Marriage

 

I use a variety of approaches in couples counseling. I incorporate the principles of the best selling book Love and Respect during assessment and subsequent counseling. Additionally, I am Level II certified Gottman Method Therapist and use their assessments and resources as appropriate. I also use PREPARE/ENRICH online assessments and materials as a trained facilitator.

*The below outline of marital therapy may not describe what you are looking for, nor may it be needed or appropriate.  While this method does provide a nice framework or guide, it may appear intensive or overwhelming to you. Please ask questions, as the goal is to provide a comfortable starting point.

Overview

 

My job is to listen to what you believe the issues are, help clarify them, and to help identify additional areas that may be beneficial to address. To help you productively manage conflicts, you will be given methods to manage resolvable problems and dialogue about issues that just don't seem to go away. Furthermore, I am responsible to teach specific tools to deepen friendship and intimacy in your relationship. We will also work together to help you see and appreciate strengths in the relationship and manage some of the vulnerabilities.

Assessment

 

The interview/assessment are usually as follows: 

  • Session #1 - Intake interview/session

  • Session #2/3 - Individual interviews/sessions

  • Session #3 - Meet again together and talk about the plan/next steps.

Early in the assessment phase, you will be given an opportunity to complete an online assessment ($35) which will be used later. In the first session we will discuss the history of your relationship, areas of concern, and goals for treatment.

In the next session, I will meet with each of you individually to learn about some of your personal histories and to give each of you an opportunity to share more and get to know you better.  In the final session of the assessment phase, I will share my recommendations for moving forward and work to define mutually agreed-upon goals for your counseling. Most couples find the assessment phase as very informative and actually therapeutic as well. 

Sessions

 

Typically 50 minutes each week, more if desired or needed, then less frequently. The length of counseling will be determined by your specific needs and goals. Together, we will consistently evaluate your satisfaction and progress. Also, I will encourage you to raise any questions or concerns that you have about counseling at any time.

Outside the Office

 

I may also give you exercises to practice between sessions. In the later stages of counseling, we typically meet less frequently in order for you to test out new relationship skills and to prepare for the end of counseling. Some couples do decide to continue coming monthly or for checkups or “as needed,” but that’s up to you!

Conclusions

 

Although you may terminate counseling whenever you wish, it is most helpful to have at least one session together to summarize progress, define the work that remains, and say good-bye.

Outcome - Evaluation

 

Sometimes follow up sessions are planned if a couple desires: after six months, 12 months, 18 months, and two years.  The purpose of these follow-up sessions then will be to fine-tune any of your relationship skills if needed and to evaluate the effectiveness of the counseling received.   

Payment/Insurance

 

Love & Respect Counseling accepts direct payment for services and does not bill insurance companies or contract with those companies, but you can. It is a private pay setting, allowing for flexible, responsive, and attentive counseling.   

Sessions are typically 50-55 minutes long but meeting for longer is possible as well.

I provide pricing when you contact/email me.

Get in touch

Email is the best way for me to correspond with you regarding all initial and first appointment questions. I try and respond promptly throughout the week with detailed information. I look forward to your email!