Posts by Cornelius Sheehan
How to Rebuild Trust After an Affair
Emotional Recovery After Betrayal: Beginning the Journey
When trust is broken by infidelity, it can feel like the ground has disappeared beneath your feet. For many couples, the pain goes beyond the betrayal itself. It strikes at the heart of their emotional safety, sense of connection, and security. Understanding how to rebuild trust after an affair is one of the most common requests from clients seeking a consultation with us. If you find yourself asking, “Can our relationship survive an affair?” or “Is healing even possible?”—you are not alone.
At our practice, we help couples rebuild trust after an affair or other violation of trust using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFT is grounded in attachment science and offers a clear path toward healing, reconnection, and renewed intimacy.
How Emotionally Focused Therapy Helps Couples Heal
Emotionally Focused Therapy is uniquely effective for couples facing the aftermath of infidelity. Rather than focusing solely on behavior change or surface-level communication skills, EFT gets to the heart of what matters most: emotional safety, attachment needs, and the pain of disconnection. It provides a clear, research-based path for rebuilding trust from the inside out.
Why Infidelity Hurts So Much: An Attachment Perspective
In EFT, we understand romantic relationships as emotional bonds. When one partner steps outside that bond—whether through a physical or emotional affair—it creates what we call an attachment injury. It is not just about broken rules or morality; it is about the profound emotional disruption that occurs when a trusted partner suddenly feels unsafe or unreachable.
The betrayed partner often experiences overwhelming grief, rage, and fear. The partner who strayed may feel deep shame, guilt, or defensiveness. Both are hurting. And often, both want to find their way back—but don’t know how.
It’s no exaggeration that an affair or betrayal can hit like an earthquake. It shakes the very foundation of your life. And the pain doesn’t stop there—there can be aftershocks. Painful reminders, reactivations of fear, and uncertainty can surface again and again. Even if not as intense as the initial discovery, these emotional aftershocks can still feel unsafe.
Infidelity attacks the most sacred foundation of a relationship—the shared agreement to be each other’s emotional home. When that is broken, it often creates fear, deep insecurity, and profound disorientation. Finding out how to move forward after an affair can become pressing.
What Is an Attachment Injury? (According to Dr. Sue Johnson)
This section draws on Dr. Sue Johnson’s article, Broken Bonds: An Emotionally Focused Approach to Infidelity (2005), published in the Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy. Dr. Johnson shows us that infidelity is not just a moral issue. It ruptures the attachment bond at the core of romantic connection.
Dr. Sue Johnson, the founder of Emotionally Focused Therapy, describes an attachment injury as a betrayal or abandonment at a critical moment of need that leaves a partner feeling intensely unsafe and emotionally alone. Infidelity is one of the most profound attachment injuries because it shatters the belief that one’s partner will be available, responsive, and emotionally engaged—especially in moments of vulnerability.
The betrayed partner may experience symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress: hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, numbness, or emotional withdrawal. These reactions aren’t signs of weakness—they are the mind and body responding to a fundamental rupture in emotional safety.
Emotionally Focused Therapy doesn’t minimize this pain—it makes space for it. That’s one reason couples therapy after infidelity is so effective. It helps both partners make sense of the rupture and begin healing in a safe emotional space. And it helps couples walk through it together. The therapeutic goal is not just insight or apology, but a new felt sense of safety and emotional responsiveness. EFT answers the question of how to rebuild trust after an affair. EFT guides both partners through the injury in a structured way. Dr. Johnson outlines steps for this process, which include emotional engagement, empathy, and reconnection.
What Rebuilding Trust After an Affair Requires (It’s Not Just Forgiveness)
At the heart of this process is the need for a non-judgmental environment. The discovery or disclosure of an affair can evoke intense emotional pain, shame, and fear in both partners.
To begin healing, couples must feel safe enough to express those feelings without fear of criticism or rejection.
“EFT therapists are uniquely trained to create a space that feels emotionally safe, genuinely supportive, and fully open to both partners’ experiences- no matter how raw, painful, or conflicted they may be. This safety is not just a comfort; it is the essential ground for doing the kind of deep, vulnerable work that healing requires. A judgmental stance is destructive to the process.”
— Cornelius Sheehan, Director, Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates
Healing after betrayal doesn’t happen by pretending it didn’t occur or by demanding immediate forgiveness. It begins with creating space to share emotional truth and receive it with care. EFT helps couples:
- Understand the emotional meaning of the affair
- Share the pain and impact of the betrayal
- Develop new ways of responding to each other’s vulnerability
- Rebuild emotional safety through consistent, attuned connection
A core aspect of EFT in this context is creating a safe therapeutic space—one that is non-judgmental, emotionally engaged, and deeply respectful of both partners’ experiences. This helps reduce reactivity, allows space for clarity, and encourages a level of honesty that can be transformative.
Many couples say they can finally face long-ignored emotional needs only after confronting infidelity in therapy. And through that work, they sometimes achieve a kind of intimacy they never imagined was possible.
The healing process takes time, courage, and skilled guidance. But it can lead to a deeper and more secure bond.
What Happens in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy for Rebuilding Trust
In Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples dealing with infidelity, the therapeutic process focuses on addressing the emotional injuries and facilitating healing through structured phases. Here’s how the process typically unfolds, with a focus on repairing the injury (what we call an “attachment injury”):
EFT Phase 1: De-escalation
This initial phase aims to calm the intense turmoil caused by the discovery of an affair. The therapist helps both partners recognize and articulate the destructive patterns of interaction that are contributing to disconnection and distress as they try to navigate the injury. Key here is identifying how these patterns—such as blame, withdrawal, or defensiveness—prevent healthy communication and exacerbate feelings of betrayal.
EFT Phase 2: Restructuring the Bond
In this crucial phase, the focus shifts to the emotional injuries suffered. The injured partner is encouraged to express their pain and betrayal in a way that is raw and honest, which can deeply affect the betraying partner. This stage fosters empathy by helping the betraying partner respond with genuine understanding and accountability rather than defensiveness. Through guided dialogues, the therapist assists the couple in rebuilding their emotional connection, encouraging them to take risks in showing vulnerability and compassion towards each other.
