Couples Counseling in Dayton, Ohio
You don’t have to keep surviving your relationship. Reconnect, repair, and feel like a team again.
Not in Dayton?
Dayton Couples Deserve More Than “Just Get Through the Week”
In Dayton, it’s easy for love to get buried under logistics, like work stress, kids, the house, the calendar, and that constant feeling that there’s never quite enough time. When you’re both tired, communication breaks down fast: tone gets sharp, feelings get hurt, and the same arguments replay without resolution.
Searching for couples counseling in Dayton Ohio couples can get into isn't easy. Dayton marriage counseling work requires specific training and experience, and not every therapist has the competence to treat the relationship itself, so choosing the wrong fit can stall or even derail the whole process.
If you’re unsure whether online sessions are right for you, I offer a FREE 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions, feel it out, and decide without pressure. You can read about how online sessions help couples by tapping here.
I OFFER A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION!
15 min • Free
A Four-Session Foundation for Relationship Counseling That Actually Moves
Couples counseling is different than individual counseling because the relationship is what’s being treated. I complete a thorough assessment before I diagnose or treat the relationship.
I ask my couples for a minimum of four sessions: the first is to take a history of the relationship and talk about what’s bringing the couple into therapy. The second session I spend half the time with one partner then the other half with the other partner so I can hear what they have to say independent of the other.
In between the second and the third session, I have the couples complete the Gottman Relationship Checkup, which is an assessment that helps me gauge the couples relationship satisfaction in different parts of their lives. The third session includes the three of us discussing the results of my assessment and present a treatment plan for them to follow.
We will discuss the appropriate tools to focus on to help the couple achieve their treatment goals. The couple will practice using the tool outside of the session; the 4th session is a discussion of what it was like for each partner to use the tool. At that point, we decide how to best move forward in the treatment process.
I use ongoing assessments to measure progress towards the threatment goals. Therapy with me is not meant to be long, so we'll discharge you when you feel like your toolbox is full and your treatment goals have been reached. This structure is what makes relationship counseling in Dayton feel clear, fair, and measurable - especially for couples looking for a plan.
No Blame, No “Bitch Sessions” - Just Evidence-Based Tools for Repair
Sessions with me are neither bitch sessions nor do we play the blame game. If you want me to gang up on your partner with you, I’m not the right fit.
Instead, I use evidence-based strategies tailored to the couple's needs, which keeps sessions structured and focused.
Communication training helps partners learn active listening, reflective speaking, and respectful self-expression to express needs without causing defensiveness.
Conflict Resolution includes practicing how to disagree, identifying triggers, and learning when to take “time-outs” to de-escalate heated arguments.
Gottman Method tools are taught through the Sound Relationship House so you understand what builds trust and friendship—and what erodes it.
Emotionally Focused Therapy targets negative attachment cycles (like pursuer/withdrawer) to rebuild emotional safety.
Behavioral Interventions include practicing tools outside of sessions, such as a State of the Union discussion or scheduling intentional quality time.
If you’re specifically looking for couples therapy in Dayton ohio, this is designed so you leave sessions with an action plan and actually use it at home.
Common Reasons
Couples Seek Treatment
Therapy Just For You
We offer individual therapy to adults in your city for Ohioans who need support for anxiety, depression, ADHD, or bipolar disorder.
I also offer referrals to psychiatric support if you're looking for medication to help you manage your focus and mood.
Resolve Past Hurts
The same fights repeat because the core issue never gets repaired, so resentment builds and small triggers hit like big ones.
Improve Communication
Patterns like defensiveness, shutdown, criticism, or misfires in tone and timing keep partners from feeling heard and understood.
Individual Partner Support
You don’t have to wait to start healing.
Sometimes change starts with just one person. (And spoiler: it still counts.)
Discernment Decision
Discernment counseling helps couples clarify whether they want to repair the relationship, pursue separation, or make an intentional decision—without pressure, blame, or endless looping.
Preparing for Marriage
You plan for a lifetime.
Arm yourself with valuable tools for overcoming life’s obstacles as a team.
