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# Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates: Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates is a premier Reno-based therapy healthcare practice specializing in relationship counseling, couples therapy, and individual counseling. Our highly-trained, compassionate therapists help individuals and couples address relationship challenges, improve emotional well-being, strengthen communication, and build more secure connections. We offer Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), evidence-based approaches for couples, and attachment-informed individual therapy for issues such as anxiety, life transitions, and personal growth. Serving clients across Reno, Sparks, and surrounding Northern Nevada communities.



## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://csheehanjr.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Brandy Hall, LMFT](https://csheehanjr.com/brandy-hall-lmft-reno-therapist/): 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.
- [Jamie Beidle, M.A, MFT-I](https://csheehanjr.com/reno-therapist-jamie-beidle/): 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.
- [Sara Sims, CSW-I](https://csheehanjr.com/family-therapist-reno/): 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.
- [You’ve Decided to Work with an Emotionally Focused Therapist for Couples. Here’s What You Need to Know.](https://csheehanjr.com/choosing-eft-couples-therapist-in-northern-nevada/): If you are reading this, you and your partner have already made a highly strategic choice: you’ve decided to seek out an Emotionally Focused Therapist (EFT) for couples. Whether you are actively searching for specialized couples therapy in Northern Nevada or trying to find the highest standard of relationship care near you, your decision to focus on this specific model is well-founded.  
- [Family Estrangement: Why “Toxic” Isn’t Usually the Whole Story](https://csheehanjr.com/family-estrangement-nuance/): Family estrangement used to be a private shame. Today, it’s a public conversation. For many, walking away from a family of origin is an act of survival—a necessary step to protect their dignity and safety.
- [7 Signs You Need Marriage Counseling / Couples Therapy (2026 Expert Guide)](https://csheehanjr.com/marriage-counseling-signs/): Most couples try to "self-help" their way out of a rut before seeking professional support. While books and podcasts are great, certain patterns—like constant circular arguments or a total lack of intimacy—benefit most from expert intervention. If you’ve found yourself asking, "Should we do marriage counseling now?", you’re already taking a brave first step toward healing.
- [A Secure Base: An Effective Approach to Individual and Couple Therapy](https://csheehanjr.com/a-secure-relationship-as-the-context-for-healing-and-self-acceptance/): Healing isn’t just an individual process. While insight and self-reflection matter, real self-acceptance often takes root in safe, secure relationships. This post explores how connection provides the emotional ground for growth and lasting change.
- [Amy Aranda, CSW-I](https://csheehanjr.com/reno-relationship-therapist-amy-aranda/): 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.
- [When Marriage Counseling Makes Things Worse: Why Some Approaches Fail—and How EFT Gets It Right](https://csheehanjr.com/does-marriage-counseling-work/): 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."
- [Starting Couples Therapy? What to Expect in Your First Sessions](https://csheehanjr.com/what-to-expect-in-couples-therapy/): During EFT sessions, we’ll work together to identify and change patterns that keep you and your partner feeling disconnected. This isn’t about blame; instead, it’s about understanding each other’s needs
- [How to Rebuild Trust After an Affair](https://csheehanjr.com/how-to-rebuild-trust-after-an-affair/): Learn how couples can get help to rebuild trust after an affair using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
- [Choosing the Right Couples Therapist](https://csheehanjr.com/how-to-choose-a-couples-therapist/): Choosing a couples therapist is a big decision. The right therapist will have advanced training in relationship work, help you feel emotionally safe, and guide you toward lasting connection. This article walks you through what to reflect on before starting therapy, key questions to ask potential therapists, and how to find qualified couples counseling near you.
- [Maddie Huntley, CSW-I, Therapist in Reno](https://csheehanjr.com/therapist-in-reno-maddie-huntley/): Hi, I’m Maddie, a therapist in Reno dedicated to helping teens, young adults, couples, and individuals. I understand that personal challenges are deeply influenced by our environments, relationships, and lived experiences.
- [Karen McKinney, LCSW, LCADC-S](https://csheehanjr.com/reno-relationship-therapist-karen-mckinney/): Hi, I'm Karen. I combine evidence-based therapies with a compassionate, strengths-focused approach to help you achieve meaningful growth.
- [Gina Bemis, LCSW](https://csheehanjr.com/about-carson-city-therapist-gina-bemis/): Hi, I'm Gina. I take a collaborative approach with my clients. This means I work hard to understand their personal experiences, and help them work through challenges to achieve the progress that matters most to them.
