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Happy Couple

Rediscover Intimacy. Rebuild Your Connection.

Online Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship Therapy in Branford, Connecticut

Infidelity | Trust | Communication | Betrayal

You’re here, reading this, which means you haven’t given up. That matters. So many people avoid couples therapy because they’re scared it’ll prove the worst—that it’s over. But what if that fear is exactly what keeps you stuck? Loving someone and feeling hurt, distant, or totally off-track doesn’t mean it’s doomed. It means your signals are scrambled. Patterns can heal. You can find your way back to each other—with the right map, the right guide, and a willingness to try.

You want to make it work—you just don’t know how.
That’s where therapy helps.

Stop having the same fight

Instead of repeating the same fights where one or both of you shuts down, blames, yells, or avoids the issue—escalating into drawn-out arguments—you’ll learn to identify and sidestep the recurring triggers (that look, a tone of voice, blame or criticism) that set it all off. You’ll learn to navigate even the toughest conversations because you’ll recognize the warning signs that you’re heading down the wrong path and know how to course-correct before things escalate.


When you do fight, you'll learn how to repair quickly

Rather than storming off or staying silent for days, you’ll learn to apologize in a way that truly helps. You’ll take responsibility for your actions and words and express genuine regret, turning conflicts into opportunities for growth in your relationship.


Find the understanding you both crave
Once you uncover what fuels your repeated arguments and misunderstandings, you'll learn to intentionally choose a new direction. Instead of staying walled off in your separate corners; you'll be ready to communicate with the purpose of truly understanding each other.

Support each other during life's transitions
When life throws you a curveball, you'll be each other's rock. I’ll guide you to turn toward your partner during stressful times, so you can face challenges together and make the weight of stress feel lighter..

Recovery from infidelity 
Once we’ve established a foundation of safety, I’ll help you express your hurt openly and honestly. I’ll then guide your partner to truly listen and show that they hear and understand you. When you see your pain reflected in their eyes, that’s the moment healing begins—bringing you closer and more connected than ever before.


Bring the sexy feelings back
Safety, connection, and mindful exercises that tune you into your body pave the way for pleasure to flow back in.

Resolve long standing conflict or betrayals
Once you feel safe sharing your more vulnerable thoughts and feelings you'll grieve together the mistakes you've each made.  You'll be a team again.
 
Teamwork will make your relationship blossom
No more "me vs. you," no more slammed doors or heavy silences. You truly understand each other. Now, you're both ready and equipped to share your deepest fears and desires, coming together on every level—emotionally and physically.

Return to the life where you
couldn’t wait to be with your partner.

The Process

Session one: 
couple together

In our first session, we’ll meet together. I’ll quickly walk you through the EFT process and how we’ll work in each session—then we’ll dive right in.

This is where we start uncovering what’s breaking you apart. The behaviors that leave both of you confused. We’ll name the cycles of escalation and withdrawal and how they’ve been feeding the hurt between you.

Once you see the cycle for what it is and how each of you contributes, you’ll realize you have powerful choices to make. Because when each of you finds flexibility in how you respond during arguments, overwhelm, or stress, it can change the entire dynamic of your relationship.

Session two and three: individual sessions

During sessions two and three, I’ll meet with each of you individually to learn more about your family background, relationship history, goals, and concerns. My aim is to build a strong connection with both of you as I work in support of your relationship. Together, we’ll explore your thoughts and emotions, and I may offer alternative perspectives or insights for you to consider. 

Session four and beyond:
couple together

I will help you both slow down and focus on those pivotal moments in your interactions where communication falters—whether it’s during escalating arguments, when emotions feel overwhelming, or when one of you feels hurt or dismissed. I will help you uncover the deeper feelings that often get suppressed—those emotions that, when shared, help your partner feel your love and lead to powerful and adhesive bonding moments. If there has been infidelity or other betrayals, I will help guide you through conversations where the betrayed partner can express their pain and feel that their hurt is truly understood and shared so you can grieve this relationship challenge together

Weeks of Therapy in Just 1-2 Days

Why wait months when you can supercharge your relationship in just 1 or 2 days? A couples therapy intensive lets you fast-track what would normally take many weeks—resolving conflicts, rebuilding trust, and sparking new energy in your relationship.

Think of it as therapy on steroids (the good kind)—packed with insights, breakthroughs, and a massive boost to your connection. Get your best friend back and reignite the spark.

You wouldn’t be here if something in you didn’t believe things could get better.

