Meet Liz
She/her/hers
My Approach
While I see couples therapy as a partnership, I will take a directive yet collaborative approach when working with you and your partner to stop negative communication patterns and develop new strategies to help you communicate more effectively.
Challenging yourself to interact with your partner in a new way can feel risky and vulnerable, which is why I take a directive approach to create a safer environment for you to learn new skills and practice them in session together. These skills are meant to help you reconnect with yourself as well as your partner by pulling you to be your most authentic self while showing up in a healthy way in the relationship.
The frameworks I utilize the most are the Gottman Method and the Developmental Model. I have completed Gottman Level 1 and Level 2 trainings, as well as extensive training in the Developmental Model. I will also weave in techniques and methods learned from Emotionally Focused Therapy and Esther Perel’s work when appropriate.
Developed by Dr. Ellyn Bader, this model is based on a concept called differentiation, which Ellyn defines as:
“Differentiation of self is the ability to identify and express important parts of yourself. It’s about telling your partner what you think, feel, and desire. You are taking a risk putting yourself out there.
Differentiation from one’s partner is the ability to be curious about what your partner says while managing your own emotional reactions.”
Many couples come to me with fears that their differences are unresolvable, but the truth is, differences, even big ones, are inevitable because you are two different individuals coming together trying to build one life that is fulfilling for two people.
This is a challenge no matter who you are. When the inevitable differences surface, it might feel like you are being pulled in opposite directions, one way toward being yourself and the other way toward staying in the relationship. Differentiation is a way you can do both: be your authentic self and stay in the relationship.
Many relationship wounds are caused by individuals feeling like they have to give up parts of themselves to be in the relationship, and the resentment that comes with this erodes the couple’s connection over time.
This approach provides skills and a roadmap for you and your partner to develop differentiation.
This approach is based on Dr. John Gottman’s 40 years of research investigating and defining behaviors and communication skills found in healthy, long-lasting relationships. I work with couples to identify these communication patterns that are blocking them from forming a deeper, more fulfilling connection with one another. Then we move on to developing new ways of interacting that are statistically proven to improve relationships, promote healing, and connection. Communication becomes more effective because it promotes empathy, respect, and increased understanding of the other’s internal experience. This deepened connection tends to increase physical and emotional intimacy and has the power to heal wounds within the relationship.
Education and Certifications:
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA
- Levels 1, and II training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy from the Gottman Institute
- B.S. in Social Work from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC
- Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina
- I love purple so much I have a purple car
- Fantasy novels, movies, shows, really fantasy anything is my jam. Most certainly a whovian.
- Proud Norwegian Elkhound mom
- NC State University is my alma mater. “GO WOLFPACK”
- I am a couples counseling nerd.
- Fidget spinners and colors are my self-care.
