Couples Counseling

Couples counseling is a type of psychotherapy that includes marriage counseling, premarital counseling, and committed adult relationships. It is typically a short-term form of counseling that can help partners improve their relationship at any stage. Most insurance companies do not cover marriage or relationship counseling. Rates are $130.00 per 50 minute sessions.

Couples counseling can help clarify relationship roles, assist with sex and intimacy issues, improve communication and connection, and help partners effectively deal with life transitions or external stressors.

Couples therapy helps the couple focus on the the goal of identifying and disrupting dysfunctional behavior patterns within the relationship. The dysfunctional patterns are replaced with supportive and functional ones through psychoeducation, role plays, feedback, and other techniques to improve communication and understanding between the couple.

How does it work?

By improving communication skills. Communication is essential to a healthy relationship, but not everyone knows how to express their thoughts and feelings appropriately. Working with a counselor, you and your partner can learn how to share your concerns and emotions effectively. Some of the skills you might work on with your therapist include learning how to communicate effectively and choosing the right time and place to have difficult conversations.

By creating a safe space. Every time you and your partner attend a couples therapy session, you enter a safe haven. You know that everything you share with the counselor will be in confidence. You also can rest assured that the therapist will remain neutral during the session and won't side with one partner or the other. Both people will have a chance to express themselves during the session.

By building understanding and empathy in your relationship. Going to couples counseling can help you understand your partner better. Over several counseling sessions, you might gain a new perspective on the world. Likewise, your partner can develop a better understanding of your thoughts and experiences.

By helping you resolve conflicts. Conflict is part of life. Knowing how to work through and solve disagreements is another secret to a sustainable and fulfilling relationship. Resentment can build when you and your partner struggle to move past issues or if you decide to sweep concerns under the rug. Your counselor can help you develop conflict resolution skills you can use during your sessions and later in life.

By helping you work through life's challenges. Even the happiest couples will face challenges in life, such as infertility, mental health concerns, traumatic events and financial issues. A counselor can guide you through these obstacles, helping you develop the skills to work past them.

By providing you with a sounding board. When you're upset with your partner, do you tend to talk at, past, or above them? Do you ever feel your spouse doesn't fully hear or address your concerns? A weekly counseling session can create a place where you both get an opportunity to express your thoughts and to feel that the other person is actively listening to what you have to say.