LMHC, 3 years of experience
Frequently rebooked
I am a couples therapist in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on helping partners rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen emotional and physical connection. My work centers on a Marriage Positive approach, grounded in research and compassion, and shaped by over a decade of experience with couples and individuals navigating relationship challenges, conflict, intimacy concerns, and emotional distance. I'm Ehsan Adib Shabahang and in my practice I integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Gottman Therapy. These evidence-based approaches help clients identify unhelpful patterns, regulate emotions, and create meaningful change lasting beyond therapy. Using structured and collaborative sessions, with a focus on practical skills and deeper understanding of self and partner. I am also the founder of the Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT) framework, a model designed to help partners look inward with honesty and compassion. SRRT combines structured exercises with guided reflection to increase self-awareness, empathy, and accountability—the foundation for lasting relational repair. This approach grew from years of clinical work and research into what helps couples not only resolve conflict but transform how they relate to one another. In addition to my work, I am the author of Always and Forever: Goals for a Healthy Relationship, offering couples practical tools for communication, trust, and growth. To build relationships that feels safe, balanced, and emotionally fulfilling. I specialize in couples therapy, sex, premarital counseling, affair recovery, trauma, and individuals seeking to understand their emotions or strengthen their relationship readiness. Clients often describe my style as calm, thoughtful, and engaged. I listen deeply, help clarify the emotions beneath conflict, and guide clients toward connection and repair. If you are looking for a couples therapist in Cambridge, MA, I welcome you to reach out and begin the process of rebuilding trust, deepening intimacy, and finding your way back to one another.
Beginning therapy is an act of courage. Whether you come to therapy as a couple or an individual, your first session marks the start of a deeper, more intentional look at the patterns shaping your emotional life and relationships. My role is to create a space that feels both safe and structured—a place where you can begin to slow down, reflect, and move toward meaningful change. I work with couples and individuals through secure online therapy. Many of my clients begin therapy feeling uncertain or even anxious about what to expect. It’s common to wonder, What will we talk about? Will I be judged? Will this actually help? My goal in the first session is to help you feel grounded, informed, and understood. From the very beginning, therapy is a collaborative process, and together we define what healing, growth, or reconnection will look like for you. For Couples: Building a Foundation for Change: If you’re beginning couples therapy my process begins with one joint session followed by individual sessions for each partner before we move into ongoing couples work. This structure allows me to understand both the shared and individual perspectives that shape your relationship. Session One: The Joint Intake: In our first joint session, we focus on understanding your relationship history, your current challenges, and your shared goals for therapy. I invite each partner to share what brings them here—whether it’s conflict, communication struggles, intimacy issues, betrayal, or growing emotional distance. We identify the main themes in your relationship and begin exploring how you interact during stress, repair, and disconnection. My role is not to take sides, but to create balance so both partners feel seen and heard. Using principles from the Gottman Method, I observe your communication patterns and help you slow down the moments that typically spiral into conflict. Session Two and Three: Individual Meetings: After our initial joint session, I meet with each partner individually. These one-on-one sessions allow you to speak freely about your perspective, your personal history, and what you hope to achieve in therapy. This step helps me understand each partner’s attachment patterns, emotional triggers, and relational strengths. It also creates the groundwork for empathy—when both people understand themselves, they can better understand each other. During these sessions, I may introduce aspects of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to help you notice and regulate emotional reactions. These methods teach awareness of thought patterns, communication triggers, and stress responses—skills that become crucial in your work together as a couple. Gottman Relationship Checkup: After both individual sessions, I send you the Gottman Relationship Checkup, a comprehensive online assessment based on decades of research. This tool evaluates key areas of your relationship, including friendship, intimacy, conflict management, shared meaning, and trust. The assessment results provide a clear, data-informed picture of your relationship’s strengths and challenges. In the next joint session, we review these findings together. This helps us move quickly from surface-level conflict into the deeper emotional structure beneath it. Ongoing Couples Sessions: From there, we begin regular couples sessions. Each session blends insight, structure, and practice. We work through difficult topics, apply tools for repair and communication, and build rituals of connection that help your relationship grow beyond therapy. I integrate the Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT) model—an approach I developed to help partners explore the internal narratives that shape how they communicate and respond to one another. SRRT invites reflection on personal patterns, emotional reactivity, and the stories we tell ourselves about love and safety. By understanding yourself more deeply, you become more capable of connecting authentically with your partner. My goal is to help couples not only resolve conflict but transform how they relate. You’ll leave sessions with practical tools to use between meetings—techniques for de-escalation, emotional validation, and intentional communication. Over time, couples often report greater understanding, renewed trust, and