EFT Phase 3: Consolidation
The final phase of EFT after an affair involves solidifying the couple’s new, healthier patterns of interaction. The therapist works with the couple to reinforce positive changes and explore remaining issues that might disrupt their renewed connection. The goal here is to move beyond the immediate crisis of the affair towards a stronger, more secure relational bond, enhancing intimacy and trust.
Throughout all these phases, the therapist maintains a focus on non-judgmental exploration of emotions, validating each partner’s feelings, and fostering a new narrative about their relationship that includes both the trauma of the affair and the possibilities for renewal.
This structured approach to repairing attachment injuries in the wake of infidelity emphasizes emotional safety and connectivity, making it possible for couples to rebuild trust and return to a path of secure attachment.
For a deeper understanding of the EFT process and principles, especially in the context of repairing attachment injuries, you might consider looking at the works by Dr. Sue Johnson, who has extensively written and taught about emotionally focused therapy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to EFT principles and techniques for further exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rebuilding Trust After an Affair
Can a relationship really recover from an affair?
Yes. We have witnessed many couples emerge stronger, more emotionally connected, and more intentional in their love. Healing is possible when both partners are willing to engage and explore what went wrong beneath the surface. At its core, this is what couples therapy after infidelity is designed to do.
What if one of us isn’t sure we want to stay?
That uncertainty is part of the process. EFT can support both clarity and decision-making, whether the goal is repair or respectful separation.
What if the affair is ongoing?
We ask that outside relationships are ended before beginning repair-focused work. If that is not yet possible, EFT can still help clarify motivations and readiness.
What if I’m the one who has been lying or keeping secrets?
t’s important to recognize that you’re not alone in this. Many people who find themselves in situations of infidelity or secrecy do not initially set out to cause harm. Often, these actions stem from or lead to a deeper emotional disconnection within the relationship. In Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we understand that acknowledging and taking responsibility for these actions is a crucial step towards healing.
EFT provides a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can explore the reasons behind your actions, take accountability, and understand the impact of your behavior on your partner. This process is about more than just admitting wrongs; it’s about engaging in a deeper emotional dialogue that addresses the root causes of disconnection and builds a pathway towards reconnection and trust.
By openly addressing these issues, you can work together with your partner to heal the wounds caused and strengthen your bond. The focus is on creating a new narrative for your relationship—one where both partners feel heard, valued, and intimately connected.
What does ‘Acknowledge the Injury’ mean in affair recovery?
It means giving the injured partner space to express their pain while the other partner listens without defensiveness. This stage helps slow down conflict and opens the door to empathy.
What are the three phases of rebuilding trust after an affair?
The Attachment Injury Repair Method includes: (1) Acknowledge the Injury, (2) Investigate the Meaning, and (3) Restore Connection through Repair. These phases help couples gradually restore emotional safety and rebuild their bond after betrayal.
Why do our therapists refer to infidelities and other betrayals as, “attachment injuries?”
Because in close relationships, emotional safety isn’t just important — it’s fundamental. When a partner is unfaithful or violates trust in a deeply personal way, the pain isn’t only about the specific event. It’s about the attachment bond being broken. In that moment, the person we turn to for comfort, safety, and support becomes the source of fear, doubt, or emotional isolation. Our therapists call these events attachment injuries because they rupture the sense of secure connection at the heart of a relationship. Healing isn’t just about fixing behavior — it’s about repairing that broken emotional bond.
When the Goal Is Clarity or Closure (Not Reconnection)
Not every couple decides to stay together after an affair. But even when separation is the outcome, EFT can help reduce blame, support healing, and lay the foundation for healthier relationships going forward. Many couples who do remain together often report emerging stronger—more emotionally connected and intentional—after working through the pain of betrayal injuries. The Japanese art of kintsugi involves repairing broken pottery with gold. Instead of hiding the cracks, the repair becomes part of the object’s beauty and story. In much the same way, couples can build something new and meaningful—not in spite of the rupture, but through it.¹
We also offer support for individuals struggling with the aftermath of betrayal, whether they were betrayed or broke the trust. Emotional recovery is possible, even outside the context of a couple.
Rebuilding Trust After an Affair is Something You Don’t Have to Do Alone
Affair recovery is one of the hardest emotional challenges a couple can face. You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin therapy. You just need a willingness to look at the hurt, and a desire to move forward—whether that’s together or apart.
Many couples find that while the journey is difficult, their relationship can emerge stronger and more resilient than before. Navigating the aftermath of an affair is a complex process, but you don’t have to do it alone. Because infidelity is often intertwined with other relational patterns, it can be helpful to explore the broader Issues We Treat at our Reno practice to understand the deeper dynamics at play.
If you’re ready to explore a path forward with professional, clinical guidance, we invite you to learn more about our Couples Therapy in Reno. Using approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we work to help you move from crisis to renewed trust and connection.
Next Steps for Support
- Browse Resources: See our full directory of Issues We Treat for more articles and clinical insights.
- Meet the Team: Meet Our Reno Therapists to find a clinician who specializes in relationship recovery.
- Book a Call: Ready to start? Schedule Your Free Consultation or call/text us at 775-235-2205.
¹ Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, highlighting cracks rather than hiding them. It reflects the idea that healing and imperfection can become part of something even more beautiful and resilient.
No Fields Found.Choosing the Right Couples Therapist
How to Choose a Couples Therapist
Choosing a couples therapist is an important step toward strengthening your relationship — but how do you know which therapist is right for you and your partner? You may have searched for terms like “best relationship counseling near me” or “how to choose a couples therapist,” and now you’re looking at a list of options. How do you make an informed choice?
Starting couples therapy is a significant investment in your relationship. You want a therapist whose expertise aligns with your needs — someone who understands the challenges you’re facing and can guide you effectively.
A good couples therapist will typically offer a brief consultation so you can assess their approach and determine if they’re the right fit. To help you through this process, I’ve provided a list of key questions to ask when evaluating a potential therapist — along with guidance on what to listen for in their responses.
These questions fall into 3 essential categories:
- A therapist’s qualifications – Their training, experience, and credentials.
- Their perspective on relationship distress and wellness – How they understand and approach relationship challenges.
- Their therapeutic process – What working with them will look like, session to session.
First, Reflect on Your Relationship Needs and Past Therapy
Before you start calling therapists, take a short pause together. A little clarity here makes the search faster and the first session more productive.
Why now?
What’s brought us to therapy at this moment? Are we:
- Arguing more often or avoiding difficult conversations?
