Michelle Puster, M.Ed., LPC

Experiencing the distress of relationship stress can be overwhelming and painful. I have spent the last 15 years in my education and practice learning and practicing a researched based approach to support individuals and couples experiencing relationship distress of all different kinds. I am a Certified Emotionally Focused (EFT) Therapist. As an EFT couples therapist I provide a supportive and non-judgmental space for couples to work together and gain understanding of the patterns they get caught in which create pain and distance in their relationship. When couples begin therapy they often express feelings such as,"It's never enough. I cannot get it right with them." Or "It's all on me. If I didn't bring it up we would never talk about anything. I am not sure they even care." It is from these frustrating and painful places couples begin to be able to turn to their partner and share how hard it is and what they are needing and hoping could be different in their relationship. Supporting couples in opening up to one another and learning how to communicate in a way their partner can hear is a privilege. It brings me great joy to watch couples move out of defensive distancing stances and into the more loving and caring roles they desire in their relationships. I also work with individuals who cannot be joined by their spouse for any reason. I work with individuals to gain a better understanding of their relationship and themselves. I help individuals gain insight into their own moves in their relationship dances and the meaning behind those moves. In turn individuals are able to move from reacting to their partner into responding to their partner.