Couples Therapy in Phoenix

Book therapy sessions with your partner

Even in the most loving relationships, we can sometimes get stuck in endless negative cycles with our partners and we don’t feel heard, seen or understood.

For couples therapy, I use an attachment framework to get to the root of disconnection and create space for restorative conversations and experiences. I view the relationship itself as a system that needs supportive restructuring and take a neutral stance so that each partner feels seen and heard.

The Benefits of Couples Therapy

Couple therapy gives your relationship the space needed to dive into areas of concern. With both partners present we can gain an understanding of where you each get stuck when attempting to connect and communicate.

  1. A time for you and your partner to dedicate solely to your relationship

  2. A safe space to work through areas of concern with a specialized clinician to guide you

  3. An opportunity to fine tune the way in which you have conversations

  4. Develop further understanding of each other and your relationship

Types of Couples Therapy Services

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

Developed by Dr Sue Johnson, this type of therapy is highly effective in restoring getting to the root of why you feel disconnected in your relationship and the unmet needs that are at play. In its non blaming approach, the relationship is viewed in terms of the negative interaction cycle that couples get stuck in that leads to disconnection. It views couples through patterns of pursuit and withdrawal and how this interaction response is based on our attachment histories. It views relationships as a dance between partners where emotions are the music.

Sex and Intimacy Focused Therapy

It is common to have challenges with sex and intimacy in your relationship. Oftentimes one may not even truly know or align with their view and experience of their own sexuality. This can be based on early conditioning and messaging, religious and cultural upbringing as well as traumatic experiences. My approach creates awareness, understanding, safety and openness around this topic in order to create a fulfilling and enjoyable relationship with sex and open up space to talk about sex and intimacy in a way that feels aligned for your relationship.

Uncoupling Therapy

Being faced with the decision to end your relationship can be very scary. I think it is so important to offer a safe space for couples to process this decision and have support to separate intentionally. For uncoupling, I offer support for what to expect from a separation/divorce process, particularly with how to navigate this with children and coparenting.

What to expect in couples therapy

  1. An intake session that includes both partners to address presenting problems and reasons for therapy

  2. An individual session with each partner to learn more about individual histories and perspectives on relational concerns

  3. A joint session to identify goals and treatment plan

  4. A non judgmental space where both partners feel heard and accepted

  5. Weekly sessions are recommended in the beginning to build momentum

  6. Extended sessions are often preferred by couples and may be requested

  • “If you are on the fence about therapy, don’t be. Raquel is a true professional that will make you feel at ease in an oftentimes uneasy process. Never have we felt judged or silly for how we feel or how we’ve reacted in situations. Equally as important, she will not enable behavior that needs to change for a relationship to move forward and thrive. She offers accountability to both parties (in couples therapy). We were in a very pivotal spot in our marriage a year ago, we went to Raquel in crisis mode and we’re happy to report we are no longer in that space. She has helped us move forward and find humor in hard moments. We can’t recommend Raquel enough!”