Discover a Stronger Connection Together.

We believe that every relationship has the potential for growth and healing. Navigate challenges, deepen connection, and foster lasting intimacy with our couples counseling sessions.

Celynna Harnetiaux, LMFT San Clemente Couples Counselor

san clemente couples therapist

San Clemente Relationship Counseling – Compassionate Support for Couples

Dr. John Gottman, a leading relationship researcher, has famously noted that couples wait an average of six years after serious problems begin before seeking couples therapy. This significant delay can make it harder to repair the relationship, as negative patterns become deeply entrenched over time. Early intervention is encouraged to prevent further emotional damage and to foster healthy, lasting relationships.

Revive Your Relationship with San Clemente Couples Therapy

Tailored Therapy for Every Couple

Whether you’re facing communication issues, conflicts, or life transitions, our skilled couples therapists provide a safe space for you to explore your feelings and improve your relationship.

  1. Communication Skills

    Learn how to express thoughts and feelings without blame or defensiveness. Our therapists teach active listening techniques and how to use "I" statements for more constructive conversations.

  2. Effective Conflict Resolution

    Discover tools for managing disagreements effectively. We focus on identifying triggers and developing strategies to approach conflicts with empathy and understanding.

  3. Rekindling Intimacy

    Intimacy can wane over time. Our sessions include exercises and discussions that help you reconnect on emotional and physical levels, enhancing your overall relationship satisfaction.

  4. Navigating Life Changes

    Major life events (marriage, parenthood, career changes) can strain relationships. We provide support to help you adapt and thrive together during these transitions.

  5. Pre-Marital Counseling

    For couples preparing for marriage, we offer pre-marital counseling to help you address potential challenges and strengthen your foundation.

What to Expect in Couples Therapy

  • During the first session, the therapist will get to know both partners, understand the relationship dynamics, and identify the issues that brought you to therapy. Each person will have the opportunity to express their concerns, goals, and expectations for therapy.

  • Together with the therapist, you'll set specific, measurable goals for the relationship. These goals might include improving communication, rebuilding trust, managing conflict more effectively, or addressing specific issues like intimacy or parenting disagreements

  • IA key part of couples therapy is helping partners communicate more openly and effectively. The therapist acts as a neutral facilitator, guiding conversations and encouraging both partners to express their feelings in a constructive way. The focus is on understanding each other's perspectives and finding solutions together.

  • IThe therapist will often teach communication and conflict resolution skills, helping couples learn how to manage disagreements in a healthy way. These skills may include active listening, empathy, and assertiveness, which can be practiced both in and outside of therapy sessions.

  • Couples therapy is not just about talking—it's about finding actionable solutions to the challenges you face. The therapist will help you and your partner develop strategies to overcome specific issues, whether they involve trust, finances, intimacy, or other aspects of your relationship.

  • IAs the therapy progresses, the therapist will regularly review your goals and the progress made. Adjustments may be made to ensure that therapy continues to meet your needs. Once significant progress has been achieved, you may decide to end therapy or reduce the frequency of sessions.

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What Kind of Couples Therapy Do You Offer?

  • What is Gottman Method Couples Therapy?

    The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to couples therapy designed to strengthen relationships by improving communication, managing conflict, and increasing intimacy and respect. Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this method helps couples build a solid foundation through techniques that foster trust, empathy, and emotional connection. Using tools like the “Sound Relationship House,” the therapy addresses key areas of conflict resolution, emotional attunement, and relationship growth. It is effective for couples facing communication issues, recurring arguments, or major life transitions.

  • What is Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy?

    Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) is a structured, evidence-based approach designed to help partners form stronger emotional bonds. Created by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFT focuses on understanding and reshaping the emotional responses that underlie negative interaction patterns. The therapy helps couples identify their emotional needs and learn to communicate them effectively, promoting emotional safety and connection. EFT is particularly effective for couples dealing with relationship distress, trust issues, and communication difficulties, fostering a deeper sense of security and intimacy between partners.

  • What is Attachment Theory?

    In couples therapy, attachment theory focuses on how early attachment styles (formed in childhood) influence the way partners relate to each other emotionally in adult relationships. It posits that individuals seek out emotional security and connection in their romantic partners, and when these needs are unmet, conflict or distance can arise. Therapists use attachment theory to help couples recognize and change insecure attachment patterns, fostering a stronger emotional bond, trust, and intimacy. The goal is to create secure attachment and improve relationship satisfaction.

