Reconnect, Repair and Rebuild: Support for Couples in Transition
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples who aim to establish a strong foundation for their future.
Does this sound like you?
Usually, we aren’t taught the tools to have productive conflict growing up. It’s so easy to get activated or emotional and want to avoid, argue or shut down. As these experiences build up, the conflict becomes even more tenuous and challenging. That’s when it’s time to get support.
“We keep having the same fight”
We need to start with pattern recognition. In couples therapy sessions, we’ll identify the cycle, look for the underlying emotional needs and vulnerabilities, recognize how old patterns are shaping your reactions -- all while giving your partner the opportunity to really hear where you’re coming from. Rather than getting caught in the cycle, you’ll learn to respond to each others emotional cues with compassion. Our goal will be to help you understand your cycle of conflict and support you in resolving conflict more easily in the future.
“We want to talk about the future but its too hard”
Big life moments can feel like they’re pulling you in opposite directions instead of bringing you closer. Our weekly sessions become a space where fears, desires and concerns can be voiced safely and without judgement. Therapy fosters communication that is not only rational but emotionally connected, allowing couples to approach decision making from a place of empathy and collaboration. By peeling back the layers, you’ll deepen your bond and move forward as a united front.
“We want to establish healthier tools”
Building a strong foundation of secure connection and attachment is a beautiful thing! Whether its learning how to express needs or learning how to support yourself in moments of tension -- understanding your emotions is a foundational skill that will help you navigate the unavoidable conflicts that arise in a relationship. Over time, you’ll be able to replace old unhelpful patterns with more connected, loving ways of relating.
The Observer Effect
Beginning couples therapy is like adding an observer to your relationship. By adding another set of eyes, you will pay attention to things you didn’t notice before. You may see yourself and your dynamic in a new way and give language to unspoken aspects of your relationship. This is the very beginning of change.
The magic of therapy is in the relationship
Renowned psychotherapist Irvin Yalom said “the quality of the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in determining the success of therapy”.
I’m Rachel Claflin. I’m a therapist who is warm, curious and direct. I strive for my clients to feel a palpable sense of care and regard. With time, strong mutual respect and trust is developed, which allows for honesty and depth. Most of all, my clients feel seen and are given the space they need to explore their experience.
What we’re working towards
Therapy is a weekly commitment. I meet my clients via telehealth. If you’re able to commit to the process, you’ll see the following outcomes.
More Love
Couples therapy offers a space to feel heard and validated, which fosters deeper emotional understanding and mutual appreciation.
Quieter Inner Critic
Negative self-talk can undermine confidence and connection. As emotional needs are met, a more self-compassionate voice can speak.
Greater Trust
Building emotional safety is critical for a thriving relationship. Learn to communicate in a way that supports yourself and your partner.
More Agency
Getting unstuck from old patterns allows for more intentional choices. Feel a sense of empowerment in your relationship.
More Freedom
Speaking your truth -- your needs, fears and desires is liberating! Honest, open conversations create more connection and more freedom simultaneously.
Tools for Conflict
Unlearn defensiveness and withdrawal. Learn tools to manage disagreements that leave you feeling more connected.
Why do we explore emotions?
My mission as a therapist is to help folks in the realm of feelings. But why do we do this?
Emotions aren’t random, unwanted ghosts -- they are deeply coherent phenomena. Our work together will help you better understand the messages of your emotions and unlock new perspectives and choices.
As a couples therapist, I feel so much excitement when I watch people realize that by attending to and understanding themself better, they become better partners and get to live in a happier, healthier relationship.
Are you taking a step towards comittment?
For couples who are getting married soon or considering a big commitment, couples therapy is a space we can work on the following:
Facilitating communication around difficult topics like finances, sexuality, spiritual beliefs and relationship to family
Defining values, whether or not they are the same as your partner
Understand what marriage or commitment means to you and your partner
Establish healthy communication practices
Explore existing relationship patterns
Or are you facing a milestone - kids or no kids?
Having children is one of the most normal things in the world and one of the most challenging undertakings in life. For couples contemplating this big question, couples therapy can help with the following:
Explore fears and anxieties blocking you from a clear decision
Give space to fantasies you have about your future
Get aligned on what support means to you and your partner
Make a wholehearted choice, whatever that may be
Contact me
Interested in couples therapy with me? Awesome! It’s a beautiful thing to prioritize your relationship.
I will respond within 48 business hours.
The next step will be to schedule a free 20-minute consultation. On this call, we’ll figure out if we are a good match.
“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakes."
— Carl Jung