Discernment counseling differs from traditional couples therapy in its focus and structure. During sessions, the counselor will help you and your partner gain clarity about your individual needs, assess the potential for change, and explore the possibilities for your relationship. It's a compassionate and non-blaming process, aimed at understanding the factors contributing to your ambivalence and helping you find the best path forward.

Absolutely! Discernment counseling recognizes the importance of considering the well-being of your children during this challenging time. It provides a structured approach to help parents understand their roles, improve communication, and make informed decisions that prioritize the best interests of their children.

Generally, it involves 3-5 sessions, but the exact number will be determined based on your needs. My goal is to create a supportive environment where you can explore your options at your own pace, without rushing through the process.

How did we get to this point in our relationship? Are we both willing and able to put in the effort required to work on our marriage? Have we sought individual therapy or counseling before considering divorce? What are our hopes and fears about staying together or getting divorced? Have we explored all possible avenues for improving our relationship? How have our communication patterns contributed to the current situation? Are there any unresolved conflicts or resentments that need to be addressed? Have we considered the impact of divorce on ourselves, our children, and our extended families? What are the alternatives to divorce, such as separation or a trial period of working on the marriage? How have external factors, such as stress, work, or financial issues, affected our relationship? What are the positive aspects or strengths in our relationship that we can build upon?

Divorce ambivalence refers to feeling unsure about whether to end a marriage or try to work things out. Discernment counseling can help you and your partner explore your options in a safe and non-judgmental space. I’ll help you gain clarity, understand your emotions, and make a decision that feels right for both of you. This process involves structured sessions where we assess the relationship's strengths and challenges, providing a clearer perspective on the best path forward.

The cost of premarital counseling depends largely on how long you choose to attend. I understand that weddings are expensive, so my goal is to help you reach your premarital counseling goals no matter your budget. To that end, I structure premarital counseling sessions in such a way that most couples are able to reach that feeling of “readiness” within just two months. Additionally, I offer fully virtual sessions, which are more affordable than in-person counseling.

Six to eight weeks is typical for premarital counseling, though some couples may choose to attend for a longer period. As with all forms of counseling, the length of time may vary depending on what types of issues come up and how long it takes to resolve them.

Though premarital counseling is typically aimed at those who haven’t yet tied the knot, you can absolutely attend as a newly-married couple. Couples counseling early in your marriage can help you learn valuable strategies for reducing friction and increasing marital satisfaction.

Couples typically begin premarital counseling shortly after getting engaged. If your wedding is approaching and you feel cold feet coming on, schedule a consultation ASAP.

I can help LGBTQ+ couples navigate a wide range of challenges and issues, including communication difficulties, conflicts around identity or coming out, managing external pressures or discrimination, navigating open relationships or non-monogamy, fostering intimacy and connection, and building a strong foundation for the future. My approach is inclusive and affirming, ensuring that each couple receives support tailored to their unique needs.

Confidentiality and privacy are of utmost importance in my practice. I adhere to strict professional ethics and legal standards to protect the privacy of my clients. All information shared during counseling sessions is confidential, unless there are legal exceptions or situations that require mandatory reporting. I’m committed to creating a safe space where LGBTQ+ clients can openly share their experiences without fear of judgment or breach of confidentiality. This commitment helps build trust and ensures that clients feel secure in discussing sensitive issues.

I’m knowledgeable about the specific challenges and concerns faced by LGBTQ+ couples and strive to provide culturally competent and affirming care. respect and validate the identities and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, recognizing that each person's journey is unique.

Couples counseling can benefit LGBTQ+ relationships by providing a supportive and nonjudgmental space for partners to explore and address their unique challenges. It offers an opportunity for improved communication, conflict resolution, and a deeper understanding of each other's needs and desires.

Every relationship is different, and there’s no definitive answer to this question. Certainly, many couples stay married after infidelity, though it may not be a healthy marriage. Infidelity counseling can help couples recover from infidelity and build a stronger partnership.