a deeper sense of teamwork in their relationship. For Individuals: Building Insight and Self-Awareness: For individual clients, the first session begins with exploration of what brings you here and what you hope to change. Many people seek individual therapy to understand their relationship patterns, improve emotional regulation, or process transitions such as breakups, anxiety, or loss of intimacy. During our first meeting, I’ll invite you to share both your immediate concerns and the broader context of your life—your relationships, work, family, and personal history. We’ll identify what’s working, what’s painful, and where you feel stuck. I use CBT and DBT to help clients develop awareness of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while integrating mindfulness to support emotional balance. If you are working through relational issues, I may incorporate aspects of SRRT to help you reflect on how your past experiences shape your current relational style. The goal is to build insight and self-compassion so that you can make intentional changes in how you relate to yourself and others. Each session is tailored to your pace and readiness, with an emphasis on actionable tools for emotional growth and resilience. What You Can Expect in Every Session: Whether working with couples or individuals, my sessions are structured, goal-oriented, and grounded in empathy. You can expect an environment that is warm, nonjudgmental, and confidential. I approach therapy as a collaboration—you bring your experiences and motivation, and I bring structure, tools, and guidance. We work together to identify patterns, clarify goals, and take consistent steps toward change. Over time, clients describe feeling more connected, confident, and clear about what they want in relationships. Couples learn to listen differently, speak with intention, and turn conflict into opportunities for connection. Individuals gain emotional regulation skills and a stronger sense of self-understanding. The Heart of My Work: Therapy is not just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about building something stronger and more authentic. My Marriage Positive philosophy is rooted in the belief that most relationships can thrive with the right support. With structure, honesty, and compassion, couples can learn to repair old wounds, deepen intimacy, and create new ways of relating that feel secure and fulfilling.
Every therapist develops a particular way of understanding and supporting change. My greatest strengths come from the combination of structured, evidence-based methods and deep human empathy. I view therapy as both a science and an art—a process that requires psychological precision and emotional presence. A Deep Commitment to Relationship Healing: As a couples therapist, my primary focus is helping partners rebuild trust, improve communication, and restore emotional and physical closeness. What stands out most in my work is my belief in what I call a Marriage Positive approach. I start with the assumption that most relationships, when given the right tools and space to heal, can move from disconnection to understanding. My goal is not only to reduce conflict but to help couples create a relationship that feels safer, more compassionate, and more resilient over time. I am a Level 2 Gottman Method Therapist, and I integrate this research-based framework with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and my own model, the Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT) framework. These methods work together to help couples identify patterns, regulate emotions, and develop communication that fosters trust and intimacy. The Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT) Framework: SRRT, or Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy, is a model I developed to guide couples toward awareness and accountability. It blends structured exercises with guided reflection, helping partners recognize how their individual emotional histories influence their interactions. SRRT focuses on three principles: self-awareness, compassion, and conscious communication. Many couples begin therapy believing that if their partner would simply change, the relationship would improve. SRRT invites each person to reflect on how they contribute to the dynamic—without shame or blame. Through this process, partners begin to see their conflicts not as battles to win, but as opportunities for mutual understanding. This framework also aligns naturally with the Gottman Method, particularly the focus on “turning toward” your partner rather than away. By integrating SRRT and Gottman tools, couples learn both the skills and the self-awareness needed to create lasting change. Structured, Insightful, and Practical: My approach is deeply balanced based on you. Therapy with me is not open-ended conversation without direction. Each session has a clear purpose: to increase understanding, build skills, and move you closer to your relationship goals. At the same time, I pay close attention to the emotional process unfolding in the room. My background in CBT and DBT provides tools for managing emotions, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, and staying grounded during conflict. I help clients identify their triggers and practice techniques for self-regulation—so that discussions that once led to escalation can become moments of connection and repair. I also integrate mindfulness to help clients stay present during difficult conversations. Many couples find that slowing down their responses creates space for empathy. Over time, they begin to recognize that conflict itself is not the problem—how we handle it determines whether it strengthens or weakens the bond. My greatest strength lies in combining insight with action. Many clients say that before therapy, they understood why things were going wrong but didn’t know how to change them. I bridge that gap by giving couples structured tools to use between sessions—specific ways to communicate, practice validation, and create rituals of connection. I encourage homework, reflection, and ongoing dialogue between sessions. This helps therapy become an active part of daily life rather than a weekly conversation. Couples learn not just to understand their relationship differently, but to live it differently. In addition to couples therapy, I specialize in sex, premarital counseling, affair recovery, and individual