Beginning therapy is a meaningful step, and finding someone you feel comfortable with matters. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your relationship, or your family, Brandy believes therapy should be a place where you can be yourself, feel understood, and know you don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.

Brandy Hall is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing therapy to adults, couples, families, and parents throughout California and Nevada. She works with clients navigating relationship challenges, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, parenting, grief, and life’s many transitions.

Approach to Therapy

Brandy’s work is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an evidence-based, attachment-driven approach that helps individuals, couples, and families strengthen emotional bonds and create lasting change.

She approaches therapy with warmth, curiosity, and compassion. Brandy believes people are best understood within the context of their relationships and life experiences, and that understanding often comes before change. Rather than rushing to solutions, she works alongside clients to make sense of the experiences that have shaped them and the patterns they find themselves returning to. From that understanding, new possibilities begin to emerge.

Her work is also informed by family systems, trauma-informed care, and experiential approaches that honor each person’s story, relationships, culture, and strengths.

Areas of Focus

Brandy works with:

• Individuals
• Couples
• Families
• Parents

She commonly helps clients with:

• Relationship concerns
• Parenting and parent-child relationships
• Family conflict and communication
• Trauma and attachment injuries
• Anxiety and depression
• ADHD
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions
• Military family life
• Multicultural individuals
• Intercultural couples and families

Experience & Training

Brandy has experience providing therapy with individuals, couples, and families, including working with partners and family members participating from different locations. Because she is licensed in both California and Nevada, she is able to continue working with couples and families whose loved ones live across state lines. This can be especially valuable for military families, college students, adult children, co-parents, and families navigating transitions and working between California and Nevada.

Her advanced training includes:

• Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
• Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT)
• Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)
• Trauma assessment and treatment
• ADHD assessment and treatment
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Outside the Therapy Office

Outside of work, Brandy enjoys spending time with her family and intentionally slowing down to appreciate the relationships that matter most. Those everyday moments continue to remind her that some of the most meaningful parts of life are found in simply being present with the people we love.

Brandy considers it a privilege to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families during some of life’s most vulnerable seasons. Her hope is that when therapy comes to an end, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of yourself, stronger and more secure relationships, and the experience of feeling genuinely understood and cared for.

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Jamie Beidle, M.A, MFT-I

Jamie is Currently Accepting New Clients

Life can feel overwhelming at times. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, trauma, postpartum changes, or a major life transition, you don’t have to face it alone. I believe healing begins when we feel truly seen, understood, and emotionally safe. My goal is to provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your emotions, better understand yourself, and create meaningful, lasting change.

I work with individuals, couples, and families to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and build emotional resilience. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck in painful patterns or disconnected from themselves or the people they love. Together, we’ll slow things down, make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface, and identify the patterns that keep you feeling overwhelmed. Through greater self-awareness and practical tools, my hope is that you’ll leave therapy feeling more confident, connected, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges.

My Therapeutic Approach

My work is rooted in a collaborative, person-centered approach that recognizes each person’s strengths, resilience, and capacity for growth. I primarily utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and attachment-based interventions to help clients understand the “why” behind their emotions, behaviors, and relationship patterns. I also integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches to meet each client’s unique needs.

Whether we’re exploring relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or life transitions, my focus is on helping you gain insight into your emotional experiences, develop healthier coping strategies, and create stronger, more secure relationships with yourself and others.

My Areas of Focus

I enjoy working with adults, couples, and families experiencing:

• Anxiety and depression
• Relationship and communication challenges
• Couples counseling and attachment injuries
• Pregnancy, postpartum depression and anxiety, and adjustment to parenthood
• Trauma and unresolved childhood experiences
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions and identity development
• Self-esteem and emotional regulation
• Stress and burnout
• Medical professionals and healthcare workers

I have a particular passion for supporting women through pregnancy, the postpartum period, and the many emotional transitions that accompany motherhood. I also enjoy helping couples rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and develop deeper emotional connection through evidence-based, attachment-focused therapy.

My Background

Before becoming a therapist, I spent several years working in healthcare as an X-ray and CT Technologist. That experience provided me with a deep appreciation for the connection between physical and emotional health and strengthened my desire to support people during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and human development in 2021 and my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2024. My background in both healthcare and mental health allows me to approach each client with empathy, curiosity, and a holistic understanding of the many factors that influence emotional well-being.