Improve Your Relationship with the Gottman Relationship Checkup

At Beachy Feels Therapy, we understand that relationships take work, and knowing where to start can sometimes be the hardest part. That's why we offer the Gottman Relationship Checkup, a tool designed to help couples better understand their relationship and identify areas for growth in therapy.

By answering a series of simple questions, you'll receive a personalized, comprehensive report that highlights your relationship’s strengths and areas that might need attention.

Here’s how we incorporate the tool into our therapy process:

  1. Initial Assessment: At the beginning of your therapy journey, we’ll invite you to complete the Gottman Relationship Checkup online.

  2. Personalized Insights & Tailored Approach: After completing the assessment, the results provide us with a detailed, personalized report. This report highlights your relationship’s strengths and challenges, offering a clear picture of what’s working and areas that could benefit from improvement. We use the results of the checkup to guide our sessions. Based on your unique needs, we’ll design therapy to address specific issues, whether it’s improving communication, resolving conflict, or strengthening emotional intimacy.

  3. Ongoing Support: Throughout your therapy, the Gottman Relationship Checkup serves as a tool for progress. We can track how your relationship evolves and adjust strategies to ensure continued growth and healing.

By integrating the Gottman Relationship Checkup into therapy, we’re able to offer a structured, evidence-based approach to help you and your partner build a stronger, healthier relationship.

https://www.gottman.com/couples/

Ready to get started?

Gottman Approved Member

Why Choose Us?

Expert Couples Therapy in San Clemente – Strengthen Your Relationship Today

  1. Trained Professionals: Our couples therapists have extensive training in relationship dynamics and various therapeutic modalities, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the Gottman Method.

  2. Holistic Approach: We consider the unique history and dynamics of each couple, providing personalized strategies that resonate with your specific needs.

  3. Client-Centered Environment: We prioritize a safe and supportive atmosphere, encouraging open dialogue without fear of judgment.

  4. Accessibility: With in-person and virtual sessions available, we make it easy for you to prioritize your relationship, no matter your schedule.

"Happily married couples aren't smarter, richer, or more psychologically astute than others. But in their day-to-day lives, they have hit upon a dynamic that keeps their negative thoughts and feelings about each other (which all couples have) from overwhelming their positive ones."

- Dr, John Gottman Leading Relationship Researcher

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Meet Our San Clemente Couples Therapist

  • PROFILE

    Celynna Harnetiaux, LMFT

    Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Clinical Supervisor

    Gottman Level 2 Couples Trained

    Meet Celynna
BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION

Why Couples Seek Therapy

Communication Issues

Struggles with effective communication can lead to misunderstandings and resentment. Couples often seek therapy to learn how to express themselves more clearly and listen to one another.

Life Transitions

Significant life changes, such as marriage, parenthood, job loss, or moving, can create stress and strain on relationships. Therapy helps couples navigate these transitions together.

Parenting Challenges

Differences in parenting styles can lead to conflict. Therapy provides a space to discuss these differences and develop a unified approach.

Conflict and Disagreements

Frequent arguments or unresolved conflicts can create a toxic atmosphere. Therapy provides tools to manage disagreements constructively and find resolutions that satisfy both partners.

Infidelity and Trust Issues

Betrayals can severely impact trust. Couples may come to therapy to rebuild trust and understand the underlying issues that led to infidelity.

Emotional Disconnect

Over time, couples may feel emotionally distant. Therapy can help partners reconnect and rebuild their emotional intimacy.

Intimacy Issues

Physical and emotional intimacy can decline over time. Couples may seek therapy to address these issues and rekindle their connection.

Financial Stress

Money-related issues can be a significant source of conflict. Couples often seek guidance on managing financial stress and improving communication around finances.

Mental Health Issues

When one partner is struggling with mental health issues, it can impact the relationship. Couples therapy can provide support and strategies to manage these challenges together.

Begin Couples Therapy in San Clemenete Today

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Dr. John Gottman, a leading relationship researcher, has famously noted that couples wait an average of six years after serious problems begin before seeking couples therapy. This significant delay can make it harder to repair the relationship, as negative patterns become deeply entrenched over time. Early intervention is encouraged to prevent further emotional damage and to foster healthy, lasting relationships.

Marriage and Relationship Counseling

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Marriage and Relationship Counseling 〰️