Couples and Family Counseling
“Love is not just a passion spark between two people; there is infinite difference between falling in love and standing in love. Rather, love is a way of being, a "giving to," not a 'falling for"; a mode of relating at large, not an act limited to a single person.”
― Irvin D. Yalom, Love's Executioner and Other Tales of Psychotherapy
- Frequent arguments and fights at home
- Difficulties communicating respectfully with your kids and/or your partner
- Family or marital discord
- Disagreements over parenting or shared responsibilities
- Feeling out of control in your home or relationship
- Thoughts about separation and a desire to make it work
- Divorce
- Adoption
- Difficulties with one or several family members
- You have a family member, who struggles with a mental health issue
- Someone in your family is abusing substances
If you can relate to any of the above, call 773-470-3106 for a 30-minute free consultation and find out if couples and/or family therapy is right for you or make an appointment today.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Helping Couples Heal, Strengthen, and Thrive
Relationships are at the core of our lives—yet even the strongest partnerships can experience challenges that feel overwhelming. Whether you and your partner are struggling to communicate, caught in cycles of conflict, or carrying the weight of past trauma, Gottman Method Couples Therapy offers a path forward.
At Inside Family Counseling, Mihaela Bernard, LCPC, a Level 3 trained Gottman couples therapist, specializes in helping couples rebuild connection, navigate conflict with compassion, and create a shared vision for the future. Depending on your individual couple and family needs, we will focus on your partnership as parents, as a couple or on the larger family dynamic.
What is the Gottman Method?
The Gottman Method is an evidence-based approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman after over four decades of research with thousands of couples. It focuses on:
- Improving Communication – learning to speak and listen so both partners feel heard and understood.
- Managing Conflict Constructively – moving from blame to collaboration when disagreements arise.
- Strengthening Friendship and Love Maps – deepening your understanding of each other’s inner worlds.
- Building Rituals of Connection – creating meaningful shared experiences that sustain intimacy.
- Fostering Trust and Commitment – nurturing the foundation for a healthy, enduring relationship.
Mihaela’s Approach
I work with couples who are:
- Stuck in patterns of conflict
- Struggling to communicate their needs and feelings effectively
- Navigating the effects of trauma—whether it’s individual or shared within the relationship
- Seeking to strengthen their parenting partnership (if applicable)
In our work together, we focus on creating a safe and supportive space where both partners can explore their own contributions to the relationship dynamic. This shift from blame to self-reflection opens the door to real change and growth. I incorporate over fifteen years of experience and training in psychoanalysis and human development to help you gain a deeper understanding of your relationship dynamic. Together we will work towards an authentic, more genuine connection.
What to Expect in Therapy
Our work begins with a thorough relationship assessment to fully understand your unique strengths and challenges. This includes:
- A joint couple’s session to explore your relationship history and current concerns
- Individual interviews with each partner to gain deeper insights
- Completion of the Gottman Relationship Checkup, an online tool that provides an objective, research-based analysis of your relationship’s strengths and areas for growth
- From there, we will have a feedback session where I will give you feedback on my assessment and we will create a tailored treatment plan focused on your goals as a couple. Sessions may also include individual meetings to support the couple’s work when needed.
Why Choose Gottman Method Couples Therapy?
This approach is not about taking sides—it’s about helping both partners feel heard, understood, and empowered to make changes that strengthen their bond. With compassion and guidance, we work toward healing old wounds, fostering connection, and building a partnership rooted in trust and shared values.
Begin Your Journey Together
If you and your partner are ready to break free from cycles of conflict and rediscover the connection you once had—or build it for the first time—I invite you to take the first step.
📞 Call us today to schedule your initial consultation.
📧 Or contact us online to learn more.
Together, we can work toward a healthier, stronger relationship.