therapy for those seeking to understand and improve their relationship patterns. Sex: Many couples experience challenges related to desire differences, intimacy after conflict, or the emotional distance that can follow betrayal or stress. I provide a safe, open, and shame-free space to discuss sexual concerns. By integrating mindfulness and Gottman-based intimacy exercises, couples can reconnect both emotionally and physically. Premarital Counseling: For engaged or newly committed partners, I offer structured sessions that help clarify expectations, improve communication, and establish shared rituals of connection. Premarital work prevents future breakdowns by strengthening the foundation early on. Affair Recovery: Healing after betrayal is one of the most painful but transformative processes in couples therapy. I help partners understand the meaning of the betrayal, rebuild emotional safety, and decide together how to move forward—with honesty, accountability, and care. Individual Therapy: For those seeking self-understanding or working on attachment issues, I help identify patterns that affect relationships. Individual therapy can also complement couples work, deepening the insight and emotional skills that sustain healthy connections. My approach is grounded in research but shaped by years of clinical experience. I draw from the latest findings in relationship science, affect regulation, and attachment theory. At the same time, I believe that no technique works without genuine human connection. Clients often tell me they feel seen—not just as people in conflict, but as individuals trying their best. That recognition alone can begin to shift the tone of therapy. When people feel safe enough to be honest, real change becomes possible. Therapy should not just make you feel better in the moment—it should help you create lasting patterns of connection. My goal is for couples to leave therapy with tools they can rely on long after our work ends. Many of my clients report improvements in communication, emotional intimacy, and trust. They describe being able to approach disagreements with greater calm, empathy, and openness. Individuals often gain more self-awareness, confidence, and the ability to set boundaries while staying emotionally available. What also sets me apart is the integration of SRRT, a model that makes self-reflection a living, ongoing part of therapy. This not only helps couples repair but also teaches them how to sustain their connection outside of therapy. An Invitation to Begin: In our work together, you will learn to understand the deeper emotional currents shaping your relationship—and more importantly, how to change them. My commitment is to walk with you through that process with clarity, warmth, and respect.
The clients I work best with are those who are ready to look inward with courage and curiosity. Whether you come as a couple seeking reconnection or as an individual searching for deeper self-understanding, my ideal clients share a common goal: they want more awareness, more honesty, and more intention in how they live and love. Many of my clients arrive at therapy feeling stuck in painful patterns they can’t seem to change. For couples, that might mean repeating the same arguments, losing intimacy, or drifting apart emotionally despite a strong commitment. For individuals, it may show up as anxiety, emotional reactivity, or difficulty trusting themselves or others. What connects all of them is a willingness to move beyond surface-level solutions and explore what’s happening beneath—the emotions, beliefs, and histories shaping their relationships and choices. My ideal clients are not looking for quick fixes. They understand that therapy is a process—a collaboration that unfolds through time, honesty, and consistent effort. Whether working as a couple or alone, they come with a sense of openness and a desire for growth, even if that desire feels tentative or new. I often work with partners who love each other deeply but feel lost in cycles of misunderstanding. They may say things like, “We keep fighting about the same issues,” or, “We don’t feel close anymore, even though we care.” These couples are usually searching for a safe space to slow down and rebuild communication, trust, and emotional safety. For individuals, my ideal clients are those seeking self-knowledge. They might be struggling with emotional regulation, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or a loss of direction. They often sense that their current patterns are rooted in deeper layers of experience—unconscious beliefs, family dynamics, or old emotional wounds. My approach combines structure with reflection. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients notice how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors reinforce one another. These methods bring clarity and teach practical skills for change—tools for regulating emotions, communicating more effectively, and breaking reactive cycles. At the same time, therapy with me is not just about learning new skills; it’s about understanding why you need them. This is where reflection comes in—what I call self-empowered awareness. Through mindfulness and guided exploration, clients learn to see their internal patterns without judgment. This creates a foundation for lasting transformation rather than temporary relief. Many of my clients are drawn to my Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT) framework because it helps them connect personal insight with relational growth. SRRT is built on the belief that every relationship offers a mirror—a way to see yourself more clearly through how you respond to another person. Through SRRT, clients practice slowing down their emotional reactions and reflecting on the stories they carry about love, safety, and worth. This process is not about assigning blame but about increasing awareness and choice. When partners understand their own emotional blueprints, they can approach each other with empathy instead of defensiveness. SRRT also teaches that relationships are not static. They evolve as individuals evolve. When each person commits to self-reflection, the relationship becomes a space of mutual growth rather than repeated pain. A key strength of my work is helping clients explore what Carl Jung called the shadow—the parts of ourselves we avoid, deny, or minimize. These aspects often surface in our relationships, especially