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Couples & Family therapy

Learn how to strengthen connection and address communication struggles.

Relationships can get stuck in patterns, talking past each other, avoiding hard topics, or arguing in circles. We’ll look at what’s working and what’s not, then build straightforward tools for communication, boundaries, and repair. The goal is a better connection and less reactivity, week to week.

You might be experiencing:

The same argument on repeat; long talks that don’t change anything
One partner wants to talk; the other shuts down or avoids
Short fuses and escalations around parenting, money, or chores
Unclear boundaries with extended family or past roles that still drive conflict
Confusion about when to intervene vs. step back with kids
Co‑parenting after separation or divorce; tension at handoffs or holidays
Drifting apart, low connection, little fun, or parallel lives
Mismatched expectations as kids grow and roles shift
Repair is hard; ineffective apologies that yield words but no behavior change

Things We Can Work on Together

Evidence-based strategies to improve communication, strengthen connection, and resolve conflict.

Communication Tools

Conflict De-Escalation

Repair Scripts

Boundaries

Roles & Expectations

Co-Parenting Plans

“Good Divorce” Support

Family Meetings

Connection Rituals

Parenting Alignment

Step In vs. Step Back

Division of Labor

Values & Goals

Time Routines

Teen Independence

Extended Family Limits

Holiday Planning

Estrangement Navigation

Kids Emotion Coaching

Routine Resets

How I Can Help

We’ll start by mapping your patterns, how you start conversations, when escalations occur, and where you lose each other. I use an integrative, evidence‑based approach (CBT/ACT/DBT/family systems skills with mindfulness and self‑compassion) to teach clear communication tools, boundaries, and repair steps that fit real life.

The work is practical and paced: brief scripts and bullet points instead of long lectures, time‑limited talks, and connection rituals you can keep. We’ll align on roles and expectations as kids grow, clarify when to step in vs. step back, and set co‑parenting plans that reduce friction.

For couples & families, we often focus on:

Short, structured talks (bullet points, time caps)
Repair scripts and resets after conflict
Boundaries with extended family and old roles
Co‑parenting agreements and handoff plans
“Good divorce” frameworks and holiday planning
Roles/expectations as kids become teens
Connection rituals (brief, repeatable)
Family meetings that don’t drag
Emotion coaching for kids; modeling regulation

real progress

From Conflict to Healthy Communication and Meaningful Connection

Handoffs had become tense, and holiday custody plans were creating conflict. Together, we developed simple handoff scripts and predictable routines, set up a shared calendar, and clarified holiday expectations to reduce pressure. The kids became calmer, and co-parenting began to feel more businesslike and steady.

A parent and teen had the same fight about chores and money. We added a 10‑minute, bullet‑point check‑in twice a week, a repair script for escalations, and a simple division‑of‑labor plan. Arguments shortened, and decisions moved faster.

He wanted to process; she shut down. We set time‑limited conversations, created a “pause and reset” cue, and practiced two validation lines before problem‑solving. Both felt heard, and talks became more productive.

Longstanding family roles were consuming weekends and creating tension between partners. Together, we clarified healthy limits, set a predictable monthly visit plan, and added a brief couple connection ritual. Resentment eased, and weekends began to feel noticeably lighter.

Ready to get started?
Let's take the first step together.

Share a few details and I’ll follow up with a quick call to see what you need and whether we’re a good fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you see partners individually too?

Couples therapy usually involves meeting with both partners together. At times, brief individual sessions with each partner can help build a bridge to better communication and shared decision-making. We’ll decide together what structure best supports progress.

What if one partner is unsure about therapy?

Progress in couples therapy is usually strongest when both partners are committed to working toward shared goals. If goals aren’t fully aligned, we can begin by identifying common trigger points, reducing communication distress, and building small, practical tools that help interactions feel safer and more manageable. From there, we reassess together what next steps make sense.

Do you help with separation or "good divorce"?

Yes. We can set respectful co‑parenting plans, boundaries, and communication scripts to reduce conflict and protect kids.

How do you handle high-conflict moments?

We use de-escalation tools, time caps, and reset steps to keep sessions productive and safe. Still River Counseling is an outpatient practice and does not provide emergency services; safety is non-negotiable. Adults, teens, and children must be able to commit to safety and respect for the office space. If intimidation or harm occurs, we will immediately adjust the plan and provide appropriate referrals.

Will we get communication "homework?"

It depends on your goals and everyone’s willingness to practice skills between sessions. If we use homework, it will be mutually agreed on and directly connected to what we’re working on in therapy. Examples include a time-capped check-in, a repair script, or one simple connection ritual.

Can we do telehealth for couples or family sessions?

Yes. Many couples and families benefit from telehealth. For younger children, in‑person is usually more effective.

Do you work on parenting alignment?

Yes. Sessions often explore differences in expectations, parenting styles, and goals, and how to find a mutually agreeable path forward. We focus on practical tools, communication, and shared decision-making so parents can support their children with greater consistency.