Therapy for Couples in California

Specialized Support for High Conflict Relationships

In-person in Los Angeles
Virtual in California

High Conflict Relationships

High conflict relationships are often characterized by ongoing tension, emotional reactivity, communication breakdowns, defensiveness, criticism, blame, avoidance, or difficulty resolving issues. Many couples find themselves stuck in repetitive cycles where neither partner feels understood, validated, or emotionally safe.

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High conflict relationships may involve:

  • Frequent arguments or emotional escalation

  • Communication that quickly becomes reactive or hostile

  • Feeling unheard, dismissed, criticized, or blamed

  • Emotional withdrawal, shutdown, or avoidance

  • Difficulty repairing after conflict

  • Trust issues or unresolved resentment

  • Power struggles and defensiveness

  • Intense emotional triggers and sensitivity

  • Feeling disconnected despite wanting closeness

The Goal Is Not “No Conflict”

Healthy relationships still experience disagreement and frustration. The goal of therapy is not to eliminate conflict entirely, but to help couples learn how to move through conflict in a healthier, safer, and more productive way.

Together, we work toward:

  • Understanding the root of the conflict cycle

  • Improving communication and emotional regulation

  • Increasing empathy, accountability, and validation

  • Identifying attachment patterns and emotional triggers

  • Learning how to repair after conflict

  • Creating emotional safety and stability

  • Strengthening connection and partnership

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My Approach

My work with couples integrates attachment-based therapy, Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT), interpersonal neurobiology, mindfulness-based interventions, relational therapy, and practical communication strategies.

In sessions, we explore:

  • The emotional and physiological patterns happening beneath the conflict

  • How childhood experiences and attachment styles influence reactions

  • The nervous system’s role in escalation and shutdown

  • Why certain conversations become repetitive or emotionally charged

  • How each partner contributes to the cycle

  • New ways to communicate needs, emotions, and boundaries more effectively

Let's Get Started
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Hi. I’m Tina Marie Del Rosario

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#94386). For over 13 years I’ve been working with couples, non-romantic relationships, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

I value active, collaborative therapy that goes beyond simply listening. I believe meaningful growth happens both inside and outside of the therapy room, and I work closely with clients to help them apply insight into their relationships and everyday lives.

My mission is simple: to help people heal, grow, and build healthier relationships.

Work With Me

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • High conflict relationships often involve recurring arguments, emotional escalation, defensiveness, difficulty resolving issues, communication breakdowns, or feeling stuck in the same painful patterns. Many couples feel emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or unable to communicate without conflict quickly intensifying.

  • o. Therapy is designed to help slow down reactive interactions and create a structured, supportive environment where both partners can feel heard and understood. The goal is to improve communication, emotional awareness, and conflict resolution, not intensify conflict.

  • Yes. Many couples wait a long time before seeking support. Therapy can help identify long-standing relational patterns, emotional triggers, and communication dynamics while helping couples develop healthier ways of navigating conflict and connection.

  • Couples can develop healthier communication, improve emotional regulation, reduce reactive conflict, strengthen emotional safety, increase understanding of one another, and create a more connected and supportive relationship.