Isaac Meadow, LMFT | San Rafael, Marin Couples Therapist

I believe that for any form of counseling to be effective, it has to be embodied. Theories and techniques are helpful, but so are real life examples of what has worked (and not worked!) for many other couples. I’ve been through a lot in my own marriage of 10+ years – including having a child together for the last 8 years. I’ve also learned a lot in my work with couples and individuals over the past 13+ years. Each relationship is unique, and I hope to help yours become healthier, more resilient and more fulfilling.

My Approach

Couples therapy is not about proving that you are right and your partner is wrong, but looking humbly at yourself and being willing to make positive changes. Couples often come to therapy with a long list of inter-related issues, and all of them are important. I’ll help identify some of the core patterns in your relationship that are underneath those issues. Sometimes this involves slowing your communication down, deeply listening to what’s in your heart and in your body, and finding better ways to feel heard. Sometimes this involves moving your body, subtly or dynamically, to access what is happening underneath the sticking points. Sometimes this involves me translating what you are really trying to say in a way that your partner can better hear and understand. I also like to focus on what you are doing well as a couple, so that your therapy time can bring you closer. Together we will develop strategies, methods and agreements that you can bring home and practice.

Complementary Modalities

Throughout my years as a therapist, I’ve been deeply involved in plant medicine ceremonies. I’ve also been teaching and practicing yoga and meditation for more than 20 years, and leading or participating in nature-based rituals like sweat lodges and vision quests for decades. Insights and new perspectives gleaned from these are often profound, and I’ve helped hundreds of people integrate them into their daily lives.

While many people benefit from these ceremonies and practices, there can also be a gap between one’s spiritual practice and one’s relationship health. Relationship health is equally important to physical health, financial well-being, spiritual well-being, or any other aspect of life. While many people prioritize the other aspects, relationships require work and care too. Strong relationships are integral to a balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life.

Skills and Experience

My own marriage has been my greatest teacher. We’ve lived through a lot of challenges and we are in the strongest, healthiest place yet, but I’m still learning. I’ve also completed training in Hakomi Couples Therapy, Gottman method, The Relationship School, Somatic approaches to trauma and more. I’ve learned tremendously from the hundreds of people I’ve worked with over the years. Some of the issues I have a lot of experience working with include:

• Communication that is missed, stuck, or volatile.
• Not feeling heard
• Persistent or repetitive fighting
• Distance or ‘coldness’
• One or both partners having a significant trauma history and/or disfunctional family of origin
• One or both partners having underlying struggles with depression, anxiety or addictions
• Exploring consensual non-monogamy, polyamory, or other forms of ‘open relationship.’
• One or both partners dissatisfied with sex life or intimacy
• Challenges with children, preparing for a child, and/or finding each other again after having children
• Moving through amicable separation (when that is truly what is best for each of you)
• Infidelity and/or breaking boundaries and agreements.

Personal Life

I’ve been a passionate outdoor enthusiast all my life. I spend a lot of time with my 8 yr old daughter and 11 yr old dog frolicking and tending our rural property, gardening and swimming in streams. I practice yoga and meditation daily and dance wherever I can.