Related Resources
For Couples
Using Mindful Touch to Enhance Intimacy in Relationships.
In this video, Dr. Kate Truitt explores how mindful touch can deepen connection and enhance intimacy in relationships. She explains how specific soothing touches engage receptors in our skin that send calming signals to the brain, creating a sense of safety and relaxation. Dr. Kate also highlights the importance of fostering an environment where both mind and body feel secure in a relationship. She shares how partners can incorporate mindful touch and cultivate a shared toolkit for emotional regulation and connection. For additional resources, check out the related videos linked in the description!
Two Steps to Being a Better Listener & Communicating More Effectively
In this video, Dr. Kate Truitt explores reflective listening—a simple yet powerful tool for making others feel seen, heard, and valued. True connection happens when we step out of our own perspective and fully focus on understanding the other person.
Dr. Kate walks us through how to practice reflective listening effectively. First, we must ensure we’re in the right headspace to be fully present. As the other person shares, we paraphrase what we’ve heard and check for accuracy by asking, “Did I get that right?” If not, we invite them to clarify further.
When we can correctly reflect their thoughts and emotions—and they confirm we understand—we create a space of trust, validation, and deeper connection. This simple practice strengthens relationships and transforms conversations into opportunities for meaningful engagement.
The Push Pause Exercise for Creating Space in Difficult Moments
In this video, Dr. Kate Truitt introduces the Push Pause Exercise, a simple yet powerful tool for creating space in conversations when emotions run high. By intentionally pausing, we allow our mind and body to reset, reducing the likelihood of reactive responses. Dr. Kate emphasizes the importance of teaching this strategy to those we interact with regularly so that it becomes a shared approach to healthier communication.
When someone calls for a pause, everyone involved is invited to stop and check in—without pressure to explain why. This break can last just 20 to 30 seconds and offers an opportunity to use grounding techniques, such as mindful touch or brain exercises, to restore balance.
Dr. Kate encourages us to introduce Push Pause into our daily interactions, especially in challenging conversations. By normalizing this strategy, we create space for clearer thinking, deeper connection, and more constructive dialogue.
Why You Get Triggered When Having Hard Conversations & What to Do About It
In this video, Dr. Kate Truitt breaks down why difficult conversations can trigger intense emotional reactions. She explains how a single stimulus—whether from the present moment or a past experience leaking into the now—can activate our brain’s alarm system, causing us to feel defensive, frozen, or overwhelmed.
Dr. Kate then guides us through an exercise to pinpoint the exact moment we felt “hijacked” in a past interaction. By recognizing these triggers, we gain insight into why our brain reacts the way it does. She highlights two key reasons for overreaction: past experiences intruding on the present and depleted energy lowering our tolerance.
Dr. Kate shares practical tools like CPR for the Amygdala, breathwork, self-care, yoga, and cognitive strategies to help build resilience and regulate our mind and body. The more we understand our triggers, the more power we have to respond with clarity and control.
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Couples Therapy & Relationship Counseling
Is Your Relationship Struggling? You’re Not Alone. Discover How Couples Therapy Can Help You Reconnect & Heal
“Problems can be experienced as a chance for renewal rather than stress.”
– Marilyn Ferguson
Are you struggling with communication, trust, or connection in your relationship? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it alone either. Whether you’re facing long-standing challenges, healing from betrayal, or simply feeling disconnected, couples therapy can help you and your partner rebuild trust, deepen emotional intimacy, and create a stronger, more resilient bond.
At our Pasadena-based psychotherapy practice, we offer expert relationship counseling tailored to your unique needs, combining neuroscience-backed strategies with compassionate, results-driven therapy.
Is Your Relationship Stuck in a Cycle of Conflict, Distance, or Resentment?
Even the strongest relationships face challenges. Over time, unresolved tensions can turn into patterns of miscommunication, frustration, and emotional disconnection. You may be:
- Struggling to communicate without arguments escalating
- Feeling emotionally or physically distant from your partner
- Dealing with lingering resentment or trust issues
- Recovering from infidelity or a major betrayal
- Feeling like roommates rather than romantic partners
- Questioning whether to stay in the relationship or part ways
If any of this resonates, couples therapy offers a structured, supportive space to break negative cycles, rebuild trust, and foster a more connected, fulfilling partnership.
How Our Approach to Couples Therapy Works
Our neuroscience-informed couples therapy integrates cutting-edge research with compassionate, practical strategies to help you:
- Rewire Negative Patterns: Understand and shift the automatic responses driving conflict
- Improve Communication: Learn skills to express yourself clearly and listen with empathy
- Heal & Rebuild Trust: Address past wounds or betrayals and create a foundation of security
- Strengthen Emotional & Physical Intimacy: Rekindle connection and closeness
- Navigate Life Transitions Together: Whether facing career changes, parenthood, or loss, we help you adapt as a team
With expertise in relationship psychology, trauma-informed therapy, and neuroplasticity, we guide couples through practical exercises designed to heal, reconnect, and thrive together.
Specialized Support for Every Stage of Your Relationship
Our work is tailored to couples at all stages, including:
✔️ Premarital Counseling – Build a strong foundation before marriage
✔️ Relationship Repair & Crisis Support – Heal from betrayal, infidelity, or major conflicts
✔️ High-Achieving Couples – Balance career demands with a thriving relationship
✔️ Blended Families & Co-Parenting – Navigate challenges with clarity and cooperation
✔️ LGBTQ+ Couples – A safe, affirming space for all partnerships
Live Your Excellence with the team at Dr. Kate Truitt & Associates
At Dr. Truitt & Associates, we take a high-touch, concierge approach to couples therapy, ensuring you receive expert care tailored to your unique needs—not a one-size-fits-all model. Our practice blends science with compassion, using neuroscience-driven, evidence-based techniques to foster lasting change in your relationship. Whether you prefer in-person sessions in Pasadena or telehealth from anywhere, we offer personalized, high-level support designed for your convenience. We also specialize in discreet, expert care for professionals, leaders, and high-profile individuals who value privacy. Relationships take work, but with the right tools and guidance, transformation is possible.
Contact us today to start your relationship journey towards connection and empowerment!
Therapy Tailored for You
Our Pasadena-based therapy practice offers individualized mental health support for anyone seeking growth, healing, and emotional well-being. Whether you prefer in-person sessions or secure telehealth therapy, our expert clinicians integrate Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Action and Commitment Therapy Emotion Focused Treatments, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and neuroscience-based interventions to help you navigate life’s challenges.
For some, therapy is about untangling old narratives that no longer serve them. For others, it’s about learning new ways to manage emotions, set healthy boundaries, and rediscover their sense of self. It’s a journey of self-discovery and healing, and we’re here to walk it with you.
Start Your Healing Journey Today
Located in Pasadena, California, we proudly serve clients throughout Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, Arcadia, and beyond through both in-person therapy and online sessions. If you’re ready to take the first step toward emotional well-being, we’re here to support you.
Contact us today at (626) 524-5525 or send us an email at [email protected] to schedule your first session. You don’t have to navigate this alone—we’re here whenever you’re ready.
Visit our Living Your Excellence Blog
Choose from our growing article collection to explore how the latest advances in neuroscience create opportunities to harness the power of neuroplasticity, and create a space for inspiration to flow.
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