Great Couples Counseling in Lakeland, FL. Therapy to heal relationships.

Karen utilizes a strengths based approach when working with couples. She is also a level one trained therapist in the Gottman Method of marriage counseling. Most couples entered a relationship because they appreciated and valued something in their partner. Over time, stresses and difficulties sometimes cloud a couple's vision of what drew them together. Karen's approach is to help couples rekindle their friendship and appreciation for each other, including their differences. She provides couples an opportunity to refine important relationships skills like healthy communication, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.

We are passionate about and skilled with helping couples to repair and strengthen their relationship by utilizing techniques from evidence-based practices such as Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy and the Gottman Method. These techniques help get to the heart of the matter to increase relationship satisfaction and heal emotional injuries that may have occurred throughout the relationship or as a result of previous trauma. Individual therapy for each partner is also recommended as best practice for helping each person to work through their personal traumas.

Let me guess. One partner feels alone and like they don't matter and the other feels they are always being criticized and can't get anything right. The more one asks for the other to show up, the more the partner disappears physically and emotionally. You both bicker and fight and the idea of sitting and just hanging out seems elusive, if not impossible. Something like this? Often we crave connection but are blocked by the pain and the history that gets in the way. Small fights about little things become battles that highlight our struggle to have our basic relational needs met. I can help you get under the bickering to the parts crying out for connection- to an enriching relationship.

Couples work is unique and interesting. What a lot of people don't understand it that of course you have different viewpoints - you are in different bodies, have different life experiences and are actually looking at different views! Many times the problem is simply communication: no matter how many times you tell your partner what you need, they just don't hear it. That is where I come in- helping people to get heard and also to hear clearly! In this way there can be a softening and a coming together, with both partners feeling loved and understood. You don't have to continue fighting, and counseling doesn't mean you failed. It is a gift you give your relationship to help nurture it.

Couples counseling with me is a safe, inviting space to deepen your connection, resolve conflicts, and strengthen your bond. I bring a warm, modern approach that focuses on understanding each partner’s unique needs while fostering open communication and trust. Whether you’re navigating challenges or simply seeking to enrich your relationship, I’ll guide you with compassion and tailored strategies to rebuild harmony and intimacy. Together, we’ll create a roadmap for growth and connection that feels authentic and meaningful.

Are you feeling lonely in your own marriage? Disrespected? Misunderstood? It doesn’t have to stay this way. Far too often, high-achieving men feel disrespected and lonely within their own marriages. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I help men and their wives to rediscover the incredible value they bring to the marriage, and help them negotiate a hopeful path forward. I will help you identify destructive patterns in your marriage and provide healthier alternatives. I’ll help you improve communication, learn to fight fair, and increase understanding and connection. While it’s not easy work, there is hope. If given the chance, I would be honored to help you fight for your marriage.