Couples Counseling in San Francisco & Marin County
When the same cycles keep repeating, something deeper is usually driving them.
Conflict, disconnection, and miscommunication can leave couples feeling stuck.
You may love each other deeply, but still find yourselves caught in the same arguments or struggling to feel close and understood. These patterns can be painful and isolating, yet they are also common, and they can be repaired.
You may have tried talking it through on your own, only to end up back in the same place. That doesn't mean change isn't possible. It often means the underlying pattern hasn't been addressed yet.
As a Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist (EFCT), I specialize in helping couples navigate challenges and rebuild the trust, intimacy, and security that underpin lasting relationships.
What Is Emotionally Focused Couples Counseling?
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist (EFCT) is an evidence-based approach grounded in attachment science. It focuses on the emotional bond between partners, helping couples move beyond surface-level arguments to the deeper needs and fears that drive them.
EFCT is highly effective across cultures and relationship types. Research shows that 70% of couples who complete EFCT will be symptom-free by the end of treatment. By identifying and reshaping these patterns, couples can:
Reduce conflict and tension
Improve communication and understanding
Rebuild trust after distance or betrayal
Strengthen intimacy and connection
Create a more secure and resilient partnership
Navigating Conflict and Rebuilding Trust, Communication, and Intimacy
Every couple faces conflict; it’s a normal part of being in a relationship.
However, when arguments happen repeatedly, remain unresolved, or become emotionally charged, both partners may feel frustrated and disconnected. Over time, small misunderstandings can turn into larger issues of distance and pain.
In couples counseling, we work together to slow down these cycles. This approach helps you understand the deeper emotions behind the conflict. Instead of feeling trapped in blame or defensiveness, you and your partner will identify your patterns and will begin to understand what's actually driving the cycle and find new ways to respond to each other.
A key focus of our work is rebuilding trust. Trauma, betrayal, or years of unresolved conflict can damage the sense of safety between partners. Therapy provides a space for both of you to share your hurt, listen with empathy, and take steps toward forgiveness and repair.
How I Work with Couples In San Francisco and Throughout California
When you begin couples therapy with me, our first goal is to slow down the cycle of conflict that keeps you stuck. Instead of repeating the same arguments, we’ll focus on what’s happening underneath—often fear of rejection, loneliness, or the longing to feel safe with one another.
As your therapist, I act as a guide to help you:
Recognize the negative cycles that fuel disconnection
Learn to express emotions in ways that invite closeness rather than conflict
Rebuild trust so that both partners feel secure in the relationship
Strengthen your ability to turn to each other during times of stress
Couples therapy is not about pointing fingers or assigning blame—it’s about creating a safe, supportive space where both of you can be heard and understood.
A Collaborative Approach
I tailor my work to each couple's specific situation, history, and goals. Whether you are navigating ongoing conflict, recovering from betrayal, feeling like you've grown apart, or dealing with the impact of ADHD on your relationship, the work is grounded in understanding what's driving the cycle you're stuck in.
I work with couples of all backgrounds, orientations, and relationship structures, including LGBTQ+ couples and non-traditional partnerships.
If you're ready to take a first step, I offer a free 20-minute consultation where we can talk briefly about what's going on and whether working together makes sense.
If you're ready to take a first step, I offer a free 20-minute consultation where we can talk briefly about what's going on and whether working together makes sense. You can also check out some of my favorite resources for couples if you'd like to learn more before reaching out.