Therapy for Individuals navigating Dating & Relationships in Atlanta, Georgia
You’re dating…
Have you gotten drained and discouraged from the constant swiping “left” or “right”, glancing through photo albums and dating profiles, having half-hearted, or “dry” conversations that come with dating? Or even had what felt like good interactions only for it to just suddenly stop, or to be ghosted even? It may feel like something is “wrong with me” so, you’re losing hope in your search for the right person(s) or ‘the one’. You might notice that those around you seem more successful or less stressed when it comes to dating, and you can’t quite figure out “then why me?”. Even though you know logically you shouldn’t put a timeline in getting into a relationship, emotionally you can’t help but notice that you’re getting older, while your relationships seem to be getting shorter or further apart so now there’s a sense of a looming ‘ticking clock’. Due to these feelings, you may dread or become quickly exhausted by the “small talk” and “getting to know you” phase. While you desire companionship you refuse to settle for less than you deserve, but sometimes the dread of being alone creeps in so you have an internal battle of not wanting to get hurt nor have your time “wasted”. Even now, you might realize that you’ve stayed in relationships longer than you should have, or perhaps been too emotionally closed off and unavailable, it prevented the opportunity for you to truly connect with others and allowing them to know you.
Maybe you’re in a relationship…
Are you battling with the back-and-forth of a “situationship” or just a relationship that has been lacking clear boundaries, definitions, or commitment. Perhaps you are trying to navigate an interracial relationship and finding challenges in navigating conversations about race or politics. Possibly, you are staying in the routine of it all because even though you aren’t fully satisfied you at least know what to expect to match the phrase “better the devil you know than the devil you don’t”. So, you avoid the unknown to avoid the risk of not having that person in your life anymore. You’ve noticed that communication consists of more bickering, arguing, and the superficial, leaving you with a mix of anxiety, feeling distant, a loss of excitement, and a growing fear that resentment is building. You fantasize “if they would just change how I would like them to or how they used to be then the relationship could be better” and so you stay focused on the ideal and wishful thinking but remain not fully satisfied. You may notice that you either give your spouse/partner too many chances, overlook toxicity or ‘red flags’, or find yourself caught in codependent patterns.
Maybe you’re in a relationship…
Are you battling with the back-and-forth of a “situationship” or just a relationship that has been lacking clear boundaries, definitions, or commitment. Possibly, you are staying in the routine of it all because even though you aren’t fully satisfied you at least know what to expect to match the phrase “better the devil you know than the devil you don’t”. So, you avoid the unknown to avoid the risk of not having that person in your life anymore. You’ve noticed that communication consists of more bickering, arguing, and the superficial, leaving you with a mix of anxiety, feeling distant, a loss of excitement, and a growing fear that resentment is building. You fantasize “if they would just change how I would like them to or how they used to be then the relationship could be better” and so you stay focused on the ideal and wishful thinking but remain not fully satisfied. You may notice that you either give your spouse/partner too many chances, overlook toxicity or ‘red flags’, or find yourself caught in codependent patterns.
Or perhaps you’re already in a relationship and have been feeling insecure and reluctant when it comes to intimacy or what goes on in the bedroom (or out)…
Have you begun to experience a decrease in confidence and found yourself comparing your level of experience with your partner(s)? While you obviously want them to be happy and satisfied, you may be struggling to communicate your thoughts, love languages, and needs. You and your partner may be considering polyamory and now you’re at a loss of where to even begin and how to process this rush of new feelings you haven’t felt due to the unfamiliarity. You get a pit in your stomach or experience racing thoughts to be the best for your partner while also doing right by you, but you sink into yourself and don’t feel as confident to explore or try new things. Do you feel that there is a discrepancy where you have a low desire/libido while your partner has a higher libido and it’s creating a pressure to perform a certain way or vice versa? Are life factors and relationship changes impacting sexual satisfaction? Or have you experienced sexual anxiety or past sexual trauma which is inhibiting you from trusting and being present and experiencing pleasure? What initially started as a frustrating concern has become even more complicated as it got entangled with feelings of shame, embarrassment, guilt, and inadequacy.
Navigate Loves Many Dimensions: From Dating to Intimacy and Everything In Between
Dating & Relationship Therapy can help!
You’re tired of feeling defeated, unconfident, and buried by indecisive thoughts and want to gain (or regain) your confidence and find yourself again outside of just being in a relationship. You want to become true to yourself and your partner and feel freer to follow your own curiosity, needs, and wants.
From the first session to the last, everything we work on will be focused on you, your goals and how to reach them with a defined action plan. We will learn, create, and build upon coping skills to recognize both what your mind and body is telling you as well as more easily handle difficult and challenging situations as they occur. I’ll help you dig into the root causes for your stress, insecurity, and hesitancy, practice open and honest communication, and find a way forward with a nourishing and satisfying relationship. You have full control over the content we discuss, and the level of detail explored. This is a safe space where you can openly discuss the taboo, awkward, and the real.
My approach to dating and relationship counseling not only validates the struggle of your thoughts and emotions, but also makes priority your immediate needs and stressful areas that are problematic and are in need of solutions and further processing. With clarity and a renewed sense of yourself you’ll be able to move forward whether single or with your partner with excitement, passion, fulfillment, and authenticity. You’re here looking for more than a temporary fix – you want change that will last. You’re here to break the patterns that keep you feeling stuck in the same cycles and conversations. I’m ready to help you let go, embrace, and rediscover a future, whether single or in a relationship, that gets you excited about life and love again.
Relationship Therapy will help you…
- Achieve a healthy and sustaining sexual & intimacy identity
- Set healthier boundaries around your time, energy, and emotional investments.
- Recognize and address implicit biases, unintentional prejudices, or unrecognized privileges that influence dynamics in an interracial relationship
- Develop heathier attachment, vulnerability, and trust
- End or prevent codependent or people-pleasing behaviors and prioritize your voice and needs.
- Balance the hot-and cold of dating without it affecting your self-worth, while cultivating fulfilling connections both platonically and romantically
You don’t have to continue the grind of being burnt-out from dating and not being truthful to yourself. Fall in love with yourself and get rejuvenated.
Frequently Asked Questions
I do not currently work with couples. The focus is on the individual and their values and goals. Depending on the situation I may recommend you do couples/marital therapy in adjunct to individual therapy as individual therapy can provide a space to work on personal issues that may be affecting the relationship. Dating and relationship therapy for Individuals focuses on helping you navigate and improve your personal relationships, address issues related to dating, self-esteem, sex & intimacy, past traumas, and personal growth within the context of relationships and dating.
I do! If you are or have a teen that needs a non-judgmental place to talk about their relationship, dating, or getting over a relationship you’ve come to the right place! I encourage that for it to be the most beneficial it needs to be self-motivated rather than parent motivated.
Whether you are just venturing into new territory, curious, or have been living it for some time, there is a place for you here. I am:
- Sex positive
- Affirming of polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships
- Knowledgeable in kink and BDSM dynamics
- Affirming of LGBTQIA+ partnerships
- Culturally sensitive and trauma-informed
Confidentiality will still be strictly enforced, and your partner or parents will not be included in your therapy without prior consent.
Of course! Coming to therapy will allow you the space to process and reflect on the relationship to aid in the recovery process and assist you in making the best decision whether you decide to move on or get back together.
Yes, I am a sex-therapy informed clinician. Sex therapy is another form of talk therapy for emotional and psychological challenges in your intimate relationships with yourself and others. Sexual and intimacy themes or topics may be discussed within your comfort level. There is no sexual contact with or in front of the therapist.