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Couples & Relationship Counseling

Imagine a future in your relationship where healing has transformed into genuine connection. Where you and your partner can take the time to heal while learning how to live. Picture a relationship where you feel deeply connected, communicate with ease, and enjoy a fulfilling intimacy that brings joy to your everyday life.

 

Maybe you have fallen into the "healing trap," focusing so much on healing and growing that you have forgotten how to truly LIVE! As a therapist, I love healing spaces and the challenge of personal growth, but at what point in our healing process do we allow ourselves the gift of ease and spontaneity?

 

My goal when working with couples is to work my way out of a job. That's to say that I see most couples for 6-10 sessions, as we focus on improving communication skills while nurturing intimacy and connection.​​​

Taking the First Step: Getting Started with Couples Counseling

Deciding to start couples counseling shows a courageous commitment to nurturing a healthier relationship. It’s an optimistic step, showing a readiness to work together and chart a new course for your partnership.

 

Scheduling a free intro call is simple—just click the red button at the top of the page. I'm here to answer all your questions and ensure you feel comfortable and supported from the start.

 

Life can be unpredictable, and flexibility is essential. That’s why we offer various scheduling options, including day and evening, online or in-person sessions. 

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How Does Couples Counseling Work?

Holding Hands

Can Couples Counseling Save My Marriage?

The honest answer is that it depends on a few key factors. Most people searching for a couples therapist are focused on finding someone who’s experienced and feels like the right fit. And while that’s incredibly important, it’s only the beginning.

Here are three of the biggest predictors of success in couples therapy—and they start with you:

Can-Couples-Counseling-Save-My-Marriage

1. Owning Your Part

You're willing to be brave and take a thorough and honest look at your contribution to the problems. This means acknowledging that it’s not just your partner’s fault. It takes two to create a pattern, and recognizing your role is the first step towards real change.

2. Willingness to Change

You're willing to work on your relationship. This isn’t about one person changing for the other; it’s about both partners being committed to growing together. When you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and do the hard work, that’s when real transformation happens.

3. Being Vulnerable

You're able to let your guard down and be open about your feelings, needs and fears. Vulnerability is the cornerstone of connection. It’s about showing up and being seen, even when it’s uncomfortable. If you are willing to be vulnerable, you’re ready to make meaningful progress in therapy.

Couple on a Walk

How Can I Improve Communication in My Marriage?

1. Listen to Understand, Not Just to Respond:

It’s easy to jump in with our own perspective, but real connection happens when we pause and truly listen. Reflect back what your partner is saying and acknowledge their feelings—even when you don’t agree. Feeling heard is a game changer.

2. Start the Tough Conversations With Kindness:

When something’s bothering you, lead with vulnerability instead of criticism. “I feel hurt when...” goes a lot further than “You always...” It’s about keeping the conversation grounded in respect and empathy.

3. Build a Culture of Gratitude:

We’re wired for connection, and part of that is celebrating each other—often. Make a habit of pointing out what you love and appreciate about your partner. The small stuff matters. The more positive interactions you have, the stronger your communication will be.

"My Partner Doesn't Want to Go To Couples Counseling." 

If this sounds familiar, then you're probably concerned about the future of your relationship. However, forcing or coercing your partner to come to couples therapy before they give their full consent, can ultimately backfire and cause more harm than good.  The good news is that when it comes to relationships, it takes two people to create a pattern, but only one person to change it. That's why focusing on your own growth and change within the context of your relationship can be all that's needed to begin moving your relationship in a more positive direction. ​​​

Rock Balancing

Reasons Not to Go to Couples Therapy

There are many reasons why going solo with a therapist is a more appropriate and supportive option. The most common reason is safety. If you don't feel safe to explore and share your inner world with your partner, then we will work together individually, helping you identify the part of the problem you have the power to change and finding a new path forward. ​ Other common reasons are: ​ 1. Level of Commitment: One or both partners is considering leaving the relationship.  ​ 2. Unresolved Individual Issues: When one or both partners needs to process deep emotional issues before they are able to sit in therapy and have constructive, challenging conversations. ​ 3. Domestic Violence or Abuse: In cases where a partner is experiencing physical, emotional or financial abuse. In these cases it is best to work with a therapist that specializes in domestic abuse or trauma.  ​ If you are still unsure if couples or individual work is right for you, feel free to send me an email or schedule your free consultation.

