Offering couples therapy intensives in Naples, Florida
About My Work
I am passionate about working with couples in all walks of life, helping them to move towards healing and wholeness. After being in my own long-term relationship for over 15 years, I appreciate that the decision to go to couples therapy can be a difficult step. It takes a great deal of courage, and it is my job to make the process as comfortable as possible.
In my practice, I have worked with couples to overcome long-standing resentments, rebuild their fondness and affection for one another, and find new meaning and purpose within their relationship. These breakthroughs occur within the supportive context of effective, science-based interventions.
My job is not only to help couples reduce conflict and tension, but also to foster trust and safety to deepen their bond. Individuals need emotional safety to let their guards down and show their true selves. Only then do couples start to reconnect and rediscover all they have to offer each other.
I utilize the Gottman Method Therapy as my primary treatment modality and the Sound Relationship House as our “blueprint.” This blueprint provides a clear map of the essential building blocks for a happy, healthy, strong relationship. I also integrate other models such as Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, The Development Model of Couples Therapy, The Doherty Approach, Family Systems, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Meditation as needed.
One particular presenting problem I find particularly rewarding to work with is the aftermath of an affair. An affair can completely shatter a couple’s world, turning it upside down, leaving both partners not knowing where to go next. Couples need a place to work through the hurt and betrayal while rebuilding their trust and commitment to one another. I have seen profound recovery using the Gottman Method to heal affairs.
Witnessing these relationship transformations leaves me amazed, moved, and deeply inspired. I am grateful to be a part of your journey.
Professionally Speaking
Prior to private practice, I worked extensively with families, couples, and children with histories of trauma, abuse, and addiction in a variety of community mental health agencies. As part of a clinical team, I provided therapeutic services for an on-site emergency shelter for abused and neglected children.
Professional development is also essential in order to give clients the best care and service possible and I’ve never stopped learning. I keep up on the latest couple’s therapy research through seminars, workshops, and trainings.
Personally Speaking
Personal experience has also shaped my approach to working with clients.
When I was a teenager, I lived a very “typical” family life…until my parents announced they were divorcing. At that moment, my world was completely shattered. Most children don’t ask for divorce. And yet, they are asked to make changes during a divorce that are hard, sudden, and unsettling.
We learned to adjust to a new family structure; stepparents, separate holidays and birthdays, and alternating between households. The family roles, rules, and boundaries shifted, and I had a hard time navigating this “new normal.”
I got help through individual therapy. This first encounter with therapy ultimately planted the seed that later blossomed into my career. Many years later, I have the privilege of providing the very same help as my therapist in the very same office building!
It’s funny how life can come full circle.
I share this to tell you that I understand what it is like to be on the other side of the couch. I acknowledge the courage it takes for each and every one of my clients to walk through that door.
“The quality of our relationships is what determines the quality of our life. Our ability to bond and connect on a deep level with other human beings gives us more meaning than any other human experience. It is what makes life worth living.”
My Office: Naples, Florida
My office is in the heart of Naples, Florida, minutes from Naples’ shops and beaches.
Naples offers exquisite sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, high-end shopping districts, championship golf courses, and pristine white sandy beaches.
The Naples Pier is a popular fishing and dolphin-spotting destination as well as the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. The Naples area is home to several major land reserves including the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Everglades National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve.
With a peaceful and serene landscape and without the hustle and bustle of a big city, Naples is the perfect getaway/destination for couples to relax and reconnect.
My office has a cozy living-room feel to it while offering privacy. It’s a great place to conduct our work.
Life with Animals
Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a profound love for animals of all shapes and sizes. It is no wonder as I am the daughter of a veterinarian father and grew up in a house full of pets.
Our house felt like a zoo at times! The long list of furry family members has included: dogs, cats, birds, turtles, fish, hamsters, bunnies, snakes (yes snakes!), geckos, and frogs.
As an avid dog lover, I fell in love with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) breed. My home is full of love and A LOT of dog hair from Henry (7), Charlotte (3), and Frances Bean (1). One of my favorite books is by Matt Weinstein and Luke Barber, Dogs Don’t Bite When a Growl Will Do. This delightful book illustrates the many important life lessons our dogs can teach us.
Hobbies
In my down time, one of my favorite things to do is to lounge in my sun room or on the grass in my backyard that overlooks a lake. I have an iced coffee in one hand and a good book in the other! Some of my favorite authors include Eckhart Tolle, Pema Chodron, Brene Brown, Harriet Lerner, Glennon Doyle, and Esther Perel.
I also love being outside! Living only miles from the beach, I find peace and serenity being on the beach searching for seashells. Exploring new places and traveling is another favorite of mine. Sometimes the best plan is to have no plan at all and see where you end up!
In recent years, I have discovered the power of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness and it’s been one of my greatest teachers. Yoga asks us to become known to one’s self. And I believe knowing oneself is an essential element to healing, growing, and having a fulfilling life. Similarly, couples therapy asks each partner to show up, be true to themselves and to be brave in the face of relationship adversity.
Working with me, you will find an enthusiastic and compassionate but steady even-handed advocate. You both bring a great deal of value and strength to your relationship, but in the midst of crisis and conflict, you may have forgotten this. It is my hope that together we have the opportunity to enrich and expand your lives.
