Welcome to my website!

I provide experienced-based and research-informed psychological services for couples and families.  I help couples aiming to strengthen relationships. For those divorcing I assist their reaching a humane ending. Couples at mid-life and beyond are a specialty.  

As a psychologist psychotherapist for couples and families (and individuals) my focus is to help clients learn to manage and/or resolve problems in living, augmented by making more effective use of (often blocked) personal strengths. Sometimes the help with experiences of worry, anxiety, depression, and conflict need direct attention as well.

I assist divorcing couples by serving as coach in a Collaborative Divorce Team. For those who have reached a divorce agreement and wish to accelerate recovery I conduct divorce recovery/moving ahead groups, my newest service. 

In order to assist clients in an orderly way, I engage with a client to clarify goals and develop a common understanding of difficulties, and personal strengths. Then we plan together to develop the steps along a path toward reach goals. We determine set points along the path for evaluating progress so we can take stock of how we are doing.

I draw on over 35 years of experience with hundreds of clients seen in private practice, university counseling centers, and community clinics. My experience in public agencies and higher education in management, supervision, and consultation helps me empathize with clients struggling with institutional responsibilities. My writing for professional publication helps me reflect on my work and receive useful feedback.

I am active in my professional associations, presently as President, American Board of Couple and Family Psychology 2009 & 2010. I am Board Certified in Clinical and in Family Psychology and a Life Fellow in the American Psychological Association. I was recently awarded public recognition as a pioneer developer of Collaborative Divorce. 

Specifics about my present services, experience, and publications may be accessed through the buttons on the left side of this page. I welcome calls and email inquiries!

Please email (rod.nurse@gmail.com) or call (925) 254-3606 with questions or comments.