  • How many treatments will I need before I see results?
    Our standard treatment includes 6 KAP sessions, usually done weekly over six weeks. One session can bring immediate positive effects, but follow-up sessions are important for long-term improvement. The number of sessions you need depends on your specific situation and the treatment plan we create together. We adjust the frequency and duration based on your progress. The process involves more than just the ketamine sessions. You'll also work with a therapist to integrate and process your experiences, making sure you get the most out of KAP.
  • How does ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) work?
    KAP combines ketamine medication with therapy to create a unique approach to healing. Here’s how it works: Check-in (30 minutes): We’ll set your intentions for treatment and talk about any insights or changes since your last session. Medicine Session (1 hour): Ketamine is given through an IV, orally, or by injection to create an altered state of consciousness. This helps with introspection and emotional processing, allowing you to explore new perspectives, emotions, and memories. I’ll be by your side the whole time, offering support and guidance. Post-Session (30 minutes): With additional support between medicine sessions, you’ll integrate and process your insights, emotions, and experiences, which is vital for understanding patterns and reaching your goals. Follow-Up and Continued Care: KAP usually involves multiple sessions over time. Ongoing follow-up and care are crucial for sustained progress and addressing any ongoing therapeutic needs.
  • How long do the effects last after ketamine is administered?
    The medicine part of the session lasts approximately one hour. The entire session is around 2 hours, allowing extra time for preparation and recovery.
  • Is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) safe?
    Administered under professional supervision, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is generally considered safe. As an FDA-approved anesthetic with a long history of medical use, ketamine has established safety. However, like any medical intervention, there are potential risks. Common side effects during KAP may include temporary changes in perception, mood, and cognition, usually short-lived and resolving as the drug wears off. A medical evaluation before treatment is crucial to assess and manage potential risks.
  • How long does a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) session last?
    A KAP session typically lasts 1 to 3 hours, varying based on the treatment protocol, individual response, and therapeutic goals. The individual receives a controlled ketamine dose through IV, IM, or other routes, monitored by healthcare professionals. Post-administration, therapeutic aspects like talk therapy or mindfulness exercises occur, maximizing ketamine benefits.
  • How effective is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) compared to traditional therapy?
    KAP has shown great promise in treating certain mental health conditions, though its effectiveness can vary based on the specific condition and individual factors. KAP is particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression, often showing rapid and significant symptom improvement within hours or days. Long-term benefits may require additional sessions or maintenance treatments. There’s also promising research underway for using KAP to treat anxiety disorders, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
  • Is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) regulated and legal?
    The legal status of KAP in Texas depends on state laws, medical board regulations, and professional guidelines. Right now, ketamine is approved for pain management and anesthesia, and it's been used off-label for about twenty years to treat certain mental health conditions.
  • What are some other names for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy?
    Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT), Ketamine-enhanced psychotherapy, Psychedelic-assisted therapy, Ketamine-assisted treatment (KAT), Ketamine-assisted mindfulness therapy, Ketamine-facilitated psychotherapy, Ketamine-assisted healing, Ketamine-assisted healing sessions, Psychedelic integration therapy, Transpersonal ketamine therapy, Ketamine-assisted trauma therapy.
  • What is psychedelic integration counseling?
    Psychedelic integration counseling is designed to help you make sense of and benefit from your experiences with psychedelics. If you've had a psychedelic journey and are looking to understand, process, and apply the insights you've gained to your everyday life, this type of counseling can be incredibly helpful. Here’s what you can expect from psychedelic integration counseling: Support and Understanding: You’ll have a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss your psychedelic experiences with a trained therapist who truly understands these unique experiences. Integration of Insights: Your counselor will help you integrate the insights, emotions, and thoughts from your psychedelic journey into your daily life, exploring how these relate to your personal growth and well-being. Emotional Processing: Together, we'll work through any challenging emotions, memories, or traumas that surfaced during your experience. Setting Intentions: If you plan future psychedelic experiences, your counselor will help you set intentions to maximize therapeutic benefits and personal growth. Developing Coping Strategies: You’ll learn coping strategies to manage any lingering psychological or emotional challenges. Integration Plan: Your counselor will help you create a structured plan with actionable steps for applying your insights to everyday life. Personal Growth: The focus is on personal growth, self-discovery, and improved mental well-being, rather than just addressing specific issues or symptoms. Psychedelic integration counseling is becoming more recognized as psychedelic-assisted therapies gain attention and acceptance in the mental health field. It’s especially beneficial if you’ve experienced psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca, MDMA, or similar substances in therapeutic or ceremonial settings. The goal is to help you derive long-term benefits from your psychedelic experiences and navigate any challenges or changes they bring. Also known as: psychedelic integration therapy, integration therapy, psychedelic integration coaching, integration support, post-psychedelic integration, psychedelic therapy integration, psychedelic aftercare, visionary integration, entheogenic integration.