Couples Therapy

When you want to reconnect but keep getting stuck in the same patterns, I'm here to help

Book an assessment call

Book an assessment call

Understanding Relationship Patterns

If you're here, you're probably decent, reasonable people who care about each other but find yourselves stuck in patterns that push you apart instead of bringing you closer. Maybe it's the same fight over and over. Maybe you feel more like roommates than partners. Maybe you love each other but can't seem to connect.

But here's what might surprise you: most relationship problems aren't about the issues you're fighting about. They're about the patterns that happen when you're in conflict - how you both react when you feel hurt, misunderstood, or disconnected.

What you'll discover:

  • How to think as a team instead of opponents

  • Why you both get defensive even when you don't want to

  • How small daily interactions either build or erode your connection

  • The difference between managing conflict and preventing it

I'm comfortable working with couples at any stage - whether you're newlyweds hitting your first rough patch or long-term partners who've drifted apart. Every couple teaches me something new, and I believe every relationship deserves the chance to reconnect.

Read detailed bio & publications

Read detailed bio & publications

Read detailed bio & publications

How my approach works

From insight to impact. My process makes it accurate, educational, and effective!

You'll learn to understand your patterns instead of just coping with them.

How my approach works

From insight to impact. My process makes it accurate, educational, and effective!

You'll learn to understand your patterns instead of just coping with them.

1

Map Your Patterns

We use a whiteboard to track your conflict cycles and connection patterns. We'll see exactly how addiction functions in your life. We’ll use motivation enhancement strategies to sharpen resolve.

2

3

1

Map Your Patterns

We use a whiteboard to track your conflict cycles and connection patterns. We'll see exactly how addiction functions in your life. We’ll use motivation enhancement strategies to sharpen resolve.

2

Design a Plan and See You Through

I'll help you sort out viable treatment goals, resources, and specific strategies to meet them. I will coach you through the process with an individualized, practical, and encouraging approach.

3

Build Long-Term Recovery

You'll learn how to prevent relapse and build a lifestyle that sustains long-term recovery. You will develop a new vision of yourself free of addiction.

1

Map Your Patterns

We use a whiteboard to track your conflict cycles and connection patterns. We'll see exactly how addiction functions in your life. We’ll use motivation enhancement strategies to sharpen resolve.

2

Design a Plan and See You Through

I'll help you sort out viable treatment goals, resources, and specific strategies to meet them. I will coach you through the process with an individualized, practical, and encouraging approach.

3

Build Long-Term Recovery

You'll learn how to prevent relapse and build a lifestyle that sustains long-term recovery. You will develop a new vision of yourself free of addiction.

Welcome, let me introduce myself!

Dr. Mark Balabanis PhD

I'm a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Psychologist in practice for over 20 years.

I like to teach the "why" and the "how it works" behind your difficulties. This allows you to feel empowered to join me as a co-therapist while being supported and coached by me.

Lectured at:
Welcome, let me introduce myself!

Dr. Mark Balabanis PhD

I'm a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Psychologist in practice for over 20 years.

I like to teach the "why" and the "how it works" behind your difficulties. This allows you to feel empowered to join me as a co-therapist while being supported and coached by me.

Lectured at:
Welcome, let me introduce myself!

Dr. Mark Balabanis PhD

I'm a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Psychologist in practice for over 20 years.

I like to teach the "why" and the "how it works" behind your difficulties. This allows you to feel empowered to join me as a co-therapist while being supported and coached by me.

Lectured at:

The benefits

Signs This Approach Could Help You

Most therapy teaches you to cope with symptoms. I teach you to understand why your mind creates them in the first place.

Book an assessment call

Previous therapy experiences:

  • Therapy focused only on communication techniques that didn't stick

  • You've tried multiple approaches without lasting change

  • Treatment felt like taking sides instead of helping the relationship

  • You were given tools but never understood why you get stuck

Current struggles:

  • You have the same fights over and over again

  • You feel more like roommates than romantic partners

  • One or both of you shuts down during conflict

  • You love each other but can't seem to connect like you used to

Readiness for change:

  • You're both willing to look at your own patterns, not just your partner's

  • You want to understand what's really happening between you

  • You're ready to think as a team instead of individuals

  • You're looking for a therapist who won't take sides

The benefits

Signs This Approach Could Help You

Most therapy teaches you to cope with symptoms. I teach you to understand why your mind creates them in the first place.

Book an assessment call

Previous therapy experiences:

  • Therapy focused only on communication techniques that didn't stick

  • You've tried multiple approaches without lasting change

  • Treatment felt like taking sides instead of helping the relationship

  • You were given tools but never understood why you get stuck

Current struggles:

  • You have the same fights over and over again

  • You feel more like roommates than romantic partners

  • One or both of you shuts down during conflict

  • You love each other but can't seem to connect like you used to

Readiness for change:

  • You're both willing to look at your own patterns, not just your partner's

  • You want to understand what's really happening between you

  • You're ready to think as a team instead of individuals

  • You're looking for a therapist who won't take sides

The benefits

Signs This Approach Could Help You

Most therapy teaches you to cope with symptoms. I teach you to understand why your mind creates them in the first place.

Book an assessment call

Previous therapy experiences:

  • Therapy focused only on communication techniques that didn't stick

  • You've tried multiple approaches without lasting change

  • Treatment felt like taking sides instead of helping the relationship

  • You were given tools but never understood why you get stuck

Current struggles:

  • You have the same fights over and over again

  • You feel more like roommates than romantic partners

  • One or both of you shuts down during conflict

  • You love each other but can't seem to connect like you used to

Readiness for change:

  • You're both willing to look at your own patterns, not just your partner's

  • You want to understand what's really happening between you

  • You're ready to think as a team instead of individuals

  • You're looking for a therapist who won't take sides

The difference

Blending talk and interactivity for better success

The difference

Blending talk and interactivity for better success

Talk Therapy

Talk and epression for its own sake

Talk and epression for its own sake

Explores how you feel

Explores how you feel

You talk and your therapist listens

You talk and your therapist listens

Non-directive

Non-directive

My Approach

Personalized Plans

Personalized Plans

Learn how you can change how you feel

Learn how you can change how you feel

We actively work together

We actively work together

Goal-oriented

Goal-oriented

In-person and Remote

In-person and Remote

1 Hour session

1 Hour session

A blend of talk and active therapy

A blend of talk and active therapy

Continued ongoing support

Continued ongoing support

Book a session

Book a session

Book a session

Frequently asked Questions

Need some frequently asked questions here

Do we both need to be equally motivated for therapy to work?
What if we're considering separation or divorce?
What if one of us has been unfaithful or broken trust?
Do you take insurance?
Do you take insurance?
Do you take insurance?
Do we both need to be equally motivated for therapy to work?
What if we're considering separation or divorce?
What if one of us has been unfaithful or broken trust?
Do you take insurance?
Do you take insurance?
Do you take insurance?
Do we both need to be equally motivated for therapy to work?
What if we're considering separation or divorce?
What if one of us has been unfaithful or broken trust?
Do you take insurance?
Do you take insurance?
Do you take insurance?
CBT Oakland, CA

Dr. Mark Balabanis

© 2025. CBT Oakland, CA

CBT Oakland, CA

Dr. Mark Balabanis

© 2025. CBT Oakland, CA

CBT Oakland, CA

Dr. Mark Balabanis

© 2025. CBT Oakland, CA

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