Why do couples go to counseling?

Every relationship experiences challenges. Whether you're facing communication difficulties, navigating life transitions, or rebuilding trust after betrayal, marital counseling provides a supportive space to explore your relationship dynamics and improve every aspect of your connection. Couples seek counseling for various reasons, including:

• Improving communication and understanding of one another

• Resolving conflicts in a healthy way

• Deepening emotional and physical intimacy

• Navigating major life transitions (parenthood, career changes, relocation)

• Healing from past wounds, including infidelity or betrayals

• Strengthening commitment and connection

No matter where you are in your relationship, counseling can help you reconnect and develop a stronger, healthier bond.

When is it appropriate to do couples counseling?

There is no “wrong” time to start marital counseling. Many couples wait until they’re on the brink of divorce before they come to counseling. Rather than wait until things feel “too far gone,” I recommend getting started if any of the following apply:

• You’ve noticed an increase in unresolved or heated conflict

• You’re not having sex as often as you used to

• You’re not feeling seen or heard by your partner

• You feel resentful toward your partner

• You feel guilty about how you’re showing up in the relationship

• You’ve gone through a major life transition like moving, having a baby, recently getting married, or grieving a loss of a loved one

• You’re not communicating as well as you used to, even about small things

• The honeymoon period is over, and you’re starting to feel triggered by your partner

What to Expect in Couples Counseling

Marital counseling is a collaborative process where both partners work together with a trained therapist to address concerns and build a more fulfilling relationship. Sessions may involve:

• Open and guided discussions to foster better communication

• Identifying patterns that contribute to conflicts

• Learning effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills

• Exploring emotional needs and relationship expectations

• Engaging in experiential exercises, including movement-based approaches, to deepen connection

Every couple’s journey is unique, and counseling provides tools tailored to your relationship’s specific needs.

How the Process Works

1. Initial Session: The first session involves understanding your relationship history, current concerns, and goals for therapy.

2. Assessment & Exploration: You’ll explore relationship patterns, strengths, and challenges through structured conversations and interactive exercises.

3. Skill-Building & Healing: You’ll learn communication techniques, conflict resolution strategies, and tools for deepening intimacy and trust.

4. Ongoing Support & Growth: Depending on your needs, sessions may be short-term (focused on a specific issue) or long-term (for ongoing relationship growth and healing).

5. Integration & Moving Forward: As you progress, you’ll integrate insights and practices into your daily life, strengthening your connection beyond therapy sessions.

Marital counseling is not about assigning blame—it’s about working together to create a stronger, more fulfilling partnership. Whether you’re looking to resolve challenges or simply deepen your connection, I’m here to support you on your journey.

Ready to Begin? If you and your partner are ready to invest in your relationship, contact me today to schedule a consultation. Let’s take the first step toward building a stronger, more connected partnership.

What sets Rachael apart from other Couples Counselors?

Rachael has a unique expertise both in the verbal aspects of relationships as well as the deeper, non-verbal aspects of connection and relational dynamics. Through her education in Dance Movement Therapy, Rachael has learned how to support couples in deepening their connection and exploring areas of conflict/challenge without even saying a word! You know when your partner gives you “that look” and it sets off a cascade of emotions and thoughts in your mind and body? Or maybe you’ve wished for more physical connection and touch but you’re not sure how to create the mood and dynamic for romance? Most of this is non-verbal and has more to do with your body language, nervous system regulation skills, and presence/attunement than any of the words you say. Let’s take your pre-marital counseling a step deeper into the realm of non-verbal connection!

Why does Rachael offer Couples Counseling?

Rachael is very passionate about marital counseling because she has seen couples struggle at every point of marriage, including the first years. Did you know that 22% of marriages end in divorce in the first 5 years of marriage? That’s a little more than 1 in 5. Research also says that marriage can be one of the greatest contributors to health and longevity (or earlier death and health issues) if we have a strong and successful relationship. My goal in my work is to help reduce the suffering of our world, and helping people establish healthy relationships is one of my greatest passions in service of that mission.