- Recovering from a betrayal such as an affair or addiction?
- Struggling with emotional or sexual disconnection?
- Facing parenting, blended-family, or major life stresses?
- Wanting to strengthen our bond before bigger problems arise?
What have we tried before?
Have either of us done individual or couples therapy in the past?
- What genuinely helped? What didn’t?
- Did we feel safe, respected, and fairly understood?
- Did therapy lead to lasting change, or did things drift back?
Hopes and outcomes (set a shared aim)
Try completing this sentence together:
“In 8–10 sessions, we’d like to be able to…”
- De-escalate our arguments faster
- Feel emotionally close again
- Rebuild trust after a rupture
- Decide together what our next step should be
Values, identities, and preferences
Are there cultural, faith, identity, or lifestyle factors we want our therapist to understand?
Will we need telehealth sessions some of the time?
Emotional safety and boundaries
Are there any emotional or physical safety concerns we need to name up front?
If an individual assessment sessions occurs (they are a normal part of the therapy we do at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates), what boundaries around confidentiality would help us feel safe?
Quick takeaway:
The clearer you are about why you’re coming, what’s helped or hurt before, and what “better” would look like, the easier it will be to spot a therapist whose training and approach match your needs.
Ask a Potential Therapist These Questions
Is a potential new couple therapist to find out if they’re right for you? Below is a guide to help you determine this and find the right relationship counseling near you. I’ve broken it into sections to make it easier to track.
Couple Therapist Qualifications
Experience and Professional Engagement
“Approximately what percentage of your practice over the last two years has been dedicated to working with couples?” And, “do you have a regular consultation process wherein you discuss your work?” These questions aim to assess the therapist’s dedication to couples therapy. A therapist applying techniques learned for individual therapy to the complexities of a couple’s dynamics can fall far short of what a relationship needs.
Specialized Couple Therapy Training and Qualifications
“What specific training in couples therapy have you undertaken?” Exploring their specialized training provides insight into their qualifications and dedication, facilitating the process of finding the right therapist for you. Prospective therapists should be able to describe application of a method of therapy relative to their training. An EFT Couple Therapist can describe their process in a detailed fashion.
“Do you have specific training regarding difficulties related to sexuality?” This is an important question for couples struggling with problems relating to sexuality to ask.
Feedback and Evaluation Process
“How do you provide feedback and evaluate progress in therapy?” This question allows couples to understand how the therapist assesses progress and navigates therapeutic milestones. A transparent feedback mechanism is vital for ensuring that therapy remains aligned with the couple’s goals and for making necessary adjustments to the therapeutic approach.
Couple Therapist’s Theoretical Orientation
Therapist’s Theoretical Orientation
“What theoretical perspective guides your work with couples?” It is essential that the therapist operates from a solid theoretical foundation, such as Attachment Theory, which is at the heart of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT). The approach a therapist takes should be grounded in solid theory. Also, there should be a structured methodology to effectively address relationship distress.
Does the Therapist Understand When NOT to Do Couple Counseling?
“What are the Contraindications to Couple Therapy?” A prospective therapist should be clear about this. They should describe when the type of couple’s therapy they do might not be the best choice or should be approached with caution. Common contraindications follow: Severe mental illness and substance use disorders that interfere with participation. Misaligned agendas for therapy. Ongoing affairs that threaten a partner’s sense of security. Also, a risk of violence that prohibits vulnerability. In some cases, addressing the contraindicating issue (such as through individual therapy, addiction treatment, or safety planning) can make couple therapy like EFT a viable option later on.
Therapist’s Focus: Emotional Connection or Behavioral Contracts?
“How important is the emotional bond versus behavioral contracts in your approach to couple dynamics?” Herein, a therapist who emphasizes strengthening the emotional connection addresses the core issues of relationship distress effectively. The late Dr. Sue Johnson’s insight, “it’s about the bond, not a bargain,” poignantly captures the essence of couple therapy.
Perspective on Enhancing Communication Skills
“How do you work to enhance communication skills in your therapy sessions?” Ideally, the therapist’s approach should highlight the importance of fostering trust that your partner is available, responsive and emotionally engaged. By contrast, a focus on mere communication techniques can interfere with the depth of understanding in the relationship. “I statements” and similar “communication tips” don’t come online readily when intense emotion gets stirred. This is a very important distinction in finding the right therapist for you.
Couple Therapist’s Process
Expectations for Therapy Duration and Frequency
“What are your expectations for the duration and frequency of therapy sessions?” This question helps set realistic expectations for the therapy process. For example, you want to understand how long it might take to see improvements and how often sessions will occur. Therapy is a significant investment. It’s crucial for planning and commitment to the therapeutic journey that you know what to expect.
Strategies for Enhancing Connection Outside Therapy
“What strategies do you recommend for couples to enhance their connection outside of therapy sessions?” A therapist who offers practical tools, exercises and resources for couples to work on between sessions demonstrates a proactive approach to therapy. This can help accelerate progress by encouraging partners to actively engage outside the therapeutic setting.
Approach to Individual Sessions
“Do you conduct individual sessions with partners?” Generally, therapy should involve both partners, with individual sessions reserved for specific assessment purposes. This approach reflects the therapist’s commitment to treating the relationship as the central client. Further, you probably don’t have the right therapist for you if they don’t have a clear policy about how to treat informations shared during individual sessions!
Ensuring Impartiality
“How do you maintain impartiality in your sessions?” Asking this question probes the therapist’s strategy for navigating complex couple dynamics. Thereby, ensuring they view the relationship as an interconnected system. I think it’s so important to feel confident about a prospective therapist’s answer to this question. This is because the experience of therapist bias toward one partner is a primary reason clients cite for therapy “failing.”
How to Find the Best Couples Therapy Locally
If you’re looking for couples therapy in Reno, NV (or in your local area), here are a few tips to help you find the best therapist for your needs:
- Search using phrases like “how to choose a couples therapist near me,” “relationship counseling near me,” or “couples therapy Reno NV.”
- Look for therapists who specialize in relationship work and have advanced training — such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Prioritize therapists whose practice is focused on couples counseling — not general individual therapy.
- Ask for a brief consultation — this helps you assess their approach and whether it feels like a good fit.
- Consider practices like Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates in Reno where couples therapy is a core specialty.
