Hi, I’m Dr. Shiri Cohen.
I’m a clinical psychologist and relationship expert committed to delivering gold-standard couples therapy.
Welcome
While modern living has drastically changed the ways we relate to one another, one thing still remains the same – our relationships are fundamental to our health and happiness.
Modern research continues to illuminate this essential truth. The quality of our lives is determined by the quality of our relationships. What, then, could be more important than working on building high-quality connections in your life?
The bond between romantic partners can be the foundation of adult and family life. Regardless of gender or sexual orientation, how we relate to our partner sets the tone for much of our happiness. Yet there is no formal training to prepare us for adult relationships. We are mostly a product of our early and formative relationships–they become the blueprint for how we later attach to our romantic partners. Understanding these origins and how they may be impacting your current relationship is the framework from which couples can create informed change.
You may be reading this and feeling like there is something uniquely “wrong” with your relationship.
Perhaps your relationship looks different than it used to, weighed down by life stressors and not enough attention on your coupledom over the years. Maybe you and your partner have experienced loss or traumas that feel unspeakable. Or perhaps you feel lonely in your relationship, far from one another emotionally and at times physically, stuck in isolation and self-doubt, making negative meaning about the relationship you are in.
I want you to know that even though your experiences may be unique, all the feelings are normal, and you are not alone.
I have the tools to help!
My Values & Approach
Active Learning
COLLABORATIng ON A ROAD MAP FOR CHANGE
The human-to-human interactions are what light me up in my work–but at heart, I’m a scientist. That means I’m always curious, I care about effectiveness, and I’m concerned with evidence and results. I use an approach called Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), which provides education and a roadmap with clear markers for progress along our journey. We will always evaluate your feelings about the work and whether we are on track toward your goals.
Intuition & Soul
HARNESSING INNATE WISDOM AND EMOTIONAL MOTIVATION
Though it might seem to contradict my scientific side, I’m living proof that humans are complex! I am driven to serve and help you and your partner find your own path of self-discovery, growth, and actualization. Side-by-side, we will explore what fulfills you and makes your relationships thrive. We may uncover parts of you that you are less familiar with or a connection to something greater than yourself. No matter what, we will do it with purpose, care, and the goal of building agency and resilience.
Transformation
CREATING LASTING CONNECTION
No matter what you have been through, when you invest in your relationship, you are building a foundation of support, understanding, and security that can see you through anything. Humans were not meant to go through hard times alone (even though that is what most of us try to do). Knowing how to be there for your partner and how to reach them effectively when you need them is something that can be learned–and might be the most important lesson to get us through challenging times.
MY Background
I always loved clinical work, even as a full-time relationship researcher at Harvard Medical School.
Over the years, my clinical practice has become one of the places where I learn and grow the most. My passion is helping others on their path of transformation.
My experience includes:
Certification in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, attachment-based and family systems treatment approaches.
Working with veterans and their partners through the Home Base Program at Massachusetts General Hospital
Researching and writing for academic journals.
I currently provide consultation to the Third Option Foundation to develop and offer clinical education programs to their paramilitary population about marital and individual relationship resiliency.
If you’d like to read some of my published work or learn more about my professional history, click below.
