Events

Couples Counseling

Michelle Joy, M.A., MFT helps couples move beyond conflict cycles, strengthen emotional bonds, deepen intimacy, and build lasting communication skills.

A smiling couple sits together on a couch, facing a professional woman with a notepad, suggesting a therapy or counseling session in a modern, cozy office.

Healing Starts Here

Perhaps you have tried to prevent discussions from spiraling out of control with your honey, but only end up feeling hurt, misunderstood and frustrated. And worst yet, the conversation continues to be unresolved, only manifesting as disconnection, irritation, sarcasm, etc.

You don’t have to continue experiencing the same painful rut over and over again.

I help couples manage conflicts and stop those negative cycles – a major cause of distress. I teach couples skills specific to their relationship dynamics, so that they can repair blunders and prevent painful interactions from reoccurring. Couples learn how to respond to difficult situations in a way that unites and connects them, instead of divides.

Building on their strengths, I help couples fundamentally bring out the best in one another.

While there are some common ineffective communication patterns that occur, no two couples are alike. I am very active in the sessions, offering insights and describing what I see happening in your particular situation. And, of course, coaching you how to avoid the reflex of disengaging, feeling powerless, blaming each other, or shutting down from frustration or anger.

Serving couples for couples counseling in Menlo Park, Redwood City, Atherton, Palo Alto, Burlingame, San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, Campbell, Los Altos, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Portola Valley.

Our work together aims to help you:

  • Feel understood by your partner
  • Understand your partner, without giving up your stance
  • Experience more love and satisfaction
  • Speak from your heart
  • Increase intimacy
  • Repair and renew your connection
  • Discuss sensitive topics in a respectful, collaborative way
  • Manage the powerful urges to interrupt your partner or shut down.
  • Heal from past emotional injuries
  • Express appreciations that are meaningful and heartfelt.

This can be a tremendous source of support, strength and growth for you. You will notice that not only are you unhappy with your relationship during the negative cycles, but also that you are not at your best when you let your emotions run the show. It’s not just about your relationship; it’s about having self respect and feeling good about how you interact with your partner under stress. You owe it to your relationship, and to your own happiness in life to learn some satisfying alternatives.

Stop the negative cycles before they have a chance to go from bad to worse.

Request an Appointment

Target Audience: Couples navigating recurring conflicts, communication struggles, or wanting to deepen intimacy and connection.

Dates By appointment

Location Online via Zoom

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