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Couples counseling: Finding your way back to each other

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I view couples counseling as a safe and intentional space for honest conversations, guided reflection, and practicing new ways of relating to one another. It’s a place where you and your partner can slow down, really listen, and be heard without judgment. My role is to help you both step out of unhelpful cycles, see each other with fresh eyes, and create a stronger sense of partnership.

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In our work together, I draw on Imago Relationship Therapy to help you communicate more openly and with empathy, psychodynamic exploration to uncover the deeper patterns and unmet needs shaping your interactions, and an attachment-based lens to strengthen emotional safety and trust between you.

We will explore how your individual histories—and the personal stories you’ve carried—affect your relationship in the present. This might mean understanding how past hurts influence how you handle conflict, express love, or ask for what you need. Together, we’ll work to rebuild trust, deepen emotional and physical intimacy, and create practical strategies for resolving disagreements in healthier ways.

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Some sessions may feel lighter and solution-focused, offering quick tools you can try right away. Others may gently touch on more tender emotions or long-standing patterns that need time and care to shift. Every part of this process is welcome here, and every step is guided by the goal of helping you feel more connected, supported, and understood—both as individuals and as a couple.

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What you can expect​

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Through counseling, you can expect to:

• Improve communication and truly listen to each other

• Navigate differences in parenting approaches

• Heal past wounds that resurface in your relationship

• Reconnect emotionally and physically

• Create a stronger foundation for your growing family

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With the right support, you can honor your story as a couple, strengthen your bond, and move forward together with more clarity, compassion, and resilience.

 

Here's some reflection on questions and thoughts people have shared with me as they try to find a therapist

 

We’ve tried couples therapy before, and it didn’t work. How do we find the right therapist?

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It’s not unusual for couples to come to me feeling discouraged because previous therapy didn’t feel like a good fit. The truth is, not every therapist is the right match for every couple—and that’s okay. Progress in counseling depends on many factors, but one of the most important is finding a therapist who truly understands your needs, values, and goals as a couple.

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Therapists have different personalities, approaches, and ways of seeing relationships. Even a skilled, compassionate therapist might not be the right person for you two. That’s why I encourage you to ask yourself:

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• Do we both feel comfortable and heard when we talk with this therapist?

• Do they create a space where we feel safe to share openly—even the hard stuff?

• Are they helping us understand each other better, not just giving quick fixes?

• Do they have training that matches what we’re looking for (e.g., Imago, perinatal expertise)?

• Can we be honest with them if something isn’t working?

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The initial consultation is a great time to get a sense of a therapist’s style and how they interact with both partners. In my practice, I check in regularly—after the first few sessions and throughout our work together—to ensure we’re on track and that you both feel supported. Couples therapy is an investment in your relationship, and finding the right fit is a key part of making it worthwhile.

 

If you are seeking couples therapy and would like to explore a consultation to see if we are a good fit or want to learn more about my practice, contact me at meyleen@hummingbirdcounseling.com or fill out the form on the contact page. I try to respond to all requests within 48 business hours.