Jacob Gotwals, Relationship Counselor in Tucson: Support for Individuals and Couples
Struggling in Your Relationships? You Don’t Have to Do This Alone.
Relationships matter. They bring joy, meaning, and connection — but when they’re not going well, it can feel like everything in life is harder. Maybe you’ve noticed that relationship struggles spill over into your work, your ability to relax, even your physical body. You might feel tension in your chest, have emotional ups and downs, and cycle between hope and discouragement.
If you’ve tried self-help books, courses, or advice from friends, but things still feel complicated, you’re not alone. Many people reach a point where these forms of support just aren't enough. That’s when working with a relationship counselor in Tucson can make a real difference.
Why Relationships Feel So Hard Sometimes
When relationships aren’t working, it’s not just about communication or finding the right partner — deeper emotional wounds often lie underneath. Past experiences, old patterns, and unresolved pain can resurface in the present. That’s why willpower and tips from books often fall short: you’re up against layers of history that need healing, not just managing.
How I Help as a Relationship Counselor in Tucson
I’m Jacob Gotwals, a Licensed Professional Counselor and EMDR Certified Therapist. I help intelligent adults and couples heal the wounds that cause relationship struggles, while also learning the skills they need to create vibrant, loving, and connected relationships.
I work with:
Individuals who feel stuck in painful relationship patterns
Couples who want to repair, deepen, or transform their partnership
People healing after a breakup or divorce
Together, we’ll explore not only what’s happening in your current relationships, but also the deeper roots that keep these patterns in place.
My Approach: Healing and Skills, Not Just Coping
I combine trauma-focused therapies with practical relationship skill-building. Some of the tools we might use include:
Relational Life Therapy (RLT): A powerful approach that gets to the heart of conflict and teaches skills for intimacy and connection.
EMDR Therapy: An evidence-based method for healing trauma and emotional wounds that often show up in relationships.
Guided Imagery with Ideal Parent Figures: An approach to healing wounds from early childhood that can impact your relationships today.
These aren’t cookie-cutter techniques. We’ll tailor our work to your unique situation so you can both heal old pain and create new patterns of relating.
Why Work With Me
I know from both personal and professional experience how painful relationship struggles can be. I’ve been through heartbreak, conflict, loneliness, and family challenges myself. Over the years, I’ve learned — through therapy, training, and real life — how to navigate relationships with more wisdom and confidence.
That lived experience, combined with advanced training and certifications, is what I bring to my work. Clients often tell me that they feel seen, understood, and guided in a way that makes deep change possible.
Healing Your Relationships Can Change Your Life
When you heal old wounds and develop new skills, relationships stop being a source of constant pain and start becoming a place of connection and joy. Imagine being able to:
Communicate openly without spiraling into conflict
Feel more secure and centered when challenges arise
Experience intimacy without fear, resentment, or shame
Rebuild trust and connection after difficult times
That’s what’s possible when you work with a compassionate, skilled relationship counselor in Tucson.
Take the First Step Today
👉 If you’re ready to move from pain and confusion into clarity and connection, I invite you to book a free consultation. This is a chance for us to connect, talk about your goals, and see if we’re a good fit.
FAQs: Relationship Counselor in Tucson
How do I know if I need relationship counseling?
If your relationships feel more painful than supportive — whether with a partner, friends, or family — counseling can help you break old patterns and create healthier dynamics.
Do you only work with couples?
No. I work with both individuals and couples. Sometimes the most powerful relationship changes begin with one person doing their own healing work.
Can counseling really help if my partner won’t come?
Absolutely. Many clients come in alone and see significant improvements in their relationships by changing their own patterns.
What’s the difference between counseling and coaching?
Counseling goes deeper — addressing the emotional wounds and traumas that underlie relationship challenges. Coaching is more skill-focused. I integrate both healing and skills so you get lasting change.
What happens in a counseling session?
Sessions are conversational and supportive. We’ll explore your concerns, practice new skills, and use trauma-focused therapies like EMDR when helpful.
How long does relationship counseling take?
Every person and couple is different. Some people notice shifts in a few sessions, while deeper healing can take longer. We’ll discuss your goals and create a plan together.
Is online counseling available?
Yes. Online counseling makes it easy to get support no matter where you are.
What if I’ve already tried therapy and it didn’t help?
That’s a common experience. The combination of trauma-focused therapies and skill-building I use often helps clients who didn’t find relief in past counseling.
Is everything we talk about confidential?
Yes. Your privacy is deeply important, and I follow professional ethical standards to keep our sessions safe and confidential.
Are you poly-friendly and LGBTQ-friendly?
Yes. I am poly-friendly; I welcome people practicing polyamory and other forms of ethical nonmonogamy (ENM). I welcome people who identify as LGBTQ+, and I am also kink-friendly.
How do I get started?
It’s simple: book your free initial consultation. From there, we’ll create a plan tailored to your needs.