Starting therapy can feel overwhelming: you want to know what’s ahead, how it works, and what to expect from the process. Here’s a clear guide to help you feel prepared and confident as we begin.

1. What Is Couples Therapy and How Is It Different?

Couples therapy isn’t about finding the “problem person.” It’s about understanding the patterns you’ve both co-created and learning new ways to connect. Unlike individual therapy, which focuses on one person, couples work requires a systemic lens, looking at how you relate to each other and how those patterns shape your relationship.

This approach requires advanced training and thousands of hours of supervised practice. My work focuses exclusively on relationships, which means I bring a deep understanding of what helps couples move from stuck cycles to secure connection.

Couples therapy can:

• Improve communication and rebuild trust

• Address long-standing conflict or disconnection

• Heal relational injuries, including affairs

• Strengthen intimacy and emotional safety

2. How Do I Know If We Need Couples Therapy?

If you’ve been stuck on the same issue for more than three months, and conversations lead nowhere (or spiral into conflict), it’s time to seek help. The longer negative cycles continue, the harder they are to break.

Other signs it’s time:

• You feel like roommates more than partners

• Every discussion turns into an argument

• One or both of you avoid hard conversations

• Intimacy, emotional or physical, feels distant

Healthy relationships aren’t conflict-free; they’re built on learning how to navigate differences without losing connection. If that feels impossible right now, couples therapy can help.

3. How Long Does It Take?

Research shows most couples benefit from 12–20 sessions to create lasting change. In my practice, many couples experience noticeable relief within 10–12 sessions, especially when they attend consistently and engage fully.

We typically start with weekly sessions to maintain momentum. As progress stabilizes, we may move to biweekly or monthly sessions.

4. What Happens in Sessions?

• First Session: We meet together to discuss your concerns, goals, and what brings you here.

• Individual Sessions: Next, I meet with each of you separately for one session. This helps me understand your personal history, family background, and individual experiences shaping the relationship.

• Ongoing Work: Most sessions are together. We’ll identify negative cycles, strengthen emotional responsiveness, and build new patterns of safety and connection. Occasionally, I may meet with one partner for a specific reason—with full transparency to both of you.

5. What Can You Expect From Me?

• A structured process tailored to your relationship’s needs

• Practical tools backed by research

• A safe, balanced space where neither partner is “the problem”

• Direct feedback and strategies—not just listening and nodding

• A commitment to help you create the relationship you both want

6. What Does Couples Therapy Cost?

• Initial Session (Intake): $275 for 50–55 minutes

• Ongoing Sessions: $250 for 50 minutes

I do not accept insurance, and here’s why: The insurance model doesn’t align with the systemic approach couples therapy requires. It forces the therapist to diagnose one partner and designate an “identified patient,” which undermines the work and creates ethical risks. By operating outside insurance, I can focus on the couple, not a diagnosis, and provide the best care without restrictions. I am happy to provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance if you'd like.

7. How Do We Choose the Right Therapist?

The most important factors:

• Specialized training in couples therapy (not all therapists have this)

• Experience with high-stakes relationship issues

• A style that feels safe, clear, and engaging to both partners

I offer a free 10-minute phone consultation so you can get a feel for my approach before scheduling.

8. What If We’re Already Separated or One Partner Is Unsure?

It’s common for one or both partners to feel hesitant. Therapy can help clarify whether to repair or redefine the relationship. Even if only one partner starts, the process often brings the other in once progress is visible.

If you’re ready to move forward, I’d be honored to guide you. Your relationship is worth the investment.