What You Can Expect

I believe therapy works best when it feels collaborative, genuine, and tailored to your unique story. You don’t need to have everything figured out before your first appointment. Our initial sessions will focus on understanding what brings you to therapy, identifying your goals, and creating a plan that feels both supportive and achievable. Whether you’re working through anxiety, rebuilding your relationship, processing grief, or simply trying to better understand yourself, I will meet you with warmth, compassion, and respect every step of the way.

Clinical Supervision

I currently practice under the clinical supervision of Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW, and collaborate with the team at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates to ensure clients receive thoughtful, evidence-based care.

Outside the Therapy Office

When I’m not working with clients, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring Northern Nevada’s mountains and trails, staying active, and finding opportunities to connect with my community.

Let’s Connect

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to answer your questions, learn more about what you’re looking for, and help you determine whether we’re a good fit. I look forward to connecting with you.

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Dedicated Support for Children, Teens, and Adults in Northern Nevada

As a compassionate couple, individual, and family therapist in Reno, I provide comprehensive care for children, adolescents, and adults. Deeply rooted in the Northern Nevada community, I grew up in rural Nevada and have called Reno home for the past 20 years. I am dedicated to providing high-quality therapy for individuals and families navigating life’s complex transitions.

I have extensive experience working with a highly diverse client population. In particular, I bring a specialized, foundational background as a forensic social worker, offering expert, non-judgmental support to individuals and families whose lives have been structurally impacted by incarceration or legal involvement.

Therapeutic Approach & Philosophy

I believe that a safe, healing environment begins with an empathic, collaborative relationship. Remaining deeply emotionally present, I adapt my style to the unique individual and relational needs of everyone I sit with. My practice is built on a person-centered, strength-based approach, ensuring you feel fully seen, valued, and empowered as a partner in your own growth.

From a professional perspective, I recognize that meaningful change requires an integrative focus. I look at how motivation, cognition, behavior, and interaction all intersect to shape our lives. Clients appreciate my straightforward, down-to-earth approach combined with an unwavering commitment to utilizing evidence-based modalities.

What to Expect in Sessions with Me

Whether you are navigating individual challenges or working through complex family dynamics, you can expect a transparent, supportive, and active therapeutic process. I work to uncover systemic patterns that may be keeping families stuck, helping communication flow more smoothly between parents, children, and partners.

In our sessions, I focus heavily on identifying existing strengths to build resilience. I offer a steady, grounded presence while introducing practical behavioral skills and insights designed to break stressful cycles, rebuild trust, and foster deeper emotional connection across generations.

Advanced Specializations & Trainings

I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Nevada, Reno. As a Clinical Social Work Intern (CSW-I), my postgraduate care is enhanced by intensive team collaboration and advanced training, including:

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Advanced Externship for couples and relational dynamics.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Specialized skills training, including DBT for Adolescents and Families (DBT-A).
• Reunification Therapy: Supporting families navigating complex transitions and rebuilding vital connections.

Beyond the Therapy Room

When I am not in the office, I am a passionate baseball fan and love cheering on my favorite teams.

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.
• Gina Bemis: Supporting adults, teens, children, and couples. Gina blends EFT and EMDR to help clients navigate trauma, grief, and family conflict to find lasting balance.
• 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.

Learn more about our Therapists in Reno.

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Because Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is backed by decades of rigorous clinical research and is widely considered the gold standard for repairing relationship distress, your decision is built on a solid foundation. Unlike traditional approaches that merely offer communication worksheets or act as a referee for weekly arguments, EFT goes straight to the root of connection: rewiring the patterns that dictate emotional safety and attachment security.  

However, recognizing the power of the EFT model is only the first step. For prospective clients, the next challenge is navigating the professional landscape to ensure the therapist you choose actually possesses the depth of training your relationship deserves.  

EFT Training is Rigorous and High-Quality  

Because EFT is highly effective, the letters “EFT” appear on many general therapist directories. But it is important to know that there is a vast difference between a generalist clinician who has watched an online presentation and a therapist who has committed to a structured, multi-year developmental path.  

Navigating General Therapist Directories

This gap in training happens because of how massive, self-reported therapist directories work. On those sites, “Emotionally Focused Therapy” is just a checkbox. Because there is no verification system, any well-meaning therapist who attended a brief weekend webinar or simply uses a “warm style” can check that box in good faith. However, they may completely lack the rigorous, advanced training required to actually navigate intense relationship distress.

