Exceptional therapy that goes beyond the expected.
Kimberly Schildbach, LMHC
Couples + Relationship Therapist
Discernment + Divorce Support
Online-only practice serving MA, CT, VT & FL
I’m built for the hard stuff.
If you’re ready to do the work, I’m ready to go there with you.
You used to be each other’s safe place. Now? It feels like you’re miles apart, and neither of you knows how to close the gap.
I’m not here to tell you to play nice or keep the peace.
Bring the mess. All of it. I can handle it—and I want to see the raw truth of your relationship.
I’m in your corner, but real change only happens when we face the hard stuff head-on. It’s on you to show up and do the work. I’ll walk with you through it, and when things start to shift, you’ll know.
You’ll feel the difference. You’ll see hope where it felt impossible. And you’ll get results that speak for themselves.
Welcome
I work with couples in the thick of it—infidelity, high-conflict, and the “do we stay or go?” moments. I keep my practice small on purpose so you get my full attention: real talk, zero judgment, and a space that’s tailored to you.
I don’t do blame or shame. I help you both unpack the pain, challenge old patterns, and figure out what’s really going on underneath the arguments. I ask the hard questions, hold the tough stuff with compassion, and help you move toward clarity—whatever that looks like for you.
This work is hard, but it’s what I love. I bring my whole self to the room: I’m a wife, an adoptive and bio mom, Corgi wrangler, yoga-lover, pudding enthusiast, and a pro-level napper.
I’m grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy because after 20 years, it’s the only approach I’ve seen that actually works. If you’re ready to dig in, I’m here for it.
I Don’t Do Hand-Holding—I Do Honest, No-BS Change
I don’t shy away from the hard stuff—I’ll ask the bold questions and name what others tiptoe around. This isn’t surface-level work. It’s deep, focused, and grounded in evidence-based methods like Emotionally Focused Therapy, trauma-informed care, and attachment theory. I stay sharp because your growth matters. When we work together, you get someone who’s all in—committed to helping you move through the stuck places toward real openings, honest conversations, and deeper understanding.
How You Get Lasting Change
I don’t focus on surface fixes. The work I do is about real, lasting change — the kind that transforms how you show up with each other.
First-order change is when you try to improve things by tweaking behaviors — saying things differently, spending more time together — without addressing the deeper emotional patterns underneath. These changes might offer temporary relief, but often, couples end up back in the same painful cycle.
In Emotionally Focused Therapy, we aim for second-order change. We go beyond the surface and get to the heart of the matter — the emotions, needs, and fears that are driving your responses to each other. By shifting the entire emotional pattern, we create new ways of connecting that lead to lasting transformation.
This is the kind of change that doesn’t just feel different — it is different.
If you're ready for change and willing to do the work,
we can make this happen.
Clinical Experience
I am dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care. I continuously invest in my professional development through ongoing training and certifications to ensure I am equipped with the latest tools and techniques to support your healing journey.
Education and Licensure: M.Ed. in Multicultural Education from UMass Amherst M.Ed. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Springfield College Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Massachusetts #6755) Connecticut Professional Counselor (Connecticut #8256) LMHC Florida Telehealth Registration (TPMC5433) LMHC Vermont Telehealth Registration (068.0135181TELE) Certification in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (in process, expected May 2025) Certification in Discernment Counseling (in process, expected June 2025)
Training: ICEEFT - Approved Externship with Terri Murphy and James Hawkins -four days of focused training Core Skills in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) - with Ryan Raina - four days of advanced EFT training. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Healing Trauma in Couples with Kathryn Rheem and Jennifer Olden. Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) Level 1 Certificate Course. Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) Level 2 Certificate Course. AIRM - Attachment Injury Repair Model - Healing for infidelity or other attachment injuries and betrayals. Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) for Grief: Attachment-Based Interventions to Move Clients Through Loss into Growth and Resilience Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy for Attachment Trauma with Leanne Campbell Tango EFT x Steps and Stages. Rapid Role Plays: Micro Skills for Stage 1 and Stage 2 in EFT. Move 1: Laying a Foundation for a More Present Embodied Tango Training. EFT Cafe - ongoing training with real couples and office hours. Substance Abuse Training from The Recovery Centers of America. Reproductive Trauma and Attachment Training: EFT for Individuals and Couples Facing Infertility and Pregnancy Loss with Kristy Koser, PHD, LPCC Healing Affairs: The Power of Emotionally Focused Therapy with Scott Woolley PhD - Two day training
Are we a good fit?
We are a good fit if....
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You really want to heal the relationship with your partner, know more about what makes you tick, and keep those changes for the long haul.
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You want a therapist that gently challenges you and is committed to your growth.
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You want understanding and compassion as you learn to change.
We might not be a good fit if.....
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The primary goal is to obtain advice or quick fixes rather than engaging in deeper emotional exploration and relationship work.
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If engaging in couples therapy, one or both partners are unwilling to actively participate in the process of change.
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You’re not yet convinced that therapy brings about real transformation.
Guiding Principles
Confidentiality
Many of my clients are successful, high profile individuals. Your confidentiality is of high importance to me. I conduct my online sessions on my HIPAA compliant platform - Simple Practice. Emails are sent from my HIPAA compliant Google Workspace.
Connection
We know that connection and the therapeutic alliance is key to the success of therapy. You will find me spending the last moments of sessions checking in to see how we're doing. If at any point, you believe you would be better served by another therapist, I will help you find them.
Effective Treatment
I use evidence based treatment such as Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Discernment Counseling, and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy. I'm committed to ongoing training and certification to give you the highest level of care.
Collaboration
I work in a collaborative manner. You are welcome to ask questions about the course of therapy or inquire as to where and why I'm leading you where I'm leading you. I am honored you've chosen to partner with me for your mental health care.