David Blanchard, LMFT (he/him)
Marriage & Couples Therapist in Atlanta
My Approach To Couples Therapy
Most couples who consider therapy feel stuck in a destructive cycle that becomes exhausting, isolating, and lonely. We all feel lost at times and do not know how to stop hurting. We all share a common experience at some point in our lives: when our relationships become brittle. Thankfully, we now live in a time where there is an answer based on solid research-based approaches. You don’t have to keep guessing how to make it better.
I am trained in the most researched forms of couples therapy that have proven outcomes; I have completed all three levels of Gottman Method Couples therapy, as well being a Certified Prepare and Enrich Facilitator and I have completed training in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Prepare Enrich Premarital Counseling
I am certified as a Prepare Enrich Facilitator for premarital counseling.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Having completed all three levels of the Gottman Method trainings, I continue to be supervised by Georgia’s first certified Gottman-Certified Couples Therapist, Stephanie Cook, LCSW.
Emotion Focused Therapy
I have completed the EFT externship and I’m currently continuing my training under supervision.
I work with all couples
As your therapist, my approach is to work collaboratively to support you and your partner; first to identify your goals and then to help you take steps toward improving your overall quality of your relationship and your life. I strive to make therapy feel safe and supported. I promise to work hard with you, to guide you through the challenges in life and help you to learn, heal, and change. I have been working in the social services arena for over 20 years, working with widely diverse populations experiencing crisis and life challenges, and I especially like working with couples who are struggling with sex and intimacy, second marriages, step-parenting issues, anger, and difficult family histories.
Throughout my life, I have felt genuinely interested in working to understand how our past difficulties and celebrations affect our current well-being and relationships. I was called to help others over 25 years ago when I served the Peace Corps in the pacific island of Papua New Guinea. I completed a psychology degree from the University of Georgia, then a Master's degree in Family Studies from Auburn University, so that I could work with families struggling with issues related to healthcare and disabilities across Georgia. In order to directly help couples, I completed my Master of Family Therapy degree at Mercer University School of Medicine. When not working, I enjoy the gym, traveling, and scuba diving. I have served on the Board for GAMFT and currently an active volunteer for the GAMFT legislative Committee. But mostly I enjoy being a husband to my friend and wife, as well as being the lucky father to two beautiful children.
Sometimes, we need objective emotional assistance from a trained perspective to find new insights that can move us towards positive changes in our lives. Often times, couples find themselves expressing anger, resentment, and need support to move beyond old wounds and eroded trust so that they can reconnect in ways that meet relationship needs. I use evidence-based approaches that address underlying reasons that communication has become so difficult. I offer new strategies and a safe environment to develop new habits that can improve individual and relational well-being.
We all have moments where we feel isolated and alone. I am grateful for the trust you place in me to help you become a better version of yourself; as you take the first step toward this goal, I commit to offering a safe, non-judgmental place for you to share your challenges and deepest needs. As a first small step, I invite you to reach out to us to finally receive the support that you deserve.
Availability
Sundays through Thursdays
Poncey Highlands office
Convenient daytime, afternoon and evening hours
Scheduling
Please call us at 678-999-3390, to schedule your first appointment or if you’d prefer, a complimentary initial 20-minute video or phone consultation to see if we’d be a good fit. I would be happy to answer any of your questions!
Fees
I charge $200 per couples session (80 minute). I am not “in-network” with any insurance companies, but you can contact your insurance company directly to ask about possible reimbursement.