Meet the Relationship Doctor

Here’s a bit about my practice and approach. 

Whether you're seeking support as a couple navigating the complexities of partnership, or as an individual longing to better understand yourself and your relationship patterns, I want you to know this: it is not weakness that brings you to therapy—it is wisdom.

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My name is Dr. Carolyn Litteral, though most people lovingly call me Dr. L. And yes—my last name really is pronounced “Literal.” Literally.

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I’m a relationship and trauma therapist with over 15 years of experience working across nearly every mental health setting. I specialize in relational healing—working with couples of all kinds and individuals who want to improve their relationship with others and with themselves.

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I have sat with people on the brink of leaving, people aching to reconnect, people rebuilding after betrayal, and people working to break lifelong patterns of self-abandonment. I’ve supported survivors of trauma, partners in recovery, and individuals courageously exploring their identity, values, and desires. In all of this, one truth remains: healing is possible—and powerful—when done with intention, compassion, and the right support.

 

What I Do: A Holistic, Trauma-Informed, Evidence-Based Approach

My work is integrative. I draw from the most respected and effective therapeutic methods available to offer a comprehensive, deeply personalized healing experience:

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• The Gottman Method – for understanding and shifting the patterns that damage trust, connection, and communication in relationships

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• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) – for uncovering deep emotional needs and softening the protective patterns that keep us disconnected

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• EMDR Therapy – for healing past trauma that continues to live in your body, thoughts, and relationships

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• Addiction-Informed Therapy – for couples or individuals navigating the complexities of substance use, betrayal, or emotional disconnection

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• Sex Therapy – for restoring pleasure, intimacy, and confidence in your sexual self and relationship

This work isn’t just about treating a symptom. It’s about understanding the whole system of you—your past, your patterns, your values, and your potential. Together, we will restore what has been lost, strengthen what is good, and build what is missing.

 

Couples: The Relationship Assessment

For couples, we begin with a comprehensive relationship assessment, which includes:

1. A 90-minute joint session to explore your relationship story, strengths, and current challenges

2. Individual 60–90-minute sessions with each partner to understand your personal histories, goals, and relational needs

3. The Gottman Relationship Checkup, a detailed online assessment measuring 46 areas of relationship functioning

 

I take all three components—what you say, what I observe, and what the data shows—to create a full picture of your relationship dynamics. From there, you’ll receive abeautifully written Relationship Review that outlines what’s working, what needs support, and what changes will move you toward the relationship you both want.

Every week thereafter, our sessions will target areas from this roadmap. We’ll practice communication tools, rebuild emotional safety, learn repair strategies, and deepen connection—together and intentionally. You’ll receive a written session summary, homework, and suggested reading so that progress continues between sessions.

This isn’t about fixing a broken relationship. It’s about training for love—with the guidance and structure to help it flourish.

 

Individuals: A Deep Dive Into Relational and Sexual Healing

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If you’re coming to therapy as an individual, your healing is just as sacred—and often even more foundational.

Whether you're recovering from toxic relationships, hoping to strengthen a current partnership, or working toward readiness for a healthy one, our work begins with two 90-minute assessment sessions that provide a deep and clinical understanding ofyou.

 

These sessions include:

• A full diagnostic evaluation, using trauma-informed and culturally attuned assessment methods

• Exploration of your attachment style, emotional regulation, family systems, and relationship history

• Identification of trauma, grief, patterns of avoidance or enmeshment, identity development, and boundary issues

• Sensitive and affirming exploration of your sexual history, sexual identity, and relationship with pleasure and embodiment

 

You’ll receive a comprehensive written report that includes your psychological profile, areas for growth, treatment goals, and a clear, strengths-based therapeutic plan tailored to your needs.

 

This process may support you in:

• Ending a relationship that is no longer serving your growth

• Preparing yourself for a future relationship grounded in emotional safety, healthy boundaries, and reciprocity

• Recovering from trauma, emotional neglect, or betrayal

• Exploring and affirming your sexuality, especially if shame, abuse, or societal norms have disconnected you from it

• Reclaiming your sexual potential, pleasure, and confidence with self and others

Sexual healing is a key part of this work. Whether you’re navigating desire discrepancies, overcoming religious shame, healing from assault, or rediscovering your erotic self after grief or trauma—I offer a safe, affirming, and clinically informed space to do this work with depth, dignity, and care.

 

What to Expect in Ongoing Therapy

Each session is a blend of clinical expertise, emotional attunement, and practical coaching. I’ll teach you skills, walk you through emotional processing, and offer feedback in real time. You will not leave wondering what the next step is—you will have clarity, accountability, and support.

 

You’ll also receive:

• Written summaries of each session to help consolidate your learning

• Homework or journaling prompts for growth between sessions

• Optional readings, podcasts, or experiential practices based on your learning style and goals

 

Let’s Begin

If you’re ready to take the first step, I invite you to reach out. My cell is 830-357-8933, BUT I am in session all day and do not take calls Fri-Sunday.

 

Please feel free to schedule a video consultation at https://drcarolynlitteral.clientsecure.me/contact-widget. If you are unable to find a time available and need a consultation for immediate services, please call or text and I will try to reach out as soon as possible. 

 

​This work is my calling, and it is my greatest honor to walk alongside people who are doing the brave work of becoming—more connected, more resilient, more whole.

 

​Your relationship is not broken.
You are not broken.
You are becoming.

And I would be honored to walk with you on that journey.

 

With warmth, sincerity, and wholehearted care,
Dr. Carolyn Litteral
Lovingly known as “Dr. L” — yes, it’s pronounced “Literal”… literally.