Separate Yet Connected
Nathaniel J. Ford, MA, MA, LMFT, LPC
Weds 12/31/2025 4:23 PM Ovilla, TX
Have you wanted to create greater connection with your partner or spouse but have found yourself stuck in a Negative Cycle that blocks that from happening? You may have not thought of therapy, nor marital therapy, however, the time spent investing in yourself and in your intimate relationship, can have increasing returns over time. At Fig Tree Counseling, PLLC, in Ovilla, Nathaniel (“Nate”) Ford MA, MA, LMFT, LPC, works with individuals, couples, and families. Reconnecting and repairing after ruptures are important elements of the healing process known as repair. Often repair takes courage and humility to reach.
It is fundamentally important to remember two things: First, we are human and second we are separate individuals with our own heart, emotions, thoughts, physical sensations, and narrative stories. Therefore, deeper intimacy acknowledges and respect the other’s human dignity while allowing for them to express their separateness and share their valid, natural, feelings to create space for more authentic connection.
If you and your partner are interested in receiving Marriage Therapy to help with communication, connection, relationship enhancement, and strengthening (or restoring) trust and confidence in one another consider setting an appointment for an initial consultation phone call or in-person visit.
Toni Herbine-Blank, MS, RN, C-SP, has created a lovely experiential style of therapy for couples and families. Built on her foundational understanding of various therapies (Psychodynamic Theory, Bowen Family Systems Therapy and Systemic Thinking, neuroscience and the Autonomic Nervous System) including Internal Family Systems (IFS).
She created Intimacy from the Inside Out© (IFIO) as an experiential, bottom-up (somatic, or body-awareness) process of connecting for greater harmony and balance within as well as connecting for greater harmony and balance between.
Nate has studied this work since 2021 and has specialized in IFIO with trainings from Toni Herbine-Blank and Pamela Krause, LCSW (Level 3 IFS Trained) in 2024 and with John Palmer, LCSW (Level 2 IFS Trained) in 2025. In 2026 Nate will be studying 72 hours focusing on IFIO for “Going Deeper Within and Between.” The value of this modality is that it moves within each partner and uses the intimate relationship itself “as a vehicle for growth and healing of the individual, as well as the couple” (Herbine-Blank).
Since Spring of 2021, Nate has practiced Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) with individuals for increased connection within supporting Self-leadership and greater clarity. Nate has studied with Frank Anderson, MD, Alexia Rothman, PhD, Ann-Marie Bowen, MA, LPC, and Amanda Steed, MA, LCSW.
The reason I have taken on the specialty of IFIO, as well as IFS, has been to work with those living with Complex PTSD. This work has a slower tempo, and yet a deeper depth, that allows for transformation and growth in the areas allowing for movement both in the direction of greater Self-leadership, as well as movement towards goals and desires.
It is an honor to carry your story, and I look forward to the 2026 New Year and serving in any way that may be helpful to those seeking help individually, as couples, and as families.
Nathaniel (Nate) Ford
MA, MA, License Marriage & Family Therapist, and Licensed Professional Counselor Founder & CEO
Fig Tree Counseling, PLLC
New Year’s Eve 2025