Expertise Built On Experience

With over 30 years of marriage and decades of professional expertise, Liz Marucheau understands firsthand the challenges of relationships and the potential for tremendous growth. She provides couples with the tools and support needed to create meaningful, lasting change

What Sets Liz Apart?

Advanced Training in Couples Therapy

Liz is trained and deeply skilled in the leading couples therapy approaches:

 

Gottman Method:

Proven strategies for managing conflict, deepening intimacy, and achieving shared life goals.

Developmental Model:

A blend of attachment, differentiation, and neuroscience to address both individual concerns of each couple and the dynamics between the couple.

PACT (Psychobiological Approach):

Techniques rooted in attachment theory, neuroscience, and arousal regulation to foster a safe & secure connection.

 

Relational
Intimacy:

Expertise in addressing physical intimacy issues, guided by training from Martha Kauppi.

Internal Family
Systems (IFS):

A compassionate method to strengthen awareness of various aspects or parts of yourself resulting in a deepened relationship with yourself, your partner and the world.

Informed in IFIO
(Intimacy from the Inside Out):

A specialized couples therapy model derived from IFS, is designed to help couples build deeper intimacy by understanding and working with the different "parts" within each individual, allowing them to feel more loved, safe, and understood within their relationship.

Academic Excellence and Teaching Experience

Liz has taught and mentored the next generation of therapists:

SDSU Faculty Member:

Over 10 years teaching various courses: couples therapy, human development, assessment, social work practice and DSM-5 diagnoses

Therapist Mentor:

Supervises graduate clinicians as they work toward licensure, sharing her passion for lifelong learning.

Grounded in Research and Neuroscience

Liz’s work is informed by the latest findings in neuroscience, attachment theory, and developmental science, including Steven Porges’ Polyvagal Theory. She helps couples understand how emotional trauma affects their relationships and to develop actionable strategies to create lasting change.

Couples Treatment Specializations

Liz offers support for a wide range of challenges, including:

  • Communication Breakdown

  • Life Transitions: New baby, retirement, health conditions, new job, elder care

  • Work-Life Balance

  • Maternal Health and Postpartum Depression

  • Depression and Mood Disorders

  • Anxiety: PTSD, generalized anxiety, panic attacks

  • ADHD

  • Infidelity Recovery

  • Parenting Support

  • Support for Cancer Patients and Loved Ones

  • Stress Management

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Sleep Difficulties

  • Grief and Loss

  • Adult Children of Alcoholics

Commitment to Innovation
and Excellence

Current Projects:

  • Coach for PACT Training: Supporting Stan Tatkin in his international trainings to help clinicians in mastering the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy.


National and Local Leadership in Mental Health:

Liz has contributed to mental health policy and service delivery:

  • Consultant for Columbia University integrated service delivery research project.

  • Developed the San Diego Children’s System of Care Training Academy, advancing state and federal mental health initiatives from SAMHSA.

  • Lead role in advancing the implementation of California Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health Guidelines across San Diego County.

Beyond Therapy

Liz has served on several community boards including the First Five Commission of San Diego County. She recently served as a commissioner for the Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Committee and is passionate about nature, mindfulness, and outdoor activities.

Quote to Inspire

"The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it." — C.C. Scott

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