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Couples Counseling


The benefits of couples or marriage counseling include being able to discuss the issues with both partners present and allowing for immediate validation of the situation by a neutral third party.  I view my client in this situation as the relationship, not one or both of the partners.  With this view, I can facilitate how to better communicate to each other about the issue by demonstrating skills and giving you homework to complete outside of session.  The true test of the process is what you do outside of session with the skills you learn inside of session.

Our 50-55 minute sessions will allow you both to explore your current issues in a controlled environment where you are both given time to speak.  I may do an individual session with each partner as needed throughout the process as well.  I do not keep secrets when I am working with a couple or family.  Any information derived during the individual sessions is also open for discussion during the couple’s sessions.  If a secret does come out that the other partner is unaware of, I will stop counseling and work with the individual with the secret to be able to tell his/her partner what is happening. 

I ask my clients to only keep their cell phones on during session if they have children home alone. You are worth the effort to take some time out of your day to devote to YOU as a couple without distractions.

We will most likely begin focusing on how you both define the issue that brought you to counseling and steps you have taken so far on solving those issues.  I will also want to learn about your families of origin, as they have a profound effect on how we act, work, play and think as adults.  We can then define where you are at the moment with regards to that issue and also take a look into the future.  What does your future look like with this issue resolved?  It is difficult to work on a problem if you are unable to imagine your future in the way you want it to be.

While there is no set number of sessions suggested for couples/marriage counseling, as differing issues and differing personalities make it difficult to predict such a thing, I do ask that my clients commit to at least 5 sessions if possible to be able to begin to see some change. I will also let you know that as we open up and become more familiar with the problems that brought you both to counseling, you may feel as if you are periodically moving backward instead of forward.  This is simply because we are discussing topics that you were not comfortable in verbalizing in the past.  This is normal.  Have faith in yourself and this process and you can get through those apparent moments of frustration.

There is no right or wrong answer in our sessions.  I want you to feel comfortable in saying what is on your mind and to feel confident in disagreeing with me at any time.  We do need to be respectful when someone else is speaking, though and allow them your full attention, as you would expect when you are speaking. You both know yourself better than anyone else and in order for me to get to know you; I need you both to be honest with what is working and what is not.

Each 50-55 minute session has a fee of $150. See my Services & Rates page for discounted packages offered at a reduced rate

Call me when you are ready to be active in creating the life you long to have. 817-876-9958