Collaborative Couple Therapy

Problems tend to form through miscommunication. The collaborative approach helps everyone feel heard and understood. As a result, communication begins to improve, and problems start to dissolve.

CCT is designed for couples who may be struggling with patterns of conflict in their relationship. The focus of CCT is helping partners work together in a collaborative way to solve problems and improve their relationship in the process. CCT therapists see a fight between partners as an opportunity for a conversation.

We as individuals form our unique worldviews by the attachment styles we develop with our parents and by the dynamics of our family relationships, friendships, and romantic partnerships throughout our lives. I work collaboratively in partnership with you, honoring your worldview, to recognize what’s going well in your relationship dynamic, explore where and how you and your relationships can grow, and assisting you in deepening connection with your loved ones.

My approach is designed to foster a supportive and cooperative environment where both partners are actively involved in the healing process. Together, we work to understand and address the unique challenges in your relationship, emphasizing open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals. By combining evidence-based methods like Gottman Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), I help couples navigate conflicts, rebuild trust, and strengthen bonds.

In addition to some well-honed, validated, finely tuned couple-specific modalities, I bring a heavily collaborative perspective to all of my work. Perhaps even more so when there are partners (or others) who feel adversarial -- my goal is to work within each person's strengths and desired outcomes.

A large majority of my client base is couples. I am currently working as a marriage therapist at The Relationship Institute in Royal Oak, Michigan.

We understand that seeking therapy can be a vulnerable and challenging experience. However, Kinship Counseling Collective strives to create a safe and supportive environment that empowers our clients. Therapy is a collaborative process where the therapist and the client work together to identify and address the client's concerns. Our therapists are committed to building strong and authentic relationships with their clients, creating a space where clients feel comfortable doing their work.

Working with couples in a collaborative way provides insight into their dynamics and getting an understanding of what each individual needs and wants.

I assist couples to express their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives to each other in a healthy way. I assist couples in learning healthier communication styles and healthier behaviors for themselves and towards each other. I help them identify negative patterns and the root of them so they can be replaced with healthier patterns. I teach couples how to deal with their own thoughts and feelings so they are not taking them out of their partner. We focus on positives of partner and relationship.

We will work together to improve communication skills and to shift your relationship into the relationship that you want to live and enjoy.

I was trained as a couples therapist to use a systems framework and work with couples and relational clients to address the current dynamics and patterns between you and your partner.

Throughout my process of working with couples, I strive to create a safe and empathic environment in which both partners feel heard and comfortable sharing their experience. It is imperative couples take these first three meetings to decide if I’m a good fit. Also, it's important couples be able to share when they feel misunderstood, hurt, or disagree with me. Though I am an "expert" in couples therapy, it's important each partner feel their dignity, feelings, and beliefs matter.

I love working with couples to support them in finding their path and helping them to learn each other's languages of communication. We all come from drastically differing experiences as human beings, and the work of bringing two worlds together can be incredibly difficult and frustrating, and it can also be full of joy and excitement. I am here to guide you through it all. I am a sex positive, LGBTQIA+ welcoming therapist who orients towards liberation psychology and theories of attachment.