Couples therapy
When love needs more than words, healing begins here.
Couples therapy at Soul & Psyche offers a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to healing relationships from the inside out. Our practice is grounded in over two decades of partnership between Dr. Jordan Hamilton, Ph.D. and Kimberly Sanders, M.A., whose own enduring relationship has taught them what it truly takes to hold space for one another's evolution and deepen the capacity for authentic connection. Whether you are navigating communication challenges, processing past hurts, or seeking to rekindle intimacy, our approach honors the complexity of your shared experience while guiding you toward lasting transformation.
Couples therapy is not simply about managing conflict or learning new communication techniques. Effective relational healing requires understanding the deeper wounds, unmet needs, and protective patterns that each partner brings into the relationship. Our work goes beyond surface-level interventions to address the root causes of relational distress, creating space for both partners to heal individually and together.
Our Therapeutic Approach
We integrate evidence-based therapeutic modalities with a deep understanding of relational dynamics. Our work draws on the theoretical framework of Internal Family Systems, helping couples understand the different parts within each partner that influence how they relate. We also incorporate trauma-informed approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Ego State Therapy, Image Transformation Therapy (ImTT), and Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST). These modalities allow us to address the underlying experiences fueling relational difficulties.
Multi-Day Intensive Retreats
We offer multi-day intensive therapy retreats for couples ready to invest deeply in their healing. The first day focuses on establishing trust, sharing your relationship history, and clarifying your goals. The following days engage focused therapeutic work using effective trauma processing modalities. Each retreat concludes with integration to ensure your insights translate into daily life.
Challenges We Address
We support couples navigating communication difficulties, trust ruptures, emotional distance, and major life transitions. We also help partners heal from shame, self-worth struggles, and the lasting effects of neglect or abuse. Many couples come to us experiencing burnout, compassion fatigue, hypervigilance, or profound loneliness despite being in a committed relationship. Our approach addresses these painful realities with honesty and compassion.
Beginning Your Journey
We serve couples throughout California through both in-person and online sessions. You can book a consultation call to speak with our intake coordinator, who will answer your questions and guide you toward the format that best fits your needs. For scheduling and investment options, we invite you to reach out directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Couples Therapy
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Traditional counseling often focuses on communication skills and conflict resolution. Our trauma-informed approach recognizes that past experiences significantly impact how partners relate. By addressing underlying wounds using modalities such as EMDR and TIST, we help couples achieve lasting change rather than temporary behavioral modifications.
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Your retreat begins with establishing trust and clarifying goals. The remaining days focus on concentrated therapeutic work. This format allows couples to accomplish in days what might take months in weekly sessions. Each retreat concludes with integration practices to support your continued growth.
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No. Every person brings their history and protective patterns into relationships. Understanding these dynamics improves connection regardless of past experiences. Our approach is tailored to your unique circumstances.
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We recognize that healthy relationships require healthy individuals. During sessions, we may work with the couple together or with each partner individually. This flexibility allows us to address personal wounds while strengthening the bond between partners.
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We help with criticism and defensiveness cycles, emotional withdrawal, difficulty expressing needs, and conflicts that escalate quickly. Rather than teaching techniques alone, we help partners understand the underlying fears driving problematic patterns.
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Timelines vary depending on the issues being addressed and each partner's readiness for change. Some couples experience meaningful shifts within the first sessions, while intensive retreats often produce significant breakthroughs more quickly.
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It is common for one partner to be more enthusiastic. What matters most is that both are willing to participate honestly. We create space for both partners to express their hopes and hesitations while building momentum toward positive change.
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We create safety for both partners to express their experiences, support processing of pain, and help demonstrate genuine accountability. Rebuilding trust requires consistent effort, and we provide structure and support throughout this journey.
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We integrate EMDR, Ego State Therapy, Image Transformation Therapy, and Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment. We also draw upon Internal Family Systems theory. This integrative approach allows us to tailor treatment to each couple's specific needs.
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Yes. We help partners understand how disconnection develops and process underlying hurts. By creating new experiences of vulnerability and responsiveness, couples can reestablish the emotional intimacy they long for.