Relateborhood

A Personal Welcome Hi, I’m Dr. Casey Gutierrez—and I’m truly honored you’re here. Uniforms have shaped my life in unexpected ways—starting with a Wendy’s visor at 15, followed by Army fatigues during a decade of military service, and eventually a shirt and tie as a school counselor walking elementary and high school hallways. These uniforms have never been about appearance alone. For me, they’ve always communicated one thing: you matter. Whether I was greeting a student with eye-level sincerity, leading soldiers, or sitting across from a client in pain, my aim is the same—to offer love, structure, and wholehearted presence in a world that too often forgets how healing that can be. Before becoming a therapist, I served in the military for ten years, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Afterward, I spent six years in public education as a teacher and school counselor—work that gave me daily opportunities to learn from children, teens, and families. Most recently, I have served over ten years mostly as supervisor of mental health clinics for a nonprofit organization. And now, I do my best to continue to carry forward that spirit of care, consistency, and compassion for couples and families of all kinds. I believe deeply in showing up with energy, love, and curiosity. I believe that wearing a bow tie, listening well, and building real emotional safety are part of the job—and the privilege—of sitting in this chair. Credentials & Training I hold a Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy. While many therapists receive advanced training in individual work, my doctoral education focused specifically on treating relationships—working with two or more people at a time in couples and family therapy, which is where my passion lies. I am also licensed as a Professional Counselor (LPC) and Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in Texas, and a licensed counselor in Colorado. In addition to my clinical work, I’ve published and been part of several psychological studies related to military families. My Approach to Couples Therapy When working with couples, I meet couples where they are—whether they're in crisis or simply want to grow closer—and help them build the skills needed to love with courage, patience, and clarity. I primarily use the Gottman Method, drawing from Level 1 through Level 3 training and other advanced trainings to support couples in rebuilding trust, reducing conflict, and rediscovering their connection—even when intimacy has faded, betrayal has occurred, or trauma and negative coping patterns have taken root. The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman after decades of studying what makes relationships succeed—or fail. At the heart of the method is the Sound Relationship House, a visual model of what healthy, lasting relationships are built on: friendship, trust, shared meaning, and effective conflict management. In therapy, couples learn how to strengthen their emotional connection, improve communication, reduce defensiveness, and turn toward one another rather than away. Sessions often include practical tools and guided conversations that help each partner feel heard, respected, and understood—even when navigating tough topics. From building fondness and admiration to managing perpetual problems, the Gottman Method supports couples at any stage—whether they're in crisis or simply want to grow stronger together. My Approach to Family Therapy In family therapy, I focus on creating emotionally safe spaces where each voice is respected and the system—not just the symptoms—is addressed. Using Bowen Family Systems Theory, I help families navigate everything from communication breakdowns and role confusion to generational tension and transitions. Whether we're working with one parent and one adult child or a household of six, my goal is to strengthen the family unit through understanding, accountability, and love. My Approach to Parenting & Co-Parenting Therapy For parents, I offer a mix of play-based interventions and systems insight. I work frequently with families who have young children (ages 2–8) using Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) to support attachment, emotional regulation, and effective parenting. For co-parents navigating divorce, remarriage, or shared custody, I offer structure and neutrality, helping both caregivers focus on what truly matters: raising secure, loved kids in an emotionally safe environment.