Erik Ploof

As a marriage and family therapist, I am committed to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the hardships of life and the complexities of relationships to achieve greater harmony and well-being. With a compassionate and client-centered approach, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their concerns, gain insight, and develop effective coping strategies.

In my practice, I work with with a range of presenting concerns, including couples who find themselves continuously arguing, feeling disconnected and lonely, or who want to deepen their intimacy. I also specialize in helping couples navigate the complex and painful aftermath of betrayal trauma and infidelity. Drawing from empirically sound techniques and tools, I am dedicated to guiding couples through the process of healing and rebuilding trust. I understand the profound impact that infidelity can have on individuals and relationships, and I am committed to providing a supportive and structured framework for couples to address their feelings, repair the damage, and rebuild a path to trust and safety.

Through compassionate guidance and tailored interventions, I empower couples to navigate the journey of recovery with resilience, empathy, and hope. By incorporating evidence-based approaches such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Gottman Method Couples Therapy, I tailor therapy to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. I work collaboratively with couples to identify underlying issues, address communication breakdowns, and foster genuine connection and intimacy.

I strive to foster a deeper understanding of how meaning-making influences relational interactions and conflicts within couples. By focusing on the construction of meaning—examining the interrelation of past experiences brought forward, the emotions experienced in the present moment, and how individuals perceive the current situation—we can gain invaluable insights into everyone’s subjective truths and autonomic behaviors. By exploring the differences in meaning between partners, we can shift the focus from conflict to harmony. My therapeutic approach emphasizes creating a safe and non-judgmental space where couples can explore and reconcile their differing perspectives. Through this process of mutual understanding and validation, couples can work towards harmonizing their differences and building stronger, more resilient relationships founded on empathy, compassion, and shared meaning.

In my work with men, I recognize the unique challenges that men often face in connecting with and expressing their emotions. Society's traditional expectations of masculinity can sometimes discourage men from openly acknowledging and expressing vulnerability. However, I firmly believe that cultivating a deeper connection with one's emotions and embracing vulnerability is essential for fostering authentic and fulfilling relationships. Through a supportive and non-judgmental approach, I help men explore and validate their emotional experiences, providing a safe space for them to express themselves openly and honestly. By encouraging self-reflection, self-compassion, and self-acceptance, I empower men to embrace their emotional complexity and communicate their feelings with confidence and authenticity. Together, we work towards building stronger emotional intelligence and resilience, enhancing their ability to connect deeply with their partners and navigate relationship challenges with courage and authenticity.

In addition to my extensive experience as a couples therapist, I bring a unique set of problem-solving skills honed through my background in leading strategic planning and alliances for three global industry leaders in the high-tech sector. Over the course of my career, I have developed a keen ability to analyze complex challenges, identify creative solutions, and implement effective strategies to achieve organizational objectives. My proficiency in strategic thinking and negotiation has equipped me with valuable insights into conflict resolution, communication, and collaboration—skills that seamlessly translate into my therapeutic practice. Furthermore, my successful marriage of 37 years serves as a testament to my commitment to fostering resilient and thriving relationships. Drawing from my personal and professional experiences, I offer clients practical, evidence-based strategies to navigate relationship challenges with confidence and resilience, empowering them to cultivate fulfilling and lasting connections in their own lives.

Therapeutic Orientations: Evidence-based practices such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each client.

I welcome the opportunity to support you in your journey of overcoming obstacles, strengthening relationships, and fostering greater resilience and happiness in your life. Please feel free to reach out to schedule a confidential consultation. Together, we can work towards creating the fulfilling and thriving life you deserve.