Couples Counseling Napa |Marriage Therapy California | Affair Recovery Therapist
Reclaim Intimacy and Trust in Your Relationship
Couples Counseling in Napa, CA and Online Throughout California
Are you feeling disconnected from your partner? Struggling to rebuild trust after betrayal or infidelity? Relationships can be one of the most fulfilling parts of our lives—but they can also be one of the most challenging. When intimacy breaks down, it’s easy to feel lost, frustrated, and unsure of where to turn.
I’m Elizabeth Celaya, AMFT
I specialize in helping couples navigate these difficult moments. Whether you’re dealing with communication issues, infidelity, or emotional distance, I provide compassionate, effective counseling that helps you move from pain and disconnection to healing and deeper intimacy.
Couples Counseling That Gets to the Heart of the Matter
Many couples come to therapy hoping their partner will change—but true relationship growth starts with each individual. My approach focuses on differentiation, the idea that both partners are responsible for their own growth and healing within the relationship. This might be different from what you’ve heard in traditional couples counseling, but it’s an approach that fosters real, lasting change.
Unlike many therapists who rely on popular methods like EFT or the Gottman Method, I use Relational Life Therapy (RLT), Family Systems Theory, and the Crucible Approach to help couples reconnect and thrive.
Through these approaches, I help couples:
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Rebuild trust after betrayal or infidelity
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Improve emotional and physical intimacy
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Navigate complex family dynamics
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Communicate more effectively without blame or defensiveness
I believe in being direct and honest while also providing a warm, supportive environment. My clients appreciate that I don’t waste time—we dive into what matters most and work toward meaningful, lasting solutions.
Common Relationship Challenges and How We Address Them
Every relationship faces challenges, but with the right support, couples can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. Here are some common issues I help couples navigate:
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Communication Breakdowns: Constant arguments or silence can leave couples feeling stuck. I help move beyond surface-level conversations to address deeper emotional needs and develop tools for open, honest communication.
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Loss of Intimacy: Emotional or physical distance can create loneliness and frustration. I guide couples in rekindling desire and connection, fostering vulnerability and closeness.
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Betrayal and Trust Issues: Infidelity or other betrayals can shatter trust. I offer a structured process to help couples work through pain and rebuild a stronger foundation.
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Navigating Life Transitions: Major life changes—like parenthood, career shifts, or caring for aging parents—can strain relationships. I help couples adapt, maintaining a strong partnership while navigating new roles.
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Family Dynamics and External Stressors: Family expectations, cultural differences, and external pressures can affect your connection. I help couples understand and manage these influences through Family Systems Theory.
Common Relationship Challenges and How We Address Them
Every relationship faces challenges, but with the right support, couples can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. Here are some common issues I help couples navigate:
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Communication Breakdowns: Constant arguments or silence can leave couples feeling stuck. I help move beyond surface-level conversations to address deeper emotional needs and develop tools for open, honest communication.
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Loss of Intimacy: Emotional or physical distance can create loneliness and frustration. I guide couples in rekindling desire and connection, fostering vulnerability and closeness.
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Betrayal and Trust Issues: Infidelity or other betrayals can shatter trust. I offer a structured process to help couples work through pain and rebuild a stronger foundation.
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Navigating Life Transitions: Major life changes—like parenthood, career shifts, or caring for aging parents—can strain relationships. I help couples adapt, maintaining a strong partnership while navigating new roles.
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Family Dynamics and External Stressors: Family expectations, cultural differences, and external pressures can affect your connection. I help couples understand and manage these influences through Family Systems Theory.
Affair Recovery and Betrayal Healing
Discovering an affair or experiencing betrayal in a relationship is devastating. The trust you once had can feel irreparably broken, and it’s natural to wonder if your relationship can survive. The good news? Healing is possible.
In affair recovery counseling, I help couples:
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Process the pain and emotions caused by betrayal
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Understand the underlying issues that contributed to the affair
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Rebuild trust—not just in each other, but in yourselves
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Create a new, stronger foundation for your relationship
Affair recovery isn’t about returning to the way things were before—it’s about creating a healthier, more authentic connection moving forward. Together, we’ll navigate the difficult conversations, address the hurt, and find a path toward healing.
What to Expect from Couples Therapy
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure of what to expect. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
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Initial Consultation: In our first session, we’ll discuss your relationship’s history, current challenges, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. This is a time for both of you to share your perspectives and for me to get a sense of your dynamic.
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Setting Goals: Together, we’ll identify specific goals for therapy. Whether it’s rebuilding trust, improving communication, or reigniting intimacy, having clear objectives helps guide our work.
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Active Engagement: Therapy is a collaborative process. I’ll provide tools, exercises, and strategies to help you address issues both in and out of sessions. You’ll be encouraged to take responsibility for your growth while supporting your partner’s journey.
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Ongoing Support and Growth: As therapy progresses, we’ll regularly assess your progress and adjust our approach as needed. The goal isn’t just to resolve current conflicts, but to equip you with skills for long-term relationship health.
Each session is tailored to your unique needs, and I create a safe, supportive space where both partners feel heard and respected.
Why Choose Me as Your Couples Therapist?
Many therapists offer couples counseling, but few specialize in it. I’ve dedicated my practice to helping couples navigate the unique challenges of intimate relationships.
Here’s what sets me apart:
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A Direct Yet Compassionate Approach: I won’t waste your time with vague advice or endless talking. I’m here to get to the heart of the issue with honesty and care.
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Focus on Differentiation: I help each partner take responsibility for their own growth, which leads to healthier, more balanced relationships.
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Specialized Training: I use Relational Life Therapy, Family Systems Theory, and the Crucible Approach—proven methods for creating lasting change.
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My clients often tell me they appreciate my straightforward style combined with my ability to create a safe, supportive space for honest, productive conversations.
