Couples Therapy in Petaluma, CA
Does Your Relationship Feel Broken?
Couples therapy in Petaluma helps when your relationship feels stuck in negative patterns. You love your partner but every conversation turns into a fight. Maybe you feel like roommates instead of lovers. Trust has been broken and you don't know how to rebuild it. Parenting disagreements create constant tension.
These struggles create deep emotional pain:

- You feel criticized and misunderstood daily
- Loneliness grows even when you're together
- Anger and resentment build with each fight
- Intimacy feels impossible when trust is broken
I help couples slow down the chaos and find their way back to each other. Together, we can rebuild the connection you once had and create new patterns that bring you closer.



What is Relationship Conflict?
Relationship conflict happens when couples get stuck in negative cycles they can't break. You might fight about money, parenting, or daily responsibilities. But underneath, the real issue is feeling unheard and unloved.
These patterns develop over time and feel impossible to change alone. One partner might withdraw while the other pursues. Or both people shut down completely. The longer these cycles continue, the more distant you become.
Common signs include:
- The same arguments happening over and over
- Feeling like your partner doesn't understand you
- Avoiding difficult conversations to prevent fights
- Sleeping in separate rooms or avoiding physical touch
- Thinking about separation when conflicts arise

You can learn more about how relationship patterns affect couples
here.
Why Choose Karen Collins Therapy For Relationship Counseling?
With over 20 years of experience helping couples in Petaluma, I specialize in attachment-based therapy and emotionally focused techniques. I never take sides in couples work. Instead, I help each person feel heard while building new ways to connect.
My style blends Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with grounded relational work. That means we look at your emotional patterns without getting stuck in blame. I also draw from Gottman Method tools to help you communicate more clearly, manage conflict, and repair after ruptures.
My clients often say they feel more supported than they expected. I bring years of clinical training and a whole lot of heart to this work. Because I know it matters.

Benefits of Couples Therapy
Better Communication
Learn to talk and listen without fighting or shutting down.
Deeper Intimacy
Reconnect physically and emotionally in ways that feel natural.
Rebuilt Trust
Heal from betrayals and create new agreements that feel safe.
Conflict Resolution
Handle disagreements without damaging your relationship.

Real Change Is Possible
Couples therapy in Petaluma, CA isn’t about fixing each other. It’s about getting back to the part of your relationship that feels like home. Even if you’ve drifted apart. Even if you’re not sure how to repair the damage. It’s not too late to build something stronger.
If you're both willing to show up and do the work, things can shift. You can start to feel more like partners again. You can talk without spiraling into another fight. You can rebuild the trust that’s been chipped away.
This is hard work. But it’s possible. And it starts by reaching out.
Book Your Appointment Today
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or the effects of a difficult relationship, support is here. Let’s talk about what you’re going through and how therapy can help.
Couples Therapy Process
Each session is 50 minutes. You’ll always know what we’re working on and why.
Step 1:
Schedule Your Appointment
Click the button and pick a time that works for both of you. No consults. No waitlists.
Step 2:
Start With One Session Together
We’ll talk about what’s been happening in the relationship and what you both hope for.
Step 3:
Ongoing Support Based on Your Needs
Depending on your situation, we might meet weekly or bi-weekly. We’ll set a rhythm that supports the work and gives you room to grow.
Taking Action Changes Everything
Without support, relationship problems typically get worse over time. Distance grows and resentment builds. Children suffer when parents can't get along. Some couples reach a point where separation feels like the only option.
With therapy, you can break negative cycles and create the loving partnership you both want. Many couples discover they're stronger after working through their challenges together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Couples Therapy
How long does couples therapy take?
Most couples see improvement in 3-6 months, but every relationship is different. We work at your pace.
What if my partner doesn't want to come?
I encourage both partners to attend, but individual sessions can still help improve your relationship.
Do you take sides in therapy?
Never. I remain neutral and help both people feel heard and understood.
What if we've already tried couples therapy before?
Many couples need to find the right therapist fit. My direct approach often helps when other methods haven't worked.
Let’s Start Here
You’ve tried holding it all together on your own. You’ve tried waiting it out. If that hasn’t worked, maybe it’s time to try something different. If you’re ready for honest support and a path forward, I’m here. Let me help you find your way back to each other.