couples therapy brooklyn

When you feel disconnected from your partner and your relationship issues drag you down, you are under immense stress. Relationships, like living beings, are unique. So, relationship issues can manifest as fiery conflicts, simmering resentment, or a lack of intimacy, connection, and meaningful communication. Whether you are fighting with each other or avoiding any conversation or intimacy, it leaves you in an unsafe, uncomfortable space that inevitably further corrodes the bond and impacts your mental health and well-being. When so much is at stake and so few emotional and mental resources are left, finding the right therapist is paramount.

Individual therapy will not always help address those challenges, as your therapist is working on your side rather than the side of the relationship. Searching for a couples therapist or a couples counselor can be a daunting process. How do you discern between different forms of therapy and various techniques, and how do you choose the right person to help you with your relationship challenges?

Not all mental health professionals are trained systemically and trained in couples therapy. Training and experience matter! As a licensed clinical psychologist and couples therapist in New York City, I’ve dedicated my professional career to helping relationships and have been doing it for over 15 years. I have advanced training in evidence-based therapy modalities, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method for Couples Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I am a certified Discernment counselor who provides a specialized type of couples counseling for couples on the brink of divorce. Additionally, I am AANE (Association for Autism and Neurodiversity) trained and certified neurodiverse couples therapist.

Imagine a safe, trusting relationship where you can feel understood and supported by your partner and openly talk about your hopes, dreams, and fears. Imagine building a stronger foundation, a healthy partnership where you can freely and productively discuss finances, sex, co-parenting, chores, and commitment.

Much like plants, relationships need care to grow and flourish. If you are ready to start working on yours, schedule a consultation!

4 highly recommended Brooklyn couples counselors

You don’t have to navigate this alone—I’m here for you! I’m ready to answer any questions you may have about relationship counseling. If cost is a concern, I’ve put together a free resource guide filled with carefully curated recommendations (Couples Therapy Resource Guide – Dr. Daria Chase). You’ll also find a list of trusted therapists whose expertise I hold in high regard.

I want you to leave this page with as much support as possible, whether from me or other professionals.

Here is a free Resource Guide, “Read, Play and Learn Together,” that you can start using right now to strengthen your connection and deepen your bond. You can start exploring these on your own or with your partner, whether you are currently in psychotherapy or not. Couples Therapy Resource Guide – Dr. Daria Chase. Download, enjoy, share!

couples counseling brooklyn

1. Miklos Hargitay, Psy.D.

Miklos and I were trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) together and since then we continue create a strong professional bond. Over years, we’ve regularly collaborated and consulted on a variety of complex cases, drawing on each other’s insights to provide the best possible care for our clients. Our ongoing collaboration has allowed us to stay current with the latest developments in EFT and continually enhance our therapeutic approaches. I hold Mikos in high regard both as a therapist and as a human.

couples therapist brooklyn

2. Allison Mitchell, Ph.D

Allison is a skilled and compassionate therapist with a deep expertise in substance abuse treatment. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating on numerous cases, and I’ve seen firsthand her ability to connect with clients and guide them through challenging recovery journeys. I deeply value the insights and expertise she brings to every case we work on together.

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3. Michael Moran, LCSW, CST-S

Mike is a highly skilled therapist and supervisor with vast experience, including many years of experience providing therapy services the LGBTQ+ community, a group that holds a special place in his heart. Mike and I have known each other since I attended the EFT and Sexuality training sessions he led, where I was immediately impressed by his depth of knowledge and engaging personal style. Since then, we’ve continued to connect professionally. As he works virtually as well as in person, I recommend him to those who search couples counseling in different boroughs of NY- including couples therapy in Brooklyn, and couples counseling Brooklyn.

4. Carolyn McIntyre LCSW-R

Carolyne is a highly skilled therapist. We have known each professionally for a number of years now. If you are looking for in person couples therapy Brooklyn or marriage counseling Brooklyn or relationship counseling Brooklyn NY – give her consideration and take a positive step towards enriching your partnership.

FAQs about marriage counseling in Brooklyn

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer regarding the most effective type of couples therapy, as all relationships are unique. I know therapists who work with relationships using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Imago Therapy, as well as various tools drawn from psychology principles.

However, one approach that consistently stands out for many couples is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT focuses on building a deeper emotional connection between partners by identifying and transforming negative patterns in their interactions. Grounded in psychology research, it has been shown to help improve communication, trust, and intimacy.

  • Baucom, D. H., Shoham, V., Mueser, K. T., Daiuto, A. D., & Stickle, T. R. (1998). Empirically supported couple and family interventions for marital distress and adult mental health problems. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 66(1), 53-88.
  • Shadish, W. R., & Baldwin, S. A. (2003). Meta-analysis of marriage and family therapy (MFT) interventions. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 29(4), 547-570.

Another effective approach is the Gottman Method, which is a structured approach to improving intimacy, communication, and conflict resolution. If you’re looking for research-backed therapeutic methods for couples, for most couples Gottman Method has demonstrated success in enhancing relationship dynamics and promoting lasting change.

  • Babcock, J. C., Gottman, J. M., Ryan, K. D., & Gottman, J. S. (2013). A component analysis of a brief psycho-educational couples’ workshop: one-year follow-up results. Journal of Family Therapy.
  • Irvine, T. J., Peluso, P. R., Benson, K., Cole, C., Cole, D., Gottman, J. M., & Schwartz Gottman, J. (2024). A Pilot Study Examining the Effectiveness of Gottman Method Couples Therapy Over Treatment-as-Usual Approaches for Treating Couples Dealing with Infidelity. The Family Journal, 32(1), 81-94.

