California, making it easier for partners with busy work or family schedules to attend sessions together from home or office.

An LMFT is a licensed mental health professional trained specifically in relational and systemic therapy. This means my primary training centers on understanding how dynamics, interaction loops, and generational patterns between people shape a relationship. This specialized focus ensures your therapy goes beyond individual advice to address the core patterns of your relationship.