Couples therapy is a program of action.

put in the work and reap the rewards

 

Couple’s therapy is my jam, seriously it is. Working with two other people in a room is where I shine. My goal is to help you feel as comfortable as possible, while holding you accountable to your own words, goals and efforts. I promise you will laugh at least once in our session which I believe is good for the soul.

My passion and focus is on relationships. I am fascinated by the way the brain and trauma influence the ways in which we engage in conflict. Helping my clients gain a better understanding of what happens to them physiologically and how this affects our ability to problem solve (aka manage conflict) is one of my main goals.

I provide couples counseling and marriage therapy virtually for those who live on any of the Hawaiian Islands and for those who live in Washington State.

I am physically located on the Island of Maui and I hold in person couples intensives in the Upcountry area.

 
No matter where you go, there you are.

ABOUT ME PERSONALLY

My husband Charlie and I have been married for 14 years. Together we have three children who are at various stages of life and needs. I enjoy reading, beaching, watching live music (oh dear lord, let me get back to seeing live music), cooking, playing games with my littles, and a good date night with Charlie! I decided to quit drinking after a lifelong love affair with alcohol. It is what I am most proud of and what I love the most about myself. I believe working with couples is my calling and I am humbled daily that couples chose me to go on this journey with them.

 
 
You get out what you put in.
A little comedy mixed in with hard truths.

WHY COUPLES THERAPY DOES NOT WORK

Much of what you read on the website is about willingness, effort, energy and intention and how relationships need those things. The therapy process itself requires these things as well. This video talks about why couples therapy does not work, and much of why it does not work is because the couple is not putting in much effort and are not willing to change any part of their schedule. While I believe in what I am saying on this video because I have expereinced all of these things first hand, I am also poking fun at clients. I came up with a tips sheet and you will get one by signing up for the newsletter.

About my practice

The basics:

I work with couples. Only couples. I have advanced (level 3 ) training in the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy and I use the Gottman Method in my work with couples. While my main modality is the Gottman Method, I also see clients through an attachment lens and have been integrating Imago therapy in my work as well.

My practice is both in person and virtual. I am usually taking on new couples as schedules are constantly shifting and changing. My clients use an online client portal to schedule all of their own sessions. This allows clients to decide how often and far ahead they want to book. Virtual talk therapy sessions are held through zoom. My office space in located in Makawao, Hi.

I offer an incredible in person Couples Intensive on Maui. This is for one couple at a time. This is a completely unique experience that you will not find anywhere else.

Weekly sessions are great, and can really bring about incredible change. I am finding that it can take months if not longer making these types of shifts, as time is limited to 1 hour or week or sometimes 1 hour every other week.

I offer a very detailed online course for couples. This is for couples who may not feel ready to start therapy, or for couples who can not fit into my schedule yet and want to get started working on their relationship.

I am a fully licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both Washington State and Hawaii

I do NOT accept insurance.

If you are willing to put in the effort, I am here to help.

My style as a therapist

firm, friendly and funny

Empathy, understanding and validation do not always come naturally to us, yet those are the things we need the most of, especially in relationships. I provide these skills to each of you in our sessions together. You will also be encouraged to do the same for the people you are in relationships with. I am honest and direct, yet gentle in my approach with couples. Couples counseling is most effective when negative communication patterns are called out as they happen in session. This allows you to work towards developing more effective communication skills and healthier patterns. I am in your corner and want to support you in your goals during therapy. My hope is that you and your partner can learn to manage conflict, form a deeper more fulfilling emotional connection, learn to have open communication in all areas of your relationship including sex, have kisses that last 6 seconds and laugh with each other daily. I learn from and I am inspired by my clients everyday. To be able to help a couple move out of negative sentiment or to help a woman see her value in this world, is something I am humbled by and grateful for. Plus, I try to help us have a little fun through humor and relevant stories that I might share. Over the years I have created some very special relationships with my clients. I treasure the experiences and stories that we have shared over the years and I also know that after working with a couple, I grow in my role as a therapist.

Helping couples be more intentional is my goal.

Education & Training

Good news, I have them both!
  • B.A. in Psychology and a double minor in Family Relations and Child Development from California State University, Chico. (2002)
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology from National University in Carlsbad, Ca. (2010)
  • Levels I, II and III training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
  • I am currently on the certification track with The Gottman Institute. To learn more about The Gottman Institute click here.
  • Bringing Baby Home and 7 Principles Gottman Educator
  • Prepare-Enrich Facilitator for Pre-Marital couples.
Relationship Specialist

testimonials

WHAT MY CLIENTS ARE SAYING

“Beth is is not afraid to tell either of us when we have said something that is critical or defensive. That is refreshing in a therapist.”

- Carolyn

“We still have conflict but we are able to stay with the issue now in a way we could never do before.”

- Sarah

“Beth helped us see how alcohol was the 3rd person in our marriage.”

- John