Marriage Counseling in Raleigh NC

Are you seeking effective marriage counseling in the NC Triangle Area? I specialize in couples counseling using the Gottman Method, a proven approach to help couples improve communication, rebuild trust, and deepen emotional connection. Whether you're dealing with conflict or aiming to create shared goals, this evidence-based therapy offers practical tools for lasting change.

Why Choose the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy?

Gottman Method Couples Therapy is grounded in over 40 years of rigorous research on what makes relationships succeed or fail. Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this structured approach helps partners:

• Improve Communication: Learn proven strategies to improve dialogue, increase empathy, and resolve conflict more constructively.

• Build Intimacy: Strengthen emotional connection, mutual respect, and affection to create a more satisfying partnership.

• Create Shared Meaning: Deepen your sense of unity by developing shared goals, rituals, and values that bring you closer together.

What to Expect from Gottman Method Marriage Counseling

Gottman Method Couples Therapy begins with a comprehensive assessment process designed to provide a clear picture of your relationship dynamics and needs. The steps include:

Gottman Method Relationship Assessment

• Initial Joint Session — our first session together includes both partners and focuses on:

• Understanding the history of your relationship

• Identifying recurring challenges and strengths

• Exploring what each partner hopes to gain from therapy

• Individual Interviews — Each partner then participates in a private, one-on-one session to:

  • Discuss personal background, family history, and relationship experiences

  • Share individual perspectives in a personalized space

  • Address any sensitive concerns that might not emerge in joint sessions.

• Gottman Relationship Checkup — This HIPAA-compliant, research-based assessment uses validated algorithms developed by Dr. John Gottman to provide personalized insights and treatment recommendations for our work. Each client will complete a set of online surveys that will help us focus efficiently on the issues that matter most for you. The Gottman Relationship Checkup analyzes key relationship areas, such as:

  • friendship

  • intimacy

  • conflict

  • trust

  • shared meaning

• Feedback Session — We reconvene as a couple to review insights from the assessment and:

  • Discuss the results of the Gottman Relationship Checkup

  • Highlight areas of strength and opportunities for growth

  • Co-create a customized treatment plan based on your goals and values

Customized Interventions for Lasting Change

Based on your assessment, I’ll draw from evidence-based strategies to help you:

• Manage Conflict Effectively: Replace negative interaction cycles with constructive communication tools and repair attempts.

• Rebuild Trust: Heal from past hurts and increase reliability and emotional safety.

• Deepen Friendship & Intimacy: Reignite fondness, admiration, and meaningful connection.

• Create Shared Meaning: Clarify life dreams, shared goals, and core values to strengthen your sense of "us."

Sex-Positive, Inclusive Counseling

I provide sex-positive, affirming counseling that welcomes all sexual orientations, gender identities, and consensual relationship structures.

Confidentiality in Couples Therapy

In couples counseling, confidentiality works a bit differently than in individual therapy. There is one shared chart for the couple, rather than separate records for each individual. While private sessions may occur as part of the assessment, anything shared in individual interviews may be used to inform the couple’s overall treatment. I will review and clarify confidentiality agreements with both partners before we begin to ensure informed consent and mutual understanding.

Training & Background

I bring over two decades of clinical experience and advanced, specialized training to my work with couples:

• 30 hours of training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy through the Gottman Institute

• 30 hours of advanced training in Dr. Alan E. Fruzzetti’s model of DBT for Couples

• Two-semester doctoral-level clinical practicum in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Couples, audited through the UNC Chapel Hill Department of Psychology

This diverse and in-depth training background allows me to flexibly tailor therapy to the specific needs and strengths of each couple.

Take the First Step Toward a Better Relationship

Don’t wait until problems feel insurmountable. I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where both partners are supported in being seen and heard. Let’s start building the foundation for the relationship you both want. Telehealth couples counseling is available across NC.