David Steinbok is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Boca Raton, Florida, where he has operated a private practice since 2011. As the sole practitioner in his office, David Steinbok provides psychological consultation, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and psychoanalysis for individuals and couples. His clinical work frequently addresses relationship challenges, personality dynamics, and emotional patterns that affect intimacy and communication.
Before entering private practice, Dr. Steinbok gained experience in acute and structured treatment environments, including the Henderson Mental Health Clinic and the Intensive Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Clinic at Nova Southeastern University. He also completed a comprehensive internship at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, working in both transitional residences and forensic units. These settings shaped his integrated treatment approach, which draws from psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, interpersonal, and cognitive behavioral frameworks. This background provides context for understanding how couples therapy functions as a structured, relational form of treatment designed to support communication, trust, and emotional connection across different stages of a relationship.
Understanding Couples Therapy
Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy focused on improving the health and stability of romantic relationships. Instead of focusing on individual pathology, the therapist treats the relationship itself as the primary concern. This support helps couples recognize communication habits and patterns that are difficult to resolve on their own.
It also works as preventive care, helping partners maintain connection and understanding over time. Couples therapy is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities. People who are dating, newly committed, or married for many years can benefit. It is not only for couples in crisis; many satisfied couples use therapy to strengthen trust, intimacy, and emotional connection.
Significant life transitions often push couples to seek professional guidance and support. Changes such as moving in together or welcoming a new baby can place unexpected pressure on a relationship. Even positive developments, such as starting a new job or retiring, require partners to adjust to new routines and roles. Therapy offers a safe and structured space where couples can talk openly about the stress these changes bring.
Family-related concerns are also common in therapy. Couples need guidance on parenting styles, fertility challenges, or how to relate with extended family members. A therapist helps ensure these sensitive conversations feel balanced and respectful. Trust issues, including infidelity, addiction, or financial secrecy, also bring couples to therapy. Furthermore, chronic physical or mental health challenges can strain a partnership, and therapy provides a neutral space to work through feelings of hurt, responsibility, and emotional overload together.
The intake process usually starts with two or three initial sessions focused on understanding the couple’s story. During this stage, the therapist explores the relationship’s history along with each partner’s family background to better understand values, beliefs, and cultural influences. Together, they set clear goals and create a plan for future sessions.
Throughout therapy, the therapist serves as a neutral guide, ensuring both partners feel heard and respected. While remaining unbiased, they gently point out behaviors that may be harming the relationship. Unlike short-term counseling that targets one issue, some couples therapy sessions may last eight to 12 sessions to undo long-standing emotional harm.
Many therapists use an integrated approach, combining several proven methods to meet each couple’s needs. These include the Gottman method, Emotionally-focused therapy (EFT), Imago relationship therapy (IRT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
The Gottman method, developed by American psychologist John Gottman, focuses on strengthening emotional closeness by helping partners better understand each other, increase daily appreciation, and handle conflict calmly. EFT works on rebuilding a secure emotional bond by encouraging partners to express vulnerable feelings hidden beneath anger or distance. This helps create lasting emotional safety.
IRT explores how early childhood experiences with caregivers shape adult relationships and uses structured dialogue to promote validation and understanding. Lastly, CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and replacing them with healthier behaviors that support connection and long-term relationship stability.
Among the immediate benefits of couples therapy is better communication. Partners learn how to express frustration without blame or hostility, making it easy to address conflicts that were once avoided or left unresolved. These skills help in sessions and give couples tools to manage future disagreements on their own. Therapy also builds empathy and mutual respect by assisting partners to understand each other’s emotional experiences. Additionally, feeling truly heard often makes forgiveness and reconnection possible, and this emotional security can spark personal growth beyond the relationship, including greater confidence at work.
Choosing the right therapist plays a significant role in success. It’s advisable to find licensed professionals trained in relationship-focused fields. Couples may arrange to meet with a few of them to find the right fit. Online therapy has increased access and flexibility, making early support easier and more affordable.
About David Steinbok
David Steinbok is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Boca Raton, Florida. He has been in private practice since 2011, providing individual, couples, and family therapy. Dr. Steinbok integrates psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, interpersonal, and cognitive behavioral approaches, with particular focus on relationship dynamics and emotional patterns. He completed his clinical training at Nova Southeastern University and Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital and is a member of the American Psychological Association.