Marriage & Couples Therapy in Austin, TX
Marriage and Couples Therapy
I bring a compassionate, present-centered, and holistic approach to marriage and couples therapy. Together, you and your partner can move beyond blame, repeated arguments, and trying to change each other. If you are looking for a marriage therapist in Austin, TX, I offer in-person marriage and couples therapy near West Lake Hills, as well as online relationship counseling across Texas. In our work together, you can learn more about yourself, strengthen communication skills, and begin to see your marriage or relationship in a different light. This does not mean accepting harmful behavior. Unhealthy or damaging patterns still need to be addressed and changed.
Modern Marriage: Individualism Meets Partnership
In recent decades we have noticed an upsurge of divorce, unhappy marriages, and individuals who will not commit to a meaningful relationship. The 1960s and 1970s psychology trends moved more towards the individualistic view, while the psychology of marriage stayed behind in the 1950s. In the 1950s and early 1960s, marriage was viewed as a partnership where both individuals were expected to fully commit to the marriage without considering their own individual needs. However, the psychology trends that evolved in the 1960s and early 1970s placed more importance on the individualistic approach.
For relationships and marriages to work today we need to change the view of marriage psychology and make them harmonious to individualistic psychology. A happy relationship requires respect for the individual while contributing to the health of the marriage. This new outlook will create happy and satisfied partners individually and as a couple.
Navigating the Non-Negotiables in Relationships
Interestingly, research indicates that only 30% of issues in a marriage are resolvable with the remaining 70% not resolvable. These issues stem from individual differences between the partners. I call these issues “non-negotiables”. The non-negotiables are the personality and character traits of each of the partners. Try to change these characteristics in your partner, and that will make your partner unhappy and resentful.
it is crucial to distinguish between these inherent traits and harmful or unacceptable behaviors that need to be modified. My approach helps couples address and change harmful behaviors while respecting and accepting each other’s core characteristics.
Building a New Perspective
By learning coping and communication skills and respecting each other’s individuality, partners can gain a new, constructive perspective on their union. This approach not only strengthens the relationship but also fosters personal growth and satisfaction.
My Approach to Marriage and Couples Therapy
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor (LMFT-S) and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in Texas, I have successfully guided many couples toward healthier, more fulfilling relationships. My approach focuses on:
- Building a New Perspective: Trying to change your partner’s core traits is futile — but if harmful or toxic behaviors are present, we’ll work together to address and change them.
- Self-Awareness: Helping you and your partner understand your own emotions, triggers, and behaviors — the first step toward meaningful change.
- Effective Communication: Teaching you and your partner to communicate more effectively — active listening, expressing needs without blame, and resolving conflict constructively.
- Collaborative Problem Solving: Giving you the tools to work through conflicts together, so you both feel heard and valued.
- Emotional Connection: Guiding you and your partner to rebuild emotional intimacy and trust, creating a deeper, more meaningful connection.
If a breach of trust is at the center of what you’re working through, my Infidelity & Affair Recovery page goes into more depth on that specific process. If you’re engaged and want to build a strong foundation before the wedding, Premarital Counseling may be the better starting point. You’re also welcome to learn more about my background on my About page.
Marriage & Couples Therapy in Austin and Across Texas
I offer in-person marriage and couples therapy in Austin and West Lake Hills, as well as online couples counseling across Texas. My office is located at 1010 Land Creek Cove, Suite 150, Austin, TX 78746, near West Lake Hills, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Tarrytown, and surrounding communities.
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In-person counseling in the Austin area. Online counseling across Texas.
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Testimonials
frequently asked questions
Couples in long-distance relationships can benefit from therapy by utilizing it as a supportive space to navigate the unique challenges of maintaining emotional connection, communication, and intimacy across distance. Therapy can also help in setting and achieving mutual goals and managing the impact of physical separation on the relationship.
Couples therapy or marriage counseling can help with various issues, including communication breakdowns, intimacy concerns, trust issues, and navigating major life transitions together.
The duration varies, but sessions are often weekly and can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the issues.
While couples therapy focuses on the relationship, individual sessions may be recommended to explore personal growth and address issues impacting the partnership.
Consider factors like qualifications, experience, and personal fit. A therapist who understands your unique dynamics and values is crucial for successful outcomes.
No, couples therapy is for any committed partnership, whether married, engaged, dating, or cohabiting.
A good therapist remains neutral, helping both partners express their perspectives and work collaboratively towards solutions.
Therapists adhere to strict confidentiality standards, ensuring that discussions within sessions remain private unless there is a risk of harm.
Open communication is key. Express your feelings, share the potential benefits, and consider suggesting an initial session to explore the process together.
Couples therapy can be beneficial in addressing underlying issues and rebuilding the relationship, but success depends on both partners’ commitment and efforts.
Cultural and religious differences can significantly impact a relationship. Couples therapy and marriage counseling provide a safe environment to explore and understand the implications of these differences, navigate conflicts, and develop strategies to honor and respect each other’s cultural or religious backgrounds while nurturing a harmonious relationship.
In certain situations, including children or other family members in couples therapy and marriage counseling sessions can be beneficial, especially when addressing family-wide issues or transitions. The therapist can help facilitate constructive discussions and interventions that promote understanding, empathy, and mutual support within the family unit.
Yes, couples therapy is adept at addressing financial disagreements and stress by providing a platform for constructive dialogue, behavioral strategies for financial management, and exploring underlying emotional factors that contribute to financial conflicts. Therapy can assist in fostering a unified approach to financial decision-making.
Couples therapy can be instrumental in supporting partners dealing with individual mental health challenges by fostering empathy, understanding, and effective communication. The therapist can facilitate discussions around caregiving dynamics, boundary setting, and developing mutually supportive strategies to navigate the impact of mental health on the relationship.
I do not accept insurance assignments but will be glad to provide you with the correct paperwork for out-of-network reimbursement submission. Please contact your insurance carrier directly to check your mental health benefits, session coverage amount, and any pre-approval requirements.