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Couple by a River
Break the cycle.
Therapy for High-Conflict Couples in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Find each other again.

I specialize in helping couples who have been underserved by therapy in the past

​If couples therapy hasn’t helped you in the past, you’re not alone. Many therapists "see couples" but aren’t specially trained couples therapists - trained in the unique dynamics of relationship distress. Without expertise in guiding intense emotions, sessions can turn into the same fights you have at home—only now, you’re paying for it.

That’s not what I do. I don’t let you spiral into arguments about content. Instead, I stop the escalation before it starts and lead you toward a deeper understanding of what’s really happening underneath. I teach you how to truly hear each other, how to repair, and how to have meaningful conversations outside of our sessions.

You won’t leave with generic homework—if Google could have fixed this, you wouldn’t be here. Our sessions are a laboratory where you’ll build and strengthen new relational muscles so real change happens where it matters most—at home.

 

My goal is for you to recognize the cycle that’s keeping you both stuck and learn how to stop it in its tracks. I’ll lead you in conversations that help you see the heart of your partner—the part you’ve lost sight of—and find your way back to each other.

If your arguments heat up quickly, you need more than a generic therapist—you need someone trained to handle the messy. My entire practice is dedicated to couples, and it’s my passion to help you solve the disconnect.

If therapy has failed you in the past, it’s not because your relationship is beyond help—it’s because you didn’t have the right kind of support. High-conflict couples need more than just communication tips or a neutral referee. You need a therapist who understands the deeper emotional undercurrents beneath the fights, de-escalate tension in the moment, and guide you toward real, lasting change.

Here’s how I do things differently:

  • A Structured, Proven Approach – I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which doesn’t just teach communication skills but helps you understand why you’re stuck in painful cycles and how to break free.

  • I Don’t Just Watch You Fight – If past therapy turned into another battleground, I step in. I slow things down, help you hear what’s really being said, and make space for the emotions driving the conflict.

  • You’ll Both Feel Seen & Heard – No taking sides, no reinforcing blame. My focus is on helping both of you understand your role in the cycle so real healing can happen.

  • No Endless Sessions Without Progress – We work with a clear agenda and focus, whether in weekly therapy or intensive sessions. My goal is to help you see real movement—not keep you stuck rehashing the same fights.

  • Commitment & Clarity – Whether you’re here to repair your bond or decide if this relationship can continue, I help you get clear on your path—without judgment, without pressure, just honest, structured guidance.

Romantic Couple

High-Conflict Couples vs. Abuse

Couples Therapy in Cambridge, MA

High-conflict couples experience frequent, intense disagreements but still have a foundation where both partners have a voice, even if communication is difficult. These relationships are often marked by cycles of arguing, defensiveness, and emotional reactivity, but there is still a

mutual desire to repair.

Abuse, on the other hand, involves a clear power imbalance where one partner exerts control through fear, intimidation, or harm—whether emotional, physical, financial, or psychological. In abusive relationships, safety is the primary concern, and traditional couples therapy is not appropriate. The key difference is that conflict, even when destructive, can be worked through, while abuse requires intervention to ensure the victim’s well-being and safety.

If you are experiencing abuse, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for confidential support.

Romantic & Fun Date Spots for Couples in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge offers plenty of great spots for couples to connect, whether you're looking for a cozy café, a scenic walk, or a unique experience together. Stroll hand-in-hand through Harvard Square, grab a coffee at Tatte Bakery, or explore the stunning Mount Auburn Cemetery for a peaceful retreat. For a more interactive date, check out The Brattle Theatre for indie films or take a Charles River Kayaking adventure. Whether you’re rekindling a connection or making new memories, Cambridge has something for every couple.
Cafe
Tourists in Australia

Explore Cambridge, MA: A Perfect Blend of History, Culture, and Romance

Cambridge, MA, is an ideal destination for couples seeking history, culture, and a touch of romance. Stroll through Kendall Square for innovative dining and lively atmosphere, or enjoy a riverside picnic at Magazine Beach Park. Step into literary history at Longfellow House, or explore the wonders of science at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. End your day with a cozy drink at Lamplighter Brewing Co.. Whether you're rekindling a connection or making new memories, Cambridge offers something for every couple.
Kimberly Schildbach
Therapy

Online therapy services for couples and individuals in Massachusetts, Vermont, and Florida.

Logo for the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Couples Therapy and Marriage Counseling | 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 | 
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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