Couples therapy for the hard conversations
If you and your partner keep getting stuck in the same place, we can help you look at what happens between you. We work with couples who want more room to understand the pattern, not just win the argument.
What people bring us
Couples often come in after the same conversation has happened too many times. One person may be pursuing while the other shuts down, or both may be trying hard and still ending up hurt. Trust may feel strained, and even small issues can turn into something much bigger. We use the room to slow that cycle down and make it easier to see.
- We keep having the same fight.
- I never know how to say things without it turning bad.
- One of us shuts down and the other keeps pushing.
- I want us to talk without everything blowing up.
How we work with it
We work with the interaction as it happens, so both people can notice their part in the cycle and how it affects the other. Depending on the couple, we may stay mostly in conversation or use body-aware and experiential methods when emotions run high or words are not enough. We also pay attention to repair, tone, and the moments when each person begins to pull back or move toward the other. The work stays grounded in what is happening now between you.
- Somatic Therapy
- We notice how each partner’s body responds during conflict or closeness. That can make the cycle easier to recognize before it takes over.
- Neurocounseling
- We look at nervous-system reactions that may push one partner toward shutdown and the other toward pursuit. That can help both people understand the pressure underneath the pattern.
- Brainspotting
- When old hurt keeps getting activated in the relationship, we may use a focused process to stay with what is hard to say out loud. That can support work that feels too charged for conversation alone.
What the first sessions look like
The first sessions are about understanding what brings you in and how the pattern works when it starts. We talk about what each person notices, what feels most stuck, and what you want help with in the relationship. You do not need to come in knowing how to fix it.
We offer a free 15-minute consultation. We respond as soon as we can.
We pay attention to the pattern between people, not just who is right.
Questions people ask
Can couples therapy help even if we argue a lot?
Yes. We work with the pattern as it shows up, including conflict that keeps repeating.
What if one of US is less sure about coming?
That is okay to bring up. We can talk about what feels workable for both of you.
Do you only work with married couples?
No. We work with couples, and the important part is the relationship itself.
Will you take sides?
No. We stay with the pattern between you and help each person be heard.
The practical details
- Fees
In-office or telehealth sessions are $170/hour with Andrea. Equine-assisted Psychotherapy sessions are $200-225/hour depending on provider. Sliding scale rates are available.
- Insurance
We are in network with Aetna, BCBS, and the State Health Plan. We also offer out-of-network billing.
- Where
1829 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- Availability
We are accepting new clients.