15615 Alton Pkwy Ste 450, Irvine, CA 92618
949-922-0734
Marriage Counseling & Couples Therapy in Irvine
Stop the fighting. Find the person you fell in love with.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in Irvine
No pressure, no obligation—just clarity
Trusted Across Southern California
“We came in feeling distant and stuck, and Karl helped us make sense of what was underneath all the tension. He creates a space where both of us feel seen, understood, and safe enough to be honest. It’s made a huge difference in how we show up with each other.”
— Whitney and Kevin R.
“Karl helped us understand the patterns we kept repeating without shaming either of us. For the first time in years, we’re actually talking to each other instead of at each other. It feels like we are finally on our way back to the old us.”
— Rachel and Eric V.
About Karl Stenske, MA, LMFT
I am a long-time Irvine local helping Orange County couples navigate the unique pressures of life in Southern California
I work with couples who are tired of repeating the same painful moments and ready to understand what's actually happening between them.
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (CA License
#150804)15+ years specializing in helping families with attachment wounds, and relational trauma
Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)—the gold standard for couples work with a 70-80% success rate
Master's degrees in both Marriage & Family Therapy and Adoption Studies
My approach is warm, relational, and grounded. I don't come in with quick fixes or blame. I help you slow down, understand the emotional patterns keeping you stuck, and rebuild the connection that feels honest and real.
Sessions & Fees
Couples therapy sessions: $225 per 50-minute session
Individual sessions: $225 per 50-minute session
Payment: I accept all major credit cards and HSA/FSA cards
Insurance: I am an out-of-network provider. However, many clients with PPO plans are reimbursed 50–70% of the session fee after meeting their deductible. I provide the necessary paperwork (Superbill) to help you claim this benefit.
Common Questions
How long does couples therapy take?
My goal is to work myself out of a job. While every couple is unique, the EFT approach is designed to be efficient, not endless.
Most couples experience the process in stages. First, we focus on 'De-escalation'—stopping the active conflict and creating safety (often felt within the first 8–12 sessions). Once the fire is out, we do the deeper work of changing the patterns so they don't come back. We will check in regularly to ensure you feel we are moving toward a graduation date, not just chatting week after week.
Do we both have to want therapy?
It helps when both partners are invested, but I've worked with many couples where one person was hesitant at first. The free call is a chance to address concerns without pressure.
What if we've tried therapy before and it didn't work?
Many couples I see have tried therapy before. EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) is different—it focuses on the emotional patterns underneath the conflict, not just communication techniques. It has one of the highest success rates of any couples therapy approach.
Is everything confidential?
Absolutely. Everything we discuss is protected by therapist-client privilege and confidentiality laws
Ask Questions: Karl@KarlStenske.com
We'll talk about what's happening, answer your questions, and see if working together makes sense. No pressure.
Serving couples in Irvine, Orange County, and throughout California
