We will start by getting to know each other and, within the first session, I'll complete a thorough confidential clinical interview in which I'll gather detailed information about your presenting concern, individual strengths, personal history, and treatment goals. The interview may be supplemented by self-report measures and interviews with other people (e.g., your providers, family members, etc.) with your consent. All information gathered will be used to provide you with my initial impressions and treatment recommendations. Together, we will fine tune the treatment plan and operationalize your personalized goals so we have a clear path forward.

Ongoing assessment may take place via self-report measures to measure treatment progress and outcome. 

For a good reading on what to expect, read APA's article on psychological testing and assessment.

Couple therapy sessions are delivered primarily within an enhanced cognitive-behavioral couple therapy (CBCT) framework. I integrate methods from Emotion Focused Therapy, Gottman Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) when needed. These combined approaches help couples identify and communicate core emotions, relational needs, and values; foster greater acceptance and positivity; repair and rebuild their trust and security; and ultimately enhance relationship satisfaction. For couples experiencing frequent conflict and intense emotions, I draw from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to support healthier communication and emotional regulation. For couples seeking to couples reawaken their sensual and sexual feelings, I can offer sensate focus therapy.

Couple therapy is active and goal-oriented, designed to improve relationship satisfaction and support couples in coping with a range of stressors, including:

-A partner's psychological disorder

-Physical health issues (e.g., cancer)

-External stressors (e.g., financial strain)

-Severe relational problems (e.g., partner aggression)

Common issues addressed include:

-communication

-relationship distress

-relationship enhancement

-managing intense emotions

-stress management

-adjustments/transitions

-emotional intimacy

-physical intimacy

-infidelity

-trauma

-addressing individual psychological difficulties (including eating disorders, depression, and anxiety) as a team

-prevention of eating and weight concerns in children

I work with all types of couples: married, committed but not legally married, queer couples, and couples at various stages of their relationships.

Session frequency typically starts at weekly, depending on the nature of the issues you're facing. While CBCT is generally short-term (around 10–20 sessions), more complex challenges may require additional time.

I received my primary training in CBCT under Dr. Don Baucom, the founder of the model, and continue ongoing consultation with him. I co-developed and evaluated a couple-based therapy program for eating disorders at UNC-CH with Dr. Baucom and other colleagues.

As a Clinical Professor at Stanford University, I also work with couples in the Couples and Family Therapy Clinic directed by Dr. Douglas Rait. I participate in peer consultation with other Stanford Couple and Family therapists.

Program development and outcome assessment.

Designing scientific studies with rigorous ethical and scientific standards.

Supporting grant writing to secure funding for research.

Disseminating information to the broader community through publication and presentation of findings.

Using evidence-based techniques in practice.

Training clinicians on the safe and effective use of virtual reality in real world practices.

Improving measurement-based care in clinical work.