01 / Couples & relationship

Couples & relationship therapy.

Couples therapy is my primary specialty. Some couples come in because something specific has happened — an affair, a loss, a big transition. Others come because the same arguments keep showing up and they’re tired of having them. Either way, the work is the same: understanding what’s happening between you, and learning to change it together.

02 / Who this is for

You might recognize some of this.

Communication that keeps looping back to the same fights

Recovering trust after an affair or breach

Life transitions — new baby, blended family, retirement, illness, empty nest

Premarital — building skills before you need them

Disconnection or growing apart, even without a specific conflict

Deciding whether to stay, leave, or work on it

03 / What sessions look like

The shape of the work.

We start with both of you in the room (or on the video call). The first session or two is mostly listening — how you got here, what’s happening, what each of you hopes for. Sometimes I’ll meet with each partner individually early on to gather background, then come back together for the actual work.

From there, sessions are about working with the patterns in real time. Couples therapy can feel uncomfortable at first — it’s harder than venting to a friend — but it’s also where actual change happens.

04 / How I approach it

Models I draw from for this.

For couples I draw heavily from emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and attachment-based work, because most recurring couple patterns come down to attachment needs and how they’re being missed. I also use family systems and structural family therapy to look at how the relationship sits inside the larger family, and solution-focused brief therapy when a couple wants to move quickly on something concrete.

See the full list of therapeutic approaches I use on the services overview, or fees & insurance for accepted panels.

05 / Common questions

What if my partner doesn't want to come?

Start individually. A lot of couples work begins with one partner; sometimes the other joins later when they see it making a difference, sometimes they don’t. Individual relationship work is real work in its own right.

Can couples therapy help after infidelity?

Yes. It’s common work for me. Recovery from an affair takes time and follows a recognizable path — honesty, grief, and rebuilding trust on terms that account for what happened. The relationship doesn’t always survive, but when both partners want to work, it often can.

Do you do online couples therapy?

Yes. Most of what works in the room works on video. Couples in two different locations is a common setup. The main thing is that each of you has a private space at session time.

Should we come if we're considering divorce?

Yes. Some of the most useful couples work happens at this crossroads — whether the work ends up being how to stay or how to separate well, especially when kids are involved.

06 / Related services

Reach out when you’re ready.

Give me a call or send an email — whichever feels easier.

Contact me (210) 504-8263 vanessa@peace-therapy.com

Couples & relationship therapy.

You might recognize some of this.

The shape of the work.

Models I draw from for this.

Family therapy

Anxiety therapy

Depression therapy

Reach out when you’re ready.

Couples & relationship therapy.

You might recognize some of this.

The shape of the work.

Models I draw from for this.

Common questions

You might also want to read.

Family therapy

Anxiety therapy

Depression therapy

Reach out when you’re ready.