during conflict or vulnerability. Shadow work is not about shame; it’s about wholeness. By recognizing the traits we disown, we reclaim parts of ourselves that hold creativity, power, and authenticity. For couples, this often means recognizing the emotional projections that fuel conflict. For example, one partner may feel rejected when the other withdraws, not realizing that this reaction comes from older experiences of abandonment. In therapy, we bring these patterns into awareness so that each partner can respond from understanding rather than fear. For individuals, exploring the shadow can mean identifying self-limiting beliefs or emotional defenses that once served a purpose but now block connection. I often integrate Jungian reflection exercises alongside SRRT work—helping clients engage both conscious insight and the deeper symbolic language of the unconscious. Through this process, clients learn to integrate their hidden sides with compassion. True growth happens not by erasing the shadow but by understanding it. Therapy is most effective when clients commit to it fully. My ideal clients are those who recognize that healing takes time and who are willing to stay engaged even when sessions feel challenging. Growth is rarely linear; it involves setbacks, breakthroughs, and the slow building of trust—both in the therapeutic relationship and in oneself. I encourage my clients to view therapy as a partnership. I bring expertise, structure, and care; you bring honesty, curiosity, and the willingness to explore. Together we create a space where real transformation becomes possible. Many of my clients find that the greatest changes happen not just in the therapy room but in how they begin to live differently outside of it—how they communicate, respond, and make meaning in their relationships and lives. Whether you are navigating relational conflict, personal transition, or emotional disconnection, my role is to help you become more conscious of how you engage with yourself and others. Therapy becomes not only a place to feel better but a process of becoming more whole. Clients who engage in this work often describe a profound shift in how they see themselves and their relationships. They report greater emotional clarity, a deeper sense of calm, and more authentic communication. Couples rediscover emotional safety and connection; individuals gain insight into the patterns that once held them back. Over time, they learn that meaningful change does not come from controlling others but from understanding themselves. They experience greater compassion—for themselves and for the people they love. My ideal clients are curious, reflective, and ready to grow. They are willing to explore the visible and invisible parts of their experience—the conscious behaviors and the shadow underneath. They understand that real healing requires both self-awareness and action.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) My Experience and Approach I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the powerful connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In my work with both couples and individuals, CBT provides a structured and evidence-based way to identify unhelpful patterns and replace them with healthier, more intentional ways of thinking and responding. My experience with CBT spans many years of clinical practice, integrated with complementary modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and my own Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT) framework. I find CBT especially effective because it gives clients practical tools to use in daily life, helping them make tangible progress between sessions. How I Apply CBT in Therapy In our sessions, we begin by exploring the situations or emotions that feel most challenging. Together, we uncover the automatic thoughts that arise during those moments—often the internal narratives that trigger frustration, guilt, shame, or anxiety. Once these thoughts are visible, we can evaluate their accuracy and emotional impact. With couples, CBT helps partners recognize how their interpretations of each other’s behavior can escalate conflict or create misunderstanding. By learning to question these interpretations, they gain the space to respond with curiosity rather than defensiveness. For individuals, CBT supports emotional regulation, self-compassion, and confidence by teaching skills to interrupt rumination and build more balanced thinking. I also integrate mindfulness and DBT-based emotion regulation skills, helping clients not only to challenge negative thoughts but also to stay present during difficult emotional experiences. The result is a therapy process that’s both structured and emotionally grounded. CBT in the Context of SRRT and Relational Work Within my Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT) model, CBT plays a central role. SRRT encourages clients to explore the stories they carry about themselves and their relationships—many of which are built from long-standing cognitive patterns. CBT helps identify and reshape these stories so they no longer control how you communicate or connect. For couples, this means moving beyond reactive exchanges into more reflective dialogue. For individuals, it means replacing old self-criticism with clarity and compassion. What Clients Can Expect Clients who work with me using CBT learn how to pause before reacting, question assumptions, and develop more flexible perspectives. Over time, they notice that emotions become more manageable, communication becomes clearer, and relationships feel more balanced. CBT is not about suppressing thoughts or “thinking positively.” It’s about learning to observe your mind, understand the beliefs driving your reactions, and choose responses that align with your values and goals. My role is to guide you through this process with structure, empathy, and consistency. You’ll leave sessions not just with insight, but with clear tools to apply in everyday situations. Why CBT Works CBT is one of the most researched and effective approaches in modern psychology because it helps bridge the gap between awareness and change. It allows clients to see how thoughts shape experience, empowering them to shift from automatic reactions to intentional choices. When combined with relational awareness, mindfulness, and SRRT, it becomes an even more powerful tool for lasting emotional and relational transformation.
