FAQs

What is Couples Counseling?

Also known as marriage counseling, relationship counseling, or couples therapy, couples counseling focuses on the couple as the client. It is not centered on individual issues; it is about the issues that the couple together is facing. If individual problems present in couples therapy, the therapist may choose to refer that person to individual counseling or incorporate individual therapy as part of the couple’s treatment plan.
When Should You Seek Couples Counseling?

Any couple with a history together may benefit from relationship counseling. Couples may seek counseling to resolve relationship issues, gain insight into the dynamics of their relationship, strengthen their emotional bonds, or find amicable ways to bring their relationship to an end.
What if I want to come in for counseling and my partner doesn’t?

We can work together to help you develop a healthy, safe, and loving relationship. Also, many people find as they seek help and feel better, their relationship improves.
As a therapist, are you going to tell me (or us) what to do?

We can work together to help you sort out your thoughts and feelings so you can make decisions that will ultimately help you feel better. As an experienced marriage and family therapist, we will help you and your partner understand what is not working and give you the tools to improve your relationship for the long term.
Can you guarantee I will feel better after therapy?

People who participate in counseling are much more likely to feel better than those who try to solve their problems on their own. That said, like anything, you get out of therapy what you put into it. Although we can’t guarantee you will end up happier, our clients who stay the course and who are committed to the process often achieve results that make them significantly happier in their lives and relationships. We will do our best to help and support you on your journey and we want your feedback along the way. We will actively seek out your opinions on how you see the therapy is progressing.
What happens in the first session?

We will invite you to share your story and will help you articulate why you are seeking help at this time. Our only goal is to help you build a long-term, happy relationship. We will start by finding out from you what is not working and help you work together to make it better. If all goes well, we will then decide how often we will meet and what issues we will work on together.
Do you work with other issues besides relationships?

Yes! We have found many people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other life stressors are often relationship oriented. The goal is simple: to help you feel better.
Why therapy? Shouldn’t I be able to handle this by myself?

Talk therapy can help many people. Many of our clients report relief from stress, depression, and anxiety in addition to their relationship difficulties. While you certainly have the inner resources and may indeed be able to handle this alone, having an unbiased third party, who only cares about you and your wellbeing, can help you achieve your goals for the long term, often faster than attempting to change on your own.