How to Choose a Couples Therapist: Summary
Selecting the right couples therapist is a thoughtful process — and asking the right questions can help you choose a professional who aligns with your relationship goals. The questions provided here will give you insight into a therapist’s philosophy, methods, and approach, helping you determine if they’re the right fit for your needs.
While a basic search such as “relationship counseling near me” is a good starting point, refining your options is essential. Look for a compassionate, well-trained therapist who provides a clear process, focuses on emotional connection, and can effectively guide you and your partner toward a stronger relationship.
If you’d like to learn more about our approach to couples therapy, visit our Couples Counseling in Reno page or contact us for a confidential consultation.
Maddie Huntley, CSW-I, Therapist in Reno
Hi, I’m Maddie Huntley, a clinical social work intern born and raised in Northern Nevada. I’m a compassionate, strengths-based therapist in Reno dedicated to helping teens, young adults, couples, and individual therapy clients cultivate the emotional well-being and resilience needed to navigate life’s transitions with confidence.
Whether you’re facing relationship challenges, managing stress, or striving to align your life with your values, I’m here to support you with warmth, curiosity, and respect.
How We Will Work Togther: My Therapeutic Approach
My therapy approach is rooted in humanist principles, emphasizing your inherent strengths and unique capacity for growth and self-discovery. I draw from a variety of evidence-based modalities to support your unique needs. By integrating different approaches, I tailor therapy to help you gain clarity, build confidence, and create meaningful change in your life.
The Perspective I Bring as a Professional
With a background in public policy, outdoor recreation, and health and human services, I bring a broad perspective to my work. I understand that personal challenges are deeply influenced by our environments, relationships, and lived experiences. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where we can explore your story together and develop practical tools to help you navigate life’s complexities with greater ease.
Is this a good fit?
I find that my approach works best for individuals who feel “stuck” in their current patterns and are looking for a collaborative, non-judgmental space to explore new perspectives. Whether you are a teen navigating high school social pressures or a couple trying to find your way back to each other, we will work at a pace that feels safe and productive for you. I’ll of course be happy to provide a free phone consultation to help you decide.
Your First Session
Our first meeting is about getting comfortable. We’ll spend time discussing what brings you to therapy right now and what you hope to change. You don’t need to have all the answers or a “plan” before you arrive—my job is to help you organize those thoughts and create a path forward together.
A note from Cornelius:
Maddie has a warm, approachable way of being that helps people settle in, even when they’re unsure about starting therapy. She listens carefully and responds in a way that helps clients feel understood, creating space to make sense of what’s going on and begin moving forward.
Each therapist in this practice is someone I trust to provide thoughtful, careful work with the people they see. At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, our goal is to offer care that is grounded, respectful, and genuinely helpful, guided by well-established, research-informed approaches—and that’s the standard they bring to their work every day.
Supervision and Fees
I am currently practicing under the clinical supervision of Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW, ensuring that my clients benefit from a collaborative, highly supported approach to their care. My standard session fee is $130, and I offer a sliding-scale option to accommodate financial needs.
About Me Outside of My Therapy Work
When I’m not in the therapy room, I enjoy getting lost in a good book or exploring the mountains, deserts, and trails that make Northern Nevada such a special place.
Get in Touch
If you’re ready to take the next step and would like a consultation, I’d love to connect with you. You can reach me at:
📞 775-235-2205
🌐 www.csheehanjr.com
Or, you can schedule online here.
Do you take insurance?
As a CSW-I, I offer a sliding scale to keep therapy accessible. I am in network for Hometown Health Plan. When I can’t take insurance directly, I can provide documentation for out-of-network benefits.
How long does therapy last?
Some clients find clarity in a few months, while others prefer ongoing support for deeper transitions.
Do you have specialized training?
Yes, I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, and for individuals.
What is a Clinical Social Work Intern (CSW-I)?
A CSW-I is a professional who has completed their Master’s degree in Social Work and is currently gaining the required post-graduate hours for clinical licensure. This means you get a therapist who is deeply engaged with the latest research and receives regular, high-level clinical guidance from a veteran supervisor, often at a more accessible rate.
Do you offer in-person or telehealth sessions?
I offer both. My preference in in-person meetings, but I know this isn’t always an option for my clients. I believe the environment where you do your work matters. We can meet in our comfortable Reno office for a face-to-face connection, or if your schedule and lifestyle require more flexibility, we can meet via a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform from wherever you are in Nevada.
Is a CSW-I qualified to treat individuals and couples?
Yes. I am specifically trained to work with both individual therapy clients and couples. My approach is rooted in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which is highly effective for individuals navigating personal transitions and couples looking to repair their bond. By working with a therapist in Reno who understands both dynamics, you get a holistic perspective on how your personal growth impacts your relationships and vice versa.
Find the Right Connection: Our Therapists in Reno
Our team at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates works collaboratively to support the Reno community. While we all have extensive and ongoing training in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, our clinicians provide specialized focus areas to help you find the right fit:
- Hillary Harris: Find internal safety and peace. Hillary focuses on individual and relationship therapy designed to move you through anxiety and toward a secure sense of self.
- Gina Bemis: Strengthen your family bond. Gina specializes in EFT-based couple and family support, helping both the unit and the individual grow together.
- Maddie Huntley: Navigate life transitions with confidence. Maddie offers specialized therapy for adults facing family conflict or the challenges of early adulthood.
- Karen McKinney: Heal from the past. Karen provides compassionate relationship repair for individuals and couples, with a specialized focus on healing from addiction and trauma.
- Cornelius Sheehan: Guidance for deep change. As a veteran clinician, Cornelius provides expert care for complex family dynamics and long-term relationship repair, alongside depth-oriented psychotherapy for individuals.
Karen McKinney, LCSW, LCADC-S
Relationship & Addiction Therapy in Reno
When a relationship is strained by the weight of addiction, trauma, or long-standing conflict, it can feel as though the very foundation of your life has washed away. I’m Karen McKinney, a relationship therapist in Reno dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate these deep fractures to find their way back to solid ground. I provide a compassionate, safe space where you can address the hard truths of the past while building a practical roadmap for a secure and connected future.