- [Will My Insurance Cover Therapy?](https://csheehanjr.com/will-my-insurance-cover-therapy/): A common question (view our FAQ's here) we are asked at our therapy center in Reno is, "will my insurance cover therapy?" Understanding your insurance coverage for mental health services is an important step in making informed decisions about your care. This form will guide you through a conversation with your insurance company to help you understand your out-of-network benefits for therapy sessions.
- [Hillary Harris, CPC](https://csheehanjr.com/about-reno-therapist-hillary-harris/): I work with individuals and couples who are feeling stuck in cycles of loneliness, disconnection, or unresolved emotional pain.
- [Therapist Dr. Sue Johnson (1947-2024) revolutionized relationship counseling](https://csheehanjr.com/remembering-therapy-pioneer-dr-sue-johnson/): If you've heard me describe the work I do or have been a student, you've heard me talk about therapist, Dr. Sue Johnson. I felt (continue to feel) an enormous loss with her passing, April 23rd, 2024. No individual was more important to the development of relationship therapy than her.
- [“The Science of Relationships: Healing, Emotion, & Connection with Drs. Sue Johnson & Jim Furrow”](https://csheehanjr.com/improve-relationships-discussion/): How to improve relationships. From the show host: "Our society doesn't want to hear about how interdependent we are—doesn't want to hear that if we want to thrive, we have to put people first and we have to create community. And people need connection with others like they need oxygen. If you create a world where that connection isn't very available or it all happens on a screen, you are going to have huge problems. You are going to have huge problems with depression, anxiety, suicide, emptiness—people are going to make terrible choices.” (Sue Johnson) We need each other. We are relational beings, and our thriving—or languishing—often hinges on relationships. In this episode, psychologists Sue Johnson and Jim Furrow not only explain why relationships are so important, they offer practical advice on how to pursue healing, emotional regulation, and lasting thriving in all kinds of relationships. Sue Johnson is the creator of Emotionally Focused Therapy, the gold standard in tested, proven interventions of couples and author of many books including Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. Jim Furrow is a marriage and family therapist and an internationally renowned trainer of Emotionally Focused Therapy. This conversation goes from profound to practical, covering the biological and psychological science to explain why belonging gives way to becoming. We discuss the rampant emptiness and loneliness, fear, and depression people today experience and the connection between relationships and a sense of meaning in life. Sue and Jim also provide a framework for how to understand your attachment style and the way it impacts your relational health. And they discuss the practical ways we can grow and change so that we can engage in and sustain fulfilling and life giving relationships."
- [“Side by Side: Navigating OCD Treatment with EFT Couple Counseling”](https://csheehanjr.com/ocd-and-relationship/): Last week I did a presentation on what I was very surprised to find is an under-recognized area of OCD treatment: the impact of attachment theory on relationships affected by OCD. Thrive Wellness co-sponsored an OCD Symposium in Reno that provided the opportunity to discuss OCD from a relational perspective. This article shares (in broad strokes) some key points from the presentation. In the "conclusions" section I focus on specific ways Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can support couples facing the challenges posed by OCD in a connected, teamed-up way.
- [“Cooling the Flames: De-escalating Arguments in Love”](https://csheehanjr.com/handling-arguments-in-relationship/): In conclusion, remember that every argument presents an opportunity for growth and deeper connection. By applying these strategies, you can turn conflicts into catalysts for strengthening your bond. Love is not just about agreeing on everything; it’s about navigating disagreements in a way that enriches your relationship. Handling arguments in relationship is a path to deeper connection, requiring patience, practice, and a willingness to be vulnerable.
- [Attachment and Wellness](https://csheehanjr.com/attachment-and-wellness/): Feeling connected and important to others is essential for our overall well-being. Simply put, attachment and wellness are inseparable. Therapists use Attachment theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a primary application of this theory, to provide significant insights into developing healthy connections.
- [Building Resilient Bonds: How EFT Strengthens Community Connections](https://csheehanjr.com/eft-stronger-communities/): Building stronger communities is crucial, especially now as we face a widespread loneliness epidemic. The path to greater connectedness is clear. Based on attachment theory, EFT recognizes our inherent need for deep social bonds and strong emotional connections, fundamental to robust communities. By focusing on emotional dynamics, EFT helps forge secure, resilient relationships, aiding in resolving conflicts and emotional pain. It enhances emotional control and thinking adaptability, enabling calmer responses to new experiences. At its core, attachment theory and EFT teach us that embracing each other, rather than avoiding or opposing, is key to overcoming distress.
