Blog Articles
Meet Amy Aranda, CSW-I
Meet Amy – Clinical Social Work Intern
Hi, my name is Amy Aranda, and I am a clinical social work intern here at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates. I bring over 7 years of experience in the mental health field, with a background that includes supporting clients in a residential eating disorder treatment facility as a recovery coach, working in medical office management, collaborating with treatment teams, and coordinating care for clients in need of higher levels of support.
These experiences have given me a strong foundation in understanding the many ways emotional struggles can impact daily life, and I am passionate about helping both individuals and couples overcome challenges so they can live with greater connection, balance, and fulfillment.
My Therapeutic Approach
I believe everyone deserves to feel truly heard and understood. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, and I work side by side with clients to create meaningful change. I have training in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for both couples and individuals, which means I focus on strengthening the bonds that help us feel secure, connected, and resilient.
In addition to EFT, I draw from a variety of evidence-based therapies to support your unique needs, always with the goal of helping you navigate emotional struggles and move toward the life and relationships you want. Whether you’re seeking support for individual concerns or want to deepen your connection with a partner, I provide a safe, supportive environment where growth and healing can take place.
About Me Outside of Therapy
Outside of my work as a therapist, I love teaching Zumba fitness and ice skating classes. For me, movement, artistry, and self-expression are an important part of self-care, and I find joy in inspiring others to have fun while learning new skills.
I also treasure time with my wife and our beloved pets. In the summer, we enjoy camping and being outdoors together—it’s one of the ways I recharge and stay grounded.
Supervision and Fees
I am currently practicing under the supervision of Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW. I am committed to offering high-quality, client-centered care. My standard session fee is $120, and I also offer a sliding-scale option to help make therapy more accessible.
Availability
I am available for sessions most weekdays after 3:00 pm, with some Saturday appointments also offered. I do my best to remain flexible to meet client and scheduling needs.
Starting Couples Therapy? What to Expect in Your First Sessions
What to Expect in Couples Therapy: A Path to Clarity and Healing
If you and your partner are considering couples therapy in Reno, you might wonder what to expect. Will it help? How does it work? This article gives you a practical overview of how couples therapy—especially Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)—can support your relationship. EFT is a highly researched, effective, and non-judgmental approach that helps partners reconnect, communicate, and heal. Learn more about Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy here.
Expect Respect and Honoring of Your Values
Very importantly, you will be met with respect for your personal and shared views and values. Our therapists have expertise in helping couples experience reaching to one another in a heartfelt, connected way. But we are humble, because you are the expert in your unique relationship and what you want for it. In this sense, we’re like highly-trained consultants helping you move toward your goals. Our therapists will guide, advise and direct- but they will never tell you what to do.
You should never feel judged or “ganged up on.” My colleagues and I continually monitor our working alliance with you. It’s critical for us to know and make a correction when one of our clients doesn’t feel like we’re getting them.
What Is Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples?
EFT is a type of couples therapy grounded in the science of attachment, which describes how we bond with one another. Attachment science also describes what can happen when bonds rupture. It’s based on the idea that emotional connection is key to feeling accepted and cared for, and this in turn leads to lasting, fulfilling relationship. During EFT sessions, we’ll work together to identify and change patterns that keep you and your partner feeling disconnected. This isn’t about blame; instead, it’s about understanding each other’s needs and learning how to respond with care and compassion.
Expect EFT to focus on:
- Helping each partner feel safe and supported.
- Encouraging open, honest emotional communication.
- Building a secure foundation for lasting change.
With EFT, you’ll learn to shift from reacting in frustration or silence to reaching out in a way that helps your partner feel seen and valued. The goal is that partners begin to experience their importance to one another. Further, that this importance is what drives heightened reactions to feeling disconnected.
What Actually Happens in a Couples Therapy Session?
In your first session, we’ll discuss what brought you both to therapy and what you hope to achieve. Don’t worry—there’s no “right” way to start. I’ll guide the process, and together, we’ll create a comfortable, respectful space for each of you to share your perspective. You’ll leave this session with a high-level map for our upcoming work together.
