— Harville Hendrix
Turn toward each other, not away
“We are born in relationship, we are wounded in relationship, and we can be healed in relationship.”
Conflict is a normal and, at times, a healthy part of relationships. What matters is how it’s understood and addressed.
Couples therapy provides a space to identify patterns, rebuild trust, and develop greater attunement, even during those moments of tension.
In my work, I often see that beneath frustration or distance, both partners share a desire to feel understood, connected, and closer again.
Conflict happens, but repair is where love deepens
I believe we are wired for connection. While relational wounds often happen within relationships, growth and repair also happen there. This belief guides my work with couples as they navigate conflict, deepen intimacy, and rebuild trust.
My approach integrates The Gottman Method with Internal Family Systems, somatic therapy, and mindfulness based practices. I incorporate nervous system awareness and stress management strategies to help couples recognize how stress and emotion show up in the body and how to return to balance together.
As partners begin to understand what is happening beneath their reactions, including protective patterns, fears, and bids for closeness, they are often able to respond differently and create space for meaningful repair.
Here is the foundation of my work
Mindfulness Practices
The Gottman Method
Internal Family Systems
Somatic Therapy
Betrayal, repair, and rebuilding trust
Life transitions, parenting stress, or career change
Emotional or physical distance
Repetitive arguments or communication breakdowns
A desire for renewed intimacy, joy, and shared meaning
Repetitive arguments or communication breakdowns
Emotional or physical distance
Life transitions, parenting stress, or career change
Betrayal, repair, and rebuilding trust
A desire for renewed intimacy, joy, and shared meaning
What happens in our sessions?
I support couples who are navigating:
Our work together is collaborative, experiential, and educational. There is an emphasis on emotional awareness, with attention to understanding feelings and learning how to express them in ways that support connection.
Couples often begin with a Gottman assessment, which provides a picture of relationship strengths and areas that may need tending. We use practical tools from the Gottman Method to strengthen communication, express needs clearly, and navigate conflict while staying connected.
Through Internal Family Systems and somatic awareness, each partner develops a deeper understanding of their inner experience and how it interacts with their partner’s. My approach is strengths based. I bring a balance of honesty, compassion, and lightheartedness when it helps couples reconnect.
I see relationships as sacred assignments and as opportunities for growth, repair, and deeper connection. When met with curiosity, even conflict can serve as a teacher.
I help couples reflect on what their relationship is showing them and learn how to move through challenges together in more constructive ways.
When partners listen with attunement to both what is spoken and what is felt, understanding and connection can grow.
If you’re ready to strengthen your connection, I offer a free 20 minute consultation to explore how we might work together. Schedule a consultation to begin.
Reconnecting is my hope for you
[email protected]
(703) 283-5662
Get In Touch
I’d love to learn a little about you and what you’re looking for. I’ll be in touch as soon as possible.