About Me

My approach to working with couples

The Gottman Method is seen as a structured, research-based approach to couples therapy that focuses on strengthening friendship and intimacy, improving conflict management, repairing relationship injuries, and helping couples understand the patterns that keep them stuck. The Gottman Method uses detailed assessment and specific interventions drawn from decades of research on what helps relationships thrive.

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) is an extensively researched therapy approach developed from attachment science. EFT uses attachment science to understand what is happening underneath a couple’s conflict and helps partners create a more secure emotional bond. Research has found meaningful long-term improvements in relationship satisfaction, emotional connection, and attachment after receiving Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.

My approach integrates both. The Gottman Method provides a structured framework for understanding your relationship, identifying patterns, and building concrete relationship skills. EFT and attachment theory help us go deeper, addressing the emotions, vulnerabilities, and attachment needs that often drive those patterns at a fundamental level.

What couples therapy with me is like

I am going to slow you and your partner way down and teach you ways to connect in real-time in session, helping you advance from arguing to truly connecting and repairing. You won't just re-hash fights in session. During therapy with me, I will be focused on what you and your partner both are truly longing for, and I will help you to each get that from each other.

With new ways of responding to each other, trust builds, conflict becomes more manageable, repair becomes quicker and easier, and connection and fondness for each other returns.

If there's hurt between you and your partner, repairing it will be at the beginning of our work together. We'll make space to rebuild trust and create the emotional safety needed to move forward.

Many couples begin to feel more connected and satisfied as they learn new ways to navigate conflict, repair, implement new skills. You'll also leave sessions with practical tools for navigating conflict and repairing after hard moments so that you continue your progress between sessions.

I also offer relationship support for individuals, and that is a different process. Please inquire for more information.

Education/License/Certification

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), State of Idaho
National Certified Counselor (NCC), National Board for Certified Counselors
Master of Counseling in Marital, Couple & Family Counseling
Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 2 Trained