Here’s a typical structure for couples therapy sessions:
- Identify Relationship Patterns: We’ll uncover the cycles that lead to conflict or distance. Understanding these patterns helps you both feel less stuck.
- Practice New Ways of Communicating: You’ll have the chance to learn and practice new communication skills, often in the form of guided conversations.
- Develop a Deeper Connection: Through honest, vulnerable conversations, you’ll work towards feeling more secure and connected.
Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) in Reno is a structured and collaborative process designed to help you and your partner repair and strengthen your emotional connection. It’s grounded in the understanding that most relationship struggles stem from feelings of disconnection, hurt, or fear that often go unspoken or misunderstood.
Step-By-Step: What the Couples Therapy Process Looks Like
- Understanding Your Relationship Patterns
In the early sessions, we’ll work together to uncover the recurring patterns of interaction that may be keeping you stuck. Often, couples find themselves in cycles of conflict, withdrawal, or miscommunication that lead to frustration and distance. We’ll identify these cycles and help you see them as the shared challenge to overcome—rather than blaming one another. - Exploring the Emotions Beneath the Conflict
EFT focuses on the emotional experiences that drive your interactions. You’ll both have the chance to safely explore and express deeper feelings—such as fear of rejection, loneliness, or longing for closeness—that may be hidden behind anger or frustration. This can be a powerful step toward understanding and validating each other in a new way. - Rebuilding Trust and Security
As the therapy progresses, you’ll practice turning toward one another with greater vulnerability and openness. With support, you’ll learn how to respond to each other’s needs for comfort, reassurance, and connection, creating a sense of safety in the relationship. - Creating New Patterns of Connection
The ultimate goal of EFT is to help you and your partner build new, healthier patterns of communication that foster closeness and resolve conflicts in a way that brings you closer together. These skills will help you navigate future challenges as a team, with a stronger foundation of trust and emotional intimacy.
For more on these sessions explore our page about couples therapy here.
How Long Does it Take to See Results?
Everyone’s starting point and experience are unique, but most couples notice positive changes within the first few sessions. With EFT, it’s been my experience that significant shifts have occurred after about 4–10 sessions, depending on the issues at hand. Along the way, partners build trust in each other and confidence in their ability to work through challenges together. A full course of therapy with my colleagues and I is usually in the neighborhood of 18-24 sessions, spread out over time. That said, most of the couples I work with continue periodic meetings in order to have a place to work through impasses, and very importantly, to reinforce successes.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Relationship?
If you’re ready to explore how EFT in Reno can help, reach out to schedule a session. Visit www.csheehanjr.com to get started. Taking this step can feel daunting. From the moment you talk with our Care Coordinator, we’ll make getting started a clear and easy process. We know your decision to move forward with therapy is a major commitment to your relationship. Let’s work together to create the relationship you want and deserve. You can schedule a free couples therapy consultation with one of our therapists. Use the online contact form you’ll find here, or call us at 775-235-2205.
Meet Maddie Huntley, CSW-I, Therapist in Reno
Hi, I’m Maddie, 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 individuals cultivate emotional well-being and resilience.
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.
My Approach: Maddie Huntley, CSW-I, Therapist in Reno
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.
Supervision and Fees
I am currently practicing under the supervision of Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW and provide high-quality, client-centered care. My standard session fee is $120, 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.
Meet Sarah Rosenbloom, MFT-I, NCC
Sarah Rosenbloom, MFT-I, NCC, Therapist in Reno
Individual and Relationship Counseling Associates in Reno, NV are very happy to introduce Sarah Rosenbloom, MFT-I, NCC, to our practice. Sarah brings a warm, collaborative approach to therapy, empowering individuals, couples, and families to explore their inner strengths and build healthier, more connected lives. For clients in need, Sarah also offers infertility support counseling.
About Sarah as a Therapist
Sarah believes that healing begins within and views therapy as a catalyst for uncovering the power we all have to grow and thrive. Using attachment-based and humanistic approaches, she creates a caring, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their challenges and discover solutions. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, Sarah walks alongside her clients with compassion and curiosity.
