Welcome In

I'm So Glad You're Here

Hi! I'm Erika. Welcome! Whether you're an individual exploring your relationship patterns or a couple looking for support, I’m here to help you move toward deeper connection, clarity, and growth.

I specialize in couples therapy, relationship counseling, and marriage therapy because I believe that relationships are at the core of our well-being. And while every relationship has challenges, you don’t have to navigate them alone.

Why Couples Therapy?

If you and your partner are feeling disconnected, stuck in conflict, or just not on the same page anymore, you’re not alone. Many couples come to therapy unsure of where things went wrong or how to fix them; they just know something doesn’t feel right.

Couples therapy offers a space where both of you can feel heard and understood. It’s not about blame. It’s about building insight, improving communication, and finding new ways to support each other. Whether you’re in crisis or just looking to strengthen your bond, therapy can help you move forward together.

Some of the things couples come to me for include:

  • Understanding and ending ongoing conflict or communication breakdown

  • Gaining insight into relationship patterns

  • Healing from infidelity or broken trust

  • Building a strong foundation for couples just starting out

  • LGBTQ+ couples navigating relationship dynamics

  • Reconnecting after a period of emotional distance

Wherever you are in your relationship journey, I’ll meet you there with compassion and curiosity.

What You Can Expect From Therapy With Me

My approach to couples counseling is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and proven therapeutic methods. I draw from modalities like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method to help you understand your relationship on a deeper level and make lasting changes. I also use Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy and Person-Centered therapy to help each person get to know their emotional responses and begin to recognize their own internal tendencies.

You can expect:

  • A nonjudgmental space where both partners feel heard and respected

  • Inclusive care for all identities, orientations, and relationship structures

You don’t have to have it all figured out. That’s what therapy is for.

Therapy for Individuals with Relationship Concerns

Sometimes, relationship work begins with one person. If you're trying to decide whether to stay or leave, healing from a breakup, or noticing patterns that keep showing up, individual therapy for relationship issues can be an incredibly powerful starting point.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're searching for couples therapy near me, or simply wondering if therapy could help your relationship, I invite you to take the next step. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy—you just need to be ready to explore, grow, or reconnect.

I know reaching out can feel vulnerable. But if you’re still reading this, you’re already taking a brave and important step. I’d be honored to walk with you on this journey.

Let’s start the conversation. I’m here when you're ready.

Erika Kao, LCSW

Erika Kao, LCSW, is a couples therapist licensed in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

http://minds-wide-open.com
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What to Expect in Your First Couples Therapy Session