Online Couples Counseling Works Because Real Life Doesn’t Pause
In my experience, when couples are struggling, it’s hard for two people to hit the pause button at the same time, especially when you’re raising kids, working outside the home, responsible for the house, paying bills, and carrying the emotional weight of what’s happening in the world.
Add in the fact that many people are stretched emotionally, financially, and spiritually, and it makes sense why “we’ll do therapy when things calm down” turns into months, or, according to research, six years.
Virtual therapy removes a barrier so you can be consistent, and consistency is where progress happens. If you’ve been searching couples counseling in Dayton but scheduling has been the dealbreaker, online sessions often make starting (and sticking with it) realistic.
Meet Our Expert
Hi, I'm Terri! A GenX cisgender severe ADHD neurospicy suburban mom from Toledo, Ohio. My journey from an HR executive into mental health has gifted me with unique insights into the human psyche.
I've helped a lot of individuals and couples figure themselves out and live their best lives.
I'm also a board-certified licensed professional clinical counselor based in Ohio.
Beyond therapy, I'm a storyteller, avid traveler, and animal enthusiast, bringing diverse experiences into my sessions. This is a no pressure no blame no stress no judgment zone, so we laugh a lot.
Yes, I talk about politics too because it's a safe space. I hope to meet you soon!
My reviews
I randomly collect reviews after my sessions. It's part of how I measure the effectiveness of treatment.
This is the feedback I collected over the last 2 months.
Where my expertise comes from:
I've spent nearly
10K hours
face to face with couples over the last 10 years.
That’s the equivalent of spending five years meeting with couples on a full-time schedule.
I've treated over
900 individuals
for challenges with focus, anxiety, depression, and communication.
It's about four full years at 40 hours a week sitting with individuals helping navigate life's shit.
I've been in practice for
10 years
and my clients are all over Ohio. During COVID I served NY, MO, CA, and GA
Up until recently I've not done a lot of marketing. Word of mouth has kept me busy - I hope to be busier!
I spent
25 years
in Human Resource Management
I worked for Hudson's/Marshall Fields, The Weather Channel, weather.com, Zurich and served on global HR teams.
Your Insurance + A Simple System That Keeps It Affordable
I take insurance through a third-party service called, Headway. You enter your insurance information on my landing page and you'll be provided with an estimate of how much therapy will cost you.
I provide you with a UserID and a password for my private practice patient portal where you can manage your session schedule, complete assessments, see your progress, and private message me directly. Sessions are 60 minutes. I make it easy and affordable, especially for couples who are trying to find Dayton Ohio marriage counseling that fits both the budget and the calendar.
When We Need to Pause Couples Work to Protect Progress
Couples therapy only works when both partners are in a place where they can participate and make progress. Some barriers can block the work, including domestic abuse, active substance abuse, or obvious untreated mental health issues like depression or anxiety that are significantly interfering with stability, honesty, and follow-through.
If I identify a barrier that’s preventing meaningful progress, I will pause couples counseling and recommend an individual therapist for the partner who needs support; then we can revisit couples work when it’s safe and productive. And because I’m not a secret keeper, don’t tell me anything you don’t want your partner to know!
Couples therapy costs time, energy, and money, so I’ll ask you what you want this investment to create right now.
More connection?
Less conflict?
Better communication?
Rebuilding trust?
We’ll talk through the stages of change and aim for “action,” because insight without practice won’t change your relationship. The real turning point is when each partner decides, “I’ll take responsibility for my part,” instead of waiting for the other person to change first.
That’s how relationship counseling in Dayton Ohio becomes momentum and why the right Marriage Counselor in Dayton Ohio will keep bringing you back to practice, not blame.
Ready to Start? Schedule Your Couples Intake
If you’re tired of repeating the same fight and ready to rebuild with structure, schedule an intake session.
This is the step where you stop guessing and start building a plan you can actually use, and you'll feel the difference at home, not just talk about it in session.
Initial Intake Appointment
1 hr • $160
WHAT TO DO
Advice Blog
Initial Intake Appointment