My approach is rooted in the science of attachment and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which allows us to look beneath the surface of the “stuck” patterns that drive disconnection. Whether you are navigating the complexities of recovery or seeking to heal from old wounds through EMDR, we will work together to restore clarity, balance, and connection. I believe that even the most painful cycles can be transformed into opportunities for genuine emotional intimacy and lasting resilience.
Therapy Services with Karen McKinney in Reno, NV
Karen works with clients on a wide range of concerns, including:
- Relationship issues
- Anxiety and depression
- PTSD and trauma
- Addiction and recovery
- Other mental health challenges
She views behavior as a natural response to life’s challenges and provides a safe, empathetic space where clients feel seen and supported on their path to healing.
Karen’s Therapy Approach
Karen combines evidence-based therapies with a compassionate, strengths-focused style to help clients achieve meaningful growth. Her specialized training includes:
Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT)
- An attachment-based, research-supported approach for couples.
- Helps partners reduce conflict, rebuild trust, and create deeper emotional connection.
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)
- Based in attachment science, EFIT helps clients understand emotional patterns and strengthen self-regulation.
- Promotes long-term emotional well-being.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Effective for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias.
- Supported by thousands of studies, EMDR helps accelerate recovery and transformation.
Motivational Interviewing
- A collaborative, strengths-based method.
- Supports self-awareness and empowers clients to make lasting change.
Karen’s person-centered style creates a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore challenges and embrace their potential.
Why Karen Became a Therapist
Later in life, Karen returned to school to follow her passion for helping people heal emotionally. She finds it deeply rewarding to witness clients:
- Gain clarity around emotional patterns
- Build self-esteem and confidence
- Develop healthy coping strategies
- Create more fulfilling lives
She understands that change is difficult but knows the rewards are profound and lasting.
A note from Cornelius:
Karen has a warm, steady presence that helps people feel supported and at ease as they begin to talk about what’s been difficult. She listens closely and responds in a thoughtful, grounded way that helps clients feel understood while also making steady progress.
Each therapist in this practice is someone I trust to provide thoughtful, careful work with the people they see. At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, our goal is to offer care that is grounded, respectful, and genuinely helpful, guided by well-established, research-informed approaches—and that’s the standard they bring to their work every day.
About Reno Therapist Karen McKinney
Karen lives in Reno, NV, with her husband and two dogs. She and her husband recently purchased an RV and enjoy exploring Nevada’s landscapes. A proud mother of three and grandmother of six, Karen treasures her family roles.
Her personal experience with addiction and mental health challenges allows her to connect with clients on a deeper level, offering compassion and real understanding.
What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and how can it help my relationship?
EFT is a proven approach that looks at the emotional “heart” of your relationship. Instead of just teaching communication tips, we work to identify the “stuck” cycles that cause distance. By understanding the attachment needs beneath the surface, we can move from constant conflict toward a secure, lasting bond.
I’m nervous about starting therapy. What is the first session like with you?
It’s completely normal to feel a bit of “first-day jitters.” Our first session is a low-pressure space for us to get to know each other. You’ll have a chance to share what’s been weighing on you, and together we’ll start outlining a roadmap that feels manageable and supportive for your specific goals.
Can therapy help if my relationship is struggling due to addiction?
Absolutely. Addiction often creates deep fractures in trust and safety. Because I specialize in both relationship therapy and addiction recovery (LCADC-S), we can address the substance use and the relationship healing simultaneously. We focus on stabilizing the present while healing the wounds that fueled the cycle in the first place.
How does EMDR work for trauma or anxiety?
EMDR is a specialized tool that helps the brain “reprocess” painful or traumatic memories so they no longer feel so overwhelming in the present. It’s not about just talking through what happened; it’s about reducing the emotional charge of those memories so you can finally feel a sense of internal peace and safety.
Getting Started with Therapy in Reno
- Standard session fee: $160
- Insurance accepted: Hometown Health
- Limited sliding scale options available
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, you don’t have to face it alone. Karen offers a safe and supportive space to begin healing.
Call our office today to schedule an appointment with Karen McKinney, LCSW, LCADC in Reno, NV.
Find the Right Connection
Our team at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates works collaboratively to support the Reno community. While we all have extensive and ongoing training in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, our clinicians provide specialized focus areas to help you find the right fit:
- Hillary Harris: Find internal safety and peace. Hillary focuses on individual and relationship therapy designed to move you through anxiety and toward a secure sense of self.
- Gina Bemis: Strengthen your bond. Gina specializes in EFT-based couple and family support, helping both the unit and the individual grow together.
- Maddie Huntley: Navigate life transitions with confidence. Maddie offers specialized therapy for young adults facing family conflict or the challenges of early adulthood.
- Amy Aranda: Find your path back to connection. Amy focuses on helping individuals and couples move past “stuck” patterns to build clarity, balance, and security.
- Cornelius Sheehan: Guidance for deep change. As a veteran clinician, Cornelius provides expert care for complex marriage and family dynamics and long-term relationship repair, alongside depth-oriented psychotherapy for individuals.
Gina Bemis, LCSW
Supporting Adults, Teens, Children, and Couples Through Life’s Challenges
When a family is in conflict or an individual feels overwhelmed by life’s transitions, it can feel as though you are speaking different languages, even in the same home. I’m Gina Bemis, a therapist in Carson City, NV and Reno dedicated to helping children, teens, and adults bridge those gaps. My priority is to create a collaborative, compassionate space where every voice is heard, helping you move from a place of frustration toward a life of genuine understanding and balance.
My work is deeply rooted in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and families, as well as specialized trauma care through EMDR. Whether you are looking to repair a rift with your partner, support a child through creative play therapy, or find your own internal safety after a difficult experience, we will work together to build the practical tools and deep insights needed for lasting change. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone; we can find the path back to connection together.
Personalized, Evidence-Based Care
I draw on research-backed methods to address your specific challenges, tailoring each session to focus on practical tools and deeper insights that lead to meaningful progress. My approach is grounded in fostering a strong therapeutic relationship, empowering clients to build the skills and understanding needed for lasting change.
Modalities: A Comprehensive Toolbox
I use a variety of therapeutic modalities to best meet my clients’ needs, including:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Supporting couples and individuals in deepening connection and repairing relationships.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Promoting mindfulness and values-driven action.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Helping individuals heal from trauma and distressing experiences. I have completed EMDR training and am actively working toward certification.
