Online Couples, Relationship or Marriage Counseling

*I have limited space for couples at this time.

Hey, I’m Sunny. I’m engaged to my beautiful partner and our wedding has been postponed three times during the pandemic! As someone in a relationship who has watched others go through the ups and downs of partnership, I know it takes two to make things work! 

I’m trained to see relationships as the dynamics between two people rather than one person being the problem. I’m also interested in seeing how couples fall into particular roles in their relationship which may have been modeled to them, but don’t really work with the life they’re trying to build together. 

We are impacted by our partner because they matter to us. If this was a rando, then we wouldn’t be as bothered. I’m all about helping you understand how you and your partner trigger each other, have internal experiences that may feel too difficult to share, and set off the domino effect that results in pushing each other away. 

I can help you have these deeper conversations with your partner.

Working with biracial and LGBTQ+ couples

I have a particular interest in working with biracial and LGBTQ+ couples. The complexities around differences in race, culture and power and the partners’ experiences with discrimination, oppression and marginalization are often not openly talked about. As if learning to be in a relationship is not difficult enough, these factors have a huge impact on relational dynamics and can further drive couples apart.

Working with layers of complexities energizes me!

Early birds and early afternoon appointments

I’m an early riser! I do my best work in the early part of the day and offer appointments before you head in to work or in between meetings and classes. 

Here are my hours:

Mondays - 7:30am to 2pm
Tuesdays - 7:30am to 2pm
Wednesdays - 7:30am to 2pm
Thursdays - 7:30am to 2pm

Love deepens with time and shared experiences, but only if two people know how to come together. 

I want to help you come together. 

I’m not currently accepting new clients. I hope Sunny can help!

Hi, I'm Ada. I know it's hard being in an intimate relationship. My husband and I have to work at it. When we do the hard work of investing in our marriage, it is very rewarding; it pulls us closer together, rather than further apart. Because I know what it can be, I want to help you and your partner get to a place where you feel happy and connected to each other. 

Do you struggle with these relationship problems?

If that's you, I can help you move through these challenges.

Is it just a "communication problem"?

These issues are just the tip of the iceberg. I often tell my couples, "It's not about the Christmas lights" or whatever you might be arguing about. Change up the content and you'll be fighting the same way. It's also NOT just a "communication problem". You can learn all the ways to better communicate, but when the emotions are high, everything goes out the window.

Here's the deeper issue

Do you feel lonely, hurt and invisible in your marriage? Or is it more like overwhelmed, criticized and "not good enough"? Are you constantly arguing or fighting with your partner about the same old, same old, living more like roommates or co-parents rather than lovers? What if hiring a sitter, going on nice vacations, or staying busy with chores and work haven’t helped the situation?

How is this for a different relationship?

You feel close to your partner whether you're together or apart, at home or away. You're more open about your deeper needs and wants because you feel valued and connected to each other. You're more confident going about the world because you know your partner has your back. This level of intimacy is possible. 

Let me help you find your way to each other again.

Here's how we get there: Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT)

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) has been well researched to show a 75% success rate in healing relationships, compared to 35% in other forms of couples therapy. 86% of couples report feeling happier in their relationships, and the results last well beyond the end of treatment.

Over the course of treatment, I'll ask you to notice your relational pattern that leaves you both feeling very alone in the relationship. You'll learn to talk about the deeper emotions that are driving your reactions to fight, be defensive, or shut down, and to practice asking for what you need from the other. Even when you do get into a fight, you'll learn how to turn back and reconnect with less damage. When you feel a safe and supportive bond between you and your partner, you can savor the really good times and weather the storms of life.

Possible outcomes with couples counseling

Some of my couples have reported less muscle tension, improved sleep and greater ability to problem solve together. They have also reported less fighting, and when fighting, their fights are less intense and they come back together quicker. 

What about you?

I want to help you feel closer, more connected and secure in your relationship. I want to help you reach for your partner and find them there, reaching back. 

Amidst your busy lives, can you spare an hour a week? 

Would it be worth it to invest in a lifetime of love?