Business Details
Trusted Couples Therapy in San Diego
Gerard Counseling has been dedicated to helping couples and individuals navigate relationship challenges since 1985. Founded by Carolyn Gerard, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, our practice specializes in evidence-based therapies including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method techniques, and mindfulness-based practices. With over 30 years of clinical experience and personal insight from raising five children, we specialize in addressing the unique needs of couples in their 40s, 50s, and 60s facing empty nesting, high-conflict situations, or redefining their relationships. Our strength-based approach focuses on restoring trust, improving communication, and reigniting emotional connections through personalized therapeutic guidance. Located in downtown San Diego, we provide a safe, judgment-free space for clients to explore their concerns and develop practical tools for lasting change.Our services include premarital counseling programs, trauma treatment using EMDR, and specialized support for couples in crisis following infidelity or betrayal. We are committed to ethical practice, continuous professional development, and community engagement through organizations like A Home Within and The Soldiers Project. Our proven therapeutic methods have helped countless couples transform conflict into connection and rediscover joy in their relationships. We offer both in-person and virtual consultations to accommodate diverse client needs. With a focus on practical outcomes and emotional healing, Gerard Counseling remains a trusted resource for relationship support in San Diego.
Services
Couples Therapy
Premarital Counseling
Individual Therapy
Trauma Treatment
High-Conflict Resolution
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of clinical experience with evidence-based therapies
- Specialized training in EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Gottman methods
- Personal insight from 40 years of marriage and raising five children
- Proven success helping couples navigate empty nesting and life transitions
- Compassionate approach combining brain/body/mind healing techniques
Associations and certifications
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFC #20719)
What people say
Heard real messages behind anger
Shared unspoken feelings
Proven conflict resolution
Effective communication tools
Deep emotional understanding
Services
Couples Therapy
Our couples therapy helps partners improve communication and rebuild trust through evidence-based methods like Emotionally Focused Therapy. We specialize in addressing empty nesting challenges and high-conflict situations for couples in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. With over 30 years of combined clinical and personal experience, we guide couples toward rediscovering emotional connection and creating shared visions for the future.
Premarital Counseling
This five-session program combines online assessments with personalized counseling to build strong relationship foundations. We focus on communication styles, conflict resolution techniques, and understanding love languages through Dr. Gary Chapman's framework. The $530 investment prepares couples to navigate future challenges while strengthening their emotional connection before marriage.
Trauma Treatment
Specialized trauma treatment using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) addresses effects of betrayal, abuse, and PTSD. This mind/body/brain approach helps individuals and couples process traumatic experiences while developing coping strategies. Our therapist holds advanced EMDR training and integrates this method with traditional counseling techniques for comprehensive healing.
People
Carolyn Gerard
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Carolyn Gerard has been a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist since 1985. With personal experience raising five children and 40 years of marriage, she combines professional expertise with real-world relationship insights. She specializes in couples therapy and trauma treatment using EMDR.
Questions
What types of therapy do you offer?
We offer couples therapy, premarital counseling, individual therapy, and specialized trauma treatment using EMDR techniques.
How long are therapy sessions?
Sessions typically last 50 minutes, with premarital counseling including five tailored sessions over multiple weeks.
Do you accept insurance?
We operate as private pay providers but can provide documentation for potential out-of-network insurance reimbursement.
What if my partner refuses counseling?
Individual therapy can still help you develop relationship tools and personal growth strategies when your partner isn't ready for joint sessions.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Use our online booking system or call (858) 735-1338 to schedule a free consultation for couples therapy in San Diego.
