Karine Echighian, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Specializing in Anxiety, Shame and Complex Trauma


Couples Counseling and Pre-Marital Counseling

As a couple's therapist, I often hear couple's complain that they struggle with communication. Too often we just hear what we want to hear and not what our partner is trying to tell us. Similarly, we may not know what we are trying to say. Gaining this understanding can change the entire dynamic of a conversation.

For example, Person A may be upset that they are not getting enough attention or affection. Maybe they are feeling anxious or alone. If every feeling they are having is a direct result of getting their needs met or not met, understanding those needs makes all the difference. Maybe they need to feel safe. What does safety look like? It may look like getting a hug, words of encouragement or getting a bodyguard. If Person B hires a bodyguard to support Person A, but Person A really just wants a hug and to be told they are safe, then Person A is not really getting their needs met. They are not getting their needs met, nor are they feeling heard.

My approach to therapy is different. I help you understand what you're feeling, what you truly need, and how to get those needs met. This work can deepen your relationship with yourself and help you better understand the people around you.

Some people need tools. Others need to learn how to listen inward and trust their own needs. I meet you where you are.

How are they different?

 

Couples Counseling

The focus of my practice is different from that of other therapists in that it helps you understand what you are feeling, needing and how to get your needs met. It is a powerful approach in understanding yourself and your partner on a deeper level.

Premarital Counseling

Individuals often come to couple's therapy to resolve issues in their relationship and/or communication. Premarital therapy focuses on relationship and communication but through the lens of preventing problems rather than solving them. The goal of premarital therapy is to begin having difficult conversations before they become problems.

What People Are Saying

“Feeling free to discuss my life experiences even when I feel like I’m stuck in the same issue.”

— Protected

“She helps me to look at things from a different perspective. She is warm, supportive and encouraging.”

— Protected

“I feel more comfortable and confident expressing my emotions and talking about my issues.”

— Protected

What should I know about Couples Counseling?

  • Unfortunately insurance is designed to cover medically necessary treatment and is NOT designed to cover preventative mental health. While insurance is helpful in paying for services surrounding parity diagnoses, they are not helpful in paying for preventative diagnosis surrounding relationship distress or improved communication. Therefore, any type of couples counseling is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

  • Premarital therapy can be very helpful in negotiating the roles and goals for the future. Even though each couple has their own sets of struggles, some of the key topics to cover include financial goals and spending/saving habits, communication issues and conflict resolutions, expectations surround children, careers and even how to handle outside stressors such as in-laws and friends.