Relationship coaching · Portland, Oregon & online
Communication sits at the center of every relationship. When two people learn to hear the deeper layers underneath their words — the desires, fears, and longing for connection — nervous systems relax, and peace, creativity and aliveness can be shared again.
About
I grew up in Los Angeles, studied at Princeton, made films, built companies, developed real estate — and while it was all exciting and challenging, I had a growing sense that none of it was the point.
The search that followed took me around the world. I sat with non-dual teachers in the tradition of Ramana Maharshi. I moved to Portugal, then Costa Rica, then Amsterdam, living in intentional communities and researching what it means for humans to harmonize. I trained in circling, authentic relating, contact improvisation, and meditation. I led retreats, facilitated hundreds of group experiences, coached one on one.
What I kept finding, in every practice and every tradition, was the same thing: the desire for truth. That moment when people truly meet and something real becomes available. That space is where our relationship work lives, and true fulfillment is felt.
Approach
We communicate on many layers - language, physicality, emotions, and energy. We slow down the conversation to raise awareness on all the layers.
Beneath every complaint is a desire; beneath every desire, a longing for connection. We practice naming what’s actually there.
When each of you feels understood, bodies soften. From a centered place, the same conversation that used to trigger becomes co-creative.
When a relationship feels peaceful by default, love flourishes. Creativity emerges. Intimacy awakens. The connection is energized!
I work mostly with romantic partners — dating, living together, engaged, or married — and the same work serves siblings, friends, colleagues, and teams.
Services
A focused hour on what’s alive in connection with the aim to raise awareness and authenticity. Online or in person in Portland.
Pricing on inquiry
Room to dive into process. This allows space for deeper revealing with time to feel held.
Pricing on inquiry
12-week package
Twelve weeks of guided practice for two people ready to transform communication, awareness, and the foundations of love.
Pricing on inquiry
Stories
“Working with David helped me gain significant insights about my inner desires that I couldn’t access on my own. Throughout the process, I felt supported by his calm and grounded presence.”
“David was incredibly attentive — a sort of magic of listening which brought forth creative solutions that opened paths of thought-feelings to new dimensions.”
“David has a genuine kindness and calming presence that creates a safe space for self-exploration and growth. He has positively impacted my life with his guidance and invaluable insights.”
“Coaching with David has helped me grow my sense of capability and empowerment. Our work together has encouraged me to meet the world with a more profound sense of confidence and new language to express what I want out of my relationships and creative pursuits.”
“I deeply appreciate David’s compassionate presence and clarity. Our work together helped me to drop more deeply into myself, into my embodied wisdom and to access my resources.”
“David is an attuned, experienced and deeply intelligent coach. I felt seen and accepted in the complexity and awareness of the present moment. I find this quality of openness and care rare and necessary.”
FAQ
No. Coaching is present- and future-focused: how you communicate now, and how you want to relate going forward. It doesn’t diagnose or treat mental health conditions, and it can complement therapy well.
We slow down a real conversation between you. I help each of you say what’s true, hear what the other actually means, and notice what’s happening underneath. Sessions are calm, structured, and practical.
Romantic partners are my main focus — dating, engaged, or married — and the same work serves siblings, friends, colleagues, and teams. Any two people who want to understand each other better.
For couples work, yes — the change happens between you. That said, individual sessions focused on how you show up in connection are also available. See www.authenticconnection.co.
Reach out through the form below and I’ll share current rates for sessions and the 12-week package. We can also work with your income level. Let’s start with a short conversation to see if it’s a fit.
Contact
Tell me a little about your relationship and what you’re hoping for. I’ll reply within a couple of days.