Relationship Counseling

No, Relationship Counseling focuses on the relationship rather than a mental health condition covered by insurance. While it is a private pay service, many patients find the investment worthwhile.

Relationship Counseling focuses on communication, conflict patterns, trust, and emotional connection between partners. These are relationship goals rather than symptoms of a mental health disorder so insurance does not cover this. Insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis and limit session length and frequency. For these reasons, Relationship Counseling is provided as a private pay service so we can focus fully on your relationship without needing to fit sessions into insurance restrictions. I provide 90 minute sessions to allow both partners time to be heard and to make meaningful progress each session. This structure provides more flexibility, privacy, and depth than is usually possible through insurance.

You can connect with me by emailing, calling, texting, or filling out the form on my contact page. Once you reach out, I will ask a few brief questions to ensure the service is a good fit and then schedule your intake session. I will send electronic paperwork for you to complete before your first session. If you would prefer to start with a free 15-minute consultation, that is always an option.

The first session focuses on getting to know each other and identifying what you both would like to work on. I will ask questions about your past experiences and current concerns. Together, we will set goals and outline some initial steps. If I believe your needs would be better supported elsewhere, I will be honest and provide referrals. In ongoing sessions, we will work toward your goals and adjust as needed. Sessions usually start at weekly or every other week and sessions often decrease in frequency as you build confidence managing challenges on your own.

Absolutely! I am a mandated reporter so the only time information is shared without your consent is if there is a safety issue involving either of you or someone else. Outside of those situations, everything shared in session is confidential. If we decide sharing information with someone else would be helpful, we will discuss exactly what you want shared and what you do not. I will only release this information with your written permission. In Relationship Counseling, the couple is the patient so I cannot keep information from one partner. However, we can talk about how to approach sensitive topics together.

This is something we can discuss together to decide what makes the most sense. Occasionally, it may be helpful for one or both partners to attend individual sessions, with consent from the other partner. Please note that in Relationship Counseling, the couple is the patient so this means any individual sessions are not considered confidential from your partner. It is considered a conflict of interest for a therapist to provide both Individual Therapy and Relationship Counseling, as it may prevent a partner from feeling equally supported. Therefore, I may recommend that one or both of you work with a separate therapist. I can help you find someone and coordinate care if you choose that route.

Counseling is most effective when you are ready to engage in change so you do not need to convince your partner to attend. Sometimes relationship dynamics can improve when one partner begins doing their own work. I am happy to talk with you about whether Individual Therapy would be a good fit for your situation.

No. Counseling can be helpful at any stage. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from support, insight, and skill building for life’s challenges. Many people begin counseling to prevent recurring issues from becoming bigger problems later. In fact, this is a smart and insightful choice.