For couples in crisis, this distinction matters immensely. Therapy is a major investment of your time, money, and vulnerability. If a clinician hasn’t been trained to track and untangle the specific emotional loops that keep couples stuck, partners often leave therapy feeling defeated—mistakenly believing that the EFT model itself doesn’t work.

We highlight these training differences to protect your care and remove the guesswork. When you are looking for specialized relationship support, you deserve to know exactly what stands behind a checkbox. A trained EFT specialist will always be completely transparent about their specific training milestones, giving you total confidence that your relationship is in expert hands.

True fluency in navigating deep-seated, reactive relationship loops requires an investment in focused, specialized training. The benchmark for this training path is governed internationally by the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).  

When you are reviewing a professional’s qualifications, know that the official ICEEFT sequence involves:

1. The Externship: A foundational, four-day intensive immersion into the core theory and tracking maps of the model.
2. Core Skills Advancement: A multi-month, small-group program requiring clinicians to bring real, masked session recordings into peer groups for intensive intervention review.
3. Supervised Consultation: One-on-one consultation with a Certified Supervisor to sharpen attunement, precision, and safety.

Why Direct Certified Supervision Matters for You  

When you choose a professional to help heal your relationship, you shouldn’t have to wonder if they are operating entirely in a vacuum or guessing their way through a complex session.  

Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates functions under a unique structure for the Northern Nevada region. The practice director, Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW, is an ICEEFT Certified Supervisor. This means that the highest tier of credentialing, video review, and case conceptualization established by the international community are a regular part of the practice’s operations.  

Whether a provider on staff is a fully licensed clinician or a post-graduate associate accumulating advanced specialization hours, the entire clinical team participates in intensive weekly clinical supervision and consultation under direct, certified guidance. Individual backgrounds and training milestones can be reviewed on the Meet Our Team page.  

Why This Builds Reassurance for Your Care  

When you step into an office with any therapist at the practice, you are receiving a highly collaborative form of care:  

• A Team Approach: The therapist isn’t managing the relationship dynamic alone. They are backed by weekly case-planning sessions directed by a certified supervisor.  
• Consistent, Focused Care: Because the entire staff works under the exact same attachment-focused umbrella, post-graduate interns and associates provide elite, highly focused interventions that rival many generalist practitioners.  
• Treatment that is On Track: Every step of the therapeutic journey is reviewed for clinical precision, ensuring your time and financial investment stay sharply aligned with relationship goals.  

Improving Your Search

If you are interviewing providers, you always have the right to ask clear questions about their training. A dedicated specialist will welcome them with total transparency:

1. “Have you completed an official, four-day ICEEFT Externship?”
2. “Do you participate in weekly clinical supervision specific to the EFT model?”
3. “Is your practice guided or supervised directly by a Certified EFT Supervisor?”

By making sure the therapist you choose to work with meets these standards, you remove the guesswork from your care. You ensure that the model you have chosen is delivered with the precision and depth required for lasting safety and connection right here in Northern Nevada.  

If you are ready to see how a structured approach can help break old cycles, you can learn more about how to start therapy in Reno, or reach out to the practice Care Coordinator, Tammy to set up a no-cost consultation call.

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But there is another side to the story. Many parents and grandparents find themselves cut off, feeling confused and heartbroken. They aren’t always villains; often, they simply don’t understand what went wrong.

In our current culture, the pendulum has swung from “stay at all costs” to “cut them off if it hurts.” While this shift has helped many escape abuse, it has also oversimplified complex human relationships.

The Problem with the “Toxic” Label

The word toxic is everywhere. Sometimes it’s accurate—describing relationships defined by abuse or coercion. In those cases, distance is life-saving. However, the label is increasingly used to describe:

• Emotional immaturity or poor communication.
• Generational trauma playing out in reactive ways.
• Attachment injuries where both sides feel like the victim.

When we label every painful interaction as “toxic,” we lose the ability to distinguish between danger and dysregulation. One requires an exit; the other might require a different kind of boundary or repair.

It’s Usually About Fear, Not Malice

Attachment research shows that most family conflict is driven by two deep fears: the fear of being abandoned and the fear of being inadequate. When these fears are triggered, we move into survival mode:

• The Pursuer: Attempts to secure connection through control, criticism, or emotional intensity (which can feel like an attack).
• The Withdrawer: Attempts to protect themselves through silence, denial, or distance (which can feel like coldness).

