Collaborative Couple Therapy

Collaborative Therapy is a modality that is used commonly from me since many clients like to work together with their therapist to come up with ways to help them navigate through any issues. We generate new meanings about the problem and take new action to resolve problems.

Problems tend to form through miscommunication. The collaborative approach helps everyone feel heard and understood. As a result, communication begins to improve, and problems start to dissolve.

A large majority of my client base is couples. I am currently working as a marriage therapist at The Relationship Institute in Royal Oak, Michigan.

CCT is designed for couples who may be struggling with patterns of conflict in their relationship. The focus of CCT is helping partners work together in a collaborative way to solve problems and improve their relationship in the process. CCT therapists see a fight between partners as an opportunity for a conversation.

We as individuals form our unique worldviews by the attachment styles we develop with our parents and by the dynamics of our family relationships, friendships, and romantic partnerships throughout our lives. I work collaboratively in partnership with you, honoring your worldview, to recognize what’s going well in your relationship dynamic, explore where and how you and your relationships can grow, and assisting you in deepening connection with your loved ones.

Queer people have historically been harmed by mental health care as an institution, and continue to be in many ways. I am well aware of this and I integrate collaborative therapy into my practice to help create a collaborative, transparent, and egalitarian space in the therapy room so that my clients can trust the process and that therapy is a truly safe space for them.

Throughout my process of working with couples, I strive to create a safe and empathic environment in which both partners feel heard and comfortable sharing their experience. It is imperative couples take these first three meetings to decide if I’m a good fit. Also, it's important couples be able to share when they feel misunderstood, hurt, or disagree with me. Though I am an "expert" in couples therapy, it's important each partner feel their dignity, feelings, and beliefs matter.

I routinely saw couples during my postdoctoral training in sex therapy, and continue to work with couples wishing to enhance intimacy and connection inside and outside of the bedroom. Some common topics I work with couples on include repair from boundary violations (eg, infidelity), setting new boundaries, navigating conflict, developing empathy for one another, and recognizing when old/harmful relational patterns are surfacing in present relationships.

Collaborative Therapy is an approach I take with individuals and couples that emphasizes equal partnership between therapist and client. It involves actively involving the client in the therapeutic process, encouraging open communication, and valuing the client’s insights and lived experiences. By working together as a team, I’ll empower you to take an active role in your healing.

I was trained as a couples therapist to use a systems framework and work with couples and relational clients to address the current dynamics and patterns between you and your partner.

A voluntary dispute resolution process, Collaborative Divorce allows parties to settle without resort to litigation and provides spouses/partners with the support and guidance of your own lawyers without going to court. Additionally, Collaborative Practice offers the benefit of coaches, child and financial specialists who work together to negotiate a mutually acceptable resolution for all parties.

We will work together to improve communication skills and to shift your relationship into the relationship that you want to live and enjoy.