Couples Counseling
Gottman Method couples therapy
I love couples work and am always glad to see people taking this step to attend to their relationships. I’m here to support you whether you’re coming in for a check up or if you fear you’ve hit a breaking point.
Romantic relationships can bring up some of our deepest wounds and can also be incredibly healing when we are able to meet our partner with the care and attunement they need. Sometimes this feels overwhelming and challenging, and I’m here to support you in cultivating the relationship you’re longing for.
I have completed Level 1 training in Gottman Method, an evidence-based model of couples therapy that focuses on helping couples strengthen their friendship, sense of shared meaning, and approach to conflict. I bring in activities to help couples get to know each other’s inner worlds, increase intimacy, and learn new ways of communicating.
LGBTQ+ couples and nontraditional relationships
While I am happy to work with any couple who feels like a good fit, I specialize in LGBTQ+ partnerships. I will support you in building a relationship that feels full and authentic and breaking out of heteronormative relationship structures that don’t work for you. I see this as especially important for queer parents who are exploring what family looks like, when the images of parenting we are exposed to are often so heavily gendered in ways that don’t match our lived experience.
I am also happy to work with nonmonogamous partnerships and support other significant relationships that fall outside of the traditional monogamous couple experience. This can include queerplatonic friendships/partnerships, exes who are still close friends, long term roommates, and other important chosen family relationships. If someone is a significant part of your life, coming to therapy together can be a wonderful way of strengthening your relationship and communication skills.
Support for new parents
The transition to parenthood is a huge shift in your relationship. As expecting parents, you have so much on your plates. In between ultrasounds and shopping for baby gear, it’s important to attend to your relationship and all the feelings this brings up for you. Things like a partner’s ADHD, climate anxiety, or unresolved childhood wounds can come into stark focus when preparing to welcome a new baby into the world. I love working with expecting parents (check out my free pregnancy support group!) as well as parents who already have little ones at home. I also offer postpartum home visits for new parents.
Once you’re in the thick of it, sleepless nights, coordinating everyone’s schedules, and trying to keep up with the laundry can put significant strains on your relationship. People are often surprised by how they can fall out of touch emotionally despite talking about kids and logistics everyday. I’m here to support you in holding space for your romantic relationship and honor your connection as partners as well as coparents.
Want to learn more?
I off free 15 minute consultations and I’d love to hear more about what you’re looking for! Contact me to set something up.
thistle@sctcollective.com
(831) 302-2321