Couples Therapy In Lake Oswego, Oregon
Relationships matter deeply to us. And when they’re not going well, it can be all-consuming. You may be eager to change something (anything), but unsure what will actually help. And maybe you’ve wondered, “Is it really bad enough to go to therapy?”
You and your partner may be stuck in the same arguments, misunderstandings, or patterns that seem to repeat. Sometimes it’s about the laundry. Sometimes it’s about who initiates intimacy.
Perhaps you’re both walking on eggshells, unsure how to talk about your feelings without things escalating. Or maybe you’ve grown distant and aren’t sure how to find your way back to each other.
Often, what’s happening on the surface, whether it’s yelling, withdrawal, or passive-aggression, is connected to deeper emotions and needs that haven’t been fully understood or expressed. When those needs go unspoken, it’s easy to fall into cycles of reacting rather than hearing one another.
Relationship issues I help couples navigate
Recurring conflict that never feels fully resolved
Feeling disconnected or experiencing a lack of intimacy and closeness
Differences in sexual desire
Difficulty communicating or understanding each other’s needs
The impact of trauma or adverse childhood experiences on a relationship
Navigating perimenopause, menopause, and changes in intimacy
Rebuilding trust after infidelity or a significant relationship rupture
What to Expect from Couples Therapy
In session I encourage partners to get curious about their deeper feelings, needs, and beliefs so they can begin to understand themselves and each other in new ways. My office is a space to slow down and interrupt the same fights and cycles you experience at home. My office is also a place where deep connection can happen - sometimes for the first time in a long time.
Couples therapy isn't just about rehashing what happened during the week. Expect to explore, try new things, and sometimes feel stretched. You can also expect me to guide the process, listen closely, and offer insight and practical tools along the way. It’s a highly collaborative process.
Inclusive Couples Therapy
Not all couples look the same, and neither should therapy! I work with couples across diverse sexual orientations and relationship structures, including LGBTQ+ and ethically non-monogamous (ENM) partners. My goal is to create a space where partners feel respected, understood, and able to show up authentically.
My Approach to Couples Therapy
My approach is trauma-informed and grounded in the understanding that our past experiences and attachment histories shape how we relate to one another. I draw from Psychodynamic Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method (Level 2 trained), and Attachment Theory.
No pressure to fully understand these approaches before coming in (unless you want to!). I'll explain relevant concepts along the way and help you understand how they connect to your relationship.
Ready to Get Started?
Wondering if we'd be a good fit? Schedule a consultation, and we can talk about what’s bringing you to therapy and what you’re hoping for.