Expertise Built On Experience
Liz Marucheau has over three decades of professional expertise, she specializes in helping couples strengthen their relationships through the lens of attachment, neuroscience, and nervous system regulation. She works with couples experiencing relationship distress during life transitions, helping them move from disconnection and recurring conflict back to safety, trust, and connection.
Liz specializes in Couples Intensives—an immersive alternative to traditional weekly therapy—as well as Coastal Couples Retreats. She has advanced training in five evidence-based couples therapy models, including the Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT), Gottman Method, Internal Family Systems for Couples (IFIO), the Developmental Model, and the Relational Life Model. She has also assisted Dr. Stan Tatkin with international PACT trainings for couples therapists.
In addition to couples therapy, Liz offers the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), a listening intervention based on Dr. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory that supports nervous system regulation and may benefit individuals experiencing anxiety, insomnia, depression, trauma-related symptoms, or chronic stress.
Liz believes that every relationship is unique and develops individualized treatment plans that integrate the latest research in attachment, interpersonal neurobiology, trauma, and mindfulness. She has a special interest in helping couples understand how early attachment experiences influence present-day relationships and creating lasting patterns of emotional safety and secure connection.
A passionate educator, Liz taught graduate students for more than ten years at San Diego State University in both the School of Social Work and the Department of Child and Family Development. She developed and taught a graduate-level course in couples therapy grounded in neuroscience and continues to mentor others.
Liz Marucheau understands firsthand the challenges of relationships and the potential for tremendous growth. She guides you beyond talking about change to experiencing it to create meaningful sustainable change.
What Sets Liz Apart?
Advanced Training in Couples Therapy
Liz is trained and deeply skilled in the leading couples therapy approaches:
Gottman Method:
Proven strategies for managing conflict, deepening intimacy, and achieving shared life goals.
Developmental Model:
A blend of attachment, differentiation, and neuroscience to address both individual concerns of each couple and the dynamics between the couple.
PACT (Psychobiological Approach):
Techniques rooted in attachment theory, neuroscience, and arousal regulation to foster a safe & secure connection.
Relational
Intimacy:
Expertise in addressing physical intimacy issues, guided by training from Martha Kauppi.
Internal Family
Systems (IFS):
A compassionate method to strengthen awareness of various aspects or parts of yourself resulting in a deepened relationship with yourself, your partner and the world.
Informed in IFIO
(Intimacy from the Inside Out):
A specialized couples therapy model derived from IFS, is designed to help couples build deeper intimacy by understanding and working with the different "parts" within each individual, allowing them to feel more loved, safe, and understood within their relationship.
Academic Excellence and Teaching Experience
Liz has taught and mentored the next generation of therapists:
SDSU Faculty Member:
Over 10 years teaching various courses: couples therapy, human development, assessment, social work practice and DSM-5 diagnoses
Therapist Mentor:
Supervises graduate clinicians as they work toward licensure, sharing her passion for lifelong learning.
Grounded in Research and Neuroscience
Liz’s work is informed by the latest findings in neuroscience, attachment theory, and developmental science, including Steven Porges’ Polyvagal Theory. She helps couples understand how emotional trauma affects their relationships and to develop actionable strategies to create lasting change.
Couples Treatment Specializations
Liz offers support for a wide range of challenges, including:
Communication Breakdown
Life Transitions: New baby, retirement, health conditions, new job, elder care
Work-Life Balance
Maternal Health and Postpartum Depression
Depression and Mood Disorders
Anxiety: PTSD, generalized anxiety, panic attacks
ADHD
Infidelity Recovery
Parenting Support
Support for Cancer Patients and Loved Ones
Stress Management
Conflict Resolution
Sleep Difficulties
Grief and Loss
Adult Children of Alcoholics
Commitment to Innovation
and Excellence
Current Projects:
Coach for PACT Training: Supporting Stan Tatkin in his international trainings to help clinicians in mastering the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy.
National and Local Leadership in Mental Health:
Liz has contributed to mental health policy and service delivery:
Consultant for Columbia University integrated service delivery research project.
Developed the San Diego Children’s System of Care Training Academy, advancing state and federal mental health initiatives from SAMHSA.
Lead role in advancing the implementation of California Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health Guidelines across San Diego County.
Beyond Therapy
Liz has served on several community boards including the First Five Commission of San Diego County. She recently served as a commissioner for the Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Committee and is passionate about nature, mindfulness, and outdoor activities.
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