COUPLES THERAPY
INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (IFS) COUPLES THERAPY IN COLORADO
ABOUT COUPLES THERAPY
Are you and your partner caught in patterns of conflict, disconnection, or misunderstanding that leave you feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward?
I support couples navigating communication challenges, recurring conflict, trust issues, attachment wounds, parenting differences, life transitions, and the lingering impact of past experiences or family-of-origin patterns.
Together, we’ll slow things down and get curious about what’s happening beneath the surface of your conflicts—to understand the parts of each of you that are showing up to protect, defend, withdraw, or seek connection. When we can understand these parts of ourselves with compassion rather than judgment, new possibilities for connection begin to emerge.
We’ll work together to untangle the patterns that keep you stuck, create more safety and understanding, and help each of you reconnect with the calm, confident, compassionate Self that can show up differently in your relationship.
Your relationship doesn’t have to stay stuck in the patterns that brought you here.
You already have the capacity for healing and connection. My role is to come alongside you, help you understand what’s happening beneath the conflict, and support you in creating a relationship where both of you feel seen, heard, understood, and valued.
Hi there, I’m Julie.
You want to feel connected, understood, and secure in your relationship—but sometimes conflict, old wounds, and protective patterns can make it hard to find your way back to each other.
Deep down, you already carry everything you need to heal.
My role is to help you unlock it.
I’m Julie Anderson Smith (she/her), MA, MFTC, an IFS-certified, IFS Level 2 trained therapist with nearly two decades of coaching experience prior to becoming a therapist. I believe every person—and every relationship—has the capacity for healing.
In couples therapy, we’ll get curious about the parts of each of you that show up in conflict, rather than blaming or shaming them. Together, we’ll create space for deeper understanding, compassion, and the connection you both long for.
Let’s begin this journey together and remember why you fell in love with each other in the first place.
The cry we hear from deep in our hearts, comes from the wounded child within. Healing this inner child's pain is the key to transforming anger, sadness, and fear.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
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Meet River
✔️Certified therapy dog who often joins sessions
✔️As nonjudgmental and accepting as they come
✔️ You can choose if he’s on leash or off during sessions
✔️ He often lounges nearby and naps
✔️ He tunes into nervous systems and feelings
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What’s The Plan?
1. Click on the “Contact” button anywhere on my website to send me an email.
2. Receive a text to schedule a ten-minute consultation phone call (with one or both partners).
3. Schedule your first couples therapy session and start your journey to reconnection.
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What’s the Benefit?
If you’re feeling stuck in the same patterns of conflict or disconnection, couples therapy can help you find a new way forward.
Build greater understanding, communicate with more compassion, and reconnect with the relationship you both want to have.
You don’t have to keep repeating the same cycles or wondering if things can feel different.
Move from conflict and disconnection to greater safety, connection, and partnership. Because your relationship is worth investing in.
Ready to take the first step? Contact me today.
Testimonials
THERAPY FAQs
How do I know if I need therapy?
Many people seek therapy when emotions feel overwhelming, relationships feel stuck, or life transitions bring uncertainty. You don’t need to be in crisis to start. If you feel disconnected from yourself, repeating patterns you don’t understand, or wanting deeper support, therapy can help.
What issues do you help people with in therapy?
I work with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship conflict, life transitions, and identity shifts. Many clients come in feeling self-critical, emotionally overwhelmed, or internally conflicted. Therapy focuses on what’s happening beneath the surface so real, lasting change can occur.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy?
IFS is an evidence-based therapy that views the mind as made up of different parts, all guided by a core Self that is calm and compassionate. Instead of fighting symptoms, IFS helps you understand and heal the parts of you carrying pain, fear, or protective roles.
Is IFS therapy evidence-based?
Yes. Internal Family Systems is an evidence-based model and is supported by research for treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. It is widely used by therapists because it is effective and respectful.
How is IFS different from traditional talk therapy?
IFS is experiential rather than purely conversational. Instead of analyzing problems from a distance, we gently work with emotions and inner experiences as they arise. Many people find IFS feels more compassionate and more effective than approaches focused only on insight or behavior change.
How long does therapy usually take?
Therapy length varies by person and goals. Some clients work short-term around a specific issue, while others choose longer-term therapy for deeper healing. We regularly check in about progress and goals so therapy remains intentional and supportive.
Do you offer couples therapy?
Yes. I offer couples therapy using an IFS approach that helps partners understand reactive patterns rather than blame each other. This work supports improved communication, emotional safety, and reconnection—especially when conflict feels repetitive or emotionally charged.
Do you work with religious trauma?
Yes. I specialize in working with religious trauma and spiritual harm, particularly from high-control or fundamentalist environments. Therapy supports unburdening shame, fear, and guilt while honoring parts of you that still value meaning, faith, or spirituality.
Do you accept insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider but can provide superbills for clients who have out-of-network insurance benefits. Many clients choose private pay for greater privacy, flexibility, and continuity of care. I’m happy to answer questions about payment options.
How much does therapy cost?
My current rates are $195 for 50-minute individual therapy sessions and $220 for 50-minute couples or family sessions. Payment is due at the time of service. Please reach out if you have questions about fees or logistics.
Do you offer in-person or online therapy?
I offer in-person therapy at my office in Longmont, Colorado, as well as secure virtual therapy. Both formats are effective, and we can decide together what best supports your schedule and emotional needs. I see individuals, couples, and families virtually who live anywhere in Colorado.
How do I get started with therapy?
Getting started is simple. Contact me through the website and I’ll text you to schedule a ten-minute phone consultation. From there, we’ll discuss goals, logistics, and next steps. You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin.