Salvatore (Sam) Garanzini, MFT, and Alapaki Yee, MFT, are Certified Gottman Therapists and Cofounders of both the Gay Couples Institute and the Couples Therapy Training Academy, where they have helped over 4,200 same-sex/queer couples strengthen their relationships and have trained hundreds of therapists to build successful private practices.
Their work bridges clinical excellence with private practice success—Alapaki leads the Institute’s clinical programs, bringing the best in couples therapy to the LGBTQ+ community, while Sam helps therapists grow profitable practices through the Practice Magnet Program and Software, an all-in-one HIPAA-compliant marketing system for therapists.
Their peer-reviewed research study, co-authored with Drs. John and Julie Gottman, demonstrated the effectiveness of the Gottman Method with same-sex couples. Inspired by these findings, they created the Gay Relationship Revolution 9-Step Roadmap, a structured approach designed to help LGBTQ+ couples navigate unique challenges – from internalized shame and body image struggles to exploring different relationship models, identity exploration, and the lasting impact of coming out on partnership dynamics.
Jared DeFife, Ph.D is a seasoned clinical psychologist with a doctorate from Adelphi University and advanced training from Harvard Medical School. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in adult ADHD, chronic depression, and men’s mental health. Known for his relatable, science-informed approach, he helps clients challenge patterns, rebuild confidence, and live more fully.