Space to slow down, and find each other again.

It’s a short, no-cost phone or video call. You can describe what’s bringing you in, ask how I work, and get a sense of whether we’re a good fit. If we are, we’ll look at times for a first session; if not, I’m glad to suggest other options. It isn’t a therapy session, and there’s no obligation.

We begin with a joint session to hear what’s happening and what each of you hopes for. Next, each partner has one individual session, followed by a feedback session where I share how I understand your patterns and propose a plan. The approach draws on the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Every relationship is different, so I don’t promise a set number of sessions. Most couples start with weekly 50- or 80-minute sessions, then space them out as things steady. Some couples come in for a focused issue and need a few months; longer-standing patterns or recovery from a betrayal usually take more time. We’ll review progress together along the way, and you’re always free to pause or stop.

Yes. It’s very common for one partner to reach out first. You’re welcome to book the consultation yourself, and your partner can join a later call to ask their own questions. I can also see you individually to work on your side of the pattern. If you’d like to move into couples work later, we’ll talk openly about whether I’m the right therapist for both of you or whether a colleague would give your partner a more even start.

No. In couples work, the relationship is my client. I work to make sure each of you feels heard and understood. Staying balanced doesn’t mean avoiding hard truths: if something one of you is doing is hurting the relationship, I’ll name it with care, and I’ll do the same for the other partner.

Yes. Many couples arrive unsure, and one partner is often more hopeful than the other. Therapy can help you understand how you got here and decide what comes next with more clarity and less reactivity. I won’t push you toward staying or separating. If you decide to part, the work can help you do it with more care, especially if you share children or a home.

It often can, when both partners are willing to be honest. We start by steadying the immediate crisis, then rebuild honesty, transparency, and emotional safety at a pace that respects both of you. The hurt partner’s pain is given real room, without rushing toward forgiveness, and the context is explored without excusing what happened. I can’t promise how it will turn out, but the work can bring you to a clearer, more honest place either way.

What we discuss stays private, with the legal exceptions every licensed therapist must follow, such as an imminent risk of serious harm or suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult. Before we begin couples work, I’ll explain my policy on information shared in individual sessions. In short, I won’t hold secrets that keep the couples work from moving forward. If something important comes up, I’ll help you find a way to bring it into the room yourself.

Yes. Sessions are held in person in a quiet Upper West Side office and by secure video for anyone located in New York State. Partners can join from the same room or from two separate private locations.

This sample practice is private-pay and doesn’t bill insurance directly. You can request a superbill to submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Couples therapy isn’t always covered, so it’s worth checking your out-of-network mental health benefits before we begin. HSA and FSA cards are often accepted.

Because your session time is reserved for you, I ask for advance notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. The details are in the consent paperwork you’ll receive before we begin: [Your cancellation policy, e.g., 48 hours’ notice].

If there is physical violence, threats, or one partner feels afraid at home, joint sessions can make things less safe. In that case I’ll recommend individual support and safety planning first, and help connect you with the right resources. Active, untreated addiction may also need its own care alongside or before couples work. If you are ever in immediate danger, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or by texting START to 88788.