Couples & Relationship Counseling in San Diego
When a relationship starts to feel distant
You’ve been together for quite some time. Remember how early on, everything was so exciting? You fell in love, you felt so lucky! You used to energize each other, you felt alive. Then, life got in the way: work became demanding, perhaps you had kids too. Each of you started focusing more on life tasks, and less on each other. With personal responsibilities mounting, you realized that there is less and less time in your schedule for your partner, and in their schedule – for you. Less attention to who you are, how you feel or what you need. Less talking, less touching. More irritation and disconnect. You’ve been feeling heavy and sad. Lately, hurtful things were said or done. You feel lonely in the couple. You are worried that there is no way back and that you have lost your chance.
Every relationship has its own story
Every relationship unfolds within its own unique context. Cultural values, family experiences, personal identities, and life transitions all shape the way partners understand themselves and each other. Some couples are navigating differences in culture or adapting to life in a new country. Others are LGBTQ+ couples facing questions of identity, family acceptance, or differences in where each partner is in their own journey. Some relationships are shaped by religious traditions, blended families, or changing roles as partners grow and evolve. Whatever your story, our work begins with understanding your relationship and its unique context before we begin creating change together.
I help couples who struggle with their relationship
My name is Rina, and I help couples who feel stuck in their relationship. I work with couples and relationships of all types: straight and queer couples, married and unmarried partners, traditional and non-traditional relationships. In therapy, we create a space for each party in the relationship to be heard with an open heart and respect. We work on removing defensiveness in communication and increasing compassion and empathy toward each other. We identify needs that are not being met and explore ways to address them. If need be, we re-negotiate “agreements” in the relationship; for instance, who does what, and how to make it work. With increase in compassion, trust, and safety, we also work on improving emotional and physical intimacy.
Therapy with me
My approach in relationship counseling and marriage therapy is curious and candid. I don’t shy away from hard conversations and encourage authenticity, compassion, and support. In counseling with me, partners express themselves after years of feeling shut down. We laugh in therapy and point to new and old ways to re-connect. If it is the case that your relationship is coming to an end, I will help you with processing this choice, and work on amicable closure.
Reach out to me for a FREE phone consultation!
If you are ready to do some relationship work, please click here or call me at 858-330-0065 to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation. As part of my process, I like to speak briefly with each partner individually before we begin working together. These conversations help me understand your concerns, determine whether I am the right fit for your needs, and answer any questions you may have. After speaking with each of you, I will let you know whether I believe I can help. If I am not the right person for you, I will gladly recommend other therapists or resources that may be a better fit.
I provide online (through video) therapy if both partners are physically located anywhere in California at the time of the appointment. In San Diego, I provide in-person therapy as well. Although this page focuses on couples, I also specialize in multicultural and immigrant therapy, LGBTQ+ therapy, and therapy for college and graduate students.
