Help for Marriage Problems

Get your marriage back on track with attachment-based therapy at our center for marriage counseling Reno, NV

  1. The Need for Healing Conversation: Small conflicts and hurt feelings that aren't adequately addressed can accumulate, leading to resentment and growing distance. Our marriage counselors in Reno have the expertise to work through these issues with you.
  2. You Need to Get Unstuck: Destructive communication patterns or conflict styles become entrenched over time, making it harder to have productive conversations and resolve misunderstandings. This is the essence of the attachment-based, EFT marriage counseling work we do.
  3. Your Marriage Isn't a Priority: Daily life and responsibilities can become the primary focus, leading to a neglect of the relationship itself. Working with our therapists is a primary way to put your relationship first.
marriage counseling in Reno, NV couple walking outdoors, holding hands.

Connection / Healing / Understanding.

Understanding Marriage Difficulties

Marriage difficulties often arise from unresolved conflict, unmet emotional needs, communication breakdowns, or external stressors. These challenges can lead to feelings of disconnection, loneliness, and resentment, making it hard to maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship. These difficulties can also significantly impact both partners' mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression.

Common Signs of Marriage Difficulties

Common signs of marriage difficulties include:

  • Frequent arguments
  • Avoidance of meaningful conversations
  • A lack of intimacy
  • Emotional distance

Couples may find themselves repeating negative patterns without a clear path forward, causing both partners to feel misunderstood and unsupported. These challenges can take a significant toll on both mental and emotional well-being. In many cases, the longer these issues go unaddressed, the more entrenched the negative patterns become, making it even harder to reconnect.

The Root Causes of Conflict

Research shows that many couples struggle with patterns of conflict that can feel frustrating and exhausting. These patterns often stem from unmet emotional needs, insecure attachment, or a lack of understanding of each other's emotional experiences. These underlying dynamics create cycles of repetitive arguments and emotional distance, which in turn erode the connection between partners. Recognizing these root causes can be the first step in addressing marriage difficulties and finding a path towards healing.

Self-Assessment: Are You Experiencing Marriage Difficulties?

If you are unsure whether your relationship is experiencing significant difficulties, consider asking yourself the following questions:

  • Do you and your partner often find yourselves arguing about the same things repeatedly?
  • Do you avoid discussing important topics because you fear conflict?
  • Do you feel disconnected from your partner emotionally or physically?
  • Do you often feel unsupported or misunderstood by your partner?
  • Are you feeling lonely, even when you are together with your spouse?

Answering "yes" to any of these questions may indicate that you are experiencing marriage difficulties that could benefit from professional support.

Potential Consequences of Ignoring Marriage Difficulties

Ignoring marriage difficulties can have long-term consequences for both partners and the relationship. When left unaddressed, these challenges can lead to:

  • Emotional detachment, where partners grow increasingly distant from one another.
  • Escalation of conflicts, with arguments becoming more frequent and intense.
  • Increased stress, anxiety, or depression for one or both partners.
  • Negative impacts on children, who may witness ongoing conflict and experience insecurity.

It is crucial to address marriage difficulties early on to prevent these potential outcomes and work towards a healthier, more connected partnership.

How Emotionally Focused Therapy Can Help

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a highly effective approach for helping couples understand and address the negative patterns that contribute to marriage difficulties. EFT views these conflicts as stemming from insecure attachments, where partners may struggle with vulnerability and have difficulty expressing their concerns, fears, and desires. These struggles often manifest in negative cycles of interaction that leave both partners feeling alone and disconnected.

Through EFT, couples learn to identify these patterns and replace them with positive, bonding interactions. The approach helps clients acknowledge and transform negative emotions, turning them into opportunities for connection. A key goal of EFT is to establish a secure emotional bond between partners, where each person feels comforted by the other's presence and assured that their needs are valued. Achieving this bond requires moving beyond emotional reactivity and developing caring, supportive communication.

Specialized Expertise in Marriage Counseling

Our therapists have specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, which is critical for effectively guiding couples through the type of relationship struggles that can be exhausting and disheartening. We are committed to helping couples rediscover their relationship's rhythm and reconnect on a deeper emotional level. Our expertise allows us to navigate the complexities of marriage difficulties with empathy and skill, providing couples with the tools they need to rebuild trust and intimacy.