Not overnight. Not with quick fixes. But with the right support and real effort—change is possible.

That quiet hope you’re feeling? It’s worth listening to.

Couples therapy is more than a place to vent. It’s where you finally start to understand what’s happening between you—and how to change it. With structure. With skill. With someone who won’t flinch when things get hard.

You don’t have to keep DIYing this.
You’re here because some part of you still cares. That’s enough to begin.

Family in the Kitchen

Frequently Asked Questions About Couples Therapy in Branford, CT

What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and how can it help us?
 

Emotionally Focused Therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps couples move out of cycles of conflict and disconnection. Instead of just learning communication tips, EFT gets to the root of why you’re stuck—helping you feel safer, more understood, and more connected to each other again. It’s especially effective for couples in crisis or dealing with long-standing patterns of hurt.
 

We’re in a rough place. Is couples therapy too late for us?
 

Not at all. I specialize in working with high-conflict couples and those on the brink of separation. You don’t have to be on the same page to start therapy. In fact, many couples come in feeling unsure whether they can—or should—stay together. That’s okay. We’ll slow things down, figure out what’s really happening underneath the surface, and give your relationship a structured space to breathe and decide what’s next.
 

What if one of us isn’t sure we want to stay in the relationship?
 

That’s more common than you might think. If one partner is leaning out and the other is all-in, I offer a specific process called Discernment Counseling. It’s not about convincing anyone—it’s about getting clarity. You’ll each get space to be honest, and we’ll figure out whether to try therapy or move toward a different kind of resolution, with care and respect.
 

Do both partners have to attend?
 

Yes. Couples therapy only works if both people are in the room—physically or virtually. Even if one of you isn’t fully on board yet, showing up is the first step. You don’t have to be ready to change everything overnight. You just have to be willing to start the conversation.
 

We’ve tried couples therapy before and it didn’t help. What’s different this time?
 

That’s something I hear often. Many couples have had disappointing experiences with therapists who didn’t understand how intense or fragile things felt. My approach is different. I use a clear, structured model (EFT), and I only work with a small number of couples at a time—so I’m deeply engaged in your process. I’ll remember your story, your patterns, and your progress. You won’t be doing this alone.

Couple walking outdoors

Romantic Places for Couples to Relax in Branford, CT

Branford, CT, offers a variety of serene and intimate spots perfect for couples looking to unwind and reconnect. Take a peaceful stroll along the scenic trails at Shore Line Trolley Museum, where you can enjoy a nostalgic ride through the coastal marshes. For a waterfront escape, visit Branford Point Beach, a quiet, picturesque spot ideal for relaxing by the Long Island Sound. If you’re in the mood for a cozy wine-tasting experience, head to Stony Creek Brewery, where you can sip craft brews with a stunning riverfront view. For a romantic dinner, Lenny’s Indian Head Inn offers fresh seafood in a charming, rustic setting. Whether you’re looking for outdoor beauty or a quiet evening together, Branford has plenty of options to help you and your partner unwind.

Scenic Walking Spots for Couples in Branford, CT

Branford, CT, is home to some of the most scenic walking trails along the shoreline. Enjoy a peaceful nature walk at Branford Supply Pond Park, where wooded trails wind around a tranquil pond. For a scenic coastal stroll, the Trolley Trail offers a short but stunning walk along the water, passing through salt marshes and offering beautiful shoreline views. If you prefer a mix of nature and waterfront scenery, Stony Creek Harbor is perfect for a relaxed walk with views of the Thimble Islands. Looking for something more secluded? Killam’s Point provides a serene setting with trails through woodlands and along the shore. Whether you want a quiet forest escape or a breathtaking waterfront walk, Branford has the perfect spot for you.
Romantic Walk in Sunset

Kimberly Schildbach

Therapy

Logo for the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling | Couples Therapy for Infidelity
Therapy for High-Conflict Couples | Discernment Counseling
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
Boston - Worcester - Framingham - Springfield - Cambridge - Wellesley - Newton - Brockton 
Online in Massachusetts | Connecticut | 
Florida | Vermont

I acknowlege that Kimberly Schildbach Therapy operates on the unceded homelands of the Pocumtuc Nation on the land of the Norrwutuck community. I recognize the ongoing impacts of colonization and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities in their fight for justice, equity,
and the preservation of their cultures and rights.

This website is for information purposes only and does not constitute a therapeutic relationship

© 2023 Kimberly Schildbach LMHC, All Rights Reserved - Powered and secured by Wix

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