- [Should we do Premarital Counseling?](https://csheehanjr.com/premarital-counseling-reno/): stable attachment enhances communication, fosters trust, and builds resilience in solving conflicts. With a strong foundation, couples are better equipped to navigate challenges together.
- [Unveiling the Attachment Science view of Emotional and Sexual Intimacy: A Conversation with Dr. Sue Johnson on The Knowledge Project](https://csheehanjr.com/the-knowledge-project/): We highly recommend this special episode of 'The Knowledge Project' with Shane Parrish, a platform dedicated to unearthing profound insights and wisdom to enrich our lives. Shane conducts an exclusive interview with relationship expert Dr. Sue Johnson on building intimacy. Dr. Johnson is a renowned clinical psychologist and the primary creator of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). In this episode, Shane and Sue delve into the intricacies of creating, protecting, and nourishing fulfilling sexual and emotional relationships.
- [Tammy Sheehan, Our Care Coordinator](https://csheehanjr.com/start-eft-marriage-therapy-reno/): Hi and Welcome! I, or a member of our team, will be your first point of contact. We will take the time to listen to your needs and concerns and make sure you're off to the best start.
- [Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW](https://csheehanjr.com/about-reno-therapist-cornelius-sheehan/): 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. My colleagues and I can help.
My wife and I live with our three adopted dogs. We have three adult children.
- [Counseling Help for Families with Teens](https://csheehanjr.com/counseling-for-families-with-teens/): "If you are raising a teen child, you’re likely familiar with something like this: “I need to feel understood…I need you to hear me (BUT DON’T EXPECT ME TO TALK!)” This common challenge in parenting teens highlights the crucial need for effective communication strategies and, in some cases, professional family counseling for teens.

## Pages
- [EFT Supervision & Consultation with Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW](https://csheehanjr.com/eft-supervision-consultation-with-cornelius-sheehan/): We map the emotional and attachment dynamics organizing each partner's internal experience and external interactions. Grounded in my ACES and CARES teaching models, we organize complex clinical data so you can maintain clarity in the attachment frame, especially under pressure.
- [Marriage Counseling & Couples Therapy | Carson City, NV](https://csheehanjr.com/carson-city-marriage-counseling/): Welcome to our Musser Street office, where we provide a safe, supportive space for individuals and couples across Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville and the surrounding areas to navigate relationship challenges and personal growth. Grounded in attachment-focused care, our practice is dedicated to helping you break out of old cycles and build secure, resilient connections. Whether you are looking to repair your relationship through specialized Couples Therapy, focus on personal growth with Individual Therapy, or want to learn more about our clinicians on our Meet Our Team page, we are here to support you.
- [test](https://csheehanjr.com/test/): Relationship counseling in Reno for individuals, couples and families. We help partners rebuild trust, restore closeness, and improve communication. We also guide individuals toward healing, easing loneliness, and finding clarity and confidence. In-person or online.
- [Free Consultation Request Form](https://csheehanjr.com/free-consultation-request-form/): Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.
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- [Therapy for Depression](https://csheehanjr.com/counseling/therapy-in-reno-for-individuals/therapy-for-depression/): You don't have to face this alone. Talk with one of our therapists today.
- [Blended Families and Stepfamilies](https://csheehanjr.com/therapy-for-blended-families/): Our therapy for blended families and stepfamilies in Reno focuses on fostering secure attachments within the new family structure. By helping family members understand and respond to each other's attachment needs, we create a foundation for trust and security. This is essential for children adjusting to new parental figures and for parents learning to balance their roles. For more insights into how attachment influences family relationships, visit our What is Emotionally Focused Therapy? page.
- [Couples Retreat Reno](https://csheehanjr.com/couples-retreat-in-reno/): If you feel caught in the same painful cycles, our Reno Couples Retreat offers a space to begin breaking that loop. This weekend is designed to help you move toward a deeper connection and rediscover the partner beneath the conflict.
