JD Reisinger

Hi, I'm JD Reisinger, a Level 3 Gottman-trained couples therapist specializing in helping couples heal from betrayal, trauma, and addiction recovery. What sets me apart is my systematic, research-based approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy to actually help nervous systems heal from relationship trauma. I work primarily with couples who are stuck in painful patterns - those dealing with ruptured trust from betrayals that happened years ago where partners think they've "moved on" but haven't actually healed. You might recognize this if the betraying partner believes it's time to move forward while the betrayed partner still gets triggered by reminders, leading to cycles where hurt feelings get stuffed down because neither partner has the skills to receive each other's emotions safely. I'm one of the few therapists in the Toledo area specifically trained in the Gottmans' advanced methods for "Addiction and Recovery for Couples" and "Healing Betrayal and Trauma for Couples." I'm currently in the certification track for this specialized approach and receive ongoing consultation on complex cases. My approach is different because I help couples practice the four specific things that research shows actually heal betrayal: expressions of remorse, transparency, non-defensiveness, and verification. I help betraying partners truly understand the trauma impact of betrayal and express genuine remorse without collapsing into their own guilt. Rather than focusing on resolving the issue, we focus on emotional connection and attunement. What makes this work transformative is that I help couples understand that betrayal triggers will come up again - but instead of these moments driving you further apart, I teach you skills to turn them into opportunities for deeper connection. The betrayal never completely disappears, but you can learn to be close and connected in spite of it, transforming what was once a wedge between you into moments of greater intimacy. I also bring EMDR training to this work, which means if individual trauma healing is needed before couples work can be effective, I can provide that support. My approach is grounded by nearly a decade of Zen Buddhism meditation practice and Aikido martial arts, which influences how I create space and move with my clients through their most difficult moments. I serve couples in the Toledo area both in-person and online. In my nearly two years of specialized couples work, I've completed hundreds of therapy hours with about 100 couples, with nearly 50% of my practice focused specifically on betrayal recovery - because this work requires deep expertise and ongoing training. If you're feeling stuck in painful cycles, thinking you should be "over it" by now, or if you feel more like roommates than partners, I'd love to talk with you about how my systematic approach can help. Even when couples feel hopeless, healing is possible when you have the right tools and guidance. I bring a grounded presence to this work and continue advancing my training in these specialized methods. If you're ready to move from surviving your relationship challenges to actually thriving together, please reach out to see how I can help.