Practical and Effective Couples Therapy

Do you worry about your relationship? Is it hard to talk to your partner? Has the spark faded away and you just feel like roommates?

It is normal for long term relationships to fall into a rut. Often couples try to fix the problem on their own but they can't. As a couples therapy specialist, Dr. Elvina helps couples course correct. She has guided hundreds of couples towards better communication and satisfying intimacy.

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.

Sexually Out of Sync

Is there a mismatch of sex drive or sexual interests? Do you feel like you keep missing each other? In long term relationships, it is common for the spark to fade even though the love and committment is as strong as ever. Life can get in the way, whether it's raising a family or advancing your career, other things take priority and sex life gets put on the back burner.

a man and a woman laying on a couch
a man and a woman laying on a couch
Emotionally Distant and Disconnected

For one reason or another, some couples drift apart. The two of you could have started out passionate and in love, but gradually grew apart. Life gets in the way, and people lose sight of what's truly important, and their relationship gets neglected. Let me help you revive the spark that used to be there. I want to help you two fall back in love.

Couple lying in bed together
Couple lying in bed together
Heated Arguments

When communication breaks down and both of you don't feel heard, it is tempting to raise your voice. You are supposed to remain calm when you talk to each other, but it's hard to stay calm when you don't feel safe and respected. This is how arguments spiral out of control--when one or both people raise their voices and it further aggravates the other person, then that person raises their voice more. Let me help you break this cycle. I will pinpoint what makes it so hard for you to remain calm. Once we address the underlying pain points, it will be easier to be kind and calm when you talk to each other.

a woman talking to a man at a table
a woman talking to a man at a table
Sexual Pain or Dysfunction

Sexual dysfuction is more common that you realize. There are different kinds of sexual dysfunction, ranging from performance anxiety and problems with arousal, to pain during sex, or unable to resume sex after having children. This is nothing to be ashamed of, these are exactly the kinds of problems addressed in sex therapy. These are problems with solutions. Dr. Elvina will guide towards more sexual connection and satisfaction.

Divided Over Parenting

Raising children together is a monumental task, and it is common for couples not to agree on how they should parent. Parenting feels personal, and this can really drive a wedge between you. I can help you two come together, get on the same page, and become a united parenting team in front of the kids.

a man and a woman standing next to each other and looking at the camera
a man and a woman standing next to each other and looking at the camera
Infidelity

Cheating is the ultimate betrayal. The trust is broken, this could be the end of the relationship ... but it doesn't have to be that way. A lot of couples want to stay together even after a betrayal like this. I have helped so many couples navigate this and rebuild their relationship. After infidelity, a relationship needs to be rebuilt stronger, so that something like this never happens again.

people sits on bench near trees
people sits on bench near trees
A Straight Forward Approach to Fixing a Relationship
1 / Identify the Problem

Both partners describe their problem within the relationship. It's common that each partner has a completely different view of what's gone wrong. The first step is to clarify and define the root of the relationship problem.

2 / Practical Solution

After we define the root of the problem, we can come up with a practical plan to fix it. The plan needs to be realistic so it can be put into real action. 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. Even if obstacles come up, Elvina will guide you towards permanent change.

two persons holding hands
two persons holding hands
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.

man and woman sitting on dock during golden hour
man and woman sitting on dock during golden hour
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.

man and woman holding hands
man and woman holding hands
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.

Dr. Elvina Lui, LMFT, Ph.D.

Hi, this is Dr. Elvina Lui. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a certified sex therapist with a doctorate degree in Clinical Sexology. I am a couples therapy specialist who helps couples improve their relationship and intimacy. Starting in 2007, I've been working with couples for 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.

In Person Office in Old Town Pasadena

225 East Colorado Blvd #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.

a large building with a clock tower at night
a large building with a clock tower at night

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 | 225 E Colorado, Suite 217, Pasadena, CA 91101 | (626)464-1651