Book a Free 20-minute couples therapy or marriage counseling & take the first step toward healing and reconnection.
Dr. Christopher Joaquim is a highly experienced psychologist, researcher, and consultant with over 21 years of professional practice working with couples, adolescents, adults,, families, and high-performing individuals. With advanced training in counseling psychology, school counseling, human services administration, and educational leadership,
Dr. Joaquim brings a rare depth of academic rigor and real-world expertise to his work. His internationally recognized research on bullying, cognitive development, and relational dynamics has been published in APA peer-reviewed journals and cited in leading psychology literature.
Drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and developmental psychology, Dr. Joaquim works with clients ranging from teenagers and couples to executives, entrepreneurs, and elite athletes—including Division I and professional competitors.
His approach is grounded, evidence-based, and focused on strengthening thought patterns, emotional regulation, and meaningful relationships to support lasting personal and professional growth.
Many couples are trapped in repetitive conflict cycles. The topic changes, but the emotional pattern stays the same. Therapy helps identify and interrupt these cycles so conversations can move forward instead of looping endlessly.
When one or both partners feel emotionally unseen, resentment builds quietly. Couples therapy helps clarify emotional needs, communication styles, and how intentions are being received not just expressed.
Infidelity, secrecy, or broken agreements can fracture trust deeply. Therapy provides a structured process to assess whether trust can be rebuilt and how repair can happen safely and realistically.
Emotional distance often develops gradually. Couples therapy helps partners understand how connection was lost and whether intimacy, emotional and relational, can be restored.
External stressors frequently become relationship stressors. Therapy helps couples navigate financial tension, parenting disagreements, and workload imbalance without turning each other into adversaries.
Some couples arrive seeking clarity rather than reconciliation alone. Therapy offers a space to explore options thoughtfully, without pressure, panic, or emotional escalation.
Couples therapy with Dr. Joaquim is intentional and goal-oriented.
Understanding the Pattern
Identifying emotional, cognitive, and behavioral dynamics driving conflict.
Clarifying Perspectives
Helping each partner feel understood while recognizing differences in perception.
Building Relational Skills
Improving communication, emotional regulation, and trust repair strategies.
Creating Forward Movement
Defining practical steps that translate insight into real-life change.
Each week, practical steps will be outlined so there is focus and targeted effort.We will explore motivating factors that propel you forward and address obstacles that might hold you back. Communication, trust, perspective-taking, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and shared values are all part of this transformative process.
If you’ve been searching for marriage counseling near me, you can expect a personalized process where each couple’s unique characteristics and needs guide the journey toward positive change.
This approach integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, developmental psychology, and positive psychology, ensuring sessions are grounded, purposeful, and productive.
When relationships feel tense, confusing, or emotionally exhausting, couples don’t need generic advice, they need clear professional leadership. Dr. Christopher Joaquim is a doctoral-level couples therapist with over 21+ years of experience helping partners understand why conflict repeats, emotions escalate, and communication breaks down under stress.
Dr. Joaquim specializes in relationship dynamics, not surface-level communication tips. His work is grounded in understanding how people think, interpret, and react emotionally within close relationships, especially when trust has been strained or conversations no longer feel safe.
Dr. Joaquim’s couples therapy approach integrates:
His work is backed by:
This means couples aren’t just talking they’re working with a specialist who understands why problems persist and how real change happens.
When emotions are high and decisions matter, having the right professional guidance can make all the difference.
If you are searching for couples therapy, marriage counseling, or a licensed couples therapist in Massachusetts, California, or Florida, Dr. Christopher Joaquim offers structured, experienced, and compassionate care.
👉 Request your free 20-minute couples consultation
Confidential • No obligation • Online sessions available
The first couples therapy session is designed to bring calm, clarity, and structure.
Couples can expect:
Many couples feel relief simply from having their concerns organized and understood.
Couples therapy focuses on understanding patterns of communication, emotional reactions, and relationship dynamics that create ongoing conflict or disconnection. Dr. Joaquim uses a structured, evidence-based approach to help both partners feel heard, reduce reactive cycles, and work toward meaningful change. Sessions are collaborative and tailored to the specific concerns of each couple.
Session fees vary based on session length and format. During the free 20-minute consultation, Dr. Joaquim will explain current rates and help determine the best structure for your needs. This consultation is designed to provide clarity, not pressure.
Dr. Christopher Joaquim is an out-of-network provider. Superbills are available for clients seeking potential insurance reimbursement, and can also be submitted on your behalf when requested.
Yes. Many couples begin therapy with one partner feeling uncertain or reluctant. Dr. Joaquim is experienced in creating a safe, neutral environment where both partners can participate at their own pace. Therapy often helps hesitant partners feel more comfortable once conversations become structured and respectful.
Dr. Joaquim integrates several evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), relational and interpersonal therapy, mindfulness-based strategies (MBCT), solution-focused therapy, and strength-based psychology. This integrative approach allows therapy to be tailored to the unique dynamics of each couple.
The length of couples therapy varies depending on the concerns being addressed. Some couples benefit from short-term, focused work, while others choose ongoing sessions to address deeper or long-standing patterns. Progress and goals are reviewed regularly to ensure therapy remains effective and purposeful.
Yes. All couples therapy sessions are confidential and conducted in accordance with professional ethical standards and licensing regulations. Confidentiality and emotional safety are foundational to the therapy process.
Yes. Dr. Christopher Joaquim offers online couples therapy and is licensed to practice in Massachusetts, California, and Florida. Online sessions provide flexibility and privacy while maintaining the same professional standards as in-person therapy.
No formal preparation is required. Couples are encouraged to arrive as they are. Dr. Joaquim will guide the conversation, ask clarifying questions, and help organize concerns during the session.
Absolutely. Couples therapy often addresses specific concerns such as parenting challenges, financial stress, work-life balance, trust issues, or major life transitions. Therapy is tailored to the issues most affecting your relationship.
Yes. Many couples return to therapy during times of transition or stress, even after successful completion of earlier work. Couples therapy can be used as both ongoing support and as a return-to-care option when new challenges arise.
Yes. Dr. Christopher Joaquim offers in-person sessions at 60 Washington St, Suite 202, Salem, MA 01970, by appointment.