Couples therapy and individual therapy can both vary in length. I value your time, your investment, and my responsibility to you. That being said, how long you are in therapy will depend on the issues you would like to work through and the goals you have for change. Sometimes we may decide that therapy can be more short-term, and sometimes we may realize we need more time. If you have a concern about the length of time you will spend in therapy, we can discuss this in our first session so we are both clear on expectations.
I do not accept insurance at this time. There are several reasons I think this is the best option for your counseling experience. You can read more about this and your investment in therapy on my Investment page.
I understand having a busy schedule and needing flexibility for your therapy appointments. Unfortunately, I do not offer evening appointments. I will be happy to refer you to other therapists who may have more flexible availability.
Sometimes, it can be helpful for a person to be in individual counseling and couples counseling at the same time.
However, this can also be exhausting for you as you’re putting more time, more money, and more energy into each session.
I believe that many individual issues can also be worked out through couples counseling, because you and your partner live and function in a world together.
If you are wondering if you should do individual first, couples first, or do them together, I’d be happy to talk with you more in your consultation. I sometimes suggest clients start in couples therapy if they are discussing issues that may be impacting or related to their relationship. Then, when you’ve met your goals in couples therapy, we can discuss if individual therapy may still be beneficial for you.
Of course! But before you go about therapy on your own, I suggest sitting down with your partner and having an honest conversation about it. Have you asked them to come to therapy? Have you expressed to them what you’re hoping to get out of therapy?
While therapy can be helpful for individuals or couples, when an individual who is in a relationship comes to therapy alone, they may not see all the change they are hoping for. Research shows that relationships are more likely to last if the couple is in therapy together, as opposed to only one partner getting help.
That being said, I am here to help you. Even if you come alone, we can work toward your goals and you can still experience positive changes as a result of your efforts.
I know it can be difficult sometimes for you and your partner to find time to come to therapy together. You may work different shifts or travel for work. Those situations can definitely put a strain on your already busy schedule.
It is important, however, for you both to commit to finding time together to prioritize your relationship and therapy. If you both are able to find a time that works and commit to it even for just a few weeks in a row, we can meet weekly and then taper off so you’re not having to rearrange schedules as frequently.
Oftentimes, when couples’ relationships are strained, one or both partners may truly feel uncertain about staying in the relationship. What I typically encourage people to do is to try to figure out the source of uncertainty. It’s usually one of two things.
Sometimes when we’re hurt, we have a hard time seeing hope or thinking the relationship will improve. So we discuss separating because it seems like the only option, when we’re actually willing or wanting to try to heal the relationship. If this is you, then I encourage you to consider working to repair your relationship. Recognize that this may be a challenge, and that trust and forgiveness take a lot of work and time, but that it is possible.
If your foot is out the door and you don’t want to go back, consider if you are willing to try to repair it. If you realize you really don’t want to be in the relationship, and you are not at all willing to repair it, then couples therapy may not be the best fit for you.
As a marriage and family therapist, my ultimate goal is to heal and repair relationships. However, there are situations in which it might be best for the relationship to end. If you’re struggling to discern the course of your relationship, this is also something we can address in therapy to help you process the confusing feelings you’re experiencing.
My course of treatment typically involves starting with weekly sessions. Once you begin meeting your goals and noticing changes at home, we taper off to every other week, and less frequently as you continue to notice progress.
There are so many reasons to begin with weekly sessions, but what it comes down to is this: so much happens in your life outside of the therapy session. When we first start counseling, if we don’t meet frequently enough, sessions may seem more like playing catch up instead of working toward more change. When you invest in therapy, I want you to get the most out of it. Usually, if people are able to commit to 5-6 weekly sessions at first, we are often able to start tapering off after that.
I am not a Christian counselor, but if your religion and spirituality is important for you to include in therapy, I am open to incorporating it. I am trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist in evidence-based practices and cultural sensitivity, so I strive to make therapy a welcoming and helpful place for you no matter your background. You’re invited here.
Still have Questions?
Contact me today to schedule your free 20 minute phone consultation.
Here’s how it works:
When you’re ready to schedule a consultation, simply click the scheduling button. From there, you’ll be taken to my secure client portal where you’ll briefly enter in some contact information and request a consultation time that fits with your schedule. Then you await the email with a brief survey to fill out in the portal before your consultation.
During your consultation, we’ll discuss your needs in counseling and how I can help you. I’ll answer any questions you have about therapy and we’ll talk about what you’re hoping to gain from it.
After the consultation, you can decide if you’re ready to begin therapy, or contact me with any other questions you may have. Before your initial intake appointment, you’ll receive an email with the new client paperwork for you to complete in the portal.
This process is designed with you in mind. You’re able to schedule appointments and complete all of the paperwork online at your convenience. So when you show up for your first appointment, we can get started right away.