Frequently Asked Questions

Do we really need therapy for our relationship?

According to Dr. John Gottman, relationship and marriage expert, couples wait for an average of six years of being unhappy before getting help. Seeking help  sooner means couples rediscover each other, reconnect in a meaningful way, reduce stress and pain, prevent further conflicts, resolve issues and heal from past hurts. Although relationship counseling is hard work and there are no guarantees, it’s worth taking the time to invest in your relationship and make improvements.

It is important to seek help as soon as you are able.  The longer you wait to resolve or address relationship issues, the more negative feelings and hurt compound and poison your relationship.  You have a better chance at feeling satisfied with your therapy outcomes if you pursue relational therapy earlier on in your struggles rather than waiting until long-term resentments and unhappiness are present.

Do you have experience with open relationships or non-monogamy?

Absolutely!  I welcome couples with relationship styles that include non-monogamy and open relational boundaries.  If you need support beyond reading all the BOOKS (PolySecure, Sex at Dawn, The Ethical Slut), you can create a package specific to your relationship needs! It is particularly important to ensure you work on creating healthy attachment patterns and build communication and respect in all your relationships.  

I’m LGBTQIA+ and have felt uncomfortable seeking relationship help because I am not sure if the therapist is affirming of my relationship…

ALL relationships are valid.  It’s that simple!  I embrace the believe that LOVE is LOVE! In fact, 40% of those who seek relationship intensives currently identify as LGBTQIA+. Support and therapy that’s affirming, informed, and experienced is available here!

How do I to request my first consultation or appointment and complete intake paperwork?

Most clients start by scheduling a consultation. After selecting the “Request Appointment” button and choosing an open time that works for you, submit your request.  You’ll receive a confirmation of your appointment time from “myprovider@simplepractice.com” after the therapist confirms your consultation request.  Thereafter, you will receive an electronic link to attend.  If you decide to move forward with therapy, intake documents and agreements will be sent to your email on file.

What can I expect during a relational therapy session?

I specialize in helping couples build healthier relationship patterns. You can expect a warm, non-judgmental stance. Relational therapy isn’t about taking “sides” with any one partner in the relationship.  The first session is all about getting to know who you are as a couple.  Your therapist will ask a series of questions to gather history about your relationship and current problems. Thereafter, the therapist will may choose to meet with each partner individually to get an idea of each partner’s perception of the relationship.  Each partner will be asked to complete a series of relationship assessments to better understand the current relationship dynamic.  By the third session, you are working on areas of the relationship that need the most attention! Partners should agree to participate for the full duration of the intensive.

What’s included in a Relationship Intensive Package?

Each intensive includes an in-depth relational assessment, and basic screening for individual mental health needs.  This includes online assessment tools and questionnaires that drill down into the details of your partnership and identify keys areas to address for a healthier relationship.  You’ll review these results in depth with the therapist and develop a plan an action plan for your relationship. The package includes 8 targeted therapy sessions with a licensed therapist with a decade of experience.  Sessions are completed over a 3-month period with specific exercises and activities to complete between sessions. 

Clients can pay in 3 monthly installments of $1,200 or pay in full and get a $600 discount!

What happens between therapy sessions?

Between most therapy sessions, your therapist will have a focus or activity for you to engage in that works on specific goals you have for your relationship. This could include materials provided by the therapist, handouts, journal reflections to complete, video modules, or specific experiences or conversations to have between sessions.

What’s the cost, and why isn’t insurance an option?

Insurance plans do not cover typical “relationship” concerns even though they greatly contribute to our overall wellness & health.  Insurance does pay for treatment related specific mental health disorders.  Therapy focused on the relationships rather than mental illness, is not covered by insurance plans.

It is hard to name a cost when it comes to a healthy & successful relationship.  The cost of divorce and relationship failure can be much higher than the investment you make to improve your relationship.  Payment options are available.  Clients can choose from 3 monthly installments of $1,200 or pay in full and get a $600 discount!

Can I get a refund if we don’t complete all the sessions included in the package?

Under limited circumstances, a partial refund may be available if the therapist determines individual mental health issues require priority treatment, or safety issues need to be addressed before relational therapy would be effective.  In the event the couple chooses to end their relationship at some point during the intensive, remaining sessions will be used to help transition into healthy uncoupling. 

What if my partner won’t attend therapy?

Sometimes one partner has checked out of the relationship or doesn’t believe in therapy.  In these cases, therapy can still be beneficial on an individual level.  It is true that some couples simply wait too long to get the help they need.  You can still find value in attending therapy individually instead.  Check out options for individual therapy.

What if my partner has already ended the relationship? 

If your relationship is indeed over or one partner has decided to leave, relationship therapy this can feel particularly heartbreaking.  At this point, you may feel very intense emotions, grief, sadness, and anger are common. Relational therapy can still help facilitate closure, keep communication lines open, help partners heal from past hurts, and consciously uncouple in a healthier way.  If you need support for your break-up consider individual therapy instead.

 Timing is everything

A relationship intensive can support you throughout the entire process of rebuilding trust, intimacy, and communication in your relationship. Through this process partners gain insight and learn strategies that will help heal emotional wounds.

I specialize in guiding couples through difficult times. Licensed to practice in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Florida.  If you have hit a wall in your relationship, contact me today or request a consultation to learn more about how working together can help.

References

https://www.gottman.com/blog/timing-is-everything-when-it-comes-to-marriage-counseling/

https://www.verywellmind.com/does-marriage-counseling-work-2300428

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-relationship-counseling-4694545