Coping Strategies for Managing Marriage Difficulties

While professional support is often the most effective way to address deep-seated relationship issues, there are some strategies that couples can use to begin managing their difficulties:

  • Improve Communication: Make an effort to listen actively to your partner and validate their feelings, even if you disagree.
  • Practice Self-Care: Taking care of your mental and physical health can help you approach relationship challenges more effectively.
  • Schedule Quality Time: Dedicate time to spend together without distractions, focusing on activities that help you feel connected.
  • Acknowledge Emotions: Recognize your own emotions and share them with your partner in a non-judgmental way.

These coping strategies can provide a starting point for addressing challenges, but deeper work with a therapist may be needed to create lasting change.

EFT for Pre-Married and Engaged Couples

Emotionally Focused Therapy is not only beneficial for couples experiencing marriage difficulties but also for pre-married and engaged couples. Recognizing vulnerabilities and potential negative patterns early on can help couples acquire essential skills for fostering connection and avoiding disconnection in the future. EFT provides pre-married and engaged couples with the tools they need to build a solid foundation for a healthy, long-lasting relationship.

Finding Support for Your Marriage

Marriage difficulties can feel overwhelming, but it is possible to rebuild trust and reestablish a positive emotional connection with the right support. Unfortunately, many distressed couples wait more than six years before seeking help—often due to fears that therapy will make things worse or that a therapist might take sides. Emotionally Focused Therapy, however, honors the experience of each partner and promotes understanding, healing, and connection.

If you are experiencing challenges in your marriage, we are here to support you with an attachment-based approach that fosters meaningful connection and healing. Our therapists provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your relationship and work towards a more fulfilling partnership. Contact us today to discuss how attachment-based marriage counseling can help—it’s easy to get started.

Marriage Counseling in Reno, Our Team

photo of tammy sheehan, care coordinator at therapists in reno, nv, emotional & relationship health counseling associates. therapy in reno, nv

Tammy Sheehan-Franchini

Care Coordinator and Administrative Lead

Welcome to Our Therapy Practice in Reno

Welcome to our practice specializing in EFT couple therapy, marriage counseling, family therapy, and individual counseling in Reno! Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting, but we’re here to make the process seamless and welcoming. From the moment you contact us by phone or email, our priority is to create a warm, supportive, and confidential environment. Your therapeutic journey begins with that initial connection.

Your First Contact with Our Team

I, or a member of our team, will be your first point of contact. Our caring, non-judgmental, and experienced EFT therapists in Reno will take the time to listen to your needs and concerns. We’ll conduct a brief, non-clinical assessment to ensure our practice is the right fit for you. We understand that seeking help is a significant decision, and we want you to feel confident and comfortable in your choice of therapist.

How We Make the Process Easy

Once we confirm a good fit, we’ll guide you through scheduling your first appointment and completing any required paperwork. Our practice is fully paperless, meaning all necessary documentation is completed through our secure, HIPAA-compliant online portal. Here’s how to get started:

  1. After the initial intake, we email each client an invitation to the portal. You may also arrange a brief consultation with one of our therapists.
  2. Complete the online forms within 36 hours to hold your appointment.
  3. Attend your first appointment.
  4. Use the portal’s online scheduling feature for future appointments.

If anything feels difficult, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Attachment-Based Therapy in Reno

Our practice specializes in attachment-based EFT marriage, individual, family, and couple counseling. We believe this approach offers a powerful path to healing and growth. Whether you’re seeking to improve your relationships, address family dynamics, or explore personal challenges, our commitment is to make this journey accessible and supportive for you.

Call us at 775-235-2205 to learn more about EFT couple counseling, individual or family therapy, or EFT marriage therapy in Reno. We’ll help you schedule a no-cost consultation with one of our therapists.

Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW does couples and marriage counseling in reno, nv. He is founder / director of therapy in Reno, NV practice: Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates. Reno, NV Specialist in Couple counseling

Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW

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 marriages, couples, families, and individuals in Reno. Presently, I am certified as an Emotionally Focused Therapist and Supervisor. I use primarily EFT in my work with couples, individuals, and families. The primary things I appreciate about EFT are its effectiveness, research-based approach, and strong theoretical foundation.

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 many people become more self-aware and accepting. I’ve supported them in 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, you are the expert on your life and goals. Thus, I commit to approaching our work together with humility and curiosity.

One of my proudest 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.

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.

For years, I’ve had “boots on the ground” involvement with many facets of the mental health care needs of our community. This has provided me a rounded perspective about the particular relationship counseling needs of people in our local community.