Over time, these “protection strategies” become a cycle. Parents may defend against the shame of failing, while adult children protect themselves from repeated hurt. Neither side intended to destroy the bond, but neither knows how to stop the bleeding.

How I Work With Families: An Attachment Lens

As an EFFT (Emotionally Focused Family Therapy) therapist, I view estrangement not as a simple moral judgment, but as a painful attachment rupture. In my practice, the central question isn’t “Who is right?” but rather: “What happened to the safety and accessibility in this relationship?”

Estrangement often begins as a protest—a desperate demand to be seen or heard. When those protests fail, they harden into a decision that needing the relationship is simply too risky. My work involves slowing down these reactive cycles so family members can finally name the fears underneath the conflict.

Whether we are working toward reconciliation or processing the grief of a permanent cutoff, the goal is clarity. We focus on moving past the “villain/victim” narrative to understand the underlying injuries. This allows for a path forward that is based on grounded reality rather than reactive pain or unresolved shame.

Finding the Middle Ground

Choosing distance isn’t a “failure,” but it doesn’t have to be the only option for growth. A more nuanced approach allows us to:

1. Protect safety and name harm clearly.
2. Acknowledge the nuance of generational trauma.
3. Distinguish between “bad people” and “bad tools.”

Where This Leaves Us

A trauma-informed approach to estrangement is not “stay no matter what,” nor is it “leave at the first sign of pain.” It is about protecting safety while respecting the messy reality of human connection.

Most people do not wake up intending to damage their family; they are reacting to old wounds using strategies formed long before they had better options. This doesn’t make the behavior harmless, but it changes what healing requires.

Our task is to resist simple narratives. Whether the path forward leads to reconciliation, firm boundaries, or a final goodbye, we owe it to ourselves to move toward a conclusion that is honest, patient, and grounded in reality.

Family-Focused Therapy for Individuals

While estrangement is a family dynamic, the weight of it is carried by the individual. Navigating a “cutoff” often triggers deep-seated anxiety, grief, or a questioning of one’s own identity. This is where individual therapy in Reno can be a transformative resource. Rather than focusing on “fixing” the other person, individual sessions provide a dedicated space to process your own attachment wounds, establish healthy boundaries, and reclaim your sense of peace. Whether you are seeking a therapist in Reno to help navigate the fallout of a family rift or to work through the trauma that led to it, focusing on your own internal healing is often the most vital step toward a resolution.

Moving Toward Clarity

If you are navigating the pain of family estrangement—whether you are the one who initiated the distance or the one left behind—you don’t have to carry the weight of “simple” labels alone. Healing begins when we look honestly at the patterns and the pain beneath them.

If you are in the Reno area and would like a safe, structured space to explore these dynamics, I am here to help. You can learn more about my approach to family therapy or reach out to schedule an initial conversation.

The post Family Estrangement: Why “Toxic” Isn’t Usually the Whole Story appeared first on Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, Reno - Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW.

In this guide, I’ll break down 7 critical red flags that suggest your partnership needs the specialized support of couple counseling & marriage therapy. Recognizing these signs early allows you to move from “roommate mode” back into a deep, connected relationship. If you recognize these signs, speaking with a specialist can help. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

7 Signs Your Relationship May Be in Trouble

1. Diminished Priority on Quality Time Together

In the early stages of a relationship, the thrill of spending quality time together is often incomparable. However, if you find yourselves gradually drifting apart due to other commitments or distractions, it’s worth taking a closer look at the health of your relationship. To be clear, life has a way of keeping us busy, but a consistent decline in the time spent together could be an indication of fading interest in nurturing your bond. That said, it’s crucial to differentiate between evolving priorities and emotional detachment.

2. Communication Becomes Stagnant or Scarce

Effective communication is the lifeblood of a thriving relationship. When your conversations start feeling repetitive, mundane, or infrequent, it may be a sign of diminishing emotional intimacy and connection.

3. Negative and Minimal Communication

Meaningful communication should uplift and strengthen your relationship. If your interactions are marred by negativity, frequent arguments, or criticism, it can slowly erode the trust and harmony in your partnership.

