Gottman Referral Network

About

I combine the Gottman Method's research-based tools with the compassionate framework of the Internal Family Systems model to help couples learn how to communicate more effectively, manage conflict, and repair after disconnection.

My style is both practical and deeply empathetic. In our work together, I'll actively guide you in the moment, helping slow conversations down, reduce escalation, and create new ways of responding to each other. Rather than seeing conflict as the problem, we'll explore what's underneath it--often protective patterns shaped by past experiences. As you recognize these patterns in yourself and your partner, it becomes easier to respond to each other with compassion and curiosity, rather than anger and reactivity. My goal is to help you rebuild a relationship grounded in safety, respect, and communication.

We'll focus on Gottman's research, which highlights the behaviors of successful couples, including nurturing fondness and admiration, strengthening your friendship, making frequent repair attempts during conflict, and turning toward each other's bids for connection. We'll also talk about the communication styles happy couples avoid, including stonewalling, defensiveness, criticism, and contempt--and the antidote for each of them when emotions run high.

I believe marriages and relationships can not only survive but thrive, whether there's an infidelity, emotional affair, cyber cheating, financial mistrust, waning romance, stepfamily issues, or parenting disagreements. A new job, the birth of a baby, children leaving home, a move, talk of divorce, or a medical diagnosis are some of the common issues I treat.

I work with all kinds of couples and appreciate and respect issues related to diversity, including age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, spirituality, and socioeconomic status.

Special populations

Adults, Elders