Overcoming Emotional Distance in Your Relationship

CLOSING THE GAP ON EMOTIONAL DISTANCE

Emotional distance can develop from months or years of unresolved conflict and life stressors in your relationship. As time passes and circumstances change, it is not uncommon for couples to express dissatisfaction with the level of emotional connection that they feel with their partner. Some couples even share that they feel like they are living separate lives from their partner, and that their partner has become more like a roommate than a spouse or a friend.

When experiencing emotional distance in your relationship, it is not uncommon for the relationship to dive into a cycle of push and pull (Pursue and Withdrawal). This cycle can make you feel like the person who once showed you that they loved you most is not even on your team anymore. In couples counseling, we look at identifying the early signs of this cycle and helping you to learn to avoid it so that you can share the emotional intimacy that you desire.

At Biltmore Psychology & Counseling, our Psychologists help couples rekindle the emotional closeness and passion that was once found in their relationship, helping them return to satisfying levels of companionship, friendship, and intimacy.

DR. MELISSA ESTAVILLO, PsyD

Doctorate and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology
Practice Areas: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Relationship / Marriage Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD / Trauma, Grief, Spiritual Integration, Medical Counseling

DR. AUDREY SESSIONS, PsyD

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology
M.A. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology
M.S. Mental Health Counseling, Walden University
Practice Areas: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Emotional Regulation, LGBTQ+, Race-Based Stress, Military and Veteran-Related Issues, General Mental Health, Couples Counseling, Multicultural Diversity and Inclusion, Mindfulness

SUSAN SELF, LPC

M.S. Counseling and Human Services, University of Toledo
B.S. Psychology, Bowling Green State University
Practice Areas: Relationship / Marriage Counseling, Pre-marital Counseling, Parenting, General Counseling, Anxiety and Depression, Individual Therapy, Career Decisions, Caring for Aging Relatives, Life Changes, Work/Life Stressors

NICOLE ELLIOTT, LPC

M.C. Counseling, Arizona State University
B.A. English (Literature), Arizona State University
Practice Areas: Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cbt), Depression, Disability Counseling, Existential Therapy, Faith-Based Counseling, General Mental Health Counseling, Gerontological Counseling, Grief Counseling, Individual Counseling, Mindful Self-Compassion (Msc)

ELIZABETH FELIX, LPC

M.A. Human Resources and Substance Abuse, Ottawa University
M.A. Professional Counseling, Ottawa University
B.A. Psychology, Ottawa University
Practice Areas: Trauma, Anxiety, PTSD, Grief, Life Transitions, Women’s Focused Issues, LGBTQ+, Parenting, Depression, Couples Counseling, Family Counseling, Faith-based Counseling, General Mental Health Counseling

HEATHER WHEELER, LCSW

Masters in Social Work, Arizona State University
B.A. Psychology, Arizona State University
Specialties: Anxiety, CBT, Depression, Grief Counseling, Couples Counseling, LGBTQ+, Mindfulness, Family Counseling, General Mental Health Counseling, Women-Focused Issues/New Mothers Counseling, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)