Learn more about therapy in Reno with Cornelius

You can inquire about counseling in Reno with 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 and $275 for 90-minutes. Insurances accepted include Hometown Health Plan. Two-day weekend intensive sessions are available (call for details).

Cornelius Sheehan LCSW, Clinical Director and expert attachment therapist. Therapy in Reno, NV. July 2024 photo.
Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW

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

photo of helen going, lcsw, therapist in reno, nv. eft therapist with individual & relationship counseling associates. couples counseling reno, nv

Helen Going, LCSW

Hi, I’m Helen Going, LCSW, a Therapist in Reno

I’m a relationship counselor in Reno; a licensed clinical social worker with advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). After earning my Master of Social Work at UNR and completing my clinical internship locally, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients across various settings in Northern Nevada.

As a lifelong learner, I’m committed to continually enhancing the skills I bring to my counseling practice. My extensive lived experience has given me a profound appreciation for the distress emotional and relationship struggles can cause. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, effective support.


How Emotionally Focused Therapy Can Transform Your Relationships

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a powerful approach that focuses on understanding and reshaping the emotional bonds that drive relationships. Whether in couples therapy or individual sessions, EFT provides the tools to address disconnection and conflict, promoting healthier, more fulfilling connections. By working through emotional patterns and attachment needs, EFT empowers you to create lasting, meaningful change in your relationships.


Why I Do Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy

As a relationship counselor in Reno, there’s nothing more rewarding to me than seeing a couple discover each other in a completely new light…gaining an understanding of one another’s struggles in a way that feels manageable and empowering. I love helping people connect more joyfully and effectively with themselves and their loved ones.

EFT has become the foundation of my work because it aligns perfectly with my passion and values. While I’ve trained in various treatment modalities, EFT stands out for its gentle, effective approach. It creates a safe space where clients can experience themselves and their relationships in new ways.

EFT isn’t about assigning blame or focusing on superficial “tips and tricks.” Instead, it delves into the root causes of disconnection in relationships. Using the framework of attachment, EFT helps couples identify and reframe destructive patterns. This approach empowers them to create authentic, lasting change that goes far beyond surface-level communication strategies.


Why I Do Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy

In addition to working with couples, I provide EFT-based individual therapy in Reno. While EFT is best known for its success in couples therapy, its principles—emotional awareness, expression, and connection—are equally transformative for individuals facing personal challenges.

I’m drawn to individual therapy because it allows me to explore each person’s unique emotional landscape. Whether you’re grappling with relationship struggles, past traumas, anxiety, or depression, EFT provides a compassionate framework for uncovering the root causes of your difficulties and fostering healing.

In our sessions, we’ll work together to identify and express your emotions in a supportive, judgment-free space. We’ll also explore the attachment patterns and unmet needs that may be contributing to your struggles. By deepening your understanding of yourself, you’ll gain the tools to make empowered choices in your relationships and in life.

Individual EFT therapy is about more than addressing immediate concerns; it’s about helping you build healthier, more fulfilling connections with yourself and others. Whether or not you’re currently in a relationship, this approach can be transformative for personal growth, emotional well-being, and fostering meaningful connections.


For answers to some of the most common questions about therapy with me, click here.

Ready to begin? Call me at 775-235-2205, and I’d be happy to discuss what’s happening for you and how I can help.

Session Rate: $165 for 55 minutes. Insurance accepted includes: Hometown Health Plan

Nevada License: #10250-C

Therapist in Reno, NV: Specialities and Expertise

  • Relationship Issues
  • Marital and Premarital
  • Life Transitions
  • Anxiety
  • Bisexual
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Grief
  • Infertility
  • Lesbian
  • LGBTQ+
  • Mood Disorders
home photo of relationship counseling therapist in reno, nv, home photo of Amanda Stewart, LCSW. July, 2024

Amanda Stewart, LCSW

EFT Therapist

Relationship Therapist in Reno

Hello, I’m Amanda Stewart, a relationship therapist in Reno. I work with couples, individuals and families. I was born and raised in Florida. However, after moving out west following graduation from college, I fell in love with this area and have made Reno my home ever since. I have been licensed as a clinical social worker and practicing therapy since 2002. I am ICEEFT Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist and supervisor for clinical social work interns. My undergraduate work was completed in 1995 at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia.

