Where love of another and preservation of one's individual self meet, the friction can be terrifying....or dizzyingly life affirming.

Relationships can nudge (or sometimes shove!) us to the edges of what we know about ourselves, and challenge us constantly to show up in newer and more authentic ways.  Therapy can help re-establish lost safety, encourage a foundation of relational security and interdependence, foster healthier communication, invite mutual empathy and true listening, and support the need for autonomy and difference.

Couples come to therapy for many reasons--I've worked with those who have struggled with trust, betrayals, and intimacy, some who were facing significant lifestyle changes that impacted their relationship, those who wanted to address painful and longstanding patterns, others who came for pre-marital counseling, and still others who came to therapy happy with their relationship, but wanting to catch seeds of conflict early.

I'm passionate about working with couples, and am continually refining my skills through study and consultation with leading couples therapists.  I have also served as the teaching assistant for the couples counseling graduate class at the California Institute of Integral Studies.

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Art by Carol Aust: www.carolaust.com