Relationship Issues: Loneliness, Healing, Starting Again

Difficulty creating or maintaining healthy relationships is one of the most common reasons individuals seek the help of a therapist. At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, our therapists have the training to help you foster healthy connections. Our relationship counseling for individuals in Reno offers a safe and supportive space to navigate challenges and grow in a way that helps you feel more confident and hopeful about relationship!

father outdoors with baby is getting counseling help for relationship issues in Reno NV

Common Goals of Treatment for Relationship Issues

Overcoming Loneliness

Gain support and strategies to manage feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Emotional Relief

Address the emotional overload that relationships can sometimes cause, finding ways to rejuvenate.

Building Trust

Learn how to trust again after past experiences have made you wary.

Healing from Trauma

Address past traumas that are impacting your current relationships.

Healthy Relationship Skills

Learn strategies for building and maintaining healthy relationships.

Conflict Resolution

Develop strategies for managing conflicts and fostering healthy compromises.

Help for Relationship Issues

Struggling with relationship issues can feel isolating and exhausting. Whether it's difficulty communicating, ongoing conflicts, or feeling disconnected from your partner, these struggles can deeply affect your well-being. At the bottom of this page we've referenced some of the effects of relationship difficulties.

Understanding Your Relationship Challenges

When relationship issues arise, they often bring up feelings of frustration, sadness, or even hopelessness. Through individual therapy, you can explore the roots of these challenges—whether they're connected to past experiences, current relationship dynamics, or unmet needs. By addressing these underlying factors, we can help you create healthier and more fulfilling interactions. Our individual therapy for relationship issues focuses on understanding and improving the patterns that are keeping you stuck.

Learn more here about the individual therapy we do.

Improving Communication and Connection

One of the most common struggles in relationships is communication breakdown. Therapy helps you develop skills to express yourself more effectively and to listen with empathy. By enhancing your ability to communicate, you can create a stronger connection with your partner and reduce misunderstandings.

Healing Through Self-Awareness

Sometimes, relationship challenges are linked to patterns we may not be fully aware of. Individual therapy helps you recognize these patterns and understand how they impact your interactions. With increased self-awareness, you can make intentional changes that lead to more positive and supportive relationships.

Gaining Tools for Conflict Resolution

Conflict is a natural part of relationships, but it doesn't have to be destructive. In therapy, you'll learn constructive ways to manage and resolve conflicts. These tools can help you turn arguments into opportunities for growth and deepen your emotional bond with your partner. Your goal may be to have more peaceful relationship with non-romantic partners as well: we can help.

Strengthening Relationships by Working on Yourself

By working on your own emotional well-being, you positively influence your relationship. Individual therapy can empower you to show up differently in your interactions, fostering a healthier environment for both you and your partner. Often, the changes one person makes can inspire growth in the other, leading to more meaningful and connected relationships.

Ready to Address Your Relationship Issues?

If you're facing relationship difficulties, you don't have to navigate them alone. Individual therapy offers a supportive space to work through the obstacles in your relationships, helping you to build healthier and more satisfying connections.

You can schedule a free consultation with one of our therapists here. The will help you determine the best course forward. You can also call us at 775-235-2205.

Meet Our Team: Highly qualified, non-judgmental and compassionate therapists. Warm and responsive office staff. 

Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW is a therapist and founder / director of therapy in Reno, NV practice: Emotional & Relationship Health Associates. Reno, NV Specialist in Couple counseling
Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW
Director / Therapist

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. I am certified as an Emotionally Focused Therapist and Supervisor.

I use primarily EFT in my work with couples, individuals, and families. I appreciate its effectiveness, research-based approach, and strong theoretical foundation. A few years ago, I started Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates in Reno, NV.

I have had the privilege of helping hundreds of couples and families repair ruptures and connect again. I have helped many people become more self-aware and accepting. I support 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:

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. 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

home photo of relationship counseling therapist in reno, nv, home photo of Amanda Stewart, LCSW. July, 2024
Amanda Stewart, LCSW
Therapist / Clinical Lead

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
therapists in reno, most recent photo of Helen Going, LCSW July, 2024. Relationship Counseling Associates
Helen Going, LCSW
Therapist

Helen Going, LCSW

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

I’m 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

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.ationship Therapist in Reno

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
Hillary Harris, CPC-I, therapist in Reno, NV at Emotional & Relationship Health Counseling Associates. Christian counselor. July, 2024 photo
Hillary Harris, M.A.
CPC-I, NCC

Hillary Harris

Meet Hillary Harris

Hi, I’m Hillary Harris, a Clinical Professional Counselor Intern, therapist in Reno. Additionally, for those specifically searching for a Christian therapist in Reno, I am also comfortable incorporating Christian faith-based principles to support the client’s personal values and belief.

