Well+Being Holistic Mental Health
Emotional Health & Wellness Tips From The Therapy Couch And Other Places
Kimberly Seelbrede, LCSW, is a New York State licensed psychotherapist and women’s emotional health expert whose work weaves together the science of the mind, the biology of the brain, and the art of holistic integrative wellness. With nearly two decades of clinical experience, she helps women in midlife navigate the profound emotional, hormonal, and identity transitions that often surface during perimenopause and menopause. In addition, she works with couples to improve communication, strengthen emotional intimacy, and navigate changes in sexual health, relationship dynamics, and shared life stressors. She works with men who are experiencing personal and professional crises, life transitions, stress, mood changes, or relationship challenges. Her approach blends evidence-based psychotherapy with holistic mind-body interventions, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing® techniques, mindfulness, and lifestyle medicine — to address the full spectrum of emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Disclaimer: I am a licensed and fully credentialed mental health provider, but I am not a medical doctor. The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related concerns, including perimenopause, menopause, hormone therapy, or other chronic medical conditions. Reliance on the content on this site is solely at your own risk.
Marriage and Couple Therapy in Manhattan for High-Achieving Professionals
Marriage and couple therapy can be a game-changer—especially for high-functioning couples living in a high-stress, fast-paced city like New York. In a culture that celebrates independence, drive, and productivity, even the most successful couples often find themselves struggling in silence. The truth is, success in life doesn’t automatically translate to ease in love.
As a licensed couple therapist in Manhattan, I specialize in helping ambitious, intelligent couples navigate the hidden struggles that often accompany high achievement: emotional disconnect, communication breakdowns, power imbalances, and the erosion of intimacy in the face of relentless demands. These issues don’t mean your relationship is broken—they mean you're human.
High-Functioning, Successful—and Struggling in Private
While your lifestyle may appear polished and enviable, many high-achieving couples quietly experience:
Difficulty balancing career demands and emotional closeness
Persistent conflict masked by professionalism or polite avoidance
Deep loneliness despite shared success
A desire for intimacy and understanding that feels just out of reach
In my practice, I work with New York City couples to build healthier emotional foundations, restore connection, and create relationships that are as strong as their résumés.
Common Challenges Faced by Successful Couples in NYC
Of course, there are other challenges that high-functioning couples face behind closed doors. Let’s explore some of the most common relational stressors I see in therapy:
Difficulty Prioritizing Quality Time Together
New Yorkers are over-scheduled. With ambitious careers, demanding jobs, parenting responsibilities, and social obligations, quality time between partners often falls to the bottom of the list. Many couples feel emotionally starved despite being under the same roof. Therapy can help you build strategies for time management and prioritizing shared rituals—like regular date nights or weekend getaways—to maintain connection and deepen intimacy.