When your relationship feels painful, confusing, or stuck - and you want something different.
Does this sound familiar?
You keep having the same fight, even when you’ve promised it will be different next time, and you’re longing to feel hopeful again.
One of you longs for closeness and reassurance while the other pulls back or shuts down, and underneath it all is a shared wish to feel safer and more understood.
Trust has been shaken by betrayal, secrecy, or emotional distance, and you want a way to talk about what happened without things blowing up or falling apart.
You want to feel like the team you once were but you don't know where to start.
You’re not bad at relationships. You’re stuck in protective patterns, and couples therapy will help you find your way out.
How Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Creates Real, Lasting Change
Couples Therapy - Marriage Counseling - Relationship Therapy in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Emotionally Focused Therapy doesn’t teach you better scripts or communication tricks. It helps you change what’s happening underneath the conflict, where real connection breaks down and repair becomes possible again.
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We work with your inner world, not against it
In EFT, we understand that you are made up of different parts. One part of you may desperately want to reach out to your partner, while another part is terrified of being rejected, blamed, or hurt again. Rather than forcing one part to “win,” we slow things down and help you get to know these parts with compassion, so they don’t hijack your relationship.
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Trauma-informed and collaborative
I don’t take sides or decide who’s right. I collaborate with both of you to understand how past wounds, attachment injuries, and protective strategies show up in the present. Many couples are responding not to each other, but to old fears and old wounds
being activated in real time.
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Somatic and experiential, not just insight-based
Understanding your patterns is important, but insight alone doesn’t change them. EFT is experiential and somatic. I help you notice what’s happening in your body in the moment so new emotional experiences can actually land. Our sessions become a live lab where you practice slowing down, reaching, responding, and repairing safely.
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Sessions are where change happens,
not just where you talk about it
We don’t just analyze what went wrong last week. We work with what is happening between you in the room. When you can see and feel your partner’s fear, grief, or longing as it emerges, something shifts. That embodied experience is what makes forgiveness, healing, and repair possible, and what allows new patterns to generalize outside of therapy.
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Learning to share vulnerability instead of protection
I help you explore your inner landscape and become friendly with it, so you can share the softer emotions you usually hide: the fear of not mattering, the sadness of feeling alone, the longing to feel chosen and safe again. When these emotions are shared and received, couples begin to succeed with each other in ways that once felt impossible.
The Process
Session one:
couple together
In our first session, we’ll meet together, review how EFT works, and then dive into what’s really tearing your relationship apart.
We’ll uncover the cycles of conflict and withdrawal that fuel frustration and hurt. Once you see how each of you contributes, you’ll discover real choices—learning to respond differently can completely shift the dynamic between you.
Session two and three: individual sessions
In sessions two and three, I’ll meet with each of you individually to understand your history, goals, and concerns. My goal is to connect with both of you while supporting your relationship, exploring your thoughts and emotions, and offering new perspectives to consider.
Session four and beyond:
couple together
I’ll help you slow down and focus on the moments where communication breaks down—during conflict, overwhelm, or hurt. Together, we’ll uncover the deeper feelings that often get suppressed, creating connection and understanding. If there’s been infidelity or betrayal, I’ll guide you through conversations where pain is expressed, acknowledged, and shared, so you can grieve and heal together.
Discernment Counseling: Not Sure You Want to Try -
Not Ready to Leave
Not every couple is ready for full couples therapy. Many are stuck in a painful in-between - unsure whether the relationship can or should continue. Discernment Counseling exists for this exact moment.
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Discernment Counseling is a focused, time-limited process (usually 1–5 sessions) designed to help couples step out of crisis and into clarity. There’s no pressure to repair the relationship or make a decision on the spot. Instead, we slow things down and explore how you got here, the patterns that have shaped your connection, and what personal changes—not just changes from your partner—would be needed if you were to move forward in a healthier, more connected way.
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This work isn’t about convincing anyone to stay or leave. It’s about helping you make a grounded, informed decision that feels right. If you’re torn between trying again and letting go, Discernment Counseling provides a clear, structured path to help you decide with compassion and insight.
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You can learn more about how this process works on my Discernment Counseling page.
A different way forward starts here
Struggles in your relationship don’t just vanish. Old patterns don’t quietly disappear.
The emotions you’ve been carrying don’t wait for a convenient moment.
They build.
They seep into every small space you thought was safe.
They spill into your work, your decisions, your body, and even your peace of mind.