Infidelity counseling is a good choice for those whose relationships have been affected by infidelity. It may also be worth considering traditional one-on-one therapy, which can help you address any underlying personal issues that may be affecting your relationship.

Yes. But it takes hard work. As a couples counselor, I’ve found that a few things must be true for a marriage to survive infidelity: Both partners must be honest with themselves and with each other. Both partners must listen and be open to constructive criticism and feedback. Both partners must use the skills learned in counseling, now and into the future.

One technique that I often recommend for couples to try right away is using "I" statements. Using "I" statements to express your feelings and needs help you avoid blaming or criticizing your partner. For example, say "I feel neglected when you spend a lot of time on your phone" instead of "You always ignore me. Another technique to try is “adult time outs.” If a conversation becomes heated or overwhelming, take a break and agree to revisit the topic later. This technique allows both partners to cool down and gather their thoughts, preventing further escalation of conflicts.

You can find some excellent information in this Gottman couples communication worksheet.

Here are some quick tips to improve communication: Pay attention to your partner's words, non-verbal cues, and emotions. Show genuine interest and provide verbal and non-verbal feedback to demonstrate understanding. Instead of blaming or attacking your partner, express your concerns using "I" statements to focus on your feelings and needs. Be open to hearing your partner's perspective without becoming defensive. Repeat what your partner has said in your own words to ensure you have understood their message correctly. Regularly express gratitude and affection towards your partner. Small gestures of appreciation can go a long way in building a positive communication environment. Create opportunities for meaningful conversations by setting aside specific times to talk without distractions.

Counseling can be highly beneficial for individuals facing various challenges or seeking personal growth. It provides a safe and confidential space to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, gain new perspectives, develop coping skills, and enhance overall well-being. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply looking to improve your self-esteem, counseling can provide the support and guidance you need. For more information, visit our website or contact us through social media platforms.

Counseling fees vary based on the type and duration of services provided. Please contact me directly for detailed information regarding the current fees. Regarding insurance, I am an out-of-network provider. If your insurance plan offers out-of-network benefits, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement for counseling services. I can provide you with a receipt (superbill) that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement purposes.

The number of counseling sessions required varies depending on individual circumstances and goals. Some individuals may find relief and make significant progress in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy. During our initial sessions, we will collaboratively assess your needs and develop a treatment plan. Regular reviews will help us gauge progress and determine the most appropriate duration for your counseling journey. This personalized approach ensures that the therapy is effective and aligned with your specific needs.

As a licensed clinical counselor in Ohio, I offer a wide range of counseling services tailored to meet your specific needs. These include individual counseling, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. I have experience working with diverse populations and addressing various concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma, grief, and more. Together, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your therapeutic goals.

If you're experiencing difficulties in your relationship, couples counseling is a valuable resource. It's suitable for couples facing challenges such as communication issues, frequent conflicts, trust issues, or major life transitions. If you feel stuck, disconnected, or unable to resolve problems on your own, couples counseling offers guidance, support, and tools to help you navigate these issues together.

Couples counseling is a therapeutic process designed to help couples improve their relationship and resolve conflicts like: Frequent fighting and blow-ups Disconnection due to mismatched schedules Intimacy issues with a sex-positive approach Life events such as birth, death, and major financial hurdles Uneven distribution of household duties Parenting disagreements and conflicts Infidelity It provides a safe space for open communication and understanding. You can learn effective communication techniques, gain insight into relationship dynamics, and develop strategies to strengthen your bond.

As your therapist, I’ll listen to both of you and facilitate constructive conversations. I’ll help you identify underlying issues, improve communication, and explore strategies for positive change. Expect to engage in open dialogue, participate in exercises or activities, and receive guidance tailored to your specific needs.

The duration of couples counseling varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the issues and the progress made in therapy. While some couples may find resolution in a few sessions, others may benefit from longer-term therapy. On average, couples counseling may last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. I’ll work with you to determine the appropriate length of therapy based on your goals and progress.