Couples Therapy in Salt Lake City
You’re not broken, just stuck in a cycle. Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy can give you a proven and effective way out.
If you’re already searching for couples therapy near you in Salt Lake City, you’re probably already aware of a pattern. Someone pushes to talk, and the other shuts it down, and then later you’re fighting about the laundry (when you both know it’s not about the laundry at all).
Here at Peterson we specialize in EFT, which is a research backed approach to therapy that can actually move 70 to 75 percent of couples to full recovery, with about 90 percent of them showing significant improvement. EFT won’t teach you a script to handle problems, but rather it changes the entire cycle beneath them.
The fight about laundry was never really about the laundry. It’s a cycle- one partner pursues, while the other withrdraws. And the withdrawal makes the pursuing partner push even harder. Ed puts it like this:
“Sometimes we fight about the silliest things that seem small, but these negative cycles can drive major disconnection. We’re not actually fighting about dishes or money. We’re fighting because the cycle itself has taken over.”
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy targets the cycle directly, instead of just working through the surface argument.

Many couples wait until it feels like a crisis. But we find that getting help earlier is almost always easier.
If any of the following sounds familiar to you, it’s time to consider couples therapy:

Unlike other types of counseling that only teach communication skills, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy actually reshapes your emotional bond. Throughout the process you’ll:
Certified EFT Therapist & Supervisor
Ed has over 20 years of experience and holds ICEEFT’s highest level of certification, one of the few therapists in Utah to do so. He helps couples identify the negative cycles that leave them feeling stuck or alone.
“In two decades of practice, I’ve found that most couples aren’t ‘broken’—they are simply caught in a cycle of fear. My goal is to help you stop fighting the pattern and start reaching for each other again.”
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Advanced EFT Practitioner
Candace brings 20+ years of experience, advanced training in EFT, and five years of trauma work at the VA. She creates a safe, deeply empathetic space for partners to take emotional risks.
“I believe the answers to your relationship’s healing already live within you. My role is to provide the safety and guidance you need to express your deepest needs and rediscover the authentic connection you deserve.”
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“My wife and I have been using Ed for the last four years, both separately and jointly. Ed has helped us through all sorts of seasons of life as well as a good mental health check up on a frequent basis.”
– Paul S.
“I am so grateful for Ed and the work we’ve done together in therapy. He helped me better understand my emotions, recognize patterns that were keeping me stuck, and communicate more effectively in my relationships.”
– Sarah S.
“Ed was recommended to me by a friend and he has been great! I have done couples and individual therapy with him. He taught me a lot about internal family systems which has been very helpful in my growth. He is accommodating and responsive to my needs!”
– Alexa A.

We believe every person deserves a secure and loving bond. We provide specialized couples therapy in Salt Lake City that honors your unique history, faith, or identity. Our practice offers a non-judgmental, affirming space for all, including:
Our office is located at 4505 Wasatch Blvd, #260 in Salt Lake City. We work with couples throughout the Salt Lake Valley, including:
Salt Lake City • South Jordan • West Jordan • Murray • Sandy • Draper • Cottonwood Heights • Holladay • Millcreek • Sugarhouse • And surrounding areas
Whether you’re in downtown Salt Lake City or anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley, we’re here to help your relationship thrive.
Your relationship deserves the best chance at connection. Whether you’re in crisis or simply want to strengthen your bond, the first step is a conversation.
Call us today: (801) 809-7990 or fill out the form below to schedule your consultation.
How long does couples therapy take?
Most couples see significant improvement within 8-20 sessions. However, every relationship is unique, and the timeline varies based on your specific challenges and goals. During your initial consultation, we can discuss realistic timelines for your situation.
Do we both need to want to come to therapy for it to work?
It’s ideal when both partners are equally committed, but it’s common for one partner to be more hesitant initially. Many reluctant partners become engaged in the process once they experience the non-blaming, emotionally safe environment of EFT. The key is creating enough safety that both people can be honest and vulnerable.
What if one of us isn’t sure about the relationship?
This is actually quite common. Many couples come to therapy uncertain whether they want to stay together. EFT can help you gain clarity either way—either by reconnecting and rebuilding, or by developing closure and understanding if separation is the right choice.
What if we’re considering separation or divorce?
It’s never too late to try. Many couples come to us as a “last resort” and find that EFT helps them reconnect in ways they didn’t think possible. Others gain clarity and closure, whatever the outcome. Either way, EFT can help.
How much will it cost?
We provide detailed fee information during your initial consultation. We’re committed to making therapy accessible and can discuss options based on your situation.
Is couples therapy covered by insurance?
We’re currently an out-of-network provider but can provide documentation for insurance reimbursement if your plan covers out-of-network mental health services. We also accept HSA and FSA payments.
What is the first session like?
Your first session will be an introduction where we get to know you, understand what brought you to therapy, and start developing treatment goals. We’ll talk about your challenges and what you hope to achieve. Most people leave feeling heard and hopeful about the journey ahead.