About Dr. Johr
I am a clinical psychologist devoted to helping adults and couples find greater satisfaction in life and love. With over ten years of private practice experience, I have worked with men and women to overcome a host of issues ranging from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, work-related stressors, reproductive issues, postpartum mood disorders, family of origin issues, relational and marital stress, as well as difficulties adjusting to life transitions (i.e., death of a parent, divorce, adoption, job loss, retirement, etc.)
Therapeutic Approach
For my clients’ convenience, I have an office in Durham and Raleigh. I follow an individualized approach in learning about your personal goals and the obstacles that stand in your way. I understand that the initial phase of therapy is a time to establish a sense of trust and collaboration. With this in mind, I strive to work at a pace that is helpful to you and ask for feedback to ensure you feel comfortable. Most likely you are focused on present issues that cause distress and are looking for practical solutions to quickly ease your discomfort. I may use helpful interventions from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Interpersonal Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy to address these concerns. I also believe that your history is vital to understanding your strengths and struggles, and learning about patterns in your past and present relationships can result in long-lasting change. I am a caring, compassionate, and perceptive therapist who will work with you to make the important connections that can restore your sense of well-being and strength.
Therapeutic Approach With Couples
Most couples come to therapy uncertain of what to expect. Usually one person insists on couples therapy, while the other has little faith it will work. Despite these differences, both partners can relate to feeling disconnected, anxious, frustrated, and unappreciated by the other. I specialize in working with couples to discuss these painful interactions in a constructive and caring way. While most couples have shared their distress in the past, without professional help, couples often have limited success in resolving issues and restoring their connection.
I use a combination of Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help couples improve their communication and connection. These two approaches provide complementary frameworks to identify both problems and solutions. Gottman’s 30-plus years of research helps clients understand what specific behaviors negatively and positively impact their marriage. Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy highlights the importance of feeling securely attached to your partner and what patterns ensue when emotional needs are dismissed. I use EFT to help partners become more attuned and responsive to the need for love, affection, acceptance, and understanding that everyone strives for in relationships.
Couples often state that I cultivate a nonjudgmental space that enables both partners to share vulnerabilities and assume responsibility to improve the marriage. I also work with couples who struggle with issues of infidelity or those who have decided to separate. The end of a relationship is very painful. However, couples have a chance to develop a greater understanding and acceptance of the split with help navigating those perilous waters.
I also specialize in working with engaged couples and newlyweds providing education about positive communication practices. I have seen that safeguarding couples during this initial stage of a relationship, when the goodwill and motivation to collaborate are high, can maximize skills to strengthen the foundation of your marriage.
Raleigh Office – Inner Path Psychotherapy,144 Wind Chime Court, Raleigh, NC 27615
Durham Office – 5001 S Miami Blvd, Durham, NC 27703