Couples Therapy in San Mateo, CA
Stop getting stuck in the same patterns.
You love each other and want the relationship to work. But somehow, you keep ending up in the same place.
I help couples understand what's actually happening underneath the arguments, reduce reactivity, and learn how to respond differently when those patterns show up.
My approach is active, practical, and direct. I won't just sit back and paraphrase what you're saying. We'll figure out what's happening and work on changing it together.
In-person in San Mateo · Virtual throughout California
No commitment. Phone or video. One or both partners are welcome.
Why Peter?
You need someone who can help you discover what's actually happening between you.
I'm Peter.
I'll help you slow down the moments where things go sideways, understand what each of you is reacting to, and recognize the pattern that's taking over.
And when something needs to be said, I'll say it.
I'm not there to take sides. I'm there to help the relationship.
My primary focus
Couples therapy in San Mateo and across California
Most of my work is with couples caught in recurring conflict, disconnection, and patterns that keep repeating no matter how hard you both try. We slow those moments down, understand the cycle, and practice new ways of responding.
No commitment. Phone or video. One or both partners are welcome.
Primarily looking for individual therapy?
I also work with individual adults around relationships, life transitions, anxiety, stress, and personal patterns.
Learn About Individual Therapy(a) — Sound familiar?
Most couples don't start therapy because of one moment
They start because the same moments keep repeating. Conversations escalate, topics get avoided, or there's a sense something important isn't getting through. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next, you're not alone.
- 01You keep having the same argument with no resolution.
- 02One of you shuts down and withdraws while the other is in pursuit trying to solve the issue, only escalating the situation for both of you.
- 03Small issues turn into big fights.
- 04You avoid certain topics because it's not worth it.
- 05You feel misunderstood, lonely, or on edge.
- 06The distance is growing and it scares you.
- 07You don't know what to do differently.
- 08You want clarity and a calmer way forward.
These patterns don't mean you're broken. They usually mean something important isn't being heard or felt safely and the way you're trying to fix it is getting hijacked in the moment. You don't have to have it all figured out before reaching out.
(b) — What working together looks like
Focused, collaborative, and paced for clarity
01
We slow things down
When conflict or tension shows up, it's easy to get reactive or shut down. We take time to slow these moments down so you can notice what's happening internally, and between you, without blame or escalation.
02
We understand the pattern
Together, we identify the patterns that keep repeating: what triggers them, how each person responds, and what gets missed in the process.
03
We practice new ways of responding
Insight alone isn't enough. Sessions include practical tools and in-the-moment guidance so you can respond differently when it matters, both in session and at home.
(c) — Session details
In San Mateo, or from anywhere in California
A few practical details to help you decide whether this feels like a good fit. Couples and individual therapy, in a convenient and private location with ample parking.
In person
1611 Borel Place, Suite 211, San Mateo, CA 94402
Virtual
Secure video sessions available across California
Get in touch
Start with a free consultation
Let me know if you have questions and want to hear more about the process.
- Address
- 1611 Borel Place, Suite 211, San Mateo, CA 94402
- Phone
- 650-379-6249
- hello@mftpete.com