My Experience and Approach I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients balance emotional awareness with practical action. DBT offers a compassionate and structured framework for understanding strong emotions and learning to respond to them with clarity, not reactivity. Over the years, I have found it to be one of the most transformative methods for both individuals and couples struggling with conflict, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. DBT emphasizes dialectics—the idea that two seemingly opposite things can be true at the same time. In therapy, this means helping clients accept themselves fully while also working toward meaningful change. Many people enter therapy feeling caught between extremes: wanting to feel connected but fearing vulnerability, wanting calm but reacting impulsively when hurt. DBT helps bridge that gap by teaching skills that integrate mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. How I Use DBT in Therapy In my work, DBT is not used as a rigid protocol but as a flexible system of skills tailored to your unique needs. For individuals, I use DBT to strengthen emotional regulation, build distress tolerance, and increase self-awareness. Clients learn how to identify triggers, pause before reacting, and manage intense feelings without shutting down or escalating. For couples, I weave DBT principles into relationship work to help partners move from defensiveness to understanding. When emotions run high, DBT skills like mindfulness and validation help each partner stay grounded and listen rather than react. These techniques often reduce conflict quickly, creating the emotional stability needed for deeper work on communication, trust, and repair. Integrating DBT with SRRT and CBT My Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT) model naturally integrates DBT’s mindfulness and acceptance-based tools. SRRT encourages clients to reflect on how their emotions and narratives shape their behavior. DBT deepens this process by offering practical methods for managing those emotions in real time. When combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT helps clients challenge distorted thinking patterns while also building tolerance for discomfort. Together, these approaches create a balance between insight and skill—between understanding your patterns and learning how to shift them. Mindfulness as a Foundation At the core of DBT is mindfulness: the ability to notice what’s happening inside and around you without judgment. Mindfulness helps clients slow down enough to choose their responses instead of being ruled by automatic reactions. In therapy, I guide clients through mindfulness exercises that can be applied both in and out of sessions. This practice builds resilience, reduces emotional reactivity, and improves connection with self and others. What Clients Can Expect When working with DBT, clients can expect a mix of reflection and action. Sessions include guided exploration of emotional triggers, discussions about thought patterns, and skill-building tailored to your goals. You’ll learn tools to manage distress, communicate needs clearly, and stay centered during conflict. Over time, DBT helps clients develop what’s called wise mind—the balance between rational thought and emotional experience. This inner balance allows you to respond to life with greater stability, empathy, and confidence. For couples, DBT-informed work often leads to calmer conversations, faster repair after conflict, and a renewed sense of teamwork. For individuals, it fosters self-trust and emotional regulation, making it easier to navigate relationships and personal challenges. Why DBT Works DBT is effective because it meets clients where they are. It honors emotional experience instead of dismissing it, while still holding space for accountability and change. Many people describe it as learning to “stay with” their emotions rather than fighting or avoiding them. This shift creates freedom—the ability to feel deeply without becoming overwhelmed. DBT also builds a sense of mastery. Each new skill learned and practiced strengthens confidence in your ability to handle life’s challenges. Over time, this empowers clients to live more fully, connect more authentically, and make choices aligned with their values. My Perspective What makes DBT one of my most valued tools is its practicality and compassion. It teaches that growth doesn’t mean erasing emotion but integrating it. This principle aligns closely with my overall philosophy: therapy should help you become more reflective, not reactive; more self-aware, not self-critical. By integrating DBT with SRRT, CBT, and mindfulness, I help clients move beyond simply managing symptoms to cultivating lasting emotional balance and healthier relationships. It’s not just about coping better—it’s about living with greater intention and connection.
