Meet: Dr. Renée del Rio, Psy.D, MSCP
Working with Me
I join couples on their journey so they can learn to consciously attune to one another and their relationship. Understanding the conflict cycle and practicing intentional conversation often occur from the very first session. Many couples have shared they benefitted more from a first session with me than “ten sessions with that last guy.” Further sessions are organized around skills, insight, and solutions not “just conversation.” While each couple is unique, they share a common goal of having a safe, productive, and attachment-friendly environment, which includes the ability to make appropriate and timely repairs. Longstanding pain points can be healed in such an attuned environment. I have been described as warmhearted and skillful, as well as suitably challenging to foster growth. Some topics require delicate conversation, but others thrive with a more direct approach. I believe in transparency and education, given in plain language, in support of clients’ growth. Feedback is valued during or after sessions to continue honing what works.
My Values
LOVE
Love is a dynamic energy. A Native American saying captures this essence: "Love is a fire that requires proper care. Ignore it, and the flame dies. Stoke it too much and it burns you. Tend to it close so the flame keeps you warm and safe." I help others find this essential balance in their relationships.
INTEGRITY
Integrity is based on being trustworthy and kind. I help people apply this consistently to their relationships so they can become a united team. This positive result makes sense considering the root of integrity - integer - stems from the Latin word for "whole" or undivided.
SERVICE
Human paths are interconnected and interdependent. Helping others progress is a privilege. I am service driven, responsive, and committed to continuous improvement.
Education / Credentials:
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B.A. Psychology, University of California
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Psy.D. (Doctorate of clinical psychology), California School of Professional Psychology
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M.S.C.P (Masters of Clinical Psychopharmacology), Fairleigh Dickinson University
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Licensed as a psychologist in good standing in Oregon, Idaho, New Mexico, and Virginia; FL registered Telehealth provider
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ASPPB E.Passport and PSYPACT Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT)
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Member of American Academy of Clinical Psychology
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Member of American Psychologist Association, General and Div. 55, Psychopharmacology
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Approved Clinical Supervisor, Oregon
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Board Member of Oregon Board of Psychology
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Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), Committee on Exam Coordination (CEC) Member
Relevant Trainings:
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Gottman Method Couples Therapy (GMCT), Level 3 Provider
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Imago Relationship Therapy,12 Day Foundational Course Completed + additional seminars totaling 100+ hours
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Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, 4 Day Foundational Course
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Transformative Couples Therapy (TCT) - Core Training + Experiential Skills Courses with David Mars, Founder of TCT
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Relational Life Therapy (RLT), multiple online seminars with Terry Real, founder of RLT
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EMDR, Levels 1 and 2 Nutrition and Mental Health - 4 day seminar + additional seminars
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Completed Foundational Coursework from Telehealth.org, the premier Telehealth educator for psychologists
Evidence-Based Interventions Informing My Approach
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Gottman Method Couples Therapy (GMCT) is an empirically-valid relationship therapy. It was developed by Dr. John Gottman in conjunction with his wife Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman and 45 years of breakthrough research to understand why some relationships succeed and others fail. Dr. Gottman’s research could predict with 94+% accuracy which couples would divorce by their interactional patterns. He found that long-term, fulfilling relationships start with a solid friendship, are able to manage conflict, and have a shared vision for the future.
GMCT is based on the Sound Relationship House, which is anchored by trust and commitment. Skills such as viewing one another with positive regard, managing perpetual conflict, understanding one another’s individual needs, and building connection are also essential. GMCT offers specific strategies that couples can implement to accomplish these goals.
Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT)
Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) was founded by Dr. Harville Hendrix and his wife, Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt based on depth psychology, neuroscience, attachment, their clinical experience, and the lessons of their own relationship, all of which spanned over 30 years. Oprah Winfrey included "Imago Theory" in her list of "Unforgettable! Oprah’s Top 20 Shows".
IRT has helped hundreds of thousands of couples worldwide. Its efficacy lies in simple, proven tools for reducing conflict and renewing intimacy. Its cornerstone is a unique process of dialogue between partners which deepens connection and increases safety and compassion.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT)
Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, author of Hold Me Tight, Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples focuses on reconstructing negative cycles into positive avenues for secure attachment by way of identifying underlying emotions in the “pursuer-withdrawer dance” and helping couples communicate vulnerably and safely. In this way attachment theory fuses with healthy communication skills and, ultimately, stronger bonds result.
Relational Life Therapy (RLT)
Relational Life Therapy (RLT), developed by Terry Real, is an integrative approach that can quickly get to the root of negative behaviors damaging relationships. It posits that people may unconsciously view their partners as better or worse than themselves based on their own childhood wounds. Key features include facilitating inner child work, as needed, and an action-oriented approach to create lasting change.
The Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT)
The Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) was developed by Dr. Stan Tatkin. PACT emphasizes the role that partners have in co-regulating one another’s nervous systems to achieve safety and connection. Through building secure attachment and honoring their “Couple Bubble” partners can understand one another’s hurts and unmet needs thereby increasing empathy and creating new patterns.
Attachment Theory and Neuroscience
Attachment theory informs us how we experienced our needs being met in childhood, shapes our ability to “attach” to our romantic partners later in life, particularly, how we manage closeness and conflict. When couples have a secure attachment, there is a healthy base for connection, trust, and problem solving concerns that may arise.
Neuroscience research affirms that humans are wired for connection. A healthy partnership accounts for better physical health and buffers everyday stress. In fact, research reveals that romantic love fulfills a basic human need, similar to breathing or eating, and finds long-term partnership can lead to increased cognitive functions (1).
1)https://www.apa.org/topics/marriage-relationships/brain-on-love