Marriage counseling
Every marriage has conflict. The ones that grow learn to work through it instead of around it. We help couples, and spouses who come on their own, find a better way through.
Patterns couples bring to us
Most couples call after months of the same patterns. Tap anything that sounds like your marriage.
Tap anything that sounds like your marriage.
This isn't a test, and it can't tell you what's going on. It's a way to notice. Nothing is saved or sent.
A marriage runs on small choices
A tone, a request, a habit. Each one is a chance to move toward the marriage you want, or away from it. Pick a moment.
The moment
Your spouse says something in that tone.
Toward the marriage you want
Notice the sting. Ask what they meant before you react.
Away from it
Answer the tone instead of the words, and let it become the usual fight.
This one draws on Feel it instead of fleeing it.
Thought traps couples fall into
Most couples aren't only fighting about what they think they're fighting about. They're fighting through a filter. Pick one that sounds familiar.
The trap
A truer thought
Conflict isn't the enemy
Plenty of us learned to keep the peace at any cost, often by watching our parents. But avoiding conflict doesn't protect a marriage. A marriage grows by having conflicts and working through them, not by avoiding them.
Keeping the peace
Things stay quiet on the surface while the distance grows underneath.
Working through it
There are hard conversations along the way, and each one you work through brings you closer.
A quick check-in for your marriage
Nothing works without maintenance: roads, cars, lawns, and marriages. A marriage slips without regular care and attention. Rate the last few weeks honestly. Nothing is saved.
Where to start
Start with maintenance
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
James 1:22 (ESV)
How we help couples
Every provider here works from the Hope Method, so you get the same foundation whoever you see. Some also bring particular training for couples.
- Same rate
- $75Couples and families pay the same as individuals, for a 50-minute session.
- For couples
- Gottman and EFTTraining in the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
- After betrayal
- Betrayal traumaA certified Sexual Recovery and Partner Betrayal Trauma Coach on the team.
- Before the wedding
- PremaritalPremarital counseling, grounded in more than 30 years of experience.
“Without counsel, plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Proverbs 15:22 (ESV)
Where faith fits
Marriage was never meant to be done alone, and asking for help is wise, not weak. Our providers share a Christian worldview, and they'll gladly bring prayer or scripture into your sessions if you'd like.
If one of you would rather leave faith out, it won't come up. Couples of every background are welcome.
What "spiritually informed" meansGetting started
The practical details, and the questions people ask most.
- Cost
- $75For 50 minutes, paid at the appointment. The same for individuals, couples and families.
- Insurance
- Not acceptedNo superbills. Cash, check, card, and HSA or FSA cards all work.
- Where
- In person or telehealth3231 Washington Rd., or from home for most concerns.
- Getting in
- Usually this weekEvery provider is taking new clients. We try to see people the week they reach out.
What if my spouse won't come?
Come anyway. You can't change your spouse, and pushing harder usually backfires. You can change how you respond, and when one person responds differently, the old pattern has a harder time running the same way.
Do you offer premarital counseling?
Yes. Premarital counseling is a big part of what we do, and it costs the same $75 per session.
We've been through betrayal. Can you help?
Yes. Our team includes a certified Sexual Recovery and Partner Betrayal Trauma Coach. There is also a Partner Betrayal Trauma group for women that meets online on Wednesday evenings, hosted with Warren Church.
Can we do sessions by telehealth?
Yes, for most concerns. You can join from the SimplePractice Client Portal app or a web browser, even from two different places.
Will faith be part of my sessions?
Only if you want it to be. Our providers share a Christian worldview, and if you'd like prayer or scripture in your sessions, ask and your provider will gladly include it. If you wouldn't, it won't come up. Everyone is welcome here, whatever they believe.
What happens in the first session?
It's a conversation about what you need, not an intake. Afterwards you decide whether to keep going, with no commitment either way. If you continue, a few forms and some homework come through the client portal.
Start wherever you are
Book a first conversation as a couple, or on your own. Or start with a group.
Book an appointment
Couples, individual or family sessions, in person on Washington Road or by telehealth. Choose “I'm a new client” when you book.
Find a group
DivorceCare meets Monday or Wednesday evenings. The Partner Betrayal Trauma group for women meets online, Wednesdays at 8:30 PM. Both are hosted with Warren Church.
Still unsure? Call the office at 762.328.4673.