4. Conflict Breeds Resentment Instead of Resolution

When disagreements persist without resolution, they turn into “attachment injuries.” Instead of just arguing about the dishes, you’re arguing about whether your partner is there for you. This is where Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is incredibly effective—it helps you get underneath the anger to the core needs that aren’t being met.

5. One Partner Voices Concerns

Often, one partner may sense trouble in the relationship before the other. If your partner expresses concerns or dissatisfaction, it’s crucial to take their feelings seriously and initiate an open and honest conversation. This is another factor in answering, “should we do relationship counseling now?” If you aren’t sure if your partner is ready, starting with individual therapy in Reno can help you gain the clarity needed to move forward.”

6. One Partner Shows Reluctance to Listen

Effective communication involves active listening from both partners. When one partner consistently dismisses the other’s thoughts and feelings without a willingness to engage, it can lead to frustration and emotional distance.

7. Criticism of Differences Instead of Embracing Them

If you find yourself constantly criticizing your partner’s personality rather than their behavior, there may be deeper individual stressors at play. Sometimes, the best way to show up for your marriage is to spend time in individual counseling to understand your own triggers and reactive patterns.

Conclusion

Healthy relationships require nurturing, communication, and mutual effort. Determining whether you should do relationship counseling isn’t always easy. Recognizing these warning signs that your relationship might be encountering challenges is the first step toward addressing any underlying issues and rekindling the flame of love. If you identify with any of these signs, consider seeking professional guidance and at the least, engaging in a sincere conversation with your partner about your concerns. Relationship counseling like EFT can get you back on the path of connection. Remember, with dedication and mutual support, many relationships can overcome obstacles and emerge stronger than ever before!

About Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW

Cornelius Sheehan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates in Reno, NV. He specializes in individual, couple, and family therapy, utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help clients move from distress to deep connection. Whether you are navigating personal growth, marital conflict, or family transitions, Cornelius provides a grounded, research and evidence-based approach to healing. Learn more or schedule a consultation.

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Healing Begins with Safety

Human beings are wired for connection. From infancy to adulthood, our nervous systems depend on the presence of safe, responsive others to regulate emotion and build a sense of stability. When we feel securely connected—when someone really sees us, listens, and stays with us through difficult emotions—our bodies begin to relax. That’s when healing starts.

In therapy, that sense of safety is foundational. A secure therapeutic relationship allows people to bring forward the parts of themselves they’ve long kept hidden. Over time, this emotional safety teaches the brain and body that it’s okay to be fully known. From there, authentic self-acceptance can begin to take root.

Connection, Not Perfection

Many people enter therapy thinking healing means “fixing” what’s wrong. But emotional health doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from connection. In the presence of a compassionate other, pain can be met with understanding instead of judgment. When that happens, shame begins to lose its grip.

In a secure relationship—whether in therapy or at home—we learn something life-changing: I can be fully myself and still be loved. That realization transforms not just how we see others, but how we see ourselves.

From Self-Protection to Self-Compassion

When we’ve been hurt or disappointed by others, self-protection often feels like survival. We withdraw, shut down, or stay busy to avoid pain. But when we begin to experience emotional safety, those protective patterns can finally soften. Instead of staying guarded, we can risk being seen—and that vulnerability becomes the doorway to growth.

In a secure relationship, acceptance comes first, and change follows naturally. As trust deepens, self-compassion replaces self-criticism. We begin to sense that our feelings make sense, that our needs are human, and that we are worthy of care.

A Secure Base for Healing

Healing and self-acceptance unfold within the safety of connection. That’s why therapy rooted in attachment and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) places so much emphasis on creating secure bonds. When we feel emotionally safe—with our partner, family, or therapist—we’re no longer alone in our struggles. We can face what hurts, integrate what’s been avoided, and start to live from a more centered, authentic place.

If you’re seeking therapy in Reno to better understand yourself, your emotions, or your relationships, you don’t have to do it alone. Together, we can build the kind of secure foundation that helps healing take hold. Call us for a free consultation at 775-235-2205.

About Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW

Cornelius Sheehan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates in Reno, NV. He specializes in individual, couple, and family therapy, utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help clients move from distress to deep connection. Whether you are navigating personal growth, marital conflict, or family transitions, Cornelius provides a grounded, evidence-based approach to healing. Learn more or schedule a consultation.