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You wouldn’t ignore a leaky pipe in your home. So why ignore the cracks in your relationship? Couples therapy is the repair that helps you both feel safe again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Couples Therapy in
Cambridge, MA
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 you'd like your relationship to remain as it is, move towards divorce or separation, or commit to 6 months of couples therapy with a robust understanding of changes you each need to make to heal your relationship.
Can EFT help after infidelity or betrayal?
Yes. EFT is one of the most effective approaches for repairing relationships after infidelity, secrecy, or out-of-control sex/porn addiction. Therapy focuses on understanding the emotional impact of the betrayal, rebuilding safety, and creating new patterns of responsiveness and trust.
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What if one of us shuts down or avoids emotions?
That’s very common. EFT does not force vulnerability. We work gently and at your pace, helping protective responses soften once safety increases. Avoidance is understood as protection, not resistance. I lead you to be authentic with your partner while also pushing you and increasing your flexibility.
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What if we argue constantly or feel emotionally disconnected?
Both high-conflict couples and emotionally distant couples benefit from EFT. The work helps uncover the underlying fears and unmet needs that fuel arguing, withdrawal, or emotional numbness.
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Is couples therapy only for relationships on the brink of divorce?
No. EFT is helpful for couples at many stages, including those who want to strengthen their bond, repair trust, or prevent small issues from becoming larger ruptures.
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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.
Here’s a list of great places in Cambridge, MA,
for couples to connect on date night:
Cozy New American restaurant, perfect for a romantic dinner
1166 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA
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Oleana
Mediterranean-inspired dishes in an intimate atmosphere.-
134 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA
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The Abbey
Craft cocktails and a chic ambiance for a casual date night.-
1755 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA
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Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Elegant cafe offering delicious pastries and light bites, perfect for a cozy morning date.-
Multiple locations in Cambridge
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Harvard Square
Explore the charming streets with various cafes, shops, and theaters for a relaxed day date.-
Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA
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Alcove
Upscale Mediterranean restaurant with an inviting ambiance for dinner and drinks.-
25 First St, Cambridge, MA
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The Charles Hotel
For a luxurious and relaxing date night, enjoy dining at the hotel's restaurant or unwind at the spa.-
1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA
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These spots offer the perfect mix of ambiance, food, and experience to help you reconnect with your partner.
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Overall, Cambridge, Massachusetts is a unique blend of intellectual energy, historical significance, cultural richness, and progressive values.
Whether you’re visiting, studying, working, or living, the city offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a vibrant, intellectually rich city located just across the Charles River from Boston. Known for its prestigious universities, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge is a hub for innovation, education, and culture.
Rich History and Education
Founded in 1630, Cambridge is steeped in American history. It’s home to some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world. Harvard, founded in 1636, and MIT, established in 1861, are both globally recognized for their academic excellence and groundbreaking research. The city’s academic influence permeates its neighborhoods, from the iconic Harvard Square to the tech-driven Kendall Square, fostering an atmosphere of creativity and forward-thinking.
Cultural Hotspot
Cambridge is also known for its diverse culture and thriving arts scene. Visitors and residents alike can explore museums like the Harvard Art Museums and the MIT List Visual Arts Center, while cultural events and performances can be enjoyed at the American Repertory Theater and the Cambridge Arts Theatre. The city is home to a range of music venues, art galleries, and vibrant street festivals throughout the year.
Neighborhoods and Green Spaces
Cambridge boasts a variety of dynamic neighborhoods. From the bohemian charm of Central Square to the upscale feel of Kendall Square, there’s something for everyone. The city is also known for its green spaces, including the scenic Charles River Path, perfect for walking, cycling, or enjoying outdoor activities. The city is designed to encourage both outdoor recreation and urban exploration.
Progressive Community and Innovation
Beyond its academic institutions, Cambridge is known for its forward-thinking attitude, from progressive politics to environmental sustainability. The city is home to numerous startups, tech companies, and nonprofit organizations, making it an ideal place for entrepreneurs and creative minds to thrive. It’s also a city that values social justice and inclusivity, with programs aimed at supporting diverse communities and reducing inequality.
A Thriving Dining and Shopping Scene
Cambridge offers a variety of culinary experiences, from food trucks and casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Renowned restaurants and hidden gems can be found throughout the city, showcasing everything from international cuisine to locally sourced dishes. For those who enjoy shopping, there are plenty of unique boutiques, bookstores, and farmers' markets to explore, adding to the city's charm and vibrancy.
Transportation and Connectivity
Cambridge is well-connected to Boston and the surrounding areas. The city is easily accessible via public transportation, including the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Red Line and multiple bus routes. It’s also bike-friendly, with numerous bike lanes and paths.
