Couples therapy is a structured, collaborative form of therapy in which partners work with a trained clinician to understand their patterns, improve communication, and strengthen their relationship. At PPG, we do not take sides or assign blame. The relationship is the client.
Couples seek help for many reasons: recurring arguments, growing distance, a major life transition, a breach of trust, or uncertainty about the future. Our clinicians use evidence-based approaches, centered on the Gottman Method, to give you practical tools for communicating, resolving conflict, and reconnecting. Sessions are available in person and online.
What We Help With
Communication & Conflict Patterns
Understanding and changing recurring cycles of conflict.
- Frequent & Intense Arguments
- Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling
- Poor Communication
- Lingering Resentment
- Difficulty Resolving Conflict
Intimacy, Trust & Connection
Rebuilding emotional and physical closeness and trust.
Life Transitions & Outside Pressures
Working through major changes and stressors together.
- Becoming Parents
- Disagreements About Parenting
- Career Changes, Relocation, or Financial Stress
- Addiction or Trauma
- Individual Mental Health Affecting the Relationship
How Couples Therapy Works at PPG
The Gottman Method
Our couples clinicians are all trained in the Gottman Method, a research-based approach that begins with a structured assessment of your relationship's strengths and challenges. The results guide treatment, so the work focuses on where communication is breaking down and builds practical skills to repair it.
Interrupting Destructive Patterns
Many couples get stuck in recurring cycles of conflict. Your therapist helps you notice these patterns as they happen and practice alternatives, such as raising concerns without criticism and listening so that your partner feels heard.
Rebuilding Secure Attachment
Drawing on principles from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), your therapist looks beneath the surface of recurring arguments to the emotional needs and vulnerabilities that drive them. The aim is to replace insecurity and distance with greater safety, empathy, and mutual respect.
What to Expect
You don't need to have it all figured out before you reach out.
-
1
A Free Consultation
A 15-30 minute call to learn what you are looking for, answer your questions, and match you with a clinician whose training and style fit your relationship. One member or both members of the couple can be present for the call as suits you.
-
2
Assessment
Treatment begins with a joint session, followed by an individual session with each partner and a feedback session. As part of the assessment, each partner completes the Gottman Relationship Checkup, an online questionnaire that helps your therapist understand your relationship's strengths and challenges and plan the work.
-
3
Ongoing Sessions
Your therapist recommends how often to meet and reviews progress with you regularly. The plan can change according to your needs.
Care That Connects Across Specialties
Relationship difficulties often interact with individual concerns such as anxiety, depression, and burnout, ADHD, or a history of trauma. Because we are a multi-specialty group, if one or both partners would benefit from individual therapy, your couples therapist can, with your consent, coordinate with a colleague who is working with one of you. This keeps your personal goals and your goals for the relationship moving in the same direction.
Our couples clinicians are approved members of the Gottman Referral Network and the Gottman Relationship Checkup program.
Meet our specialists in this area
Emily Bly, PhD
CEO, Clinical Director, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Bly founded Psychology Partners Group on the idea that people do best when they're matched with the right expertise and feel at ease with their clinician. She works with adults, adolescents, and couples on anxiety, depression, ADHD challenges, relationship strain, and major life transitions, including infertility, adoption, and divorce.
Read full bio →
Gerard Micera, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Micera is a licensed clinical psychologist and performing arts educator who works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families on anxiety, depression, and life transitions. His style is warm, humorous, and engaging.
Read full bio →
Jessica Duffy, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jessica is a licensed clinical social worker with twelve years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families through anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and family or relationship conflict.
Read full bio →
Megan Sedita, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Sedita is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults, adolescents, and couples on trauma, anxiety, mood, and relationship difficulties. She trained at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System, working with Veterans.
Read full bio →
Eva Leighton, PhD
CFO, Training Director
Dr. Leighton is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults, couples, children, and families on trauma recovery, substance use, parenting and behavioral concerns, and relationship difficulties. Her style is warm and supportive, with a natural sense of humor.
Read full bio →