For a marriage on the brink of divorce, the Discernment Counseling is a valuable, evidence-based approach. It is recommended for couples who are unsure about whether to end the marriage or attempt to work through their issues. Rather than trying to fix the relationship immediately, discernment counseling helps each partner gain clarity on the direction they want to take.

  • Doherty, W. J., Harris, S. M., & Wilde, J. L. (2016). Discernment Counseling for “Mixed-Agenda” Couples. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy.
  • Hawkins, A. J., Galovan, A. M., Harris, S. M., & Simpson, D. (2021). What are They Doing? A National Survey of Relationship-Repair Behavior of Those Thinking About Divorce. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy.

For neurodiverse couples- where one or both partners may be on the autism spectrum— a targeted therapeutic approach by a therapist who received specialized training, such as through the AANE (Asperger/Autism Network), is essential. Traditional methods may overlook nuanced dynamics and unique challenges in communication, emotional expression, and social interactions, leading to less effective outcomes.

  • Myhill, D., & Jekel, D. (2021). Neurodiverse couples therapy: Communication and connection. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
  • Wilson, S., & Doyen, C. (2020). Addressing neurodiversity in couples therapy. Journal of Relationship Research.

This is why I have pursued advanced training in several evidence-based therapy modalities to better serve my clients. I integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) into my practice to address a wide range of relationship dynamics. As a certified Discernment Counselor, I specialize in working with couples who are on the verge of divorce, helping them gain clarity on their next steps. Additionally, I am AANE (Association for Autism and Neurodiversity) trained and a certified neurodiverse couples therapist, offering support to couples navigating the complexities of neurodiversity in their relationships.

Couples therapy is worth the effort and investment. It can help you transform old patterns you have been stuck in, open new vistas for your relationship, strengthen the bond between you your partner and help you gain invaluable insights not only about your relationship but also about you.

Wondering if therapy could improve your relationship? I’ll personally guide you through the process to determine how therapy can benefit you and your partner, and I’ll support you every step of the way, even if you’re unsure where to start. Reach out today and let’s begin this journey together!

Reasons for attending counselling

Therapists would tell you that 10 common reasons for attending couple counselling are: communication issues; wanting to improve the relationship or marriage, resolve conflict; discuss future of relationship, separation, or an affair; parenting/family issues, work/life balance, family background; and intimacy/sexuality issues.

  • Schofield, M.J., Mumford, N., Jurkovic, D. et al. Short and long-term effectiveness of couple counselling: a study protocol. BMC Public Health 12, 735 (2012).

Importantly, relationship discord has been associated more recently with the occurrence of depression in at least one partner

  • Fincham FD, Beach S: Depression and marital therapy. International Encyclopedia of Depression. Edited by: Ingram RE. 2009, Springer, New York, 372-375.

Let me share with you real life struggles and feelings that my clients bring to our work. Hopefully it would help you to see that you are not alone, that many people face similar hurdles in their relationships and help for these issues is within reach:

“I’m tired of feeling like we’re just roommates in our own home.”

“I wish I didn’t have to walk on eggshells every time we need to discuss something.”

“I really want us to rediscover what makes us laugh together”

“I wonder why it feels like we’re always fighting over who is right rather than collaborating.”

“I’m not sure why I feel more comfortable sharing my thoughts with strangers than with my partner.”

“Why am I still questioning whether we’re growing in the same direction?”

“I wish I didn’t have to sacrifice my hobbies to maintain our connection.”

“I want to feel a deeper connection without having to spend every moment together.”

“I wish we could reignite our passion without the pressure of scheduled date nights.”

“I wish I didn’t feel so disconnected from my partner now that we’re parents.”

“I wish we could back each other up in dealing with our extended families”

What would you want to be different in your relationship(s)? Take a minute to reflect on this question. Sometimes the answer is within reach and sometimes it is just knowing that “something needs to change.” Reach out for an initial consultation to if you need help and more clarity.

Yes, it’s entirely normal for unmarried couples to seek couples therapy. Married or not, couples, benefit from relationship counseling in a same way to build stronger foundations and improve communication skills. Whether you’re dating, living together, co-parenting, or navigating life’s challenges, therapy provides a safe space to openly discuss relationship issues and enhance relationship satisfaction. Couples counseling and family therapy aren’t just for married partners—they’re for anyone seeking to create a solid foundation for a healthy relationship and long-term happiness.

If you’re unsure whether couples therapy sessions are right for you, reach out!

couples therapist brooklyn

Get the support you need to build a happy, healthy relationship.

Relationship(s) is a big aspect of life- so don’t neglect it! In our work together, we will focus on reshaping the cycle of disconnection that keeps you stuck, where the same fights seem to happen over and over again. I will help you and your partner better understand underlying feelings, improve intimacy, communication, and relationship skills using proven techniques like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method for Couples Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).

We will work on healing past hurts while prioritizing the present interactions and building a future where you can have less stress in your lives and more of mutual understanding and support.

I view our work as energizing- couples therapy sessions do not need to be a drag. You deserve healing and happiness! And I will be honored to support you on your journey!

So schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me, grab a copy of the free resource guide, reach out to one of my colleagues… and, most importantly don’t give up on your hopes to be happy!