Couples Therapy in my Berkeley office, or on-line all over the state of California 

Difficult times in intimate relationships can often be gifts in that they open the door to a deeper exploration of ourselves and our partners. Seen in this light, therapy can be seen as a step towards a mutual evolution, rather than just a problem-solving endeavor.

 While our wounds and vulnerabilities are shaped by our earliest relationships with our care-takers, we often remain unaware of them until we get involved in intimate relationships. We find ourselves disappointed with ourselves for not being loving enough/or we blame our partner for not meeting our deepest needs. Neither of these strategies move us towards true healing.

When you come to see me I try to create a safe atmosphere, in which each of you can discover what you really want and need from a loving relationship, and how you might be getting in your own way, and preventing yourself from getting your desires met. My hope is that through this process each of you will come to understand and empathize with your partner’s struggles, and be able to have meaningful conversations with your partner, rather than feeling alone and alienated.

 I have an office in Berkeley for clients who prefer meeting in person.  I also do a lot of work on telehealth, so I can work virtually with anyone in the state of California. Many couples look for experienced support when communication breaks down, conflict increases, or emotional distance begins to form. I offer a warm, grounded, and collaborative approach designed to help partners reconnect, and create real, lasting change. 

With decades of experience in relationship work, I bring a thoughtful, integrative style to couples therapy. My background in family systems and group dynamics informs the way I help partners interact more effectively and understand the patterns that shape their connection. While my clinical roots grew out of a lifelong interest in psychology, my work today focuses on helping couples build secure, resilient relationships through direct communication and meaningful insight. 

A Systems-Based Approach to Couples Therapy 

Couples rarely struggle because of one single problem. Instead, they face repeated patterns—sometimes subtle, sometimes overwhelming—that create tension, misunderstandings, or emotional withdrawal. My approach to couples therapy is grounded in systems thinking: understanding not just what each partner is experiencing individually, but how those experiences interact and influence one another. 

 

Partners often come to therapy feeling frustrated, disconnected, or stuck in roles they never intended to play. By exploring these patterns together, we uncover the dynamics that keep the relationship looping in the same conflicts. This process allows both partners to see the system they have co-created—so they can consciously build a healthier, more supportive one. 

Relationship Challenges Couples Often Bring to Therapy 

Every relationship is unique, but many couples seek therapy for similar reasons. Some common concerns include: 

• Communication breakdowns •
• Recurring arguments that never get resolved •
• Emotional distance or loss of closeness •
• Parenting disagreements •
• Issues around trust, betrayal, or secrecy •
• Managing stress, transitions, or blended-family dynamics •
• Feeling unseen, unheard, or misunderstood. 

Couples therapy provides a structured, safe environment where partners can speak openly, listen with clarity, and practice new ways of interacting that strengthen the relationship for the long term. 

A Collaborative and Interactive Experience 

My couples therapy sessions are active, engaged, and grounded in real-time interaction. Instead of simply talking about problems, partners learn how to communicate directly with each other in the session. This live relational work makes therapy more immediate and effective because couples can practice new skills and dynamics with guidance and feedback. 

One of the core strengths of this approach is its ability to reveal deeper emotional needs that often lie beneath surface disagreements. When partners understand these needs—such as wanting support, respect, affection, or reassurance—they are better able to respond to each other with empathy rather than defensiveness. These shifts can create meaningful breakthroughs, even for couples who have been struggling for years. 

Serving Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, El Cerrito, and the Wider East Bay. Also I see people on telehealth from all over the state of California. 

Although my office is located in Berkeley, my couples therapy services are used by clients throughout the East Bay. Many partners travel from Oakland, Albany, Kensington, El Cerrito, Emeryville, and nearby areas because they want experienced guidance and a thoughtful, systems-oriented approach to relationship work. 

The East Bay is diverse and dynamic, and couples often face unique stressors—fast-paced jobs, the demands of parenting, navigating cultural differences, or simply trying to maintain connection in a high-pressure environment. Having a supportive therapeutic space can make all the difference in helping partners feel grounded, connected, and ready to face challenges together. 

Teletherapy Options for California Couples 

In addition to in-person sessions, I offer teletherapy for couples anywhere in California. Online sessions provide the same depth, structure, and interactive support as in-office work, and many couples appreciate the convenience of meeting from home or from separate locations when schedules don’t align. 

Teletherapy is especially helpful for: • Couples with young children • Partners who live in different cities during the week • Busy professionals with limited time • Individuals with mobility or transportation challenges 

Whether in person or online, the focus remains the same: fostering meaningful communication and strengthening the partnership. 

Why Couples Therapy Matters 

Relationships thrive when partners feel heard, supported, and connected—but these qualities do not always come naturally, especially during stressful periods. Couples therapy gives partners a place to pause, understand each other’s experiences, and break the habits that keep them stuck. 

Therapy is not about assigning blame or determining who is “right” or “wrong.” Instead, it focuses on helping partners see their relationship as a shared system that can be changed, reshaped, and rebuilt. This perspective brings hope, flexibility, and the opportunity for real transformation. 

Getting Started 

For couples in Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, El Cerrito, and throughout the East Bay—along with anyone across California seeking teletherapy—my practice offers a steady, compassionate, and experienced presence to support your relationship. Whether you’re addressing long-standing challenges or simply want to strengthen the bond you already share, couples therapy can provide powerful tools for growth and reconnection. 

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more fulfilling relationship, I welcome you to reach out and begin the process together.