My Experience and Approach I use the Gottman Method as a cornerstone of my work with couples. It provides a clear, research-based framework for understanding the dynamics that strengthen or weaken relationships. My approach is informed by years of experience integrating the Gottman model with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and my own Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT) framework. The Gottman Method focuses on helping couples build friendship, manage conflict, and create shared meaning. These pillars—trust, commitment, and emotional connection—guide every phase of therapy. What makes this method powerful is its balance between scientific precision and human empathy. It helps couples move away from blame and toward genuine understanding of one another’s emotional worlds. How I Apply the Gottman Method My work begins with a structured assessment process. Couples first meet for a joint session, followed by individual sessions with each partner. This allows me to understand both perspectives and gather background information about communication patterns, emotional needs, and areas of strength. After these sessions, I use the Gottman Relationship Checkup, a comprehensive online assessment based on decades of research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. The assessment evaluates friendship, conflict management, intimacy, trust, and shared goals. I review these results with each couple to create a personalized treatment plan that reflects both partners’ needs and goals. From there, we begin the therapeutic process, focusing on developing communication tools, de-escalation strategies, and emotional awareness. I help couples recognize the patterns that lead to defensiveness, criticism, or withdrawal and replace them with connection-focused behaviors. Using interventions like “softened startup,” “repair attempts,” and “turning toward bids for connection,” couples learn to respond to each other with empathy instead of reactivity. Integration with SRRT, CBT, and DBT While the Gottman Method provides a strong foundation, I find that integrating it with other therapeutic modalities deepens the results. SRRT (Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy): My own model complements the Gottman approach by encouraging each partner to reflect inwardly—to examine their emotional triggers, narratives, and relational patterns. While Gottman tools teach how to communicate effectively, SRRT helps clients understand why they respond as they do. This combination fosters both skill and insight. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): I use CBT principles to help couples recognize how their thoughts influence emotional reactions and behaviors. By identifying and challenging distorted thinking patterns, partners gain more control over their responses. DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): DBT skills support emotion regulation and distress tolerance, helping couples stay calm during conflict and communicate more effectively even in high-stress moments. Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices help partners stay grounded and present, creating space for reflection instead of reaction. Over time, this reduces defensiveness and enhances emotional attunement. My Experience and Perspective As a Level 2 Gottman-trained therapist, I have extensive experience helping couples translate Gottman principles into daily practice. Many couples arrive in therapy feeling discouraged, believing that communication has broken down beyond repair. My role is to help them see that what feels like disconnection is often a set of patterns that can be understood—and changed—with guidance and intention. In therapy, I take an active, structured approach. Sessions are focused, goal-oriented, and balanced between insight and skill-building. Couples leave each meeting with practical tools to apply between sessions—specific ways to manage conflict, express appreciation, and nurture emotional connection. The Gottman Method also emphasizes the concept of the Sound Relationship House, which outlines the foundations of a healthy partnership: building love maps, expressing fondness and admiration, turning toward rather than away, maintaining a positive perspective, managing conflict, making life dreams come true, and creating shared meaning. I help couples strengthen each “floor” of this house so that their relationship becomes more stable, resilient, and fulfilling. What Clients Can Expect Couples who work with me using the Gottman Method can expect a process that is structured but compassionate. The early sessions focus on understanding your unique relationship patterns and identifying areas of growth. From there, we develop a clear roadmap based on Gottman research and your personal goals. Throughout therapy, we practice communication tools, repair strategies, and emotional connection exercises. You will learn how to: Recognize and stop destructive cycles of criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling. Increase empathy and emotional awareness toward your partner. Improve conflict management through techniques like gentle start-up and de-escalation. Rebuild trust and commitment after breaches or prolonged distance. Create rituals of connection that strengthen friendship and intimacy. The goal is not perfection but progress—the ability to navigate conflict with respect, respond to one another’s needs with warmth, and sustain emotional closeness over time. Why the Gottman Method Works The Gottman Method is one of the most evidence-based approaches in modern couples therapy, supported by decades of longitudinal research. Its effectiveness lies in its combination of emotional insight and concrete strategies. Rather than focusing only on what’s wrong, it helps couples build on what’s already strong. Couples often tell me that the Gottman framework gives them language and structure for conversations that once felt impossible. It brings clarity to the emotional chaos that can dominate relationships and provides a shared map for growth. When paired with the self-awareness work of SRRT and the emotional regulation tools of DBT and CBT, it becomes a deeply transformative process. The combination allows partners to communicate effectively, manage emotions, and understand the deeper meanings behind their reactions. My Commitment as a Therapist What I bring to this work is a balance of expertise and empathy. I understand that relationships are not problems to be solved but systems to be understood. Every couple has a story, a pattern, and a set of strengths waiting to be rediscovered. My commitment is to help you uncover those strengths, repair what has been damaged, and create new patterns that support trust and connection. Couples therapy is not just about resolving conflict—it’s about creating a shared vision of partnership built on mutual respect and love. The Gottman Method gives us the tools to get there.
