California Couples Therapy:
Seasoned professional with 30+ years of clinical, training, and leadership experience, specializing in working with mature partners to create the fulfilling relationships they wish for at this pivotal time of life.
408-359-7427
Note that none of these contact methods are monitored for. emergency. In an emergency, call 911 or visit your nearest hospital emergency room
General Psychotherapy and Couple/Partners Therapy; Specializing in the challenges and opportunities facing mature couples
What is the Gottman Method?
The Gottman Method stands out from other couples therapies because it’s based on over 40 years of scientific research and emphasizes emotional connection, communication, and conflict management using structured tools and strategies.
Research-Backed and Data-Driven - John and Julie Gottman studied thousands of couples in real-life and lab settings, identifying specific behaviors that predict relationship success or failure with over 90% accuracy.- Their “Love Lab” research helped isolate behaviors like criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling as signs of relational distress. Most other therapies are rooted in theory (e.g., attachment, psychodynamic, or systems models), but Gottman is *empirical first*.
Highly Practical and Structured- Gottman therapy gives couples specific tools and exercises like: - The “Soft Start-Up for conflict - “Dreams Within Conflict” to explore deeper meaning - The Sound Relationship House, a core model of what builds lasting intimacy- These are repeatable and teachable, ideal for homework and self-led practice. Compared to more open-ended or insight-based therapies, Gottman’s method is skills-oriented. ❤️
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of relationships?
In my 35+ years of practice, I have worked with all kinds of relationships. I love love, so whatever genders, numbers, races, cultures, configurations, I'm here for it!
How long will it take?
That's up to you. I'll tell you what I think, but how far you go is your decision. Some couples bring deeper challenges, and more motivation, others are looking for a solution to a single issue.
We're stuck on Parenting
Yes so are many couples -- a seismic shift happens when the first child arrives, and another occurs when they hit puberty. It's normal, and I can help you keep on track with your parenting coalition
Can you save our relationship?
Truth: Some partners choose to end it, and sometimes that's the right decision. My role is to help you communicate and come to the best possible conclusion together.
Can you help us with, um, sex?
Of course. Sex is an important part of the partnership bond for many. It is possible to recover from ruptures in physical intimacy, and I'm happy to work on that with you. It's normal to need help sometimes.
What about this Ketamine thing?
It's not for everyone. Some partners find that it helps them get "unstuck"', or helps move things faster. We can discuss whether it might be right for you.
Ketamine Assisted Couple therapy
How does ketamine support couple therapy?
Ketamine is a legal psychedelic in the United States and is emerging as a promising therapeutic medicine.
Ketamine’s precise mechanisms are still being explored, but theories suggest it increases glutamine, which enhances neuroplasticity, altering brain connectivity (Aleksandrova & Phillips, 2021) to promote more flexible thinking, greater perspective taking, empathy, openness to experience, and reduced avoidance. These cognitive, emotional, and behavioral shifts are important for moving through relationship pain, creating new patterns of thought, behavior, and experience; and building healthy connections.
Contrary to popular belief, the enduring benefits of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy mostly do not occur during the acute psychedelic or psycholitic experience, but rather in the preparation and integration as part of psychotherapy. Let's discuss your goals and whether KAP can help you.