Couples couseling, also known as marriage or relationship counseling, is a type of counseling that aims to help couples resolve conflicts and improve their relationships.

The goals of couples counseling can vary depending on the specific needs and challenges of the couple, but common objectives include improving communication, enhancing emotional intimacy, building trust, and finding constructive ways to address conflicts. Couples counseling can be beneficial for couples at any stage of their relationship, whether they are dating, engaged, married, or considering separation.

During couples counseling sessions, the therapist provides a neutral and supportive environment where both partners can express their thoughts and feelings openly. The therapist helps the couple identify patterns of behavior, communication styles, and underlying issues that may contribute to relationship problems. They also teach the couple new skills and strategies for better communication and problem-solving.

I see Individuals and couples for 50 minute counseling sessions.

Prior to your first session, you will have filled out and signed all of the paperwork and questionnaires that I will have sent you electronically. I will review some of the policies such as the cancellation policy, how to contact me, what confidentiality means, as well as any questions you may have for me. The first session generally focuses on what brings you to therapy, what you are hoping to get out of therapy, and what goals we can develop for our sessions.

People decide to enter counseling for a variety of reasons, but mostly because the strategies and supports that used to help them cope are no longer working or are no longer there.

You want to feel better. You want to have less stress and anxiety in your life. You want to have satisfying relationships with people who you can rely on. You want to be able to communicate effectively without you or your loved one “erupting.” You want to be able to be your authentic self. You no longer want to feel like you have to walk on eggshells: feeling like you can never say “no”.

Counseling is a place where you can have unconditional positive regard. With supportive reflection and observation, you will have the opportunity to look deeply at yourself and your relationships as you build the life you deserve.

I see my clients weekly, especially in the beginning of the therapeutic process. My clients have a recurring scheduled day and time that we meet and can count on. I find this very helpful as it becomes an expected routine, helping you to prepare for what you want to explore/work on in our sessions. The goal is not for people to be in therapy their whole life, but to learn about themselves, develop healthy strategies to cope, and to be able to apply these strategies in real time in real world situations. As you become more equipped, together we will re-evaluate what level of support you need. Some clients attend weekly sessions for months or years, while others initially attend weekly therapy sessions and gradually transition to bi-weekly sessions.

I ask that you give 48 hour notice to cancel a counseling appointment. If you do not cancel your appointment within 48 hours of your session, you will be charged the full session fee even if sickness or other situations occur. If you completely forget about your session and miss, you will be charged the full session fee.

I have some evening counseling appointments available.

I see clients via telehealth using a secure HIPAA compliant platform to offer video counseling.

It is important to find a quiet confidential space where you can openly talk. Make sure your internet connection is strong and stable so your counseling session does not get interrupted by poor internet connection. It is also important that all of my clients are in the state of Massachusetts as that is where my license is issued. Clients who are traveling for business or vacation will not be able to be seen if they are in another state.

I see college students, adults, and couples

I believe it is important to have an open dialogue about how you feel your sessions are going; what you are liking and finding helpful and what you don’t like or what you are not finding helpful. That way we can adjust what you are needing. If for some reason you are feeling like we are not the right fit, or if you want to work on something that is not my specialty, that is okay! I want to know so I can help you find the right therapist and therapy for you. The goal is to help you feel better and have a life that you thrive in. That said, therapy is a process. I wish I had a magic wand where I could help pain, conflict, burnout, stress and anxiety vanish instantly. Change is not instantaneous, but with consistent and dedicated hard work it can be achieved.

Yes! Research shows that 70% of couples who participate relationship counseling experience an improvement in their relationship. Read about the details in this article from Forbes magazine.

Relationship counseling is usually considered to be short-term, while couples therapy tends to be longer term. I specialize in both. If you want to learn more, this article from Very Well Health might be helpful.

Couples therapy (or relationship counseling) is appropriate for any two adults who are having conflict in their relationship. In many cases, the “couple” is a parent and an adult child or siblings.

The individual counseling session rate is $150 per session.

The couples counseling session rate is $200 per session

I am out of network with insurance. I do not take insurance. Clients can provide their health savings account credit card to pay for their sessions. I ask that clients also provide their credit card to be on file. Cards are billed on the day of the counseling session.

If your insurance company provides you with out of network benefits, I can provide you with a receipt, (this is called a superbill in insurance speak). A superbill is a receipt that shows the session code that insurances want to see, your diagnosis (because insurance companies require this), the date of your sessions, and how much you paid. You can submit this superbill to your insurance company, and if you have out-of-network benefits, your insurance company may reimburse you for all or a portion of the session. It is best to call your insurance company first to confirm what your benefits are and how to submit your superbill for reimbursement. You can also provide this superbill to your HSA (health savings account) in order to get reimbursed from pretax money you have put into this account.