The Relationship Place Counseling and Therapy

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The Relationship Place Counseling and Therapy

Empathy + Support
We have LMFTs here to better your headspace
and strengthen your relationships. We strive to provide you with the tools you need to succeed.

The Relationship Place is a safe space where you can find support and empathy in marriage and family counseling. Our aim is to break the stereotype of what therapy should be and what your relationship should look like. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Hillcrest, we invite you to choose from our diverse and non-judgmental group of licensed therapists. If you are ready to start your journey to

better mental health and stronger relationships, contact us today! Disclaimer → The advice provided in social media posts and content is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional therapy or counseling. While the information shared may be helpful, it is important to understand that every individual's situation is unique, and the guidance provided may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues or require therapeutic assistance, it is strongly recommended that you seek the support of a qualified mental health professional or therapist. They can provide personalized care and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Reliance on any advice or information obtained through social media platforms is solely at your own risk.

09/02/2026

Did you know that the Gottman Method yields incredibly fast results for same-sex couples?

When the Gottman Institute needed a clinician to write honestly about whether its method truly serves same-sex couples, they turned to Dr. Dana McNeil Dr. Dana McNeil, PsyD, LMFT

While all couples want the same core things: communication, support, and shared values; same-sex couples often navigate entirely different terrain. They deal with minority stress, identity development, and the absence of traditional relationship “scripts.“

But the research reveals something amazing: because same-sex partners typically don’t have a massive “gender-role gap” holding them back, they often share similar communication norms
from the start. This common ground allows Gottman tools to work twice as fast, in half the sessions!

Head to the link in our bio to read the full blog post on why this approach is so incredibly effective, and how our team brings this nuanced research directly into the therapy room.

08/25/2026

When Perfectionism Turns Into Defensiveness- NEW IN THE BLOG

Sometimes defensiveness isn’t simply an unwillingness to take responsibility.
For someone who already carries a great deal of shame or perfectionism, acknowledging a mistake can feel like confirmation of something much bigger:
I’m failing. I’m not good enough.

Our Clinical Director, Jeffrey Young, LMFT, has written a three-part series that really hits home about how shame, self-esteem, perfectionism, and ego can create patterns that become harmful to our relationships. In this article Jeffrey Jeffrey Young explores how shame and perfectionism can fuel defensiveness and interfere with repair.

Link in Bio to Read the Article

Or check it out on the blog: https://www.sdrelationshipplace.com/shame-perfectionism-defensiveness-relationships/

08/20/2026

When you commit to the process, couples therapy works. At The Relationship Place, our approach is
rooted in the Gottman Method, a highly effective, science-backed framework based on decades of research.

Whether you are feeling disconnected, stuck in a loop of the same arguments, or simply looking to strengthen a solid foundation, there is a proven path forward. You do not have to navigate the challenges alone.

Tap the link in our bio to learn more about our approach and how our team can help you build a stronger, healthier relationship.

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08/13/2026

When you are feeling disconnected, waiting months for a breakthrough can feel agonizing. Time isn’t really a luxury you can afford when your relationship is in crisis.

There is a reason couples choose to step away from their everyday lives for a Therapy Getaway Intensive. As Dr. Dana shares in this clip, it is about leaving the outside world behind. No worrying about
the kids, the dry cleaning, or what is for dinner. It is simply about focusing entirely on your relationship.

We often see two main types of couples coming to us for these intensives. Some are on the edge of a crisis, dealing with betrayal or the looming possibility of divorce, and they need major attention to repair the damage. Other couples have simply drifted apart over the last twenty years. They have not felt close in a long time and might feel like they do not even know who their partner is anymore.

Whatever brings a couple in, the goal is to make major movement in a short amount of time. An intensive allows you to dedicate the focused time needed to work through big issues that would otherwise take months of traditional therapy to unpack.

And the best part? At the end of the day, you get to take a break, grab dinner together, and take a walk on the beach.

We are incredibly proud of this program. Tap the link in our bio to read the amazing feedback we have received from past couples and learn more about booking your own getaway.

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08/08/2026

Is this one behavior quietly eroding your relationship?
Relationship experts often refer to contempt as the “sulfuric acid for love.” When contempt sneaks into your communication, it causes arguments sure, but what is worse is that it breeds deep shame and can push your partnership into “Negative Sentiment Override.”

What does that mean? It’s when the relationship lens gets so clouded that even neutral or positive things your partner does are automatically viewed negatively.

The good news is that you can catch contempt before it takes over. In our latest blog by Clinical Director Jeffrey Young, LMFT, we break down exactly how to recognize contempt, understand the shame it triggers, and start rebuilding a foundation of respect and fondness.

🔗 Click the link in our bio to read “Sulfuric Acid for Love: Understanding Contempt Before It Erodes Your Relationship” and learn how to protect your connection.

07/30/2026

One of the most common questions we get before couples start therapy is,
“How long is this going to take?”

It is a completely fair question! Therapy is a big investment of your time and emotional energy.

But it isn’t a life sentence, it’s a toolkit.
While the exact length of therapy depends on the nature and severity of the problems you bring to us, here is what we generally recommend for traditional weekly sessions:

⏱ Plan on at least 10 sessions. Your challenges didn’t occur overnight, so give yourselves the grace and time needed to effectively resolve them. Attend weekly for faster results.

