Call Us: 727-344-9867

Most 5 Star Reviews in Tampa Bay

Call Us: 727-344-9867

Couples Counseling

Helping Couples Improve Their Relationship

The average couple waits six years before seeking professional help for their relationship or marriage. However, it’s never too late to get the support your relationship deserves.

You don’t have to live with a struggling relationship. With the assistance of our highly experienced couples counselors, you can rekindle that spark and find joy in your relationship once again.

Building Better Communication in Relationships

Our counseling services offer a safe environment where couples can learn and practice effective communication techniques.

You and your partner will discover how to feel heard, understood, and accept each other, transforming conflicts into positive interactions and overcoming destructive conversation habits like contempt, defensiveness, and criticism.

Why Couples Seek Therapy

We seem to argue about the same two or three things over and over without ever getting anywhere.

We can’t seem to talk anymore without getting defensive or critical towards one another.

I feel uncomfortable with conflict, and I feel like I can’t bring up how I’m feeling inside without it being misunderstood or misconstrued.

We act like roommates, acquaintances, or even business partners with little to no romance or intimacy.

My partner is so emotional that when they bring something up I avoid the situation completely or close off.

We are having issues with sexual functioning in our relationship and would like guidance on how to improve.

There has been infidelity, and we don’t know what to do next.

Every couple’s relationship or marriage is unique.

At McNulty Counseling, we meet you where you’re at. Here are some of the common things you and your partner will learn:

How to Make the Most of Couples Counseling

Due to the complexity of couple therapy, it is very important to work with a seasoned professional who has the expertise along with several years of experience and specialized training in couples therapy.
Make sure you and your partner are on the same page regarding what you hope to accomplish with couples therapy. Are you both ready and committed to improving the relationship?
Schedule a time for couples counseling when you aren’t rushed to get to an appointment so that you can arrive for therapy sessions as relaxed and centered as possible.
Move over egos! Being overly focused on who’s right and who’s wrong can make progress very difficult and we’ll help you break down these communication barriers stemming from months, years, or even decades of stubbornness or conflict.
Be prepared to work outside of the session and do any homework your therapist assigns. Amazing things can happen but follow-through is imperative.
Remind yourself to focus more on the end goal and what you want to accomplish as a couple on the same team over who’s at fault for what.
Sometimes one partner has already mentally checked out and is doing couples therapy solely for their partner’s sake so they can placate them. If you feel this is likely going to be your partner, we recommend you coming in to talk to our couples counselor individually to give you tips on approaching your partner in addition to receiving guidance for your role in your relationship.

Couples Counseling Can Help Improve Relationships in the Following Areas:

Remove the anger and sadness of feeling misunderstood and unappreciated.

Resolve recurring problems by getting to the root of the disconnect and then addressing and resolving the underlying issues.

Going from little or no emotional connection with your partner to revitalizing the love and connectivity that was once there.

Rebuild trust and optimism in the relationship.

Create a lasting bond of renewed admiration and emotional connectivity to your partner.

Meet our therapists specializing in Couples Counseling.

Rachel DeStefano

Licensed Marriage, Family, and Mental Health Counselor

St. Pete – Tyrone

I believe everyone has a voice that is worthy of being heard, and everyone is worthy of feeling seen. But it is not uncommon to believe that our voice does not matter and that our words are insignificant.

Shea Dickey

Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern

St. Pete – Downtown

Ever thought to yourself, Maybe I should talk to someone? I am here to validate and confirm that asking for help doesn’t need to feel uncomfortable or shameful.

Kelly Lehman

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

St. Pete – Tyrone

Having been a therapist for over 19 years, I feel honored to be a part of each of my clients’ healing journeys. I respect and value all who demonstrate the strength to ask for help and allow me to hold space for them as they work through challenging times.

Emily Tripp

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

St. Pete – Downtown

My passion is assisting my clients by helping them repair their relationships with themselves and others. I focus on empowering individuals to express their emotions through various outlets, communicate their needs, and find their purpose.

Aimee Yasin

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Sarasota

Too often life is full of turning points- times when you must start over or make a big decision, whether by choice or circumstance. Change is hard, whether it’s expected or not. I consider it an honor to assist my clients in navigating life changes.

Francesca Otero-Vargas, Ph.D.

Ph.D, RMFTI

St. Pete – Downtown

If you choose to embark on this therapeutic journey with me, you can expect an approach that is collaborative, non-blaming, and focused on empowering you to create a path in life that more authentically aligns with your goals and values.

Ramon Aleman

Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

St. Pete – Tyrone

I aim to guide clients on transformative healing journeys and emphasize delving deep within, embodying a “gentle warrior” approach influenced by Jung, Rogers, and Perls. Specializing in trauma, including addiction and intimate partner violence, my spiritual journey led me to explore various meditation forms and embrace psychedelics, profoundly impacting my life

Nicole Wilson

Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist

St. Pete – Downtown

I approach therapy from a relational perspective. I believe that we are shaped by our families, and continue to be shaped by our life experiences and the environment around us.

Lindsay Jacobs

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Sarasota

My clients often tell me, “It’s hard to do this or that”. I always reply, “You can do hard things!”

Theodosia Soula Hareas

Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor Director

St. Pete – Tyrone

My passion for helping couples and families extends beyond my clinical practice. I actively participate in community outreach programs, workshops, and speaking engagements.

If You’re Experiencing These Symptoms, It May Be Time For Professional Help.