I am passionate about my work with couples, individuals and children and their families. Emotionally Focused Therapy, EFT, has been an ideal way to bring Attachment Theory to my work with all of these clients. EFT has also been a very natural fit for me as a person. It lends to compassion, openness, non-judgment, and meaningful change. It also fits our practice mission of providing a caring and effective therapy. Finally, I love having the EFT roadmap that lets me communicate clearly with my clients about where we are in the change process.

Here is a link to some of the most common questions about therapy with me.

Call 775-235-2205 to arrange a brief phone consult with me. Amanda’s session rate is $185 per 55-minutes.

Nevada License Number: 4260-C

Ages 10 years-old+

Top Specialties

  • Marital and Premarital
  • Relationship Issues

Expertise

  • Anxiety
  • Child
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Family Conflict
  • Parenting
  • Trauma and PTSD
Kim Crandell, CPC-I is a male therapist in Reno, NV, working with individuals, couples and families

Kim Crandell

Kim Crandell – Therapist in Reno

Kim Crandell is a Clinical Professional Counselor Intern dedicated to guiding individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges and transitions. Some clients have a specific preference for a male therapist in Reno, Kim can help. His expertise includes helping clients manage anxiety, loneliness, emotional stress, relationship difficulties, disconnection, and the complexities of retirement. Through personalized, client-centered care, Kim fosters healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being.

Kim integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)—a highly effective approach to relationship counseling—into his practice. For those seeking spiritual alignment, he also offers Christian faith-based support to complement clients’ personal beliefs and values.

Therapeutic Approach and Areas of Focus

Kim emphasizes the value of strong therapeutic alliances, which he believes are essential for achieving meaningful progress. By working collaboratively with clients, he helps them identify and break negative cycles, develop healthier behaviors, and foster lasting change.

He works with a diverse range of clients, including:

  • Couples navigating relational challenges
  • Adolescents and families addressing personal or family dynamics
  • Executives and professionals managing stress in high-pressure careers
  • Individuals facing personal transitions, grief, or emotional distress

Professional Experience and Collaboration

Kim brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, including serving as a hospital CEO, which gives him unique insight into the demands of executive roles. His deep understanding of leadership challenges and high-stress environments equips him to provide effective emotional support to professionals managing chronic stress.

At Relationship Counseling Associates, Kim works closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care, drawing on collaborative insights to meet clients’ unique needs.

Services Offered

Kim offers therapy to individuals aged 15 and older, with a standard session fee of $120. His services include:

  • Individual therapy
  • Couples counseling
  • Family therapy
  • Premarital counseling
  • Parenting support and guidance
  • Relationship coaching
  • Professional development

Whether clients are working through marital conflict, career stress, family dynamics, grief, or personal growth, Kim creates a safe and empathetic space for transformation and healing.

Client-Centered Care Rooted in Attachment Science

Kim’s therapeutic approach is grounded in attachment science and guided by client-centered principles. His goal is to help clients develop self-awareness, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience, empowering them to build meaningful relationships through trust, empathy, and mutual respect.

Take the Next Step

Kim invites you to take the first step toward emotional well-being and relational health by following the link to schedule a free consultation. You can also call 775-235-2205 and learn more about working with Kim. He looks forward to partnering with you on your journey toward fulfillment, personal meaning, and deeper connections.

Building Stronger Bonds for ALL Couples

gay couple in marriage LGBTQ affirming therapy at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates in Reno

At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, we proudly offer Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to all couples, including those from the LGBTQ+ community. EFT helps by focusing on strong emotional connections that everyone needs, regardless of background.

Our therapists are sensitive to the diverse experiences of each couple, ensuring that everyone feels respected and valued as they work toward a more connected and resilient relationship. Learn more about our affirming couple and marriage counseling here.

  • Impact of Marriage Difficulties on Mental Health:
    • A study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that unmarried individuals are significantly more likely to experience depression compared to their married counterparts. This highlights the mental health benefits associated with stable marital relationships.
  • Effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT):
    • An article in Psychology Today reports that 90% of couples undergoing EFT experience significant improvements in their relationships, with 70-75% moving from distress to recovery. This underscores EFT's efficacy in addressing marital difficulties.
  • Insights from The Gottman Institute:
    • Dr. John Gottman's research indicates that 69% of marital conflicts are perpetual problems, emphasizing the importance of managing rather than resolving certain conflicts. This perspective is crucial in understanding and addressing marriage difficulties.

We provide marriage counseling, relationship counseling, couples therapy, premarital counseling, singles and couples workshops. In-person and online therapy in Reno. Our offices are in Reno, NV