Couples and Relationship Therapist in New York & New Jersey
LMHC-D | NCC | LPC
Therapy for Couples and Individuals Navigating Relationship Patterns, Communication Struggles, and Emotional Disconnection
Even strong relationships can reach points where communication starts to feel frustrating, conversations turn into the same arguments, or partners begin to feel unheard or disconnected.
Many couples find themselves wondering how they went from feeling close and understood to feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to break.
As a therapist, I help couples and individuals slow those patterns down, understand what is happening beneath the surface of conflict, and learn new ways of communicating that strengthen connection rather than create more distance.
My goal is to help clients feel more confident expressing their needs, better able to navigate difficult conversations, and more secure in their relationships. I specialize in helping couples strengthen communication, rebuild emotional safety, and create more consistent moments of connection in everyday life.
How I Help
In our work together, we focus on understanding the patterns that shape how partners communicate, respond to stress, and interpret each other’s actions.
Often, couples get stuck in cycles where one partner feels unheard while the other feels criticized or misunderstood. Over time, these patterns can make even small conversations feel tense or emotionally loaded.
Therapy provides space to slow these moments down, understand what is happening underneath the conflict, and begin practicing new ways of communicating.
Together we work on helping partners:
- Express needs more clearly and confidently
- Feel heard and understood during difficult conversations
- Navigate disagreements without escalating into repeated conflict
- Respond to each other with greater emotional awareness
- Rebuild a sense of connection and emotional safety
Therapeutic Approaches
My work is informed by several evidence-based approaches for couples therapy, including:
- Attachment-Based Therapy – understanding how attachment patterns influence the way partners connect and respond emotionally
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – helping couples identify emotional needs and strengthen their bond
- The Gottman Method – practical strategies for improving communication, conflict management, and relationship satisfaction
These approaches allow us to explore both the emotional and practical sides of relationships while developing tools couples can use outside of therapy.
Strengthening the Foundation of Your Relationship
A large part of my work focuses on helping couples strengthen the everyday foundation of their relationship.
Many people believe connection comes from big moments — vacations, date nights, or special occasions. While those experiences matter, lasting connection is often built in smaller, everyday interactions.
The way partners check in with each other during stressful moments, respond to emotional needs, and communicate during conflict often shapes the overall health of the relationship.
In therapy, we focus on building the skills and awareness that help couples create more of these moments of connection in daily life.
Credentials
I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor-D and the founder of Cardinal Hope Mental Health Counseling, a group practice built on compassionate, client-centered care. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a certificate in Interdisciplinary Trauma Studies, and a bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology.
I have extensive experience supporting individuals and couples navigating attachment wounds, relational trauma, and emotionally complex relationship patterns.
In addition to my clinical work, I currently serve as the 2025 President of the American Counseling Association of New York, following my roles as President-Elect and Upstate Region Chair. These leadership roles keep me deeply engaged in advocacy, ethics, and advancing high standards of care across the counseling profession.
My work has been featured by outlets including Syracuse University, CNY Spectrum News, the Telewellness Hub Podcast, and the New York Post, where I speak on relationships, emotional health, and mental wellness.
📍I provide virtual therapy for adults and couples located throughout New York and New Jersey. If you’re ready to better understand your relationship patterns and build healthier communication, therapy can provide a supportive place to begin.
Many couples begin therapy not because their relationship is failing, but because they want to understand each other better and build a stronger foundation for the future.