Couples therapy in Arizona

What couples usually come in with

• The same argument, again. The topic changes. The ending doesn't: one of you feels unheard, the other feels criticized.

• ADHD in the relationship. One partner has become the reminder system, the other feels managed, and both are tired.

• OCD or anxiety in the relationship. Reassurance that never lasts, routines built around one person's fears, or persistent doubt about whether this is the right relationship.

• Distance. Not much fighting. Just two people who mostly talk about logistics.

• A big change. A baby, a move, a new job, or a loss that shifted the balance and hasn't settled.

How I work with couples

I draw on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). We map the cycle you get pulled into, slowly enough that you can each see your own moves and the other person's. Most couples find that the problem is the pattern, not each other.

I won't take sides, and I won't stay vague either. If I see something keeping you stuck, I'll name it, with both of you. When ADHD, OCD, or anxiety is part of the picture, I'll say so directly, because it changes what helps. Reassuring each other more doesn't fix an OCD reassurance cycle, and a better chore chart doesn't fix resentment that built up around ADHD.

Sometimes the right plan is couples sessions alone. Sometimes it's individual work for one partner, like ERP for OCD, alongside some joint sessions. I'll tell you what I think fits and why.

Couples therapy isn't the right starting point when there is ongoing abuse or one partner doesn't feel safe. In that situation, other support comes first, and I'm glad to help you find it.

Related

• OCD therapy: when reassurance or relationship doubt is running the relationship.

• ADHD therapy: when one partner's ADHD has become the third person in the room.

• Therapy for life transitions: when a new baby, a move, or a loss changed how you work together.