Holly Wood, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist | Claimed

From the moment a couple walks into my office, they are walking into a space of openness, empathy, and intention. By that I mean, I work hard to create a space where you can openly talk about your issues with someone who will not judge you, and who understands how hard its been for you to get to the point of seeking therapy in the first place. My office is a place for couples to let their guard down and do the hard work it takes to build a successful marriage, knowing that they have a coach who will guide them along the journey.

My philosophy for couple’s therapy is to utilize the strengths the couple already has to change negative views of the relationship, improve communication, and modify dysfunctional behaviors. My approach is designed to help couples strengthen their relationships in the areas of friendship, conflict management, and creation of shared meaning. I work with couples to replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions and to repair past hurts. I also focus on interventions designed to increase closeness and intimacy, improve friendship, deepen emotional connection, and create changes to enhance the couples shared goals. In addition, my work as a trauma-informed clinical sexologist means that I do not shy away from topics that are sexual in nature, and that when one or more person involved has experienced trauma, I work with the couple to support one-another in their healing.

My best hope for a marriage is that couples can get back to the basics of friendship and remember why they got married in the first place. A good marriage isn't perfect, nor does that mean a couple is happy 100% of the time. Rather a good marriage is one in which the couple can attune to each other, work together as a team, support one another, and notice how the good times outweigh the bad. Marriage is important because it is a symbol, a declaration to the world that you and your partner share love for one another and are committed to supporting each other through life's ups and downs, no matter how hard things get.