Whether you’re experiencing loneliness, misunderstanding, disconnection or unhealed wounds, I can help. I have specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a gold-standard for relationship counseling. I also do attachment-based EFT for individuals (EFIT).

Research consistently shows that a strong therapeutic relationship, also called the therapeutic alliance, is vital for successful treatment. My goal is to create a supportive and collaborative environment where we can build emotional and relationship resilience. Using my specialized training, I help clients identify and disrupt negative cycles to foster lasting change. I’m passionate about working with couples, first responders, military personnel, those experiencing relationship loss, and individuals with PTSD. Additionally, I am part of a highly-collaborative team and do regular case consultation with our Clinical Director, Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW.

My military experience gives me insight into the unique challenges of high-stress jobs with chronic exposure to intense content.

At Individual and Relationship Counseling Associates, our team provides attentive and personalized support. If you’re searching for a therapist in Reno, call us. We can discuss our approach and see if we’re the right fit. We offer a free consultation.

My standard session fee is $120. Our team is here to help you navigate your challenges and support your healing and growth. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. This is your first step towards improving your emotional wellbeing and relationship health. I look forward to supporting you on the path of self-awareness, self-acceptance, joy, and meaning.

Ages 18-years+

Hillary Harris Specialties and Expertise

Hillary’s Top Specialties

  • Relationship Issues
  • Trauma and PTSD

Expertise

Veterans

Addiction

Anxiety

Codependency

Depression

Divorce

Family Conflict

First Responders

Grief

Life Transitions

Marital and Premarital

Spirituality

Stress

Kim Crandell, CPC-I is a male therapist in Reno, NV, working with individuals, couples and families
Kim Crandell, M.A.
CPC-I / Therapist

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.

July, 2024 relationship counseling reno home photo of Tammy Sheehan, client care coordinator for therapy in reno, nv. Administrative Lead for EFT marriage couple counseling reno, nv.
Tammy Sheehan
Care Coordinator

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.

Some Consequences of Ongoing Relationship Issues

  1. Mental Health Challenges: Relationship issues are closely linked to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Strained relationships can lead to a sense of hopelessness, emotional exhaustion, and feelings of loneliness, which increase susceptibility to mental health conditions.
    • Source: Whisman, M. A. (2007). Marital distress and DSM-IV psychiatric disorders in a population-based national survey. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 116(3), 638-643. doi: 10.1037/0021-843X.116.3.638
  2. Physical Health Problems: Poor relationship quality has also been associated with physical health problems, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, weakened immune function, and sleep disturbances. Chronic stress from relationship conflicts can contribute to these physical health challenges.
    • Source: Robles, T. F., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2003). The physiology of marriage: Pathways to health. Physiology & Behavior, 79(3), 409-416. doi: 10.1016/S0031-9384(03)00160-4
  3. Attachment Insecurity: Relationship issues often reinforce or exacerbate insecure attachment styles. Individuals with unresolved relationship problems may experience heightened attachment anxiety or avoidance, which can affect their ability to form healthy future relationships.
    • Source: Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2016). Attachment in adulthood: Structure, dynamics, and change. The Guilford Press.
  4. Lower Life Satisfaction: Relationship dissatisfaction is a significant predictor of lower overall life satisfaction. When core relationships are in distress, individuals often report a diminished sense of purpose, satisfaction, and well-being.
    • Source: Diener, E., & Seligman, M. E. (2002). Very happy people. Psychological Science, 13(1), 81-84. doi: 10.1111/1467-9280.00415
  5. Social Isolation: Chronic relationship issues can lead individuals to withdraw from social connections. As a result, social isolation and loneliness are common outcomes of unresolved relationship problems, which can further worsen mental health and well-being.
    • Source: Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness matters: A theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 40(2), 218-227. doi: 10.1007/s12160-010-9210-8

Get Started with Help for Relationship Issues

Contact us to schedule an appointment or free consultation

Get Help for Relationship Issues