- [Creating Healthy Relationships](https://csheehanjr.com/help-for-relationship-issues/): Help for Relationship Issues
- [Privacy Policy](https://csheehanjr.com/privacy-policy/): Effective Date: March 6, 2025
- [Anxiety Therapy](https://csheehanjr.com/anxiety-therapy-in-reno/): Anxiety can quietly interfere with your ability to feel grounded, connected, and secure. While occasional worry is part of life, persistent anxiety can affect your body, sleep, relationships, and overall well-being. In our anxiety therapy in Reno, we look beyond surface symptoms to understand what's driving your anxiety-often rooted in patterns of disconnection, fear, or unmet emotional needs. Drawing from attachment science, our approach helps you build inner security, strengthen emotional resilience, and restore a sense of calm in your life.
- [Services](https://csheehanjr.com/counseling/therapy-services-reno/): Our therapy services Reno are structured to address the unique circumstances and needs of each client. So, whether you are seeking support to navigate the intricacies of marital life, looking to enhance the dynamics of your family relationships, or aiming to improve your individual well-being, our therapists in Reno will help in a way you'll understand.
- [Rates & Insurance](https://csheehanjr.com/counseling/counseling-rates-insurance-reno/): The costs for couple therapy and individual counseling we do in Reno are detailed below. At Individual and Relationship Counseling Associates, we provide a no-cost, confidential initial phone consultation with a therapist in Reno. This consultation provides you an opportunity to openly share your current concerns and learn how we'll approach therapy in your case. We will also discuss the cost of therapy over the entire course of treatment. You can reach us at 775-235-2205.
- [FAQs](https://csheehanjr.com/counseling/relationship-counseling-faqs-reno/): Here you will find clear, straightforward answers to relationship counseling FAQs for our practice in Reno, NV. Wondering how much therapy costs? Not sure how to get started, what happens in a session, or if therapy is right for your situation? Curious about confidentiality or whether you can come alone if your partner isn't ready? We've got you covered.
- [Marriage and Relationship Difficulties](https://csheehanjr.com/help-for-marriage-problems/): Every relationship has its ups and downs, but some struggles feel impossible to navigate alone. Couples often seek help for marriage problems when they experience:
- [Conditions Treated](https://csheehanjr.com/what-we-help-with/): Relationship IssuesRelationships can bring both deep connection and significant challenges. Common issues include conflict, emotional disconnection, infidelity, and difficulties in communication, which can affect the stability and fulfillment of relationships. Read our guide on How to Rebuild Trust After an Affair or learn about Handling Arguments before they escalate.
- [Relationship Counseling Reno Home](https://csheehanjr.com/): We provide relationship counseling in Reno. Marriage counseling, family therapy, couples therapy, premarital counseling, singles and couples workshops, teen counseling, parenting guidance, help with divorce, relationship advice, as well as help with dating, love and communication. In-person and online therapy in Reno.
- [Emotionally Focused Couples Counseling in Reno | Secure Attachment & Lasting Connection](https://csheehanjr.com/about-eft-couples-therapy-reno/): Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) in Reno
- [Trauma Treatment](https://csheehanjr.com/trauma-treatment-reno/): Trauma therapy in Reno focuses on understanding and addressing deeply distressing experiences that affect emotional and psychological well-being. Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can leave a lasting impact on emotional and psychological well-being.
- [What is Attachment-Based Therapy?](https://csheehanjr.com/what-is-attachment-based-therapy-in-reno/): Attachment-Based Therapy in Reno explores how our early relationships shape our lifelong capacity for emotional connection and regulation. Developed by John Bowlby, attachment theory shows that early bonds with caregivers form a structural blueprint for how we manage emotions, trust others, and navigate adult relationships .
- [Online Therapy for Couples and Individuals](https://csheehanjr.com/online-therapy-for-couples-and-individuals/): For couples engaging in online therapy in Reno together, the physical setup can greatly influence the session's dynamics. Sitting together on the same couch in front of your screen can foster a sense of unity and partnership in the process. This arrangement is not just about physical proximity; it's about creating an interactive and shared therapeutic experience. When therapists incorporate approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy, they often facilitate exercises or dialogues where you'll need to engage directly with your partner. This setup, therefore, is crucial for facilitating those moments of connection and interaction, mirroring the in-person therapy experience as closely as possible.
- [Our Therapists](https://csheehanjr.com/about-our-therapists-in-reno/): Clients of our practice usually start their search for help with a broad inquiry like, "therapists in Reno," or "relationship counseling in Reno." It can be difficult to narrow things down and find the right therapist and the best therapy. We want to help make sure you're headed in the right direction.  If you are in immediate crisis you can reach caring, confidential help by dialing the Crisis Line at 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) or a medical emergency room.
