The Gottman Method, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Somatic practices, and Non-Violent Communication skills trainings are all reflected in the Better Treasures treatment approach. Dr. Mason’s approach to treatment marries decades long neurobiology interests, with sociological psychology, attachment research, mindfulness training and somatics. Early work in healthcare settings, performing formal neuropsychological testing, psychological assessment and reporting, and even forensics, offer clients broad-ranging insights. 

Following your initial meeting with Dr. Mason, you will have a better understanding of micro and larger-scale practices to optimize positive immediate, as well as long-term, improvements. Clients from all walks of life learn new ways to celebrate and maximize relational strengths  while adopting better skills to work with the historic, intrinsic, & organic problems unique to every dynamic couple and individual. 

It is essential to keep in mind that even uncoupled, each one of us benefits and suffers due to dysfunctional “inner-relationship”—that is, our relationship to & with ourselves. Dr. Mason and BetterTreasures clients transform historic restrictions producing interpersonal in-flexibility, to realize greater adaptability and considerate responsiveness versus automatic reactivity. Clients are encouraged to disrupt foreclosing anxieties that diminish inter-relational and emergent intelligence with evidence-based interventions and practices.

New couples who seek consultation benefit by an early-on adoption of scientifically sound, healthy relational practices and habits that serve to protect and shape the direction of their relationship/s.  Establishing healthy relational (including friendship and communication/conflict) practices at the beginning of your relationship sets you up for longterm marital/couple satisfaction, while preserving valuable resources that would otherwise be spent salvaging the impact of harmful events, fossilization of conflict and ruptured intimacy (parallel lives &/or infidelity).

Studies show that many couples only seek help as long as 6 years after irreconcilable conflicts have begun to plague their shared happiness. And that on average couples seek therapy from as many as six couple’s therapists before finally achieving the results they desire.  Thus, couples who have been working hard on their relationship for years, may find a fresh approach in working with an expert who organizes treatment from the roots of our neurobiological interactions and meta-emotional constructs (or mentalizations). 

Addressing meta-emotional mismatch and dysfunctional communication practices is admirable and will serve clients across all relationships (not just those in our immediate family groups).  It is relationship-saving work and  secures relational wealth, especially for couples who have already begun to see distancing and decreased intimacy.  This therapy addresses the confluence of friendship, conflict resolution and management, and intimacy enhancing staging (setting up the environment to enhance growth-orienting and higher quality interactions). 

For couples who are reconciling what to do after an affair, this therapy offers a reparative process and safe space to heal and find clear direction, to rebuild with ample protections in place to prevent repetition of emotional or physical distancing and reduced intimacy.  Couples discover practices to thwart future betrayal. They tap into the root sources of conflict avoidance, and often very legitimate fears around transparent and authentic intimacy.  Safety is reengineered to protect and promote the delicate dance (balance) of freedom and interdependence. 

New parents utilize the latest research-backed practices to set them and their children up for a lifetime of mental and relational wellness. And take heart, because prevention of all mistakes is actually harming our children and ourselves more than it is helping to build strong, resilient, authentic, and adaptive (relationships with our) progeny. Recovering from injury or attachment ruptures are completely possible; doing so maximizes trust and prevents damage certain to secret keeping. 

We aim to replace anxious, compulsive, perfectionistic identifications, with realistic striving to intentionally capture rupture and consciously and skillfully pursue repair.  There are many cues that babies and children offer their caregivers.  Noticing and responding accordingly and with increased confidence takes skillful self reflection and accurate perception and compassion for the experience of others.  We offer many services designed specifically to set up our client/parents for success. The earlier the start, the better.

Dr. Mason has a special place in her heart and practice for new parents and would-be parents. New parents face immeasurable changes within their relationships; we promote skills which keep your relationship intact and in optimal functioning to give you the energy you need to raise a family.  Focus is on enhancing practices that foster secure attachment with expert regard for the delicate timing of sensitive periods and experiences related to solid development of socio-emotional intelligence.  There is a wisdom to parenting that begins with co-creating space for successful implementation of strategies providing care and nurturing for self and child.  It is relational breathing at its core.

All clients whether coupled or not receive the benefits of learning relationship-enhancing conflict management skills, optimization of self & co-regulation capabilities, and through ‘street-use’ of these skills, maximized self-confidence in relationship as an extension of an improved relationship with the self.

Please reach out today to learn more about the numerous advantages of working with us.