My Experience and Approach My work draws deeply from Jungian therapy, which explores the unconscious patterns and inner symbols that shape how we think, feel, and relate. While many modern therapies focus on changing behaviors and thoughts, Jungian work helps clients understand the meaning behind those patterns—the stories and archetypes that quietly guide emotional life. I integrate Jungian principles into both individual and couples therapy, often through my Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT) model. This approach helps clients look inward to discover the parts of themselves they’ve ignored, suppressed, or misunderstood. In Jungian terms, these are aspects of the shadow—the hidden or disowned elements of the self that often show up in relationships as projection, conflict, or emotional reactivity. By identifying and integrating these shadow elements, clients begin to experience greater wholeness and balance. This process isn’t about eliminating flaws; it’s about seeing oneself more completely. When people learn to embrace both their light and shadow, they gain freedom from the unconscious patterns that once controlled them. How I Apply Jungian Work in Therapy In practice, I combine Jungian insight with structured, evidence-based tools. I help clients slow down and explore the symbolic and emotional dimensions of their experiences while staying grounded in present-day awareness. Dreams, fantasies, and recurring life themes often serve as valuable entry points into deeper understanding. For couples, this work reveals how each partner’s unconscious patterns shape the relationship dynamic. Often, what we find irritating or hurtful in our partner mirrors something unresolved within ourselves. Recognizing these projections allows couples to move from blame toward empathy and self-awareness—key principles in both Jungian and relational work. For individuals, Jungian therapy supports the lifelong process Jung called individuation: becoming more fully who you are. We explore how personal history, culture, and relationships have influenced your sense of identity, and how to reclaim parts of yourself that were hidden or silenced. Integration with CBT, DBT, and SRRT Although Jungian therapy is insight-oriented, I believe it works best when paired with practical methods that support daily change. I integrate CBT and DBT techniques to help clients manage emotions and communicate effectively as they work through deeper material. My Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT) framework bridges the gap between Jungian self-awareness and relational growth. SRRT invites reflection on how unconscious beliefs and emotional defenses shape communication and intimacy. By combining reflection with behavioral skills, clients can live their insights rather than simply understand them intellectually. The Role of Symbolism and Shadow Integration Jungian therapy teaches that inner conflict often arises when we ignore parts of ourselves. These unacknowledged parts don’t disappear—they surface through mood, dreams, or tension in relationships. I help clients recognize these messages and interpret them with compassion rather than judgment. Shadow integration work often brings relief and self-acceptance. As clients begin to reclaim these lost parts, they discover new sources of creativity, confidence, and emotional stability. In couples therapy, this process fosters empathy—when each partner acknowledges their own vulnerabilities, they can better hold space for the other’s. What Clients Can Expect Clients who engage in Jungian-informed therapy with me can expect sessions that are both reflective and structured. We explore unconscious material through conversation, reflection, and mindfulness, while grounding insights in practical applications. Over time, clients often experience: A deeper sense of meaning and self-understanding More balanced emotional responses and improved relationships The ability to recognize and manage projections Increased creativity, self-trust, and authenticity This approach is especially effective for clients drawn to introspection, personal growth, and symbolic thinking. It’s also valuable for those who feel they’ve done “surface-level” therapy before and are now ready to explore the deeper roots of their struggles. Why I Value Jungian Therapy What makes Jungian therapy stand out is its respect for the complexity of the human psyche. It honors both the rational and the mysterious—the conscious mind and the unconscious depths that quietly shape our lives. I appreciate this balance because it mirrors how real change happens: through both insight and practice, reflection and action. Integrating Jungian work with my CBT, DBT, and SRRT approaches allows clients to explore their inner world while building the skills to live differently in their outer one. It’s not about labeling parts of yourself as “good” or “bad.” It’s about understanding them, integrating them, and finding freedom in that wholeness. My greatest satisfaction as a therapist comes from witnessing clients discover their authentic selves—the parts that have always been there, waiting to be seen. Jungian therapy provides a pathway to that discovery, helping people reconnect with their depth, purpose, and potential.