- Expressive Arts and Play Therapy: Encouraging creative expression for children and adults.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and reshaping negative thought patterns.
I have specialized training in working with PTSD, trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, and psychosis. Whether you’re seeking support as an individual, a couple, or as part of a family, I provide care that prioritizes meaningful growth and healing. Learn more about our Therapists in Reno.
A Rich Background in Social Work and Community Care
I have lived and worked in the Reno area for over 20 years and have been a licensed practicing social worker since 2003. My early career included volunteering at a hospice agency, where I supported individuals grieving the loss of loved ones. While completing my master’s degree, I co-facilitated a bereavement group with a local therapist, further deepening my skills in grief support.
For a decade, I worked as a state-employed social worker with diverse populations, including older and physically disabled clients. One of my most rewarding roles was helping clients remain in their homes as they aged. During my undergraduate studies, I had the unique opportunity to live in Guam, where I gained a deep appreciation for the Chamorro culture while completing my degree and internship. These experiences have helped me know the importance of seeing diversity, always taking a compassionate approach, and having a commitment to understanding each client’s perspective.
A note from Cornelius:
Gina has a warm, steady way of being with people that helps them slow down and feel more at ease as they begin to share what’s going on. She listens carefully and responds with a kind of presence that helps clients feel understood, even when emotions are difficult or overwhelming.
Each clinician in this practice is someone I trust to provide thoughtful, careful work with the people they see. At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, our goal is to offer care that is grounded, respectful, and genuinely helpful, guided by well-established, research-informed approaches—and that’s the standard they bring to their work every day.
Let’s Get Started
If you’re struggling or simply looking to improve aspects of your life, I’m here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take steps toward creating a more fulfilling and balanced life. I look forward to supporting you on this journey.
Fees and Insurance: My fee is $160 and our office will provide you the necessary information, including an insurance superbill to pursue reimbursement. I am an in-network provider for Hometown Health Plan.
Find the Right Connection
Our team at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates works collaboratively to support the Reno community. While we all have extensive and ongoing training in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, our clinicians provide specialized focus areas to help you find the right fit:
- Hillary Harris: Find internal safety and peace. Hillary focuses on individual and relationship therapy designed to move you through anxiety and toward a secure sense of self.
- Maddie Huntley: Navigate life transitions with confidence. Maddie offers specialized therapy for young adults facing family conflict or the challenges of early adulthood.
- Karen McKinney: Heal from the past. Karen provides compassionate relationship repair for individuals and couples, with a specialized focus on healing from addiction and trauma.
- Amy Aranda: Find your path back to connection. Amy focuses on helping individuals and couples move past “stuck” patterns to build clarity, balance, and security.
- Sara Sims: Build strong foundations. Sara blends a down-to-earth approach with evidence-based modalities to help children, teens, and families navigate complex transitions and rebuild generational connection.
- Cornelius Sheehan: Guidance for deep change. As a veteran clinician, Cornelius provides expert care for complex family dynamics and long-term relationship repair, alongside depth-oriented psychotherapy for individuals.
Will My Insurance Cover Therapy?
Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates
Why Verify Your Therapy Insurance Benefits?
A common question (view our FAQ’s here) we are asked at our therapy center in Reno is, “will my insurance cover therapy?” Understanding your insurance coverage for mental health services is an important step in making informed decisions about your care. This form will guide you through a conversation with your insurance company to help you understand your out-of-network benefits for therapy sessions.
Send us an email to receive a printable version of this form.
Before You Call:
- Gather your insurance card and any relevant policy information.
- Have a pen and paper ready to take notes.
- Be prepared to wait on hold or be transferred to different departments.
Call your insurance company at the Member/Customer Services line. They may ask for your patient ID number. Each insurance carrier organizes its phone menu options differently, but you should listen for the options of checking benefits and eligibility and checking mental or behavioral health benefits. If possible, choose to speak to a live representative. If this is not a menu option, you may be able to reach one by verbally asking for a representative or for customer service. You may be transferred before reaching the representative who can tell you your benefits. Note the date you call and the call reference number.
Client Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________
Insurance Company: _________________________
Member/Customer Service Phone Number: _________________________
Call Reference Number: _________________________
- Benefit Period: (The year your coverage is active) _________________________
- Out-of-Network, Outpatient Mental/Behavioral Health Benefits:
- Individual or Family Benefits (or both): _________________________
- Deductible:
- Individual: _________________________
- Family: _________________________
- Amount Met Towards Deductible:
- Individual: _________________________
- Family: _________________________
- Coinsurance Rate (Percentage patient pays): _________________________
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum:
- Individual: _________________________
- Family: _________________________
- Pre-Authorization Requirements: _________________________
- Claims Address: _________________________
Additional Notes: _________________________
Will My Insurance Cover Therapy? An Example:
Let’s say the representative gives you these benefits:
Benefit period: 5/1/25-4/30/26
Deductible: $1,000 Amount met towards deductible: $300
Coinsurance rate: Insurance responsibility: 60% Patient responsibility: 40%
Out-of-pocket maximum: $5,000
Explanation:
These benefits are applicable during your benefit period. This means that on 9/1/16, a new benefit year begins. The benefit year is important to know because it tells you when the accumulation towards the deductible starts over. Many insurance companies will tell you the effective dates of the policy before they tell you the benefit period. This can be confusing, because both of them are dates and may be given at the beginning of the call, but make sure you ask for the benefit period specifically. You can ignore the effective dates for this worksheet.
Deductible Amounts:
Often, a deductible must be met before reimbursement is possible. In this example, that means that the patient has to spend $1,000 out of pocket before reimbursement can begin. Insurance companies will reimburse a percentage of the usual and customary fee for a therapy session. They will not tell you the usual and customary rate, but it is determined by typical session costs in your region. Often, this rate is lower than the actual fee you paid for your session.
The percentage of the usual and customary fee that the insurance company covers is known as the coinsurance rate. Be sure to find out what percentage the insurance company will cover and what percentage you will cover after the deductible is met. In this case, the insurance company will cover 60% of the fee after the deductible is met. For this example, let’s say the usual and customary rate is $100. The insurance company will send back $60 for every session after the deductible is met. The patient will have had 60% of the usual and customary rate reimbursed.
