COUPLES COUNSELING - APPROACHES

In addition to the counseling approaches I use, I often employ various couples counseling approaches, such as the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Imago Therapy, and Discernment Counseling.

Gottman Method

The Gottman Method uses research-based tools to help couples strengthen their relationship, better manage conflict, and create a strong mutual support system for each other. As a therapist who has had Gottman training, I often help couples learn these tools to help improve and enrich their relationship.

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) draws on attachment theory, which asserts that humans are hardwired for strong emotional bonds with others. I often use EFT with couples who are experiencing emotional disconnection and are entangled in negative cycles of criticism and anger. This approach helps couples overcome these negative cycles, re-establish their connection, and strengthen their emotional bond.

Imago Therapy

Imago Therapy helps couples understand the unconscious forces that attract people to one another. These unconscious pulls can lead to hurt, conflict, and power struggles in relationships but also contain the seeds for healing. I often use Imago therapy to help couples understand and work with the healing and growth that is imbedded in a couple's frustrations -- for their relationship as well as their childhood concerns.

Discernment Counseling

Discernment Counseling helps couples explore their options before making a final decision about divorce. The goal is not to solve problems in the relationship, but to figure out whether the problems can be solved. I often use discernment counseling for couples where one partner wants to preserve and repair the relationship and the other is leaning towards ending it.

"Working with Carolyn has changed my life. She is excellent at guiding and managing the therapeutic process by listening, giving insight, being honest, taking notes and providing concrete tools. In my case, she has given me a toolbox filled with techniques, behaviors and tasks to help me manage depression effectively. This has freed me to live a happier, healthier and more intentional life. Carolyn is fair, patient and kind. If and when you are ready to fully engage in the therapeutic process, and put in the personal work necessary, she will help you get to the place you truly want to be."

- former client

"Carolyn helped me navigate the hardest time in my life. She lends a sympathetic ear and offers keen insights, and does so with grace and humor. Her organic approach has given me concrete practices to meet life goals as well as encouraged me to dig deep into hard places. I looked forward to our sessions. She made our time together feel authentic and comfortable while delivering lasting therapeutic impact."

- former client

"Carolyn is such a caring and genuine and wonderful therapist. I can't express how much my work with Carolyn has helped me. I'm able to handle my anxiety and depression and issues with my family in much healthier ways. I feel really present to my life and my relationships with everybody in my family have improved so much. It's not that I'm happy all the time, or enjoy where I am all the time, but I'm ok with that now, and I am present so much more of the time, and so much more able to recognize when I feel sad, or angry, or happy... Read more"

- former client

(See other testimonials)