Couples and Relationship Therapy
Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy
In-Person Therapy | LGBTQ-Affirmative
Serving clients in West LA, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood
BRETT MARROQUIN, PH.D. | Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Certified in Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT)
Every couple runs into challenges along the way.
Couples often reach out for help when they feel stuck, trapped, or feel like giving up. That's a good time for professional couples therapy.
Other couples identify concerns before that point, and therapy can help keep that "stuck" point from entering the picture.
Still other couples are interested in helping their relationship thrive, even if it’s not currently experiencing trouble, such as in premarital therapy.
In all of these cases, there are scientifically-supported, effective, and short-term therapies that research shows can decrease couples' conflict, increase hope and communication skills, and get couples on the right track for long-term satisfaction in their relationship.
How I help couples
In couples therapy, we will work together to first understand the patterns that have led your relationship to where it is, and then use techniques that help you step back as a couple and create new patterns together.
I am certified in integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT), a couple therapy approach focused on balancing acceptance and change in the relationship. IBCT is based in the same principles as CBT for individuals — it focuses on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in each partner in a couple, and the complex ways that partners influence one another. I also draw from emotion-focused therapy (EFT), which explores emotions as both sources of pain and opportunities for reconnection.
Both IBCT and EFT have received extensive support in clinical trials. Importantly, these therapy approaches have been tested and shown to be effective in many kinds of couples, including LGBTQ couples.
Learn more about me and my approach on my About page.
And learn more about my LGBTQ-affirmative approach to couples therapy on my services for LGBTQ folks page.
Common Issues in Couples Therapy
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Recurring fights or disagreements
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Not feeling heard or cared for
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Issues of trust, intimacy, or respect
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Struggles over commitment or future plans
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Vague feelings of dissatisfaction
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Differences in values or priorities
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A desire to become more connected
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Preparing for a next step
Like marriage, moving, or kids