My personal experiences with endometriosis and infertility have made me passionate about helping others – couples and individuals – with similar struggles. Experiencing fertility challenges can be so stressful and overwhelming, and can leave you feeling isolated and hopeless; it’s an important time to find support from others who truly understand. Through infertility support counseling in Reno, I can help you to navigate your options while also processing the intense feelings that surface.
As a certified Yoga Instructor, Sarah also integrates mindfulness and body-awareness techniques to support mental and emotional well-being. She has a special passion for helping clients navigate relationship challenges, infertility support counseling, and the complexities of family dynamics, always with a focus on fostering understanding and connection.
About Sarah as a Person
A Reno native, Sarah loves being part of the local community. When she’s not supporting her clients, you’ll find her volunteering, playing on local sports teams, or enjoying the city’s vibrant farmers’ markets. Sarah spends as much time as possible exploring the beautiful Sierras and high desert with her partner, two young children, and beloved dog. Her deep appreciation for nature and commitment to personal growth inspire her work as a therapist and in her everyday life.
Who Sarah Works With
Sarah works with clients aged 13 and older, as well as children within the context of family therapy. She specializes in:
- Relationship Concerns
- Infertility Support Counseling
She also provides support for:
- Co-parenting
- Divorce
- Family conflict
- Grief & Loss
- Marital & Premarital Counseling
- Infidelity
- Parenting
- Women’s Issues
Session Fee for Sarah
Sarah’s standard session fee is $120.
Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates tries to remove barriers to accessing therapy. We may be able to offer a sliding-scale fee reduction. This is done on a case-by-case basis with our Care Coordinator.
Get Started in Therapy with Sarah
If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing and connection, Sarah is here to help. At Individual and Relationship Counseling Associates, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care—and Sarah embodies that mission in everything she does. Call us at 775-235-2205, or fill out a contact form and our Care Coordinator will get you headed in the right direction!
Meet Karen McKinney, LCSW, LCADC-S
Relationship & Addiction Therapy in Reno
Therapy for addiction and relationship issues in Reno, NV with Karen, McKinney. Karen also treats anxiety, depression and trauma. With more than eight years of experience, she helps individuals and couples understand their emotions, build resilience, and create lasting change.
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.
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.
Getting Started with Therapy in Reno
- Standard session fee: $150
- 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 775-235-2205 today to schedule an appointment with Karen McKinney, LCSW, LCADC in Reno, NV.
Meet Gina Bemis, LCSW
Meet Gina Bemis, Therapist in Reno
Supporting Adults, Teens, Children, and Couples Through Life’s Challenges
Hello, I’m Gina Bemis, LCSW, a therapist in Reno. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates in Reno. I take a collaborative approach with my clients. This means I work hard to understand their personal experiences, and help them work through challenges to achieve the progress that matters most to them.
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.
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 $150 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.
Meet Hillary Harris, CPC-I
Meet Hillary Harris, Therapist in Reno
Hi, I’m Hillary Harris, a therapist at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates.
Many of the people I work with come to me feeling stuck—longing for connection, weighed down by past hurts, or simply unsure how to move forward. My first priority is to create a safe and supportive space where you can feel seen and understood. From there, we’ll work together to find clarity, deepen self-acceptance, and move toward the relationships and life that matter most to you.
How I Can Help
My work is grounded in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a proven approach for healing and strengthening relationships. 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.
My Approach
Specialty Areas:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): A proven approach to strengthening relationships and resolving conflict.
- 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: $140 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 and a sweet therapy dog, Ginger. 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.
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.
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.
“Side by Side: Navigating OCD Treatment with EFT Couple Counseling”
Last week I did a presentation on what I was very surprised to find is an under-recognized area of OCD treatment: the impact of attachment theory on relationships affected by OCD. Thrive Wellness co-sponsored an OCD Symposium in Reno that provided the opportunity to discuss OCD from a relational perspective. This article shares (in broad strokes) some key points from the presentation. In the “conclusions” section I focus on specific ways Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can support couples facing the challenges posed by OCD in a connected, teamed-up way.
Understanding OCD within the Relationship Context
OCD’s influence on relationships extends beyond the individual symptoms of compulsions and obsessions. It can disrupt the normal flow of emotional connectivity and communication, leading to misunderstandings and emotional distance.