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Hi, I’m Amy Aranda, a clinical social work intern at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates. With over 7 years of experience in the mental health field—including extensive experience in community health and wellness—I am a compassionate therapist in Reno dedicated to helping adult individuals and couples build the secure connections they need to live with greater ease and fulfillment.

I understand that when your most important relationships feel strained, every part of life feels heavier. I am passionate about helping both individuals and couples move past the ‘stuck’ patterns of conflict and disconnection. Together, we will work to restore clarity, balance, and connection, giving you the tools to navigate life’s challenges with a renewed sense of security and partnership.

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 couples and therapist for individuals, which means I focus on strengthening the bonds that help us feel secure, connected, and resilient.

By using the science of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we look past the surface-level arguments to find the emotional safety that allows a relationship to truly thrive.

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.

A note from Cornelius:

Amy has a warm, easy presence that helps people feel comfortable sharing what’s difficult to put into words. She pays close attention to what clients are experiencing and responds in a way that helps them feel understood, while also helping them sort through things and begin to move 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 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.

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 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.
• 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.

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Introduction:

I read a forum post recently where the author was gathering opinions about, “does marriage counseling work?” My internal voice was, “well of course it does!!” But this isn’t always true: it depends on a number of factors. In this article I’m speaking to couples who are wondering whether marriage counseling works, and perhaps more importantly, whether it will make things worse. After all, if things are bad then at least doing nothing isn’t likely to make them worse, right? This is why I said, “it depends” in the subtitle.

In my years as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, I’ve had the privilege of guiding many couples through meaningful change and growth in their relationships. I’ve seen many couples reconnect and rediscover love and trust with EFT. However, I’ve also encountered situations where well-intentioned therapeutic interventions had inadvertently made existing challenges worse. Here’s an example:

I recall one couple, I’ll call them Sarah and Mark, who sought my help after months of behavioral-based couples therapy. They were nearing the end of their rope, their communication patterns mired in blame and defensiveness. Mark felt unheard and unaccepted, while Sarah felt unimportant, like she didn’t matter to Mark the way she had earlier in their relationship. Their previous therapist (8-sessions) had focused on instructing them regarding communication techniques, but this only seemed to intensify their conflicts. Each new “technique” became another tool for discord. Conflict began to center around who was at fault for not following the therapist’s instruction. They were feeling hopeless when I met them. They were also feeling sort of, “like a couple of frauds,” as they put it, because friends and acquaintances considered them an ideal couple.

Sarah and Mark’s experience is unfortunately not uncommon. Many couples enter therapy seeking support, only to find themselves feeling more disconnected and discouraged. Our local Reno therapists, Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, understand this potential risk.

The Challenges of Traditional Marriage Therapy

Often, traditional marriage counseling can become mired in continually identifying problems and assigning blame. As Sue Johnson, the pioneer of EFT, aptly observes, “Many couples come to therapy talking about communication problems when what they really need is help with the underlying emotions driving those problems.” (1)

Instead of fostering understanding and connection, this approach can leave couples feeling increasingly isolated and misunderstood. John Gottman, a leading researcher on marital stability, echoes this concern: “Most couples therapy focuses on changing behaviors, but what really needs to change is the emotional connection.” (2)

Specific challenges of traditional couples therapy models include:

1. The Blame Cycle: Some approaches inadvertently encourage partners to focus on each other’s perceived flaws, fostering criticism and defensiveness, which can further erode their bond.
2. Surface or Content-Level Focus: Traditional therapy may get caught up in the content of arguments, overlooking the deeper emotional needs fueling those conflicts. This is akin to addressing symptoms while neglecting the underlying cause.
3. Neglecting Attachment Needs: Humans have an innate need for connection. When these needs are unmet, we often react with fear, anger, or insecurity. Traditional therapy may not always address these fundamental needs, leaving couples feeling alone and unsupported.
4. One-Size-Fits-All Solutions: Many therapists rely on standardized techniques and interventions that may not resonate with the unique dynamics of each couple. This can lead to frustration and a sense of being misunderstood.

Does Marriage Counseling Work? EFT: A Path to Emotional Safety and Connection

We do Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and it offers a different path. It recognizes that conflict is often a cry for connection, a desperate attempt to get our partner’s attention and feel loved and secure. In simple terms, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples is a roadmap to understanding and healing the emotional wounds that cause conflict in your relationship. Learn more about couples therapy with us.