Your Out-Of-Pocket Maximum
Your insurance company will put a limit on how much money you spend before they cover out-of-network mental health services at 100%. They will either limit the amount you pay out of pocket in general – the out-of-pocket maximum – or they will limit what you pay after the deductible as part of your coinsurance responsibility – the coinsurance maximum.
If you still need help with, “will my insurance cover therapy?” call us.
Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates
Relationship Counseling / Therapists in Reno, NV
Hillary Harris, CPC
Hillary Harris: Find Your Path to Clarity, Balance, and Connection
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to feel stuck in a cycle of anxiety or disconnection—longing for a deeper sense of peace but unsure how to get there. I’m Hillary Harris, a therapist in Reno and Carson City. I am dedicated to helping you navigate those difficult moments. My first priority is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel truly seen and understood, providing the foundation you need to move toward the life and relationships that matter most to you.
Healing begins when we understand the patterns that keep us stuck. I practice attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a proven approach for individuals and couples seeking to move past surface-level conflict and toward a secure, lasting connection. Whether you are navigating a painful rift with a partner or looking to find internal safety within yourself, I am here to guide you through the small, meaningful shifts that lead to deep trust and genuine closeness.
How I Can Help
My work is grounded in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a proven approach for healing and strengthening relationships, alone or as a couple. Whether you’re navigating painful disconnection with a partner or struggling to make sense of your own emotions, I’ll help you identify the patterns that keep you stuck and guide you toward new ways of connecting that feel more supportive and secure. The change often begins with small, meaningful shifts—moments of reaching and responding differently—that open the door to deeper trust and lasting closeness.
I also do a form of short-term, focused trauma resolution therapy called, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
My Approach
Specialty Areas:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): An evidence-based approach that helps strengthen emotional bonds and improve communication. It focuses on creating a greater sense of safety and connection in relationships.
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART): Helps people find relief from distressing memories in a relatively short period of time. Through guided eye movements, clients can process difficult experiences and feel less overwhelmed by them.
- Attachment-Based EFT for Individuals (EFIT): Focused on helping you heal and grow as an individual.
- Brainspotting: A powerful, focused treatment method designed to help process trauma and access deep emotional healing.
A strong connection between therapist and client is essential for therapy to work. Learn more about the importance of the therapy working alliance here. Together, we’ll explore the patterns that are keeping you stuck and find ways to create lasting change.
Who I Work With
I’m especially passionate about working with:
- Couples wanting to rebuild connection and trust. Read more about couples therapy here.
- First responders and military personnel navigating high-stress environments.
- Individuals coping with relationship loss or the effects of trauma. Read more about individual therapy here.
I have extensive, past experience as a military spouse with children. This experience has given me insight into the unique challenges faced by people in high-stakes, high-stress roles, and I bring that understanding into my work. Emotionally Focused Therapy is a well-researched model for helping military couples and families. I’ll be happy to talk with you about your specific circumstances and how I can help.
What to Expect
At Individual and Relationship Counseling Associates, we focus on providing compassionate, focused, personalized care. I’m part of a dedicated, collaborative team and regularly consult with our Clinical Director, Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW, to ensure I’m offering the best possible support for my clients.
Session Details
- Fee: $160 per session with a sliding scale.
- Insurance Accepted: Hometown Health Plan
- Ages Served: 18 and older
Hillary’s Areas of Expertise
- Relationship Issues
- Trauma and PTSD
- Veterans
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Codependency
- Depression
- Divorce
- Family Conflict
- First Responders
- Grief
- Life Transitions
- Marital and Premarital Counseling
- Spirituality
- Stress
More About Hillary
I’m a mom of three teens. When I’m not in the therapy room I’m usually enjoying one of the beautiful outdoor opportunities that are a part of living in Northern Nevada.
A note from Cornelius:
Hillary has a warm, steady way of being with people that helps them feel understood and safe enough to begin opening up. She listens closely and picks up on what matters beneath the surface, helping clients make meaningful progress in their relationships and in themselves.
Each therapist in this practice is someone I trust to provide thoughtful, careful work with the people they see. At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, our goal is to offer care that is grounded, respectful, and genuinely helpful, guided by well-established, research-informed approaches—and that’s the standard they bring to their work every day.
Get Started in Therapy with Hillary Harris
I’m here to help you navigate the challenges you’re facing and support your journey toward emotional health and stronger relationships. Let’s work together to help you move forward. Call now, or use our contact form for a free consultation.
Hillary is an Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) provider for first responders.
If you are a first responder, veteran, or active military in need of relief from job-related trauma, Hillary is here to help. If you are an organization with members/employees or an individual seeking treatment, please follow the link below to complete the form and TRM promptly contact you.
TRM will cover the cost of the session. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
Find the Right Connection
Our team at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates works collaboratively to support the Reno community. While we all have extensive and ongoing training in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, our clinicians provide specialized focus areas to help you find the right fit:
- Gina Bemis: Strengthen your family bond. Gina specializes in EFT-based couple and family support, helping both the unit and the individual grow together.
- Maddie Huntley: Navigate life transitions with confidence. Maddie offers specialized therapy for young adults facing family conflict or the challenges of early adulthood.
- Karen McKinney: Heal from the past. Karen provides compassionate relationship repair for individuals and couples, with a specialized focus on healing from addiction and trauma.
- Amy Aranda: Find your path back to connection. Amy focuses on helping individuals and couples move past “stuck” patterns to build clarity, balance, and security.
- Cornelius Sheehan: Guidance for deep change. As a veteran clinician, Cornelius provides expert care for complex family dynamics and long-term relationship repair, alongside depth-oriented psychotherapy for individuals.
A Discussion of Family Therapy for Military Families
What to Expect from the Episode
Dr. Polinsky explains the profound impact of caregiver accessibility on children, shedding light on how feelings of emotional disconnection can influence behaviors, life choices, and even risks like substance use. She and Con delve into the complexities of military family life, discussing challenges such as navigating parental roles during deployment and coping with the stressors unique to military culture.
Key Insights from Con Sheehan
Con shares real-life examples from his EFFT practice, emphasizing the importance of creating a secure family environment where every member’s emotional needs are acknowledged and met. He highlights actionable strategies such as:
- How availability and intentional parenting can counteract the effects of stress and disconnection.
- The role of repair in strengthening family bonds.
- The benefits of even short-term therapy in helping military families thrive.
