7 Best Oakland Couples Therapists
When your relationship feels stuck in patterns of miscommunication, distance, or conflict, it's easy to wonder if things can truly improve. At California Couples Counseling, we understand these challenges firsthand—and we’ve also seen just how helpful therapy can be.
Here, we’ve curated a list of some of our experienced therapists, all specializing in helping couples throughout the Bay Area rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and rediscover intimacy through evidence-based approaches like the Gottman Method. Meet our team here to find the right fit for your relationship and reach out when you’re ready to get started.
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Best for couples therapy for busy professionals: Daniel Moultrie, LMFT
Best for LGBTQ+ couples therapy: Stefan Paquet, LMFT
Best for couples therapy for sex addiction: Tammie Makely, LMFT
Best for couples therapy for affair recovery: Christopher Kelm, LMFT
Best for couples therapy in Spanish: Karina Martinez, LCSW
Best for couples considering separation: Georgina Crisanto, LMFT
Best for trauma-informed couples therapy: Jennie Lopez, LMFT
Not sure which couples counselor is right for you? Contact us so we can personally match you.
Meet our Oakland couples counselors
Daniel Moultrie, LMFT
Best for couples therapy for busy professionals
Daniel specializes in helping entrepreneurs and busy professionals navigate relationship challenges while managing demanding careers. His empathetic, solution-oriented approach creates a non-judgmental space where couples can uncover blind spots and develop practical strategies for connection.
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Modalities: Gottman Method
Location: Virtual in Oakland, CA
Virtual therapy?: Yes, available across California
Stefan Paquet, LMFT
Best for LGBTQ+ couples therapy
Stefan brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals and couples, including those navigating sexuality, gender identity, and transition journeys. He creates a safe, affirming environment where partners can explore their relationship dynamics without judgment.
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Modalities: Gottman Method, EMDR
Location: Virtual in Oakland, CA
Virtual therapy?: Yes, available across California
Tammie Makely, LMFT
Best for couples therapy for sex addiction
Tammie specializes in helping couples heal from the complex pain of sex addiction and infidelity. Her down-to-earth, calming presence creates a safe environment where both partners can process hurt, understand underlying issues, and work toward a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Modalities: Gottman Method, EMDR, anger management techniques
Location: Virtual in Oakland, CA
Virtual therapy?: Yes, available across California
Christopher Kelm, LMFT
Best for couples therapy for affair recovery
Christopher specializes in guiding couples through the complex healing process following infidelity, using evidence-based approaches to restore trust and deepen connection. His compassionate, structured approach helps partners navigate betrayal and rebuild a stronger relationship.
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Modalities: Gottman Method
Location: Virtual in Oakland, CA
Virtual therapy?: Yes, available across California
Karina Martinez, LCSW
Best for couples therapy in Spanish
Karina offers culturally responsive therapy for couples navigating relationship challenges, with extensive experience supporting first responders and individuals in high-stress professions. Her collaborative, flexible approach tailors therapy to each couple's unique needs and cultural background.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Modalities: Gottman Method, CBT, anger management techniques
Location: Virtual in Oakland, CA
Virtual therapy?: Yes, available across California
Georgina Crisanto, LMFT
Best for couples considering separation
Georgina specializes in helping couples at critical crossroads—whether on the brink of separation or divorce, or struggling to decide if the relationship can be saved. She creates a supportive space where partners can restore their emotional bond, improve communication, and make informed decisions about their future together.
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Modalities: Gottman Method, discernment counseling
Location: Virtual in Oakland, CA
Virtual therapy?: Yes, available across California
Jennie Lopez, LMFT
Best for trauma-informed couples therapy
Jennie specializes in helping couples heal from painful past experiences, using trauma-informed methods like EMDR alongside evidence-based couples counseling techniques like the Gottman Method. Her approach addresses both individual trauma and relational patterns to support comprehensive healing and connection.
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Modalities: Gottman Method, EMDR
Location: Virtual in Oakland, CA
Virtual therapy?: Yes, available across California
What sets our practice apart from other Oakland couples therapy providers
California Couples Counseling offers specialized expertise that couples need to thrive. Our unique strengths include:
Gottman Method expertise: All therapists trained in research-based approaches proven to strengthen relationships
Flexible online availability: Convenient virtual sessions throughout California that fit your demanding schedule
Specialized couples focus: Unlike general therapists, we dedicate our practice exclusively to relationship work
Diverse team of clinicians: Match with a therapist who understands your unique background and needs
Evidence-based treatment: Proven modalities including EMDR, CBT, and trauma-informed care
Confidential and accessible: Private online sessions eliminate the stress of commuting, parking, and scheduling adjustments
If you’re still unsure whether we’re the right fit for your relationship, contact us for a free consultation so we can speak directly.
Common reasons couples seek counseling
Communication breakdown
When conversations repeatedly end in frustration or silence, communication patterns need attention. We help partners learn to truly hear each other, express needs clearly, and respond with empathy rather than defensiveness.
Loss of emotional intimacy
Feeling like roommates rather than romantic partners is deeply painful. We guide couples in rekindling emotional connection, rebuilding vulnerability, and creating intentional moments that strengthen your bond.
Infidelity and broken trust
Betrayal creates profound wounds that often require specialized support to heal. Our therapists help couples navigate complex emotions, rebuild safety, and determine the path forward that honors both partners.
Constant conflict and arguing
When discussions escalate into arguments, couples feel trapped in cycles of hurt. We teach partners to recognize destructive patterns, de-escalate conflicts, and develop healthier ways to address disagreements.
Life transitions and stress
Major life changes—career shifts, parenthood, or loss—can strain even strong relationships. We help partners navigate change together, align on shared goals, and maintain connection during challenging seasons.
Disconnection and distance
Many couples feel disconnected without a clear cause; sometimes, closeness simply fades over time. We help identify sources of distance, rebuild emotional attunement, and create sustainable practices that keep you connected.
What to expect from the therapy process
Step 1. Initial consultation
The process begins with a free consultation to discuss your concerns and goals. This is an opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for whether we’re the right match.
Step 2. Assessment
At your intake session, your therapist assesses your relationship dynamics, communication patterns, and histories to create a personalized treatment plan.
Step 3. Regular sessions
From here, you and your partner will attend virtual sessions consistently to learn new skills and eventually process core issues that are keeping your relationship stuck.
Step 4. Maintenance
In the final phase, you’ll have sustainable relationship practices in place and tools for maintaining progress, eventually tapering off into less frequent sessions.
FAQs about couples counseling
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Only you and your partner can make the decision to seek therapy, but if you’re questioning whether it can be helpful, that’s often a key sign to consider reaching out. Other indicators include:
Recurring conflicts
Emotional distance
Communication breakdown
Betrayal
Feeling stuck
Times of transition
Couples therapy is most effective when sought proactively rather than as a last resort. Early intervention prevents small issues from becoming relationship-threatening patterns.
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There’s not just one “best” type of therapy for couples—there are several factors that play a role in successful therapy. However, the Gottman Method is one of the most researched and effective couples counseling approaches, which is why all of the therapists at California Couples Counseling are trained in this method.
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Research shows that approximately 70% of couples report significant improvement in their relationship satisfaction through couples therapy. However, success can depend on factors like both partners’ commitment to the process, the timing of reaching out for help, and consistency in attending sessions.
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Insurance doesn’t often cover couples counseling. You can find more information about our rates, packages, and payment options here.