I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that focuses on just that, marriages and families. My skills base also benefits individual clients, given that many issues center around their relationship and/or family. I have lived in many states all over the country but spent most of my childhood in San Diego. I currently live in Michigan with my blended family of twin step-sons, daughter, son, two dogs, and husband.
I'll gather some background information about you, your habits, family, and goals for therapy. We often find some common ground in therapy which largely puts clients at ease. I have also received positive feedback in my method of seeing each partner individually for one session prior to beginning couples therapy. It is not a requirement to begin therapy with me, but it is an option that I suggest you utilize.
I'm relatable. I'm a parent, a wife, and I have a blended family. I think an important part of connecting with your therapist is having the sense that they know what they are talking about because they are living it.
The goal is not to keep you in weekly sessions forever. I want my clients to see progress in many ways; not the least of which being seeing me less and less.
Relationships come in all shapes and sizes. Finding unbiased advice can be tough in a world where everyone has an opinion. I like to start by seeing each person individually prior to beginning couples so that each person has a safe space to share their unfiltered experience.