Business Details
Attachment-Based Marriage Counseling in California
We are dedicated to transforming marriages through attachment-based couple counseling. With over two decades of experience since earning my Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology in 2001, I specialize in addressing the root causes of relationship issues rather than merely managing symptoms. My approach integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy, developed by pioneers Dr. Sue Johnson and Dr. Stan Tatkin. As a former intern and faculty member of the Neufeld Institute, I bring deep expertise in secure attachment principles to help couples build lasting, thriving relationships.Our process begins with individual phone consultations, followed by structured in-person sessions focused on clear goals and practical skills. We prioritize understanding each partner's attachment needs and developing strategies for mutual emotional regulation. This practice reflects my personal and professional journey from working with children and families to specializing in couples therapy, driven by a commitment to create positive ripple effects for families across generations.
Services
Couples Counseling
Attachment-Based Therapy
Initial Phone Consultation
Parent Coaching
Ongoing Therapy Sessions
Highlights and features
- Specialized in attachment-based therapy since 2003
- Trained directly by pioneers Dr. Sue Johnson and Dr. Stan Tatkin
- Over 20 years of counseling experience with families and couples
- Structured three-step process with clearly defined therapy goals
- Focus on resolving root causes rather than managing symptoms
Services
Couples Counseling
Our couples counseling focuses on resolving relationship conflicts through attachment-based methodologies. We help partners understand their emotional needs and develop communication strategies that foster security and connection. Sessions emphasize practical skills for conflict resolution and emotional regulation.
Attachment-Based Therapy
This specialized therapy addresses relationship issues by strengthening emotional attachments. We explore how early attachment patterns affect current relationships and develop strategies to create more secure bonds between partners through evidence-based techniques.
Initial Phone Consultation
The process begins with individual 15-20 minute phone consultations for each partner. This allows us to understand relationship challenges and determine if our approach aligns with your needs before scheduling in-person sessions.
Parent Coaching
Parent coaching focuses on improving parent-child relationships through secure attachment principles. We help parents understand child development and implement strategies that reduce behavioral issues while fostering emotional security.
Ongoing Therapy Sessions
Weekly 75-minute sessions provide structured relationship development. Each session builds on previous progress with clearly defined goals, teaching practical skills for maintaining emotional connection and resolving conflicts effectively.
People
Todd Sarner MFT Marriage Counseling Mill Valley
Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed therapist with 20+ years experience specializing in attachment-based therapy. Trained by Dr. Sue Johnson and Dr. Stan Tatkin, focusing on creating lasting relationship improvements through emotional bond strengthening techniques.
Questions
What makes attachment-based counseling different?
This approach focuses on strengthening emotional bonds between partners by addressing underlying attachment needs rather than just managing symptoms of conflict.
How long does the counseling process take?
The structured process includes an initial phone consultation, first in-person session, followed by weekly 75-minute therapy appointments with defined progress goals.
What therapeutic methods are used?
We combine Emotionally Focused Therapy (developed by Dr. Sue Johnson) with the Psychobiological Approach (by Dr. Stan Tatkin) for comprehensive relationship improvement.
Can this help if we're already separated?
While best results occur with both partners participating, we can explore individual options during the initial consultation to determine potential paths forward.
How does this benefit children?
Stronger parental relationships create stable environments that positively impact children's emotional development and long-term well-being through secure attachment modeling.
