Couples
Specialized therapy for high-conflict Couples from the director of Stanford’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Couples and Family Program.
Couples Therapy at Summit.
From Conflict to Connection
Relationships can be one of the most rewarding and challenging parts of life. When conflict becomes chronic, communication breaks down, or trust is broken, Couples therapy can help you understand what’s driving the patterns and rebuild connection. At Summit Psychotherapy Center, we specialize in treating high-conflict Couples using evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches. Dr. Jasmine Dobbs-Marsh, who directs Stanford University’s DBT Couples and Family Program, leads our Couples therapy services. We don’t just address surface-level communication issues, we help you understand what drives relationship challenges at a deeper level, interrupt destructive patterns, regulate emotions during conflict, and rebuild empathy, trust, and collaboration. Whether you’re navigating everyday relationship stress or complex trauma-related dynamics, we’re here to support you.
Common Relationship Concerns
Challenges We Address.
We provide specialized treatment for Couples experiencing:
High-Conflict Relationships
Chronic arguing, escalation, feeling stuck in cycles.
Communication Breakdowns
Difficulty being heard, misunderstandings, shutdown
Trust and Betrayal
Infidelity, lies, rebuilding trust after betrayal
Intimacy and Connection Loss
Emotional distance, lack of physical intimacy
Trauma's Impact on Relationships
How past experiences affect current partnership
Emotion Dysregulation
One or both partners struggling with intense emotions
Life Transitions
Parenting stress, career changes, health challenges
LGBTQIA+ Relationship Concerns
Unique challenges facing LGBTQIA+ Couples
Blended Family Dynamics
Navigating step-parenting and complex family systems
Premarital Concerns
Building strong foundation before marriage
Considering Separation
Discernment about staying together or separating
Our Specialized Approaches
Evidence-Based Couples Therapy:
DBT for Couples (DBT-C)
Skills-based approach from Stanford’s DBT Couples and Family Program. Teaching emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills specifically for high-conflict relationships.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Attachment-based approach that helps Couples understand and change emotional patterns, rebuild security, and strengthen bonds.
Trauma-Informed Couples Therapy
Addressing how individual trauma histories affect relationship dynamics, intimacy, and conflict patterns.
Integrative Approach
For many Couples, we integrate multiple evidence-based approaches to address the unique constellation of challenges you face.
Why Couples Choose Summit
Specialized Expertise in Relationship Therapy
Couples choose Summit because we offer:
Academic Expertise
Dr. Dobbs-Marsh leads Stanford’s academic expertise Couples program
High-Conflict Specialization
Expertise in relationships where emotions run high
Trauma-Informed Approach
Understanding how past experiences affect current relationships
Doctoral-Level Clinicians
Advanced training in relationship dynamics
Non-Blaming Approach
Understanding patterns without assigning fault.
Skills-Based Learning
Practical tools you can use immediately.
Telehealth Accessibility
Therapy from the comfort of your home
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
Welcoming and supportive of all relationship configurations
What to Expect in Couples Therapy?
Your Relationship Healing Journey :
Initial Consultation (Free 15 Minutes)
We offer a complimentary phone consultation to discuss your relationship concerns and determine if our specialized approach is right for you.
Collaborative Assessment
The first few sessions focus on understanding each partner’s perspective, relationship patterns, what drives conflict, and what goals you have for therapy.
Building Skills and Understanding
You’ll learn practical skills for managing emotions during conflict, communicating effectively, validating each other, and interrupting destructive patterns. We help you understand what’s beneath the surface-level arguments.
Rebuilding Connection
As destructive patterns decrease, we focus on rebuilding empathy, trust, intimacy, and emotional connection. The goal isn’t just to fight less—it’s to feel closer and more collaborative.
For All Types of Couples
Inclusive, Affirming Care
We provide affirming, specialized therapy for all Couples including heterosexual Couples, LGBTQIA+ Couples, polyamorous relationships, interracial Couples, interfaith Couples, and Couples at any stage of relationship (dating, engaged, married, long-term partnerships). Our approach honors your unique relationship configuration, cultural background, and values. We understand that different Couples face different challenges and bring cultural competence and sensitivity to our work.
Ready to Transform Your Relationship?
You don’t have to stay stuck in conflict. Our specialized team, led by the director of Stanford’s DBT Couples and Family Program, can help you understand patterns and rebuild connection.