helping couples overcome the challenges of modern parenthood
In-person and online therapy to support you and your partner
Over 10 years of professional experience
Sought-after expert with dozens of media features
Individualized care to address your unique needs and goals
Practical tools and strategies for strengthening your relationship
A safe, nurturing space to be heard and understood
Dual expertise in couples counseling and perinatal mental health
Top-Rated Couples Therapy Sherman Oaks, CA
Takeaway: You don't have to navigate the demands of parenthood alone. Couples therapy can help you rebuild the connection, intimacy, and fulfillment in your relationship. Contact me today to get started.
learn more about me
Meet Gayane Aramyan, LMFT
therapist for couples in Sherman Oaks & across California
Hi, I'm Gayane. I'm a wife, mother, and licensed marriage and family therapist with a passion for walking hand in hand with women through their motherhood journeys. My relationship with my husband (we're high school sweethearts!) inspired my path to becoming a couples counselor.
At the same time, my journey to becoming a mother was filled with challenges that many new moms experience: feeling lost and overwhelmed, struggling to balance the needs of my family with my own identity and desires, and more. I had to find my way to being the person, mother, and partner I wanted to be.
Now, it's my mission to hold space for women and couples like you, providing a safe and supportive environment to work through the unique stressors of modern parenthood and rediscover a connected, fulfilling relationship.
With over 10 years of professional experience, including specialized training in anger management, I bring a blend of clinical expertise and personal life experiences to every session. I'd be honored to help you and your partner, too.
The transition to parenthood can put significant strain on even healthy relationships. Communication breakdowns, resentment, and intimacy challenges are all too common.
But with the right support, you and your partner can navigate these changes and emerge with a deeper understanding, trust, and fulfillment in your relationship.
In our couples therapy sessions, we'll work together to:
Develop effective conflict-resolution skills
Find ways to equitably manage the mental load of parenting
Cultivate a more profound mutual understanding and empathy
Reignite intimacy and physical connection
Create a shared vision for your relationship's future
I use a blend of techniques, including the Gottman method, attachment-based therapy, and emotionally focused therapy, to create a customized relationship counseling experience for each couple I help.
My approach to marriage counseling
what to expect & how to get started
Initial Consultation
Schedule a complimentary phone consultation where we'll briefly discuss your current challenges
Learn more about my approach to couples therapy
Determine if we're a good fit for working together
Get answers to any questions about the therapy process
First Session
Meet together as a couple to share your story and relationship history
Discuss your specific concerns, goals, and hopes for therapy
Complete an initial assessment to understand your relationship dynamics
Create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs
Ongoing Sessions
Weekly or bi-weekly sessions to build momentum and create lasting change
Learn and practice new communication and conflict-resolution skills
Address specific challenges as they arise in your relationship
Track progress toward your goals
common reasons why couples seek marriage counseling
Every relationship faces challenges, especially during the transformative journey of parenthood. While each couple's story is unique, there are common themes that bring partners to therapy—moments when extra support and guidance can make all the difference in rebuilding connection and understanding.
Here are some common reasons why couples seek help from a mental health professional.
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Adjusting to the transition of becoming parents
Disagreements about parenting styles or decisions
Struggling to balance family responsibilities
Managing the mental load of parenthood
Feeling overwhelmed by work-life balance
Loss of couple identity after having children
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Frequent arguments or emotional disconnection
Difficulty expressing needs and feelings effectively
Growing apart or living "parallel lives"
Feeling unheard or misunderstood by your partner
Loss of emotional or physical intimacy
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Rebuilding trust after infidelity
Managing jealousy or insecurity
Navigating social media and technology boundaries
Processing past relationship trauma
Addressing financial conflicts or disagreements
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Major career changes or job stress
Moving or relocating
Extended family conflicts
Health challenges or chronic illness
Grief and loss
Fertility struggles or pregnancy loss
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Mismatched desires or expectations
Changes in physical intimacy after having children
Feeling disconnected or lonely within the relationship
Difficulty maintaining emotional closeness
Navigating postpartum intimacy challenges
When another practice might be a better fit
While I'm committed to supporting couples through their relationship challenges, there are certain situations where different specialized care might be more appropriate:
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Active substance abuse or addiction requiring primary treatment
Severe mental health conditions requiring intensive care
Current suicidal ideation or severe depression
Active eating disorders
Diagnosed personality disorders requiring specialized treatment
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Current domestic violence or abuse situations
High-conflict divorce proceedings requiring legal mediation
Couples seeking primarily religious or faith-based counseling
Polyamorous relationships seeking a therapist with specialized expertise in this area
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Couples living outside of California seeking in-person therapy
Need for intensive couples retreats or workshops
Seeking court-ordered counseling or custody evaluations
Requiring specialized sex therapy services
FAQs about therapy for couples in Sherman Oaks, CA
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While these terms are often used interchangeably, there can be subtle differences. Couples counseling typically focuses on addressing specific current issues and developing practical solutions. It may also refer to services provided by non-mental health professionals, including clergy members.
Couples therapy often delves deeper into relationship patterns, attachment styles, and how past experiences influence current dynamics. In my practice, I incorporate both approaches based on what will best serve your needs as a couple.
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The best type of counseling depends on your specific needs and goals as a couple. I primarily use an integrative approach that combines elements of various evidence-based approaches proven to help couples create lasting positive change. This allows me to customize treatment to address your unique challenges while building on your relationship's existing strengths.
Beyond specific methods, the therapeutic relationship is another key aspect of effective therapy. That's why I bring an authentic human connection to my work with couples. I want to make sure you feel comfortable being open and honest in our sessions.
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Yes! Couples therapy can be highly effective in improving relationship satisfaction and communication. Many couples report significant improvements in understanding each other, managing conflicts, and feeling more connected after attending therapy together. The skills and insights gained during therapy can serve as lasting tools for maintaining a healthy partnership, making it a valuable investment in your relationship's future.
Start couples counseling in Sherman Oaks today
You don't have to navigate the demands of parenthood alone. I'm here to provide the compassionate, judgment-free support you and your partner need to reconnect, rebuild trust, and cultivate a happy, healthy relationship. Reach out today to take the first step.
