Center for Couples
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Specialties


Communication
Good communication is a necessary skill for repairing conflict and preventing resentment.

If you feel your mate is preparing for a rebuttal instead of listening to what you have to say or you are beginning to see the same scenery when you argue,  your relationship may be stuck in a negative feedback loop.

These negative feedback loops need to be broken in order for problem resolution and change to occur.

Intimacy
Intimacy involves a mutual sharing of one’s self in open, honest vulnerable ways as well as making peace with differences.

Many couples that complain about a lack of intimacy in their lives are often struggling with either the inherent closeness associated with intimacy or a desire to be too close.

Balancing the struggles between engulfment and enmeshment, and maintaining an identity as an individual as well as a couple, is critical to the success of relationships


Self-esteem
How a person feels about and perceives him/herself affects not only their interpersonal relationships with partners, children and family, but their friendships, religious, business and academic relationships as well.

Often, low self-esteem issues are rooted in our early life experiences. Locating and healing these issues can transform a person’s worldview and hence open them to new, more positive, outcomes and experiences.

Parenting
Since children come without instructions, having an objective perspective and trained guidance often removes the mystery and guesswork from parenting.

Whether you are struggling with “and baby makes three,” the tweens or teens, we can be the help needed when you’ve tried everything else.


Depression
Although there are a number of reasons for its onset, depression is fueled by negative interpretations of events and can range from a mild feeling of unhappiness to debilitating despair.

Identifying and re-recording these interpretations (along with drug therapy where applicable) is the first step in recovery.

anxiety / Panic
The fight, flight or freeze response is a normal part of being human. It is an exquisite system the body has in place in order to protect us from danger.

Anxiety often includes somatic, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components. At its worst, it is called panic and a person can feel like they are going to die.

We offer supportive psychotherapy, CBT, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and other therapies which address individual and interpersonal issues associated with anxiety and panic.


sexuality issues
Sexuality and its expression thereof can be complex and inextricably linked to seemingly unrelated issues. This puzzle affects how desirable we feel and our willingness to get physically close with our partners.

Breaking the silence in a safe and supportive environment is crucial to piecing together the picture and getting both parties back on the same team.

conflict / managing of differences
Most conflict is about differences. Many times, the flip side of a quality that attracted us to our mates at the beginning of the relationship ends up being a source of conflict.

Differences are a normal part of being a couple, but how we handle these differences will either help us become closer to our beloved or further apart.


premarital
Important elements for entering into marriage include:  (1) how to become a “we” without losing the “I”; (2) negotiating wants and needs, and (3) knowing what “inventory” or baggage we bring to our union.

Identifying our communication style and making subtle shifts can be the difference that makes a difference for a successful start to life as a couple.

PTSD/EMDR
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that is triggered by a terrifying event or trauma. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
EMDR is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of these traumas.  

EMDR has a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. To date, EMDR has helped over two million people of all ages relieve many types of psychological stress.


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What Clients Say
  • "She is also motivated and dedicated to achieve excellence in her standard of care. These traits are invaluable in the work of clients confronting unpleasant issues in their life.” -- B.S.
  • "It was a long road, but one that helped us grow as a family, and years later my son is not only alive but thriving!" +DR
  • "Without her, we would have lost the love that brought us together." ~ JK
CCFH Leaf

8512-122nd Ave NE, #268
Kirkland, WA  98033

(425) 889-0832​
© 2005 - 2023 Center for Couples and Family Healing, PLLC

  • Home
  • Services
    • Specialties
    • Therapeutic Modalities
  • Selection
    • What to Ask
    • Self Preparation
  • Our Team
    • Loryann Nichols
    • Carolyn Branca
  • Resources
    • FAQ
    • Suggested Readings
    • Important Links
  • Take a Breath
  • Contact