Couples Therapy Temecula & Murrieta
Do you lie awake at night wondering how your relationship drifted so far from where it began? Are you tired of having the same arguments with no resolution, feeling disconnected from the person who once felt like your best friend? You're not alone, and a happier, healthier relationship is possible.
Hi, I'm Lisa Franks, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Journey to Wellness Counseling. I'm passionate about helping couples rebuild the connection they once felt and create the relationship they've always wanted. Whether you're feeling disconnected from your partner, struggling with communication, or finding that past wounds keep showing up in your relationship, I'm here to help.
I especially enjoy working with high-stress professionals, first responders and their spouses, and mothers who feel pulled in too many directions. If you're ready to break free from frustrating patterns and rediscover joy in your relationship, I'd love to connect with you.
I recognize that there may be some situations in which my practice is not the best fit, which is why I’ve curated this list of local colleagues. I want you to find the support you need, whether it’s with me or another provider.
3 of the best couples therapists in Temecula & Murrieta
1. John Bacon Gilbert
John is a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California. I recommend contacting him if you’re looking for a male couples therapist or if you specifically want Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples.
2. Reesa Morala
Traditional weekly or biweekly sessions aren’t for everyone. If you and your partner need intensive support or aren’t sure if therapy is right for you, consider Reesa’s intensives and workshops. She could also be a great fit if you need a couples counselor who speaks Filipino.
3. Heather Seguin
Heather takes a multi-faceted approach to marriage counseling, so I recommend contacting her practice if you and your partner specifically want a Christian counseling approach or are navigating infidelity recovery. She is also trained in treating sex addiction, if you need support in that area.
FAQs about couples therapy
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I use a trauma-informed approach that combines Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)with talk therapy. This unique blend helps couples process unresolved trauma, reduce emotional triggers, and create space for healthier interactions while improving communication, setting boundaries, and aligning actions with shared values. I am also Level-I Gottman trained and draw on those principles in my work with couples.
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Couples therapy can help with:
Communication breakdowns,
Trust issues,
Conflict resolution,
Emotional disconnection,
Intimacy concerns,
Parenting differences,
Navigating life transitions,
Processing past traumas affecting the relationship,
Overcoming betrayal, and
Rebuilding bonds strained by stress and busy lifestyles.
If you’re unsure whether couples counseling is right for your situation, I invite you to reach out for a free phone consultation.
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Many insurance plans offer limited coverage for couples therapy, often requiring a mental health diagnosis for one partner. As an out-of-network provider, I don't directly bill insurance, but I can provide documentation for potential reimbursement. My private-pay approach allows for more flexibility and confidentiality in your treatment.
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Research shows that about 70% of couples who complete evidence-based couples therapy report significant improvement in relationship satisfaction.
Keep in mind that success means different things to different couples—for some, it's learning to communicate respectfully even while separating, while for others, it's rekindling intimacy and building a stronger partnership than they had before.
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Absolutely. Couples therapy provides tools that benefit your relationship far beyond the session room. The skills you learn—effective communication, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution—create lasting positive changes. When you consider the emotional and financial costs of relationship breakdown, therapy is a valuable investment in your shared future.
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How do I choose the best couples therapist for me?
Part of effective couples therapy is choosing the right therapist, not just a therapist. Here are some factors to consider:
Does the therapist have specific training and experience in couples work?
Do they use evidence-based approaches?
Are their specialty areas relevant to your situation?
Do their values align with yours?
Does their approach and general style feel comfortable to you?
Finding the right couples counselor is about striking a balance between professional qualifications, logistics, and person-level connection.