My Style
When working with couples I am focused on what’s happening between the two of you as you discuss sensitive and potentially explosive issues. What roles are you assuming? What emotions are coming forward? What are you not noticing about your partner’s message and experience? How are your personal histories entering the conversation? I think friction can be very generative and I am not intimidated by high conflict couples. I’m good at intervening so that you don’t just have the same argument in my office that you do at home. I’m also good at using humor to keep the tension in productive territory.
Why Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy can be a way to navigate crises in your relationship, improve connection, prepare for marriage, or get out of negative patterns that derail intimacy and trust. You do not need to be “broken” to seek the help of a therapist. We often get into the same painful dilemmas with our partners over and over again without a clear picture of what is really fueling all of the big feelings. Having a neutral party in the room when those feelings come up can feel much safer than going it alone. We will work on understanding the emotional story behind your dilemmas so that you have a richer understanding of your own experience as well as your partner’s. We will then experiment with different choices you guys can make when you are struggling. I am open to all types of relationships: gay, straight, monogamous, polyamorous, situationships, etc.
My Specialties
I’ve worked a lot with long term relationships that have been clouded by years of repeated patterns and deeply entrenched assumptions. I’m particularly interested in infidelity or betrayal and in helping couples recover from its aftermath. I have experience helping partners enjoy a better sex life, particularly those struggling with low or mismatched desire. Relationships are complex and sometimes you don’t know what the trouble is until you start talking with someone so I am open to dealing with anything that comes up in our work together.
Your initial couples therapy session is FREE (because finding a fit for both of you can be hard). Call, text, or email to schedule your initial session or use the form below. I see clients in person (South Austin) or remotely.
Please note that the privacy of electronic communications cannot be guaranteed so you should avoid including sensitive information.
I am under the supervision of Angela Funke, LMFT-S.
Magdalena Riley 