How I Can Help You
Sex, secrets, shame, doubt – nothing is off limits. Being disconnected from your partner is painful and confusing. I can help you. Maybe you’ve lost the spark or you’ve never felt connected the way you want to. Maybe there’s been infidelity or a life transition that you’re trying to navigate. Or maybe your relationship feels ok…but you long for it to be deeper and more fulfilling. I want to help you to deeply connect – or reconnect – with your partner.
I’m a Sex and Relationship Therapist because I love to help couples understand and overcome blocks to their physical and emotional intimacy. I am Certified in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, have trained extensively under the field’s leading experts in Sex Therapy, and I will help you dig deep into your emotional and sexual connection, find the heart of your issues, and experience the intimacy you’ve been longing for.
If we work together, you will be inviting me into the most personal spaces of your life. I take that very seriously. This isn’t easy work for anyone and I don’t sit back passively with my clients. I will be working hard with you. I will challenge you to get out of your comfort zone; to take risks, to go there, to cry…but also to laugh! I will work with you through the fights, the fears, the longings—these are the things our relationships are made of. This is why we’re both here. I want to guide you through a transformative experience.
A Little About Me
I think it’s helpful for you to learn a bit about me as you’re trying to make this important decision. I’ve been with my spouse for a very long time, so I know firsthand the ups and downs, and inside-outs of a long-term relationship. I’m the creative type; I find that playing music, creating art, and spending time with my family (husband, dog, & daughter – in order of appearance) are the things that keep me balanced through my own challenges; because, yes, I have them too.
I know that life doesn’t always go according to plan. My own journey has been full of detours and surprises. I’ve lived all over the country, studied theatre and Montessori education, worked as a stage actor and as a teacher of both kindergarteners and college students. Every part of my journey has shaped my life, my relationships, and my path forward; and if we work together, I will honor every part of the journey that continues to shape you and yours.
The Nitty Gritty
You have a lot of choices when deciding on a therapist. It isn’t a decision to take lightly. I use Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and in Integrative Sex Therapy to honor the intersection of our sexual and emotional lives. If you’d like to take a closer look at my training, keep scrolling and see below.
Most of my appointments are in-person in my Norfolk office. If you’re feeling unconventional and the weather is nice, we can hop in the golf cart and head down to the beach for a session in the sand. I offer a limited number of Telehealth appointments, and in some circumstances can travel to you for intensives.
If you aren’t sure whether to give this a try, call our main office to schedule a free 15-minute phone or video consultation and we can talk about it (757) 788-2800.
Sometimes the hardest step is the first, but I encourage you to take it – if that step is with me, I consider it to be a great honor and privilege to be invited into your life and I look forward to connecting.
Specialized Training
Sex Therapy: Trained by Martha Kauppi at The Institute for Relational Intimacy in Assessing and Treating Sexual Issues in Psychotherapy; Trained in Ethics for the Sex Therapist as well as Good Sex for All techniques with The Integrative Sex Therapy Institute; Trained by ICEEFT trainer, George Faller, and Sex Therapist, Dr. Laurie Watson, in Unleashing the Power of Sex in EFT . I am engaged with sex and couples therapy continued education seminars, workshops, and classes nearly constantly.
Couples Therapy: Certified by the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy; Certified Level 1 by the Gottman Institute; Trained in Facilitating EFT Couples Intensives with Red Therapy Group.
Press and Publications
- Wavy News 10 interview with The Hampton Roads Show on what we’re all about here at The Relationship Center.
- Co-Author, peer-reviewed scholarly article: Student Perceptions of “Hookup” Culture.
- Quoted in Forbes Health:
- “What Is A Panic Attack?” by Susanna Guzman
- “What Is Anxiety? Symptoms, Causes and Treatments” by Susanna Guzman
- Wavy News 10 interview with Marielena Balouris on coping through the holidays during the pandemic.
Rates
Private Pay Counseling Services
| Initial Assessment | $385 for a 75-minute session |
| Individual Therapy Session | $300 for a 60-minute session |
| Couples Therapy Session | $350 for a 75-minute session |
| Gottman Couples Assessment | $150 (recommended for couples to complete prior to initial session) |
| Additional Time in Sessions | Prorated at hourly rate |
| Couples Intensives | Couples intensives are tailored specifically to you and rates will reflect the specific issues that need to be worked on and the length of intensive (anywhere from a four-hour mini-intensive, to a 12-hour session split into two days). Please schedule an intensive consultation to discuss what kind of intensive will be best for you. |
| Travel | Included up to 30 miles |
| Additional Fees | $100 weekend fee for appointments booked on a Saturday or Sunday |
Payment
Cash, check and credit or debit cards are accepted for payment.
