COUPLES THERAPY
LGBTQIA+ and kink-affirming relationship counseling for consciously monogamous couples, ethically non-monogamous partners, open relationships, polyamorous dynamics, queerplatonic relationships, and more! Couples therapy is informed by attachment research, Internal Family Systems and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
In-person sessions available in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Telehealth therapy available throughout NY State.
Couples therapy can help you:
- Identify unhealthy communication patterns and behaviors.
- Clarify individual needs, desires, and expectations.
- Explore underlying issues and unresolved conflicts.
- Address trust issues and rebuild intimacy.
- Facilitate open and honest dialogue between partners.
- Strengthen emotional bonds and connection.
- Practice effective conflict resolution strategies.
- Support personal growth within the relationship.
When each partner has courageous love for the other, many of the chronic struggles most couples face melt away, because each partner is released from being primarily responsible for making the other feel good. Instead, each knows how to care for their own vulnerability. Courageous love involves accepting all parts of the other.
learn more about my approach
Intimacy From The Inside Out (IFIO)
Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO) is an approach to couples counseling that helps partners deepen their intimacy, trust, and emotional closeness by identifying each partner’s triggers and defensive behaviors that result in cyclic conflict. As an IFIO-trained therapist, I believe that individuals must first connect with themselves through a process of differentiation, regulating their own emotions prior to connecting with their partner. Through individual and conjoint sessions, I help partners return to a sense of security and agency independently. As a result, they can more easily access love and compassion for their partners, which is necessary for effective communication.
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an approach to couples counseling based on frameworks of secure and insecure attachments. EFT helps partners develop a more secure emotional attachment through identifying unmet attachment needs, and addressing the negative communication cycles that result when these needs are unheard and unmet. I support clients in communicating those needs in a safe and supportive environment.
Queer & Diverse Relationships
As an LGBTQIA+, kink-affirming and poly-friendly couples therapist, I support partners in co-creating the relationship that is right for them. I specialize in working with queer identities; individuals with alternative lifestyle interests including BDSM, kink and sex work; and individuals/couples practicing non-traditional relationship dynamics including ethical non-monogamy, open relationships, polyamory, solo poly, relationship anarchy, and more! I understand that the default relationship escalator of monogamy is not for everyone. I am experienced in helping partners navigate issues related to communication, boundaries, trust, and jealousy, and the ever-present balancing act of autonomy & individuality vs. attachment & connection.
Courageous Communication
I teach couples to practice Courageous Communication, also known as Nonviolent Communication. This approach to communication helps partners express their needs, feelings, and desires without blame or criticism. By practicing active listening and emotional attunement from a place of open-heartedness, curiosity and compassion, Courageous Communication enables partners to deepen their connection, resolve conflicts constructively, and build a secure foundation within themselves and, in turn, with their partners.