Assessment and Education
The therapeutic process begins with assessing the specific ways OCD affects the relationship and educating both partners about the disorder. This foundational step helps demystify OCD and sets the stage for collaborative problem-solving.
Identifying Patterns
Identifying negative interaction patterns is crucial to improving your relationship. For instance, compulsive behaviors might lead to frustration in one partner, resulting in a cycle of withdrawal and disconnection. Recognizing these dynamics allows couples to start addressing them.
Facilitating Emotional Engagement
Creating a Safe Space: A core aspect of EFT is creating a safe environment for both partners. This involves encouraging openness and vulnerability, especially for the partner with OCD, to share their fears and needs without fear of judgment.
Expressing Emotions: The therapist guides both partners in expressing their feelings related to the OCD symptoms, uncovering often-hidden emotions like isolation or resentment. This step is vital for understanding each other’s experiences.
Reframing the Problem: Viewing OCD as a shared challenge rather than a source of division is a powerful reframing technique. It encourages a united approach to managing the disorder’s impact on the relationship.
Enhancing Connection and Understanding
Through guided conversations, the therapy helps deepen the emotional connection. The partner with OCD explores and expresses their deeper fears, while the other partner learns to articulate their emotional experiences, leading to a strengthened bond.
Promoting Acceptance and Building New Patterns
Accepting the presence of OCD in relationship while working on effective management strategies is a delicate but necessary balance. The therapist works with the couple to develop new responses to OCD symptoms that foster connection rather than disconnection.
Consolidating Gains
Therapeutic progress is solidified by experiencing and discussing new ways of interacting outside of therapy sessions. This step is crucial for ensuring that the relationship continues to grow stronger, even in the face of OCD.
Collaborative Approach with Individual Therapy
A collaborative approach, involving coordination with the partner’s individual OCD treatment, ensures that therapy addresses both the couple’s relationship dynamics and the individual’s OCD management.
Conclusion
The OCD Symposium in Reno served as a valuable forum for discussing the integration of attachment theory into the treatment of OCD-affected relationships. Emotionally Focused Therapy offers a framework for couples to navigate OCD’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of a secure emotional bond and effective communication.
Here’s how EFT could be effective for couples where one or both partners have OCD:
- Improving Communication: EFT helps couples communicate more effectively, especially about sensitive issues like the impact of OCD on their relationship. It encourages partners to express their feelings and needs more openly and empathetically.
- Enhancing Emotional Support: By focusing on emotional attachment, EFT helps partners become more responsive to each other’s needs. For someone with OCD, having a supportive partner who understands their struggles can be crucial for managing symptoms.
- Reducing Relationship Stress: OCD can add significant stress to a relationship, which can exacerbate OCD symptoms. EFT aims to reduce relationship tensions by improving emotional connection, which can, in turn, create a more supportive environment for managing OCD.
- Building a Secure Attachment: A secure attachment can provide a solid foundation for individuals with OCD to face their fears and engage in exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapies more effectively. Knowing they have a supportive and understanding partner can make facing OCD challenges less daunting.
- Improving Coping Strategies: Couples can learn to identify and modify maladaptive coping strategies that may be reinforcing OCD symptoms. EFT encourages healthier ways of coping with emotional distress, which can indirectly help in managing OCD.
- Enhancing Treatment Compliance: Individuals with OCD who feel supported in their relationships may be more likely to adhere to individual OCD treatment plans, including medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Closing thoughts about OCD and Relationship
It’s important to note that while EFT can improve the relationship dynamics that affect and are affected by OCD, it does not directly treat OCD symptoms. For direct treatment of OCD, evidence-based approaches such as CBT and ERP are recommended. Couples therapy, including EFT, can be a complementary approach to these treatments, especially for addressing the relational aspects of living with OCD.
The journey towards understanding and managing the relational impact of OCD is ongoing. As we continue to explore this intersection, the insights gained can guide more nuanced and effective approaches to support couples in strengthening their relationships in the face of OCD.
Feedback and dialogue on this topic of OCD in relationship are welcome. Please share your thoughts or experiences regarding the role of attachment theory in OCD treatment. For further discussion or inquiries, feel free to contact me at: con@erha-reno.com.
