Relationship + Couples Therapy

Each person in a relationship brings their own unique set of experiences and strengths. That’s part of what makes an intimate connection so fulfilling, and at times, so challenging. Couples work often focuses on increasing the awareness of these experiences and differences and how they may influence interactions with our partner. By increasing awareness of the patterns within the relationship, your ability to make distinct choices around how you communicate with and respond to your partner improves.

Dr. Carlson uses research-based therapeutic approaches that teach clients and couples therapy to communication skills, help bridge the gap between individual differences, and repair breaches of trust in relationships.

Dr. Carlson has received training and uses the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy in her practice. She uses research-based therapeutic approaches that decrease negative emotions during conflicts by helping couples process fights and reduce maladaptive behaviors such as criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and emotional disengagement. She uses specific interventions to help couples manage conflict and build emotional connections.

Relationship and couples counseling topics may include:

• Communication skills training

• Premarital counseling or preparing for partnership

• Navigating life transitions

• Exploring varied relational models (e.g., monogamous, non-monogamous, polyamorous)

• Addressing sexual concerns and increasing intimacy

• Infidelity or loss of trust

• Marriage counseling, discernment, or divorce counseling