Consistency is key! Weekly sessions help you build momentum so you can actually practice your new skills at home in between appointments. It is always collaborative. We evaluate your progress regularly and decide together when you feel equipped to handle things on your own.

⏳ Don’t have time for weekly sessions? We completely understand. That is exactly why we created our Therapy Getaway® Intensives! These multi-day retreats allow you to step away from daily distractions, condense months of therapy into a concentrated timeframe, and do a deep dive to jumpstart your relationship goals.

Ready to start building your relationship toolkit or learn more about our intensives? Click the link in our bio to schedule a consultation!

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07/28/2026

Meet Jeffrey, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Gottman Level 3 Trained clinician at The Relationship Place! 👋
When your relationship feels like it is hanging by a thread, finding the right support can feel incredibly daunting. But reconnecting couples in crisis is Jeffrey’s specialty.

He brings a deeply compassionate, grounded, and structured approach to couples who are navigating high-conflict seasons, major life transitions, or deep betrayals. He helps partners cut through the overwhelming noise of a crisis to find clarity, rebuild trust, and rediscover their connection using proven Gottman methods.

Here are a few fun facts about Jeffrey outside of the therapy room:

● A lifelong musician who plays guitar, bass, and keyboards.
● Passionate vinyl record collector.
● He has a deep love for the ocean and sailing.

If you and your partner are feeling stuck in the middle of a storm, you don’t have to weather it alone. Click the link in our bio or head over to www.sdrelationshipplace.com to learn more about Jeffrey and book a session with him today!

🎉 Bonus Request: Jeffrey just recently celebrated his birthday! Help us shower him with some love and drop a Happy Birthday wish in the comments below!

CouplesInCrisis GottmanTherapist

07/25/2026

Read the full caption (cont. in comments) for the breakdown of the “Four Horsemen” that are the biggest red flags for divorce (and exactly how to fix them). 👇👇👇

As certified Gottman therapists with years of specialized training, we rely heavily on Dr. John Gottman’s decades of research. His most famous finding? The “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
” These aren’t just bad communication habits; if left unchecked, they are the four biggest predictors of relationship failure and divorce.

The good news? Every single one of them has an antidote. Here is what to look out for, and how to fix it:

🛑 1. CRITICISM What it is: Attacking your partner’s core character instead of addressing a specific behavior. (e.g.,
“You always prioritize your friends over us. You are completely selfish with your free time.“)
The Antidote: Gentle Start-Up. Use “I” statements and express a positive need. (e.g., “I have been feeling a little disconnected lately. I would love it if we could schedule a date night for just the two of us this weekend.“)

🛑 2. CONTEMPT What it is: Attacking your partner’s sense of self with an intent to insult or demean. This includes sarcasm, name-calling, and eye-rolling. It is the most destructive of the four! (e.g.,“Oh, you finally did the dishes? Do you want a medal?”)
The Antidote: Build Culture of Appreciation. Remind yourself of your partner’s positive qualities and find gratitude for positive actions. Actively cultivate a culture of respect by regularly expressing gratitude and fondness. (e.g.,
“I really appreciate you taking the time to wash the dishes after a long day at work“)

Keep reading in the comments!!! ⬇️

07/10/2026

Couples therapy is incredibly rewarding, but let’s be honest, it is also hard work.

Leaving a productive session can sometimes leave you both feeling a little raw, vulnerable, or emotionally exhausted.
That transition from the therapy couch back to your normal daily life is crucial. If you try to immediately keep dissecting the session on the way home, you risk unraveling the safe space your therapist just helped you create.

So consider a “Drive Home Protocol”
When you get in the car, agree that the session stays in the office. You don’t have to pretend everything is perfectly resolved, but you do need to give your nervous systems a break. Turn on
some comforting music, ride in quiet solidarity, and just let yourselves decompress.

Most importantly, recognize the effort it takes to be there. A simple “thank you for doing this with me” goes a long way in building goodwill and reminding each other that you are on the same team.

What is your favorite way to decompress after doing something emotionally difficult? Let us know below!

07/02/2026

If you want to build a relationship that can weather any storm, you have to look at it like a house.
🏠

In the Gottman Method, this framework is known as the Sound Relationship House Theory. Just like a physical home, a secure partnership requires a rock-solid foundation, strong weight-bearing walls, and intentional layers built on top of each other.

Here is how the blueprint breaks down:

● The Foundation: It all starts at the very bottom with building Love Maps (knowing your partner’s inner world) and consistently sharing Fondness & Admiration. This is where your friendship lives.

● The Daily Practice: Turning towards each other’s bids for connection instead of turning away, which naturally leads to keeping a Positive Perspective in the relationship.

● The Heavy Lifting: Managing conflict constructively by accepting influence, talking through gridlocked problems, and practicing self-soothing when things get heated.

● The Roof: Supporting each other’s life dreams and ultimately creating shared meaning, values, and rituals together.

And notice what holds the entire structure together on the sides? Trust and Commitment.
Without those two pillars serving as your weight-bearing walls, the rest of the structure cannot stand.

When things feel a little shaky in your partnership, it’s usually a sign that one of these levels needs a little maintenance. You don’t have to rebuild the whole house from scratch- sometimes
you just need to work on the foundation. 🛠

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Address

2729 Fourth Avenue, Suite 2
San Diego, CA
92103

Telephone

+16195358890

Website

http://www.sdrelationshipplace.com/

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