Couples Counseling in Newport Beach
Whether you're navigating a rough patch or seeking deeper connection, couples therapy can help you rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen your partnership. Let’s work together to move toward a more satisfying and connected relationship.
Common Relationship Challenges I Work With
Here are just a few of the concerns I help couples address. You don’t need to have it all figured out — we’ll sort through it together
Premarital Counseling
Build a solid foundation for your future together by strengthening communication, addressing differences, and setting shared goals before marriage.
Infidelity & Broken Trust
Recovering from betrayal is possible. Therapy provides a safe space to process hurt, rebuild emotional safety, and decide what healing looks like for you both.
Intimacy and Relationship Issues
Reconnect emotionally and physically by exploring patterns that get in the way of closeness and learning how to meet each other’s needs more deeply.
Christian/Faith-Based Couples Counseling
If your faith is central to your relationship, we can incorporate Christian values into our work to support both spiritual and relational growth.
Communication Difficulties
Learn new tools to reduce misunderstandings, express yourself clearly, and truly listen to one another — even when emotions run high.
Discernment Counseling
Not sure if you want to stay together? Discernment counseling can help you gain clarity, make thoughtful decisions, and move forward with respect.
Therapy That Meets You Where You Are
Couples therapy is a collaborative process — not about picking sides. I create a supportive space for both of you to speak honestly and be heard. We’ll work together to explore patterns, improve communication, and build a stronger foundation for your future, using evidence-based approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman Method techniques.
You Might Benefit from Couples Therapy If...
What Clients Say
“Working with Irene felt like a deep exhale. I didn’t have to explain everything perfectly — she just understood. Her calm presence helped me feel safe right away.”
What Clients Say
“Therapy helped me get out of my own head and into my life again. Irene is warm, thoughtful, and always knew when to gently challenge me.”
What Clients Say
“After a few months, I not only felt better — I actually knew why I felt better. Irene helped me understand parts of myself I had ignored for years.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long are sessions?
Most sessions are 50 or 75 minutes. Longer 90-minute sessions are also available.
Q: Do you see couples who are unsure if they want to stay together?
Yes. Therapy can help clarify your path forward — whether that’s rebuilding or separating with care.
Q: Do you offer premarital counseling?
Absolutely. I support couples in building strong foundations before marriage.
Q: Can we meet online?
Yes, I offer secure video sessions to all couples in California.
Q: What if one of us is more invested than the other?
That’s very common. I’ll meet you both where you are and help you explore goals honestly and respectfully.
Let’s Connect
Whether you’re working through conflict, rebuilding trust, or simply wanting to feel more connected, couples therapy can help. I invite you to schedule a free consultation to see if it feels like a good fit.
Maria Irene Alvarez de Schwartz, LMFT 155789
(949) 385-3689
Newport Beach Office
1000 Quail St., Suite 220
Laguna Beach Office
333 3rd St #6
Online Therapy
California Residents Only
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