Why do I feel so responsible for everyone else's feelings and struggle to set boundaries without guilt?

Feeling responsible for others' emotions and experiencing guilt when setting boundaries are common signs of caretaking protective parts and relational boundary burnout. Individual therapy integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) helps unburden these parts, regulate anxiety, and set healthy boundaries from a grounded Self.

Why do I overthink conversations, text messages, and worry people are upset with me?

Overthinking interactions and fearing you made a mistake are common manifestations of high-functioning relational anxiety and hypervigilant manager parts. Combining IFS parts work with attachment-based therapy helps quiet the mental chatter and build internal security.

How does Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) help couples stuck in recurring arguments?

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Imago Relationship Therapy help couples slow down recurring conflict loops, identify the underlying pursuer-distancer dynamic, and re-establish emotional safety so arguments can actually be resolved.

How do you help couples rebuild trust after betrayal, lying, or broken promises?

Rebuilding trust after betrayal uses structured frameworks like the Gottman At-Atonement, Attunement, and Attach (AAA) model alongside Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to process deep hurt, establish full transparency, and safely repair emotional safety step-by-step.

Do you offer couples therapy for open relationships, polyamory, or consensual non-monogamy?

Yes, we provide relationship-focused therapy for partners navigating open relationships, polyamory, and consensual non-monogamy. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and attachment frameworks, we help partners manage jealousy, establish clear boundaries, and maintain a secure core bond.

Do you offer couples therapy for neurodiverse and neurotypical relationships (ADHD, Autism)?

Yes, we specialize in relationship therapy for neurodiverse couples (including ADHD, Autism, and neurotypical partners). Using neuro-affirming Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and adapted Gottman Method frameworks, we help couples break the parent-child dynamic, navigate executive function gaps, and build mutual emotional attunement.

How does family therapy help with escalating arguments and communication breakdown?

Family therapy uses Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) to slow down reactive argument cycles, reduce defensiveness, and help family members communicate underlying needs without escalating into conflict.

Do you offer family counseling for blended families, stepparenting, and boundary shifts?

Yes, we specialize in family therapy for blended families and step-parenting dynamics, helping family members clarify roles, navigate loyalty conflicts, and establish healthy relational boundaries.

How can family therapy help bridge the distance between parents and teenagers?

Family therapy addresses parent-teen communication gaps by balancing the teenager's need for autonomy with emotional safety, helping parents break the pursuit-withdrawal cycle and rebuild genuine connection.

Frequently asked questions

Couples Therapy

What is couples therapy, and how can it benefit my relationship?

Think of couples therapy as relationship support: a space where both people can slow down, feel heard, and learn better ways to connect and solve problems together.

Will the Therapist take sides?

A couples therapist treats the relationship as the client. This means the therapist will hold up the mirror to both individuals in service of the relationship as a whole. The goal is to help both partners feel understood, not decide who’s right or wrong.

What can we expect during couples therapy sessions?

Depending on your needs, sessions may include:

Guided conversations and communication exercises
Conflict resolution strategies
Exploring emotional needs and relationship patterns
Tools for rebuilding trust and connection
Practical techniques to use between sessions

Every couple’s experience is different, but the goal is to create a healthier, more understanding relationship dynamic together.

How long does couples therapy take?

It’s not a one-size-fits-all structure, but I usually recommend couples give it 6-8 sessions before deciding whether to pause or continue. Treatment length depends on desire, capacity, availability, and goals.

Do we have to be in crisis to start couples therapy?

No, in fact I encourage the opposite! Engaging in therapy early can help strengthen relationships, support upcoming life transitions, and address emerging challenges before they become more difficult to manage.

When might couples therapy not be the best choice?

If there is active addiction present (Individual is recommended first)
If there is active abuse (Individual is recommended)
If there is an active affair (This is not to be confused with CNM or Polyamory)
If one person does not want to attend

Family Therapy

What is Family Therapy?

Family therapy helps members improve communication, resolve conflicts, and better understand each other within the family system. Systemic change is the belief that improvements come from treating the whole rather than the individuals within.

What can be worked on in Family Therapy?

Parent–child conflict
Sibling conflict
Divorce or blended family adjustments
Grief or major life transitions
Behavioral or emotional concerns in children/teens
Ongoing communication breakdowns
Navigating diagnoses

What types of families do you work with?

I welcome any structure of family into my sessions; all adults, with children, blended, separated, divorced, LGBTQIA+, Polyamorous, adopted, fostered, and more.

What if some family members don’t want to participate?

Some family members may initially feel unsure about attending. Family therapy can still begin with the members who are open to participating. Change in one part of the system can create shifts in the family as a whole.

How do we decide between couples, individual, or family therapy?

Choosing the right type of therapy depends on what’s going on, who is affected, and what kind of change you’re hoping for.

Couples therapy is a good fit when the main concern is the relationship itself; communication problems, recurring conflict, trust issues, feeling emotionally disconnected. The focus is on improving the dynamic between two partners.

Individual therapy may be more helpful when you want space to focus on your own thoughts, emotions, patterns, or personal challenges. It can also be useful if you’re trying to understand your role in relationship difficulties or work through stress, anxiety, or past experiences.

Family therapy is often the best choice when the issue affects multiple family members or the family system as a whole—such as parent–child conflict, sibling tension, blended family adjustments, or ongoing household communication problems.

In some cases, a combination of approaches works best. For example, someone might do individual therapy while also attending couples or family sessions. If you reach out, I can help you figure out what structure will be most effective based on your situation and goals.

Individual Therapy

How can a relationship therapist support me individually?

A relationship therapist can help you explore how you show up in your relationships and understand the patterns that shape your connection with others. Even in individual sessions, the focus can include communication styles, attachment patterns, boundaries, conflict responses, and recurring dynamics in romantic, family, or social relationships.

Do I need to be in a relationship to benefit?

No, you do not need to be in a relationship to benefit from therapy focused on relationships. This work can be helpful whether you are single, taking time between relationships, or reflecting on past experiences. It can also support you if you are preparing for future dating or partnership, or if you want to better understand how you relate to friends, family, and others more generally. Relationship-focused therapy is centered on understanding your patterns of connection and communication, rather than your current relationship status.

How do I know if it’s right for me?

Individual therapy with a relationship-focused therapist may be a good fit if you are looking for support with:

Understanding your patterns in romantic, family, or social relationships
Improving communication and emotional expression with others
Repeating similar relationship dynamics and wanting to change them
Navigating a current relationship with more clarity and intention
Processing past relationship experiences that still feel impactful
Preparing for future relationships in a more intentional way
Building stronger boundaries and a clearer sense of your needs
Gaining insight into attachment patterns or relational habits

Do you help with other issues as well?

Yes. This approach focuses on a wide range of related concerns, including:

Anxiety, stress, and overwhelm
Self-esteem and confidence
Life transitions and major changes
Boundaries and people-pleasing patterns
Emotional regulation and coping skills
Family dynamics and childhood experiences
Communication challenges in work or social settings
Grief, loss, or unresolved past experiences
Trauma

We simply look at various challenges through a systems and relational lens.