“Relationships are the very essence of life. I believe every person deserves to feel safe, well cared for.”
I focus on helping individuals and couples recognize and develop relational and sexual intimacy by replacing destructive behaviors and avoidance of intimacies with healthy and meaningful interactions.
My search for the best led me to the Gottman Institute, a reputable relationship counseling and therapy center that bases its methods and treatments on scientific data, rather than therapists’ personal and anecdotal experiences.
From the moment I discovered the Gottman Method, I was captivated by its depth and effectiveness. I had the privilege of training directly under Drs. John and Julie Gottman and becoming a Certified Gottman Therapist.
What I value most about their research on marriage is how it affirms timeless truths that have been recognized across generations and faith traditions. I believe that ultimately, all truth will come together as a whole — with both science and faith playing essential roles in helping us understand and strengthen relationships.
Many couples struggle with underlying addictive patterns, often without fully recognizing them.
These may include addictions to drugs, alcohol, pornography, sexual behaviors, workaholism, withholding intimacy, eating disorders, or other destructive patterns.
Each of these can create significant barriers to true intimacy.
My work focuses on helping couples rebuild emotional, relational, and sexual intimacy by addressing these obstacles directly. As a Certified Sexual Addiction Recovery Therapist, I specialize in working with couples facing sexual addictions, Intimacy Anorexia, and substance-related challenges.
My approach integrates evidence-based research from the Gottman Method with proven addiction recovery processes, offering couples a clear path toward healing and deeper connection.
In traditional couples therapy, it’s assumed that both partners are committed to working on the relationship. But that’s not always the reality. Many couples come to therapy with one or both partners feeling uncertain—“leaning out” of the relationship and considering separation or divorce. This ambivalence needs to be acknowledged and honored before meaningful decisions can be made.
That’s where Discernment Counseling comes in. Developed by Dr. Bill Doherty and family law professionals, this short-term process (typically 1–5 sessions) is designed specifically for couples who are unsure about staying together. The focus is not on making immediate changes in the relationship, but on gaining clarity about what changes would be necessary and whether each partner is ready and willing to do that work.
The goal of Discernment Counseling is to help couples move forward with clarity and confidence—whether that means maintaining the status quo, choosing separation or divorce, or committing to a focused period of reconciliation and repair.
By exploring all options, couples can make thoughtful, informed decisions about their future.
Humans are hardwired for intimate connection, and when that bond is broken, the pain can be devastating. Betrayal—whether through an affair, sexual addiction, or other forms of broken trust—can leave deep wounds that require specialized care and guidance to heal.
I provide betrayal trauma therapy for couples and individuals navigating the aftermath of affairs or other relationship injuries. In addition to advanced training in the Gottman Method for treating affairs and trauma, I am trained in EMDR and am a Certified Sexual Addiction Recovery Therapist.
My approach uses the evidence-based framework of betrayal trauma, which resonates deeply with clients and has proven to be far more effective than older models focused solely on co-dependency.
Through compassionate, structured counseling, I help couples rebuild trust, restore emotional and sexual intimacy, and move toward healing. Recovery from betrayal trauma is possible, and many couples do find a renewed sense of connection and resilience in their relationship.
I bring years of experience helping couples improve their relationships with evidence-based approaches.
In 2014, I began offering The Art and Science of Love couples workshops from The Gottman Institute, becoming the first to bring them to Colorado and Hawaii, and later expanding to Minnesota.
As an Advanced Clinical Trainer for The Gottman Institute, I provide all three levels of professional training and mentor therapists on the Gottman Certification Track.
I am deeply focused on training not only therapists but also clergy and other mental health professionals in The Gottman Method because strong relationships are central to healing in every setting.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, paddleboarding, and exploring with my family. I also love reading, practicing yoga, and Zumba.
Brigham Young University-Provo, Bachelors of Science in Social Work, Minor in Psychology
San Jose State University, Masters of Science in Social Work
Caralee Frederic, LCSW, is available for speaking engagements, media interviews, and podcast appearances on couples therapy, the Gottman Method, and relationship healing.