Meet Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW- Reno Therapists
Counseling with Reno Therapist Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW
About me as a therapist:
For more than 20 years, I have worked with couples and individuals. I understand how important it is to have a secure, connected, and hopeful relationship. I specialize in attachment-based, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals, marriages, couples, and families in Reno. I am certified as an Emotionally Focused Therapist and Supervisor. I use primarily EFT in my work with couples, individuals, and families. The things I appreciate most about EFT are its effectiveness, research-based approach, and strong theoretical foundation. But EFT is also a client-centered model. A client-centered model of therapy means that the therapist prioritizes the client’s perspective, emotions, and autonomy in the therapeutic process.
A few years ago, I started Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates in Reno, NV. A small, collaborative therapy group dedicated to excellence in attachment-focused therapy.
I have had the privilege of helping hundreds of couples and families repair ruptures and connect again. Along the way, helping at least as many individual clients become more self-aware and accepting. I’ve supported these clients in successfully dealing with depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.
Attachment theory’s empathy, curiosity, and non-judgmental stance align with my natural style. Although I bring expertise in therapy, I see you as the expert on your life and goals. Thus, I commit to approaching our work together with humility and curiosity.
One of my proudest professional achievements is starting a counseling program for inmates at the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in 2004. We developed a novel and highly successful program to help reduce recidivism, especially for “failure to comply” violations. The program was funded by inmate purchases. I actively participated in these programs until 2011, when I dedicated myself full-time to private practice.
Another accomplishment that has brought me a lot of joy has been mentoring students and interns, guiding them to find their unique paths as professionals in the field of therapy. Additionally rewarding is the work I do helping train and supervise therapists wanting to learn EFT in Reno.
In addition to my work with individuals and couples in therapy, I also co-facilitate Hold Me Tight® couples retreats here in Reno. These retreats offer couples a chance to step away from daily life and focus fully on their relationship. Guided by the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy, the retreats help partners understand the patterns that keep them stuck, learn new ways to communicate, and rediscover a sense of safety and closeness together. Over the years, it’s been incredibly rewarding to witness how these weekends can transform a couple’s connection and inspire hope for lasting change.
About me as a person:
I always remember being profoundly curious about people and relationships. We are all so complex, with so much happening beneath the surface.
I find this complexity fascinating. I feel lucky that my interest has guided me to a profession I love. Moreover, it motivates me to stay current with changes in the field.
My wife Tammy and I live with our three rescue dogs. We have three adult children. Born in San Francisco, I have lived briefly in a few different places, but Reno has always remained home base.
Learn more about therapy in Reno with Cornelius
You can inquire about counseling with Reno therapist Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW and our team of highly-trained EFT therapists here. Call us at 775-235-2205 and we’ll be happy to discuss how we can help. Sessions with Cornelius range from $185 to $210 for 55-min meetings, and $260 for 90-minutes. Insurances accepted include Hometown Health Plan. Two-day weekend intensive sessions are available (call for details).
Cornelius is invested in Reno and Nevada:
Since 1974, I have resided in Reno, deeply committed to this community. I attended Reno High School and UNR. I actively participate in various advisory roles for Reno and the State of Nevada.
Additionally, I founded Relationship Health Counseling Associates to enhance services for clients in this area and provide highest quality professional development for therapist interns in Reno.
Cornelius specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT for couples, individuals and families). He supervisors clinical interns and candidates for EFT Certification. He is the Founder / Director of rceft.org, the Reno/Tahoe Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy. You can learn more about EFT at rceft.org and iceeft.com. ICEEFT is the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Nevada License Number: 5605-C
Cornelius works with clients aged 18-years and older, and children in the context of family therapy.
Cornelius’s Specialties and Expertise
Top Specialties
- Relationship Issues
- Anxiety
- Depression
Expertise
- Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist
- Divorce
- Family Conflict
- Marital and Premarital
- Cancer
- Grief
- Infidelity
- Internet Addiction
- Lesbian
- Men’s Issues
- Mood Disorders
- Parenting
- Peer Relationships
- Self Esteem
- Veterans