- [For Therapists](https://csheehanjr.com/for-therapists/): Learn Emotionally Focused Therapies Click Here Therapist Training / CE Programs Click Here Navigation
- [Life Transitions](https://csheehanjr.com/life-transitions/): At our Reno therapy group, we understand how challenging these transitions can be. Our therapy for life transitions provides the support and guidance you need to navigate changes with less stress and more confidence.
- [Grief and Loss](https://csheehanjr.com/grief-and-loss/): As providers of therapy for grief and loss in Reno, we recognize how grief can unravel the fabric of our lives. It can leave us feeling lost and disconnected. Our experienced therapists help you process your loss at your own pace, validate your emotions, and gently help you find your footing again. We aim to understand your unique experience of grief, knowing that each person's path to healing is their own. In navigating the pain and adjustment that come with loss, you'll be fully supported.
- [Family Issues](https://csheehanjr.com/family-issues/): Family difficulties are incredibly disruptive. Help for family issues helps to develop healthy relationships, where everyone feels loved, supported, and emotionally connected. We treat family issues with a specialized type of therapy.
- [Depression and Anxiety](https://csheehanjr.com/depression-and-anxiety/): If you're struggling with depression or anxiety, it can feel like a very heavy burden you're carrying alone. At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, our Reno therapists are here to guide you with compassionate, focused therapy methods.
- [Choosing a Therapist](https://csheehanjr.com/relationship-resources-reno/find-the-right-therapist/): Starting couple's therapy is a significant step towards improving your relationship. However, finding the right therapist for you and your partner can be difficult. You need the right criteria for an evaluation process. You want confidence that the therapist's expertise matches your specific needs. Below, I've listed some of the most important questions to ask a therapist you're considering. I've divided them into three categories: 1) therapist's qualifications; 2) therapist's view on relationship distress and wellness; and 3) the therapist's process. All are important, and there is no particular order.
- [Getting Started](https://csheehanjr.com/starting-therapy/): Taking the first step toward healing shouldn't be the hardest part. Whether you are seeking individual, couples, or family support, we've designed a straightforward process to get you the care you need.
- [Learn Emotionally Focused Therapies](https://csheehanjr.com/for-therapists/learn-eft/): With its clearly defined stages and interventions, EFT offers therapists a practical, replicable roadmap for helping clients create new, healthier ways of relating. Whether you're working with couples (EFCT), families (EFFT), or individual clients (EFIT), EFT provides tools and structure that can profoundly deepen your clinical work.
- [Individual Therapy](https://csheehanjr.com/counseling/therapy-in-reno-for-individuals/): While focusing on personal growth is vital, if communication breakdowns are beginning to strain your partnership, exploring dedicated couples therapy in Reno can help both partners establish a shared foundation of safety. Often, having the secure ground of a stable relationship is the single most powerful catalyst for deep individual growth and personal healing.
- [Family Therapy](https://csheehanjr.com/counseling/family-therapy-reno-nv/): The EFFT family therapy Reno NV process offers a warm and accepting approach to healing. It helps families strengthen their bonds and build a peaceful, united future.
- [Discernment Counseling](https://csheehanjr.com/counseling/discernment-counseling/): "Can my marriage be saved?" It's a critical question, and one that nearly 30% of couples embarking on therapy ponder. In such scenarios, one partner might be contemplating an exit, while the other is keen on mending the bonds. This differing stance often becomes a stumbling block in the therapy process. Sometimes, the therapist faces a dilemma, unsure how to steer the couple when their commitment levels diverge. Occasionally, this results in a half-hearted therapy attempt, which, unfortunately, seldom satisfies either party.
- [Couple Counseling & Marriage Therapy](https://csheehanjr.com/counseling/couples-therapy-in-reno-nv/): Move past the circular arguments and heavy silence. Our Reno attachment therapy specialists help you understand deeper needs and build a relationship that feels like home again.
- [Contact](https://csheehanjr.com/contact-therapists-in-reno/): Getting Started is Safe and Simple
- [Marriage Counseling Free Advice Blog](https://csheehanjr.com/relationship-resources-reno/blog/): Welcome to our relationship advice therapist blog aimed at helping you improve your relationships. You'll learn about finding, developing, and maintaining strong, long-lasting relationships with the people most important to you. We also have articles on personal growth topics. There are articles pertaining to couples therapy, individual therapy and family counseling in Reno, NV.