Individual Therapy
Our closest relationships can bring tremendous love and meaning to our lives. They can also be the source of some of our deepest pain, uncertainty, and heartbreak. I offer individual therapy for adults navigating marriage and relationship challenges, betrayal, infidelity, separation and divorce.
Some people come to me because their marriage is struggling and their partner is not willing or ready to attend couples therapy. Others are trying to heal after infidelity or betrayal, or are wrestling with the question, Should I stay or should I go? I also work with people who have decided to separate or divorce and want support as they grieve the relationship, navigate the transition, and begin creating the next chapter of their lives.
My practice is intentionally focused on relationships. Individual therapy with me is not general psychotherapy. My work centers on relationships and the emotions, patterns, transitions, and interactions surrounding them.
Whether you are trying to repair a relationship, decide what comes next, or move forward after a relationship has ended, I provide a place to understand what you are experiencing and find a steadier path forward.
My Approach
My work is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy, attachment theory, and an understanding of how our nervous systems influence the ways we connect, protect ourselves, and respond when important relationships feel threatened.
Together, we will look beneath the surface of what is happening. Rather than focusing only on what you or someone else is doing, we will explore your emotions, attachment needs, fears, and protective strategies that drive the patterns that keep you stuck.
Therapy with me is compassionate, focused, and collaborative. I will not tell you whether to stay married, leave your relationship, forgive a betrayal, or make another major life decision. Instead, I will help you understand yourself, your relationships, and your situation more clearly so you can make thoughtful decisions that reflect your values and the life you want to create.
Reasons People Come to Individual Therapy
You may come to therapy because you are:
Struggling in your marriage or relationship and your partner will not attend therapy
In distress as your spouse told you they want a divorce, and you do not want this
Trying to decide whether to stay in or leave your relationship
Healing from infidelity, betrayal, or a significant rupture of trust
Going through the loss of separation or divorce
Trying to stay connected to yourself among the demands of marriage, parenting, family, and career
Wanting to better understand your attachment patterns and how they affect your closest relationships
Rebuilding your life and sense of self following divorce or the end of a relationship
What to Expect
Individual therapy with me is focused, relational, and tailored to what you are facing. We may explore the patterns that developed in your earliest relationships and how they continue to influence you today. We may work on understanding a painful dynamic with your spouse or partner, processing the impact of betrayal, finding clarity about whether to stay or leave, or helping you move through separation and divorce.
The goal is to help you understand yourself and your relationships more deeply so you can move forward with greater clarity, emotional steadiness, and intention.
Sessions are available in person in Encinitas and virtually throughout California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can individual therapy help my relationship if my partner will not come to therapy?
When both partners want to work on their relationship, I generally recommend couples therapy because it allows us to work directly with the relationship. However, that is not always possible. Individual therapy can help you better understand the patterns between you and your partner, clarify what is within your control, and make intentional changes in how you participate in the relationship.
What if I am not sure whether I want to stay in my relationship?
Many people come to therapy precisely because they do not know what they want. Therapy can help you reach greater clarity so that whatever decision you ultimately make feels thoughtful and grounded in what matters most to you.
Can you help me recover from infidelity or betrayal?
Yes. Betrayal and infidelity are significant areas of focus in my practice. Individual therapy can provide a place to process the shock, anger, grief, confusion, and uncertainty that often follow the discovery of betrayal.
Do you work with people going through divorce?
Yes. I work with individuals before, during, and after separation and divorce. Divorce can bring grief, anger, fear, relief, uncertainty, and enormous change all at once. For parents, we can also explore how to care for yourself and your children during the transition while navigating the changing family structure.
Can I see you individually if my spouse and I are also in couples therapy with you?
Individual and couples therapy involve different roles, goals, and confidentiality considerations. We will discuss what is clinically appropriate before beginning individual work. With some couples, I am able to offer ongoing individual l sessions for both partners within the context of couples therapy.
Do you provide general individual therapy?
My practice is specialized in relationships. I work individually with adults when the primary concerns involve marriage, romantic relationships, parenting, family relationships, betrayal or infidelity, separation, or divorce. If you are primarily seeking therapy for concerns outside of these areas, I can recommend a therapist who is better suited to your needs.
What if abuse is present in my relationship?
When violence, coercive control, sexual harm, or other forms of abuse are present, couples therapy is not safe. Individual therapy can provide a confidential space to understand what is happening, consider your options, and connect with specialized resources when needed. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 for confidential support.
Next Steps
You do not have to know exactly what you want before beginning therapy. You may want to save your marriage. You may be wondering whether you should stay or leave. You may be trying to recover from betrayal, navigate a difficult parenting or family relationship, or find your footing during or after divorce. Contact me to schedule a consultation and determine whether working together feels like the right fit.