My Experience and Approach I use Mindfulness-Based Therapy to help clients develop a calm, aware, and compassionate relationship with their thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment—without judgment and with openness. In therapy, mindfulness allows clients to notice what is happening internally before reacting, making it one of the most powerful tools for emotional regulation, connection, and self-understanding. Over the years, I have integrated mindfulness into my work with couples and individuals as both a standalone practice and a foundation for other therapeutic methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and my Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT) framework. When mindfulness becomes part of therapy, clients begin to recognize patterns not as failures but as information—signals guiding them toward greater awareness and choice. How I Use Mindfulness in Therapy Mindfulness in my sessions is practical and accessible. It doesn’t require formal meditation or spiritual training—though it can include those if the client wishes. Instead, we begin by practicing awareness in small, grounded ways: slowing down, observing sensations in the body, and learning to notice thoughts without immediately believing or reacting to them. For individuals, mindfulness builds self-regulation. Clients learn to pause, breathe, and notice emotional triggers before they spiral into anxiety or self-criticism. This creates space for more intentional responses and a sense of stability, even in moments of stress. For couples, mindfulness is a bridge between emotion and communication. Partners often come into therapy reacting to each other’s words rather than listening to the feelings behind them. Mindfulness helps each person stay present during difficult moments—listening fully, pausing before responding, and staying grounded when emotions rise. It turns reactive conflict into reflective connection. Integration with SRRT, CBT, and DBT In my Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT) model, mindfulness is the central pillar. SRRT teaches clients to see relationships as mirrors for self-awareness. Mindfulness supports this process by creating the mental clarity needed to observe one’s inner dialogue, emotional reactions, and habitual defenses. Through that awareness, true self-reflection becomes possible. With CBT, mindfulness helps clients identify cognitive distortions more effectively. Instead of getting caught in negative thinking, they learn to observe thoughts as passing events, not facts. This allows for gentle cognitive restructuring rather than harsh self-criticism. With DBT, mindfulness is one of the four core skill areas. It helps clients balance emotion and reason—the “wise mind” state where clarity and compassion coexist. This is especially useful for clients who experience intense emotions or reactivity in relationships. What Clients Can Expect In mindfulness-based sessions, you can expect a calm and focused atmosphere. We may begin with brief breathing or grounding exercises, or we may use mindfulness informally—pausing to notice what’s happening in the moment during a discussion. I often guide clients to observe physical sensations, tone of voice, or shifts in emotion during conversation. These moments become doorways to understanding deeper patterns. Over time, mindfulness helps you develop emotional resilience, self-awareness, and a greater sense of peace. For couples, mindfulness transforms communication. Partners learn to recognize when they’re being defensive or shutting down and to re-center before reacting. This makes space for empathy and genuine connection, even during disagreement. The Deeper Impact of Mindfulness Mindfulness-based therapy is not about detachment or ignoring emotions—it’s about engaging with them consciously. Clients often describe feeling more centered, less reactive, and more compassionate toward themselves and others. It can reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen self-trust. Many also find that mindfulness enhances relationships outside of therapy. As awareness grows, communication becomes more authentic, daily stress feels more manageable, and life feels more intentional. Why I Value Mindfulness in Therapy I value mindfulness because it aligns with my core belief that awareness is the foundation of change. Before we can repair a relationship, we must understand how we react within it. Before we can calm anxiety, we must notice the thoughts that feed it. Mindfulness gives clients the ability to pause, observe, and choose—a skill that transforms both inner experience and interpersonal connection. When combined with the structure of CBT, the emotional depth of DBT, and the introspection of SRRT, mindfulness becomes a unifying thread across all aspects of therapy. It helps clients approach their minds and relationships with patience and kindness rather than control or avoidance. My clients often describe mindfulness-based work as grounding, restorative, and quietly powerful. It teaches them not to escape their inner world but to live within it more peacefully. In that sense, mindfulness isn’t just a technique—it’s a way of being that supports lifelong growth, connection, and self-awareness.
3 ratings with written reviews
May 26, 2025
In the few sessions I’ve had it has been very good to help with issues I’ve been dealing with and helping me to see real solutions for things. I appreciate being heard and have feedback during our sessions.
May 19, 2025
Ehsan is a good guide. He balances method and flexibility. He sets a therapeutic boundary while projecting compassion and care. He is a very helpful clinician. I feel respected in this partnership.
February 24, 2025
I enjoyed his warm and friendly demeanor.