Every couples counseling session is different. As part of her couples counseling in Los Angeles as well as throughout the state, Dr. Thomas structures the session to the exact, specific needs of every couple. That way, each couple receives the counseling that they need at the time they need it.
Is Every Couples Counseling Session the Same?
Not at all. Every couple brings a unique history, emotional dynamic, and set of concerns to therapy. As such, no two sessions are ever identical. Dr. Thomas understands that what works for one couple may not be effective for another. Her approach is never one-size-fits-all.
Instead, she crafts each session based on the specific personalities, issues, and goals of the individuals involved.
For example, one couple may be working through communication breakdowns related to parenting, while another may be addressing emotional distance after a falling out. Still others might be seeking help with decision-making, such as moving in together or separating respectfully. Dr. Thomas ensures that each session meets the couple where they are in the process.
Even though no two sessions are exactly alike, Dr. Thomas draws from evidence-based therapeutic methods and integrates them with her deep understanding of emotional and interpersonal patterns. This allows her to guide couples through their sessions with both the right structure and flexibility.
What Can Couples Expect in Their First Session?
The first session with Dr. Thomas typically focuses on assessment and clarification. She takes time to learn about the relationship’s history, identify what brought the couple to therapy, and gather a sense of each partner’s communication style and emotional needs. This may involve discussing key events, repeated conflicts, and each person’s perception of the relationship dynamic.
Dr. Thomas creates an environment where both partners feel heard and validated. Rather than assigning blame, she helps each person explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in the context of the relationship. The goal in this session is to build a strong foundation for future work by establishing trust and clarity.
What Happens in Ongoing Sessions?
After the initial intake, ongoing sessions with Dr. Thomas are designed to address the couple’s specific issues and work toward meaningful progress. Depending on the situation, this may include:
- Identifying negative cycles or patterns in the relationship
- Improving communication skills
- Resolving lingering resentments
- Rebuilding trust
- Increasing emotional intimacy
- Navigating life transitions together
Dr. Thomas may use a combination of therapeutic tools and techniques to support couples in these efforts. She may observe how partners interact during the session and gently point out dynamics that could be contributing to conflict or disconnection. In many cases, simply recognizing these patterns can lead to new insights and a shift in behavior.
Communication work is often a central component. Dr. Thomas helps couples learn how to listen actively, express themselves constructively, and understand each other’s perspectives without defensiveness. These skills can make a dramatic difference in how partners approach problems both in and out of session.
Sessions may include guided conversations, exercises to practice at home, or reflection on specific incidents that occurred between appointments. Dr. Thomas adapts her methods to fit the couple’s pace, progress, and who they are.
What Kinds of Problems Does Dr. Thomas Help Couples Address?
Dr. Thomas works with couples facing a wide spectrum of challenges, including but not limited to:
- Communication difficulties
- Lack of emotional or physical intimacy
- Recurring arguments and conflict resolution issues
- Infidelity or breaches of trust
- Differences in parenting styles or family planning
- Career-related stress affecting the relationship
- Grief or loss impacting the couple dynamic
- Life transitions such as marriage, moving, or retirement
Each session is approached with compassion and professionalism. Dr. Thomas helps couples unpack complex issues and find realistic, sustainable solutions. She works to uncover the underlying causes of conflict rather than merely addressing surface-level problems.
Can Couples Therapy Help Even If the Relationship Feels Hopeless?
Yes. Many couples seek therapy at a point when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally disconnected. While it can be daunting to begin therapy when things feel particularly strained, this is often when support is most needed.
Dr. Thomas has worked with many couples who feared their relationship was beyond repair, only to find new understanding and reconnection through therapy. Even in cases where couples decide to separate, therapy can help them do so with respect, clarity, and emotional closure.
Couples therapy does not promise a specific outcome, but it does offer a structured and compassionate space to explore the future. Whether the goal is reconciliation, rebuilding trust, or deciding the healthiest path forward, Dr. Thomas guides her clients through the process with empathy and professionalism.
Is Therapy Only for Couples in Crisis?
Not at all. Many couples seek therapy not because they’re facing challenges, but because they want to strengthen their bond, deepen their understanding of one another, or work through differences in a proactive way. Therapy can also be helpful during transitions, such as before marriage, after having children, or during retirement.
Couples therapy is a valuable resource for any stage of a relationship. It provides tools that support long-term connection and personal growth. So, by working with a therapist like Dr. Thomas, couples can prevent small issues from becoming major roadblocks.
How Is Couples Therapy with Dr. Thomas Different from Other Therapists?
Dr. Yvonne Thomas brings a high level of clinical experience and academic training to her work. With a Ph.D. in psychology and more than two decades in private practice, she offers depth, nuance, and sensitivity in her sessions. Her style is neither passive nor rigid. She is actively engaged with her clients, asking insightful questions and offering observations that encourage real breakthroughs.
What sets Dr. Thomas apart is her ability to tailor each session to the specific emotional, psychological, and relational needs of her clients. She integrates insight-oriented therapy with practical strategies, always focusing on what will be most effective for that particular couple.
Where Does Dr. Thomas Offer Therapy Services?
Dr. Yvonne Thomas provides therapy to couples throughout Los Angeles and the state of California. Sessions can be held in person at her Los Angeles office or virtually through secure online platforms. This allows for flexibility, making it easier for couples to access therapy even with busy schedules or geographic limitations.
Why Should Couples Consider Starting Therapy Now?
Relationships require care, attention, and effort. Waiting until problems escalate can make them harder to resolve. Couples who take the step to engage in therapy often discover that they didn’t have to struggle alone for so long.
Therapy with Dr. Thomas offers a way forward—whether the relationship is at a crossroads or simply in need of fine-tuning. Her compassionate and personalized approach helps couples gain insight, heal past wounds, and build stronger, more fulfilling connections.
Couples interested in couples therapy Los Angeles will find in Dr. Yvonne Thomas a psychologist who honors the unique dynamics of every relationship and provides skilled, thoughtful support every step of the way.
Couples Counseling in Los Angeles With Dr. Thomas
Couples counseling can be a valuable step for relationships at any stage—whether navigating a rough patch, trying to strengthen communication, or deciding whether to stay together. For those in Los Angeles and throughout California,
Dr. Yvonne Thomas offers experienced, compassionate guidance through couples therapy. With over twenty years of clinical practice and advanced degrees in psychology, Dr. Thomas helps partners explore and resolve their issues in a safe, supportive, and constructive environment. To see how she may be able to help your relationship, schedule a free consultation through her site or by calling.