Fiachra O’Sullivan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a practice in in San Francisco. Couples counseling is tough – a lot of therapists shy away from it – but Fiachra loves it. Many couples seek therapy when they are unable to resolve issues on their own, and therapy provides a safe space for open and honest communication without judgment.
“Love matters, and because it matters so much you’re going to feel threatened in moments where it looks like that love isn’t present.”
As a couples therapist, Fiachra has to do all of the things an experiential therapist does, but he also has to match people’s energy and actively become a part of the session. He helps couples deal with anger and conflict, using anger management techniques to improve communication, emotional regulation, and the ability to cope with stress.
“There is nothing I will be able to do with a couple unless we have an alliance.”
Fiachra describes himself as the typical psychotherapist cliché in that he was drawn to the field by a desire to heal his own emotional pain and suffering – he also considers this one of his greatest strengths as a psychotherapist. Acceptance is a key part of his approach, drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to foster openness, understanding, and personal growth in his clients.
“The number one qualification I have to do this work is I am another wounded human being that has managed to do my own personal work so I can help other people.”
Fiachra believes it is unbelievably powerful to be comfortable with who you are, warts and all, but it has taken him a long time to achieve that comfort. It helps people feel safe and contained. Therapy helps partners understand their own way of dealing with relationship problems, and Fiachra’s role is to help them find balance, strengthen intimacy, and build the ability to adapt to challenges together.
“The most important rule for me is that nobody gets shamed. No one will ever leave my office having felt shamed.”
Fiachra is hugely influenced by Sue Johnson – the creator of Emotionally Focused Couples Training (EFT). There’s a map that allows him to keep track of where they are at nearly every moment, and “the moments where I’m not sure where we are? That’s where there’s potential magic that can happen.” Other evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the Gottman Method, and psychodynamic techniques are also used to address common relationship issues, improve communication, help couples heal past wounds, and foster greater intimacy and balance in relationships.
Fiachra does really important work and I appreciate having the opportunity to talk about the challenges of couples therapy, why he is launching Empathi.com, and the journey that he took to discover his True Calling. Check out Empathi.com to see what Fiachra is building and head over to TherapyWithFigs.com to learn more about his practice and read his blog. Therapy can empower couples to deepen trust, establish a safe emotional climate, and achieve greater satisfaction and success in their relationships.
Therapist Credentials
At Relationships & More, we believe that the foundation of effective therapy lies in the expertise and dedication of our team. Our therapists are among the most highly qualified in the field, holding advanced credentials as licensed clinical psychologists and certified Imago relationship therapists. With years of experience providing mental health services, our team is equipped to support individuals, couples, and families through a wide range of challenges.
Our experienced therapists specialize in couples therapy, family therapy, and individual counseling, drawing on the latest research and evidence-based techniques such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, and Commitment Therapy. This allows us to address common relationship issues, mental health problems like anxiety and depression, and help clients break free from destructive patterns that may be holding them back.
We understand that every client’s journey is unique. That’s why our therapists work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that reflects your specific needs, treatment goals, and desires for personal growth. Whether you are seeking couples counseling to rebuild trust and improve communication, or individual therapy to enhance self-awareness and overall well-being, our focus is always on helping you achieve improved well-being and a healthier, more balanced life.
At Relationships & More, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your feelings, communicate effectively, and work through challenges. Our therapists are here to support you every step of the way, helping you and your loved ones build stronger relationships, manage stress, and achieve greater happiness and health. With our guidance, you can take the first step toward healing, personal growth, and a brighter future.
