Couples Therapy
with Erica Nelson, LCSW
in-person therapy in San Mateo and online across California
As a working mom in the Bay Area, I get the stress that life here brings. When you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between, relationships can start to feel more like logistics than love.
Have you realized you’ve become roommates more than partners?
Do you avoid conflict because it always ends badly?
Has stress, betrayal, or emotional distance made it hard to trust again?
You’re not alone. Every couple hits moments when communication breaks down. The good news is that repair is possible, and it often starts sooner than you’d expect.
Improve communication
Handle conflict without escalation
Rebuild trust and intimacy after distance
Feel more connected
Understand each other’s needs
Break reactive cycles
Remember why they chose each other
Couples Come to Me When They Want To
When partnership feels harder than it should be, you can reconnect.
Start with what’s working and build from there.
What Couples Therapy With Me Looks Like
In our sessions, we don’t just talk about the problem, we explore why you’re together in the first place. Whether the issue is conflict, resentment, or disconnection, we’ll move step by step toward understanding and repair.
My approach combines evidence-based, practical frameworks that bring clarity and calm back into your relationship:
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Offers research-backed tools for communication, trust repair, and emotional intimacy; helps partners replace criticism and defensiveness with listening and collaboration.
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Teaches mindfulness and emotion regulation; supports couples who feel “flooded” or overwhelmed during conflict.
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Helps identify rigid beliefs and communication patterns that keep you stuck; promotes empathy and flexibility.
Get back on the same team.
Together, we’ll build a foundation that lets you talk, listen, and reconnect, even during hard moments.
We’ll create space to talk about what’s scary without judgment, practice nervous system regulation, and build confidence in your ability to care for yourself as you care for your growing family.
After Therapy, Couples Notice
Reduced conflict and tension
More understanding
Better communication
Greater intimacy and teamwork
Repaired trust
Renewed hope
Feeling excited about your future
The goal isn’t perfection: It’s confidence that you can navigate challenges together, not against each other.
About Erica Nelson, LCSW
Founder and Clinical Supervisor
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For over 15 years, I’ve worked with couples and families to strengthen connection and resolve high-conflict patterns. I bring a direct but compassionate style that helps both partners feel heard and understood.
I’m especially skilled at helping couples find the kernel of truth in each other’s perspectives, and move from “who’s right” to “what’s true for both of us.” My background includes extensive training in Gottman Method, DBT, and CBT.
Outside of therapy, I’m a mom of two, a cat lover, a lifelong runner, and a reader who always has three books going at once. I know what it’s like to juggle a busy life and still want more closeness at home.
Education, Credentials, & Trainings
Masters in Social Work, Simmons College, 2015
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, California
CA LCSW 86142
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Fill out the form or send me a quick note. I’ll reach out to schedule a short consultation.
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We’ll talk about your relationship goals and see if we’re a good fit to work together.
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We’ll start with what brought you here and begin mapping out the steps toward change and reconnection.