It can be painful to feel like someone does not understand us. This feeling can be common in therapy, and you can discuss it openly. Your therapist can do a better job of supporting you if they know how you’re feeling. Our brains are fascinating, and our thoughts, beliefs, opinions, and feelings are guided by our past life experiences. For example, if you did not feel heard or understood growing up, the likelihood of this pattern repeating in your marriage is high. Schedule an appointment with a trained marriage counselor to learn more today!

This is very common. One spouse wants counseling, and one does not. The research helps us to understand that marriage counseling is often “ineffective” because people access it too late. Marriage counseling, when used as a last-ditch effort to save the relationship, may or may not be able to help. It’s scary to think about, we know, and we can’t force our spouse to go to counseling. If you find yourself in this situation, consider individual therapy first. This process can help you find a clearer voice and improve communication with everyone in your life, not just your spouse. Sometimes, when our partner sees the good healing work happening in individual therapy, they can feel encouraged to try themselves.

Yes, telehealth is a great resource for married couples. It can support with flexibility of scheduling and provide counseling within the safety of your own home. Many couples find that connecting following online therapy from home is easier than connecting following an in-person session. It is important to remember that not everyone is a good fit for online services. Reach out today for a complimentary consultation to determine what is right for your marriage!

The training for the specialization required to work with couples is part of what makes the cost higher than individual counseling. Also, a marital therapist works with 2 nervous systems in the counseling process. This requires additional training and consultation to ensure the couple receives the best care possible. Holding 2 people’s histories and tracking relational cycles is a skill honed through hundreds and thousands of hours of clinical practice.

Marriage counseling typically focuses on issues within a marital relationship, while relationship counseling includes all couples and relationships—whether married, engaged, or in a committed partnership, triad, or practicing polyamory or ethical non-monogamy. Both approaches at Luminary Counseling are designed to strengthen connection, improve communication, and resolve conflicts.

If you and your partner are struggling with communication, intimacy, trust, or recurring conflicts, couples counseling can help. Even if your relationship is strong, relationship counseling can provide tools to maintain a healthy partnership and prevent future issues.

After your complimentary consultation, we will schedule an initial appointment, or an Intake Session. During your consultation, your therapist will learn a bit more about the types of issues bringing you into counseling. This step ensures that you are connected with a therapist who is equipped to meet your specific needs. In the intake session, your therapist will learn about your relationship history, discuss your goals, and introduce evidence-based assessments to tailor the counseling process to your needs.