Therapy for military families in Reno, NV with Con Sheehan, LCSW. Con does attachment-based EFFT, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy in Reno. He was recently a guest on the Communicate and Connect Podcast.
Ep. 50 with Con Sheehan on Emotionally Focused Family Therapy
In The Communicate and Connect Podcast for Military Relationships, marriage counselor Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky explains relationship science and discusses educational tips for improving your relationship and navigating military family life.
From Dr. Polinsky: “In this podcast you’ll find insights into how children cope with feelings of caregiver inaccessibility and how this can influence their behavior and life choices, including the risks of substance use. We also discuss specific challenges faced by military families, such as managing parental roles during deployment and the unique stresses that can impact both children and parents.
To aid our understanding, Con shares examples from his practice, focusing on creating a family environment where each member’s needs are understood and met. We’ll emphasize the importance of repair, availability, and intentional parenting—even discussing how therapy, even short-term, can be instrumental for families.”
Click here to learn more about family therapy in Reno with Cornelius and his colleagues at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates.
Therapist Dr. Sue Johnson (1947-2024) revolutionized relationship counseling
Remembering Dr. Sue Johnson
If you’ve heard me describe the work I do or have been a student, you’ve heard me talk about therapist, Dr. Sue Johnson. I felt (continue to feel) an enormous loss with her passing, April 23rd, 2024. No individual was more important to the development of relationship therapy than her. Sue Johnson’s therapy innovations changed everything. Her work and writing were grounded in seeing people’s good intent and using emotional experience to bring it back online, no matter how deeply it was buried. Sue saw the good, AND at the same time did not tolerate bad-faith engagement. She was soft, slow and warm therapist, Dr. Sue Johnson in the video demonstrations of her work, but another Sue emerged when good-faith left the discussion. I loved these things about her!
Sue’s perseverance stood out.
Sue also brought her work forward at a time when most of the well-known figures in couple and family therapy were men. In the 80s and 90s, it may not have been easy for a woman to put forward a new model, especially one centered on emotion when the field leaned more toward systems or skills. Academic circles, too, were not always quick to highlight women’s contributions.
In this context, Sue not only reshaped the field but also showed what it could look like for a woman to step into leadership in relationship therapy — offering a quiet kind of encouragement to younger women therapists finding their own voices.
I found my professional home with her.
My work was becoming centered in attachment theory when I met Sue in the clinical research and then in a book called, “The Practice of Emotionally Focused Therapy; Creating Connection,” in 2000. A few years later I met her very briefly in person at the Evolution of Psychotherapy conference in Anaheim, CA. I remember my sense of her being on this little island where emotion was prized, in a huge sea of cognitive-behavioral waters. Sue made so much sense! I was working frequently with court-mandated clients and “changing thinking” was NOT an effective mechanism for change, but it was the prescribed one. Focusing on emotional experience through an attachment lens proved to be the key to true change. Fortunately, years later, I found a formal path to learning EFT. My clinical work went to a place it never would have without Dr. Sue Johnson. A week doesn’t go by without me feeling deep gratitude for Sue and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Thanks to Sue, I could profoundly impact my clients’ lives in ways I never imagined when starting my career.
In this same professional home I met colleagues from around the world, some of whom are now amongst the most dear and important people in my life. They are family. I’m glad Sue knew how grateful we were for the connections she fostered – connections evident at EFT summits, trainings, and online.
Sue Johnson embodied what she taught.
I wasn’t a close, personal friend of Sue. But I did spend some time with her and did correspond with her periodically- and this always felt close and personal. You could feel her attentiveness and focus in a way that I can only describe as “honoring”. Sue engaged in this way, and I think this way of attending was a big part of what she helped therapist students find in their work. I’ll treasure my correspondence with her. Also, the opportunity I had to do a live case consultation with her. And of course, my role in continuing to grow a community of EFT therapists in the Reno/Tahoe area. Our local community is recognized by the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, the learning institute Sue and colleagues founded. You can reach out to Cornelius to learn more about training opportunities in EFT.
My heart goes out to the Sue’s family, the people closest to her and other colleagues experiencing her loss. Sue’s work will not only live on, but will continue to be expanded upon and proliferate.
Cover photo of Dr. Sue Johnson (PHOTO BY BRUNO SCHLUMBERGER /Postmedia)
“The Science of Relationships: Healing, Emotion, & Connection with Drs. Sue Johnson & Jim Furrow”
“With & For“, a podcast hosted by Dr. Pam King.
This is a wonderfully warm and informative program where Sue and Jim discuss the core importance of relationship, and how to improve relationships. The following topics are covered:
• Living in a way this is, “fully alive.”
• How to bring together the spectrum of emotional realities with our lived experience
• Today’s loneliness epidemic; what to do about it
• The importance of empathy and caring in the healing process
• What is attachment science? And, the role of attachment figures in thriving relationships
• Improving relationships: therapeutic and relational practices that lead to security, a sense of worth, and competence in life.
How to improve relationships. From the show host: “Our society doesn’t want to hear about how interdependent we are—doesn’t want to hear that if we want to thrive, we have to put people first and we have to create community. And people need connection with others like they need oxygen. If you create a world where that connection isn’t very available or it all happens on a screen, you are going to have huge problems. You are going to have huge problems with depression, anxiety, suicide, emptiness—people are going to make terrible choices.” (Sue Johnson) We need each other. We are relational beings, and our thriving—or languishing—often hinges on relationships. In this episode, psychologists Sue Johnson and Jim Furrow not only explain why relationships are so important, they offer practical advice on how to pursue healing, emotional regulation, and lasting thriving in all kinds of relationships. Sue Johnson is the creator of Emotionally Focused Therapy, the gold standard in tested, proven interventions of couples and author of many books including Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. Jim Furrow is a marriage and family therapist and an internationally renowned trainer of Emotionally Focused Therapy. This conversation goes from profound to practical, covering the biological and psychological science to explain why belonging gives way to becoming. We discuss the rampant emptiness and loneliness, fear, and depression people today experience and the connection between relationships and a sense of meaning in life. Sue and Jim also provide a framework for how to understand your attachment style and the way it impacts your relational health. And they discuss the practical ways we can grow and change so that we can engage in and sustain fulfilling and life giving relationships.”
Our EFT relationship therapists in Reno will help you learn more about how to improve your relationships. Contact us for a free consultation.