Practical and Effective Couples Therapy
Do you worry about your relationship? Is it hard to talk to your partner? Do you feel alone even when you are sitting next to them?
Have you tried fixing the relationship on your own but find that you can't?
Let a professional help you. Dr. Elvina is a couples therapy specialist that has been helping couples for almost 20 years. She has helped hundreds of couples rebuild trust and intimacy, and she can help you.
When your relationship needs help
Dr. Elvina is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a certified sex therapist, and has a Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology. She is bilingual in Cantonese and experienced with biracial and bicultural couples.
Can you relate to these relationship problems?
Feeling sexually out of sync
Trying to talking turns into arguing
Feeling emotionally distant and disconnected
Not feeling appreciated, not feeling supported
Struggling with sexual pain or dysfunction
Repairing after infidelity
A Straight Forward Approach to Fixing a Relationship
1 / Identify the Problem
The first step is to clarify and define the relationship problem. Some couples don't even agree on what went wrong. Like a detective, Dr. Elvina investigates and puts the clues together to pinpoint the actual root of the problem. You know the TV show "House"? Like that, but for relationships.
2 / Design a Solution
Every couple is different, so the solution can't be "one size fits all". Instead of generic advice, Dr. Elvina will suggest options that suit the personalities of the two partners. The plan needs to be realistic for it to work. The sessions will be goal-oriented rather than aimless complaining.
3 / Take Action
Put the plan into action. Each partner needs to do their part to create real change. If the plan isn't working, Dr. Elvina will troubleshoot and make adjustments until we see some progress.
When therapy works ...
Improve Communication
Change how you talk to each other so both of you feel heard. Past conflicts and resentment can block communication; these are the walls people build to protect themselves. Elvina will help bring down those walls.
Restore Intimacy
Couples can become distant for many reasons, but professional counseling can help bring back the attraction and special spark that was there in the beginning.
Maintaining Connection
Like everything else in life, relationships need attention and care to be well maintained. Instead of a temporary Band-Aid, effective couples counseling creates permanent improvement that is sustained long term.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology
I have specialized in couples therapy since 2007, I cannot believe it has been almost 20 years.
Most couples I meet have tried to fix their relationship problems on their own but could not figure out how. Even though the two people love each other and are committed, sometimes that's just not enough. A breach of trust, a heated argument, financial hardship, and countless other things can damage a relationship.
With my professional training and years of experience, I am efficient at pinpointing the specific relationship problem and coming up with practical solutions. If you are struggling in your relationship, please consider getting professional help. The consultation is free.
How much does Dr. Elvina charge per hour?
My rate is $250 for 60 minutes. When we set our appointments, you can choose to reserve a longer time block if you wish. Otherwise the standard session is 60 minutes.
I offer evening as well as weekend appointments. I meet with clients in person as well as online.
My hourly rate reflects my extensive experience and unique set of skills:
19 years of clinical experience
Doctorate level training in sex therapy
My bilingual and bicultural background makes me uniquely skilled in helping mixed race couples and couples coming from different backgrounds. The majority of my clients have had conflicts due to cultural differences.
My career is split between the Bay Area (2007-2018) and Pasadena (2018-present). These two communities are made up of very different subcultures and are fueled by different industries, but what they have in common are the highly educated couples working in high acheiving, demanding careers. Back then, I worked with clients from all the major tech companies in Silicone Valley, as well as professionals from the medical field and corporate America. Now in SoCal I have worked with creatives working in the entertainment industry and music industry, as well as professionals working in the space industry.
In both locations, I worked with people on the spectrum as well as people diagnosed with ADHD, depression, and anxiety.
In both locations, I worked with gender diverse couples with a range of sexual orientations.
My clinical work is trauma-informed, which is at the core of many relationship problems, whether sexual trauma or emotional trauma.
Along with substance addictions, I am experienced in non-chemical addictions including gambling addiction and sex addiction. I have been a guest speaker on non-chemical addiction at the University of San Francisco, Holy Names University, and Golden Gate University.
In Person Office in Old Town Pasadena
16 N Marengo Ave, Suite 217, Pasadena, CA 91101
Serving Pasadena and the Greater San Gabriel Valley, my office is located down the street from Pasadena City Hall as well as Old Town Pasadena. Conveniently located off of the 210, it is a short drive from Altadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Arcadia, Alhambra, La Cañada Flintridge, Glendale, Monterey Park and San Gabriel.
There is limited street parking but there are several parking garages within the block.
Fall in Love Again and Live Happily Ever After
Life is too short. Don't settle for a mediocre relationship. Get professional help now, it will benefit you for the rest of your life.
elvinalui@gmail.com | 16 N Marengo Ave, Suite 217, Pasadena, CA 91101 | (626)464-1651