EFT guides couples through a process of:

• Uncovering Hidden Emotions: EFT helps you and your partner identify and express the deeper emotions that are often hidden beneath the surface of your arguments. These emotions might be fear, hurt, loneliness, or feeling unloved. Once these emotions are out in the open, you can start to make sense of them and address them.
• Creating a Safe Space: Your therapist will create a safe and supportive space where both of you can feel comfortable sharing your emotions without fear of judgment or criticism. This safe space is crucial for healing and building trust.
• Understanding Your “Dance”: EFT therapists help you recognize the negative patterns or “dances” you get stuck in during conflicts. These patterns often involve one person pursuing connection and the other withdrawing. Understanding this dance helps you break free from it.
• Changing Your Steps: With the therapist’s guidance, you’ll learn new ways to respond to each other’s emotional needs. This involves expressing your own needs more clearly and responding to your partner’s needs with empathy and understanding.
• Building a Stronger Bond: As you learn to communicate more openly and connect on a deeper emotional level, you’ll start to feel closer and more secure in your relationship. Trust and intimacy will grow, and you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges together.

Does Marriage Counseling Work? Only if it gets to the root of distress!

Think of EFT like learning a new language – the language of emotions. Instead of speaking in accusations and criticisms, you’ll learn to express your needs and feelings in a way that your partner can understand and respond to. This new way of communicating can transform your relationship from a battleground into a safe haven.

It takes time and effort to change deeply ingrained patterns. I saw this positive change unfold with Sarah and Mark. As we delved into their deeper emotions, they began to understand the pain and fear that fueled their conflicts. Mark realized that Sarah’s criticism stemmed from a fear of abandonment, while Sarah recognized that Mark’s withdrawal was a way of protecting himself from feeling hurt. As they learned to express their needs more vulnerably and respond with compassion, their relationship began to heal.

Very importantly, when Sarah and Mark found themselves stuck in their negative pattern at home, they had a strategy. They were able to slow things down and realize they were bogged down. This gave them an opportunity to regroup and talk in more emotionally vulnerable terms. Specifically, to describe how their respective criticism and defensiveness were reactions to feeling disconnected and misunderstood.

Conclusion:

Does marriage counseling work? Couples therapy can be a valuable tool for healing and growth, but only when it addresses the root of the problem: the emotional disconnection that drives conflict. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), as offered by practices like Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates in Reno, offers a roadmap for couples to navigate their emotional landscape, heal old wounds, and create a more secure and loving relationship. If you’re considering couples therapy, choose wisely. Your relationship is worth it.

Citations:

(1) Johnson, S. M. (2004). The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection. Brunner-Routledge. (2) Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Harmony.

About Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW

Cornelius Sheehanis a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder ofIndividual & Relationship Counseling Associatesin Reno, NV. He specializes in individual, couple, and family therapy, utilizingEmotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)to help clients move from distress to deep connection. Whether you are navigating personal growth, marital conflict, or family transitions, Cornelius provides a grounded, evidence-based approach to healing.Learn moreorschedule a consultation.

The post When Marriage Counseling Makes Things Worse: Why Some Approaches Fail—and How EFT Gets It Right appeared first on Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, Reno - Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW.

This article offers a clear, practical overview of how couples therapy—especially Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)—can help you reconnect, communicate more effectively, and move forward with greater confidence.

Expect Respect and Care for Your Values

Very importantly, you will be met with respect for your personal and shared views and values.

Our therapists are experienced in helping couples reach toward one another in a more open, connected way. At the same time, we remain grounded in the understanding that you are the expert on your relationship and what you want for it.

In that sense, we function as highly trained guides—helping you move toward your goals without telling you what decisions to make.

You should never feel judged or “ganged up on.” We pay close attention to how each of you experiences the process, and we adjust when needed to ensure both partners feel understood and supported.

What Is Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples?

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is grounded in the science of attachment—how we bond with one another and what happens when those bonds are strained or disrupted.

If you’d like a deeper explanation, you can learn more about Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy here.

For those looking for a concentrated experience, our Couples Retreat in Reno offers a weekend intensive format.

At a practical level, EFT focuses on helping couples:

• Feel safer and more supported with each other
• Communicate more openly and honestly
• Build a stronger, more secure foundation for the relationship

Rather than focusing only on surface communication, EFT helps you understand why certain reactions happen—especially in moments of disconnection—and how to respond in ways that bring you closer instead of further apart.

