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We help couples have better marriages & relationships
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  • Recently Divorced or Separated

  • Dating Difficulties or Anxieties
  • Getting Ready for Marriage
  • Marital Conflict
  • Reconciliation
  • Improving Sex Life & Intimacy
  • Thinking about Divorce or Separation

Couples

What is couples counseling?

Typically couples counseling at Relationships Matter LLC consists of at least two partners and the counselor. Couples may be legally married, life partners, dating, and any other configuration. There are times when one person may be seen at a time.

What is couples therapy?

Couples therapy is similar to couples counseling. Some professionals use the term counseling and others use the term therapy. There are training differences between professionals who licensed as counselors (LPC, LPCC) and those licensed as marriage and family therapists (LMFT). Typically therapists have specialized training for working with couples and families.

What is something to consider when getting couple, marriage, or family counseling?

Some people are surprised the time and cost of services. Also there is a process of unlearning some behaviors. Quick fixes can unravel fast.

Specialized Approaches

Systems 


Systems is a specialized approach for  counseling couples and families. Systems approach is different in that the focus is on all members as opposed to individual functioning. Rarely, is any one person the problem. The problem can be better understood by exploring how, when, where, and to what degree couples and families relate to each other, or their interaction patterns. Interaction patterns can be problematic, such as when one partner is overinvolved and the other partner is disengaged. Interactions can be intentional, such as when partners negotiate or they can assert themselves while preserving the relationship and one's self-worth. The first few sessions are dedicated to getting to know the system (couple or family) by creating a genogram which is a map of interaction patterns for at least 3 generations. Couples and families of all configurations are welcomed.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO)

 

IFS, created by Dr. Swartz is a framework for doing parts work with couples and individuals. IFIO if an IFS infused approach for working with couples. The ultimate goal is be more of your Self, which is characterized by the 8 C's: compassion, confidence, courage, connection, calmness, creativity, curiosity, and clarity. Most couples have parts (i.e. persistence, ignoring) that can activate each other (i.e. anger, self-doubt). IFS is a transformative approach for appreciating all your parts so you feel less burdened, weighed, down, and shamed.  IFIO helps couple work through parts that are triggered by connecting with parts in the moment. Parts usually want to protect you, they help in unhelpful ways. Some parts have been with you for a long time and have things they want to share with you. Learning to deal with parts in relationships is very difficult, yet possible.

Discernment Counseling

 

Discernment Counseling, created by Dr. Dougherty is not really counseling. The ultimate goal is for couples to choose a path and walk away with more knowledge of what is needed for future relationship building. It is a service for couples and individuals in which at least one partner is leaning out (considering divorce, leaving, or separation) and another partner is either leaning in (wants to save the relationship) or leaning out as well. This service is limited to 1-5 sessions in which partners recognize their contributions that complicate the relationship. By session 5, you will choose one of the following paths:

Path 1: Keep things the same

Path 2: Separate or divorce

Path 3: All in 6 month commitment in rebuilding the relationship with divorce/separtion out of the plan. 

 

This service can be helpful regardless of which path is chosen, because there is greater clarity on what partners need to work on for future successful relationships. No change is expected. This service is not for venting. Venting packages are available. 

Discovery 

Consult

Book a complimentary 15-minute discovery consult to help you decide. The consult is not counseling, however, it might be helpful.

 

Saturday 

Appointment​s

Say yes to counseling without anyone having to miss work o​r school. 

 

 Counseling

for Change

Couples, families, and individuals outgrow their challenges sometimes. Other times it helps to

get help. Counseling is a reasonable expense for resolving mental and emotional exhaustion.  See rates below.

Invest in Counseling

All services are flat rates and self-pay using cash, check, or credit card. I strive to keep rates affordable to increase access to quality services, especially for couples and families. A credit card is required for the full amount to hold your time slot in addition to a 3.5% non refundable credit card processing fee. Reach out for other payment options.

 

$150          Couple or Family             70 minutes

$150          Discernment                    70 minutes 

$450          Premarital Package        70 minutes 

$100          Individual                          50 minutes

$250          Venting Package             50 minutes (3 session max)

$  20          Group                                 50 minutes

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Consultations (clients & professionals), home-based, couple intensives, and other services are available upon request. Groups are based on interest. I do not bill insurance for the reasons below. If requested, I will provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance.

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  • Billing lessens your confidentiality and privacy and can come up for some employment background checks.
  • Insurance companies typically require a diagnosis which may or may not be covered for family and couple services.
  • Insurance companies can dictate which services or approaches are reimbursable even when something else may be more effective for you. 
  • I prefer to put relationships and wellness over profits (yes, I really mean that!).
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