Over time, partners begin to experience their importance to one another more clearly, and that shift often changes the tone of the entire relationship.

Three Phases of Work in EFT

• PHASE ONE: Understanding the recurrent patterns that cause distance or conflict. We call this phase, “de-escalation.”
• PHASE TWO: Rebuilding the emotional bond by fostering clear two-way communication of longings, fears and pain spots.
• PHASE THREE: Consolidate these changes by applying them to past difficulties and future scenarios.

What Actually Happens in a Couples Therapy Session?

In your first session, we’ll talk about what brought you in and what you hope will change.

There’s no “right” way to begin. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance.

By the end of that first meeting, you can expect:

• A clearer understanding of how we see the challenges
• A general roadmap for the work ahead
• A sense of whether this approach feels like a good fit

Ready to see how this works for your relationship? Schedule a consultation in Reno today.

What Ongoing Sessions Typically Look Like

Couples therapy follows a clear direction, but the process unfolds naturally in conversation.

Here’s what we focus on:

Identifying Relationship Patterns
We work together to understand the cycles that lead to conflict or distance. This helps shift the focus away from blame and toward the pattern itself.

Practicing New Ways of Communicating
You’ll begin to have different kinds of conversations—often with guidance in the moment—so you can express what matters more clearly and hear each other more fully.

Developing a Stronger Emotional Connection
As the work progresses, conversations become more open and direct, helping both partners feel more secure and connected.

Feeling ready to talk? View our therapist’s availability in Reno and book online.

Step-by-Step: How the Process Unfolds

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) in Reno is a structured, collaborative process aimed at strengthening your emotional bond.

Understanding Your Relationship Patterns
We identify the recurring cycles—conflict, withdrawal, miscommunication—that keep you stuck, and begin to see them as a shared challenge.

Exploring the Emotions Beneath the Conflict
You’ll have the opportunity to express deeper feelings that often go unspoken—such as hurt, fear, or longing for closeness—in a way that can be heard and understood.

Rebuilding Trust and Security
With support, you’ll begin turning toward each other differently—responding with more openness, reassurance, and care.

Creating New Patterns of Connection
Over time, you develop more reliable ways of staying connected and working through challenges together.

For more detail about how sessions are structured, you can explore our page about couples therapy here.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Each couple’s situation is different, but many begin to notice meaningful shifts within the first few sessions.

In our experience:

• Noticeable changes often begin within 4–10 sessions
• A full course of therapy is typically around 18–24 sessions
• Some couples continue periodic sessions to maintain progress and work through future challenges

The most important indicator is not the number of sessions, but whether the relationship begins to feel different—more open, more responsive, and more secure.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to explore how EFT in Reno can help, you can go here to get started.

Taking this step can feel like a lot. From your first contact with Tammy, our Care Coordinator, we work to make the process clear and manageable.

You can call us at 775-235-2205

What actually happens in the first couples therapy session?

In your first session at our Reno office, we focus on understanding the “cycle” of your conflict rather than choosing sides. You’ll discuss what brought you in, and by the end of the hour, we will provide a roadmap for how Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can help you reconnect. There is no need to prepare; just come as you are.

How many sessions will we need before we see progress?

While every relationship is unique, many couples in our practice begin to feel a shift in their communication within 4 to 10 sessions. A full course of EFT, which aims for long-term emotional security and structural change in the relationship, typically spans 18 to 24 sessions.

Will the therapist take sides or tell us if we should stay together?

No. As therapists, we function as guides, not judges. Our role is to help you understand your relationship’s patterns so you can make informed decisions. We work hard to ensure neither partner feels “ganged up on,” maintaining a neutral, supportive environment for both of you.

Do you accept insurance for couples counseling in Reno?

We are a Hometown Health Plan provider and can work with various insurance structures. We recommend contacting our Care Coordinator, Tammy, to verify your specific coverage and understand your investment before your first session.

What if my partner is reluctant to attend therapy?

It is very common for one partner to feel more hesitant than the other. We suggest starting with just one “consultation” session to see if the environment feels safe and respectful. Often, when partners realize the focus is on the pattern rather than their faults, the reluctance decreases.

Moving forward with therapy is a meaningful investment in your relationship. We’re here to help you make that step with clarity and confidence.

The post Starting Couples Therapy? What to Expect in Your First Sessions appeared first on Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, Reno - Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW.