Couples Counseling
The same fight...
Some couples come to therapy because they are in crisis but the majority of couples are coming to therapy because they are exhausted. Exhausted from the same arguments that go round and round with no end in sight. And the result of this? Enough closeness to say "we are together" but enough distance to know this isn't sustainable.
Yet the deep care for each other is still there.
Whatever brough you here - a breach of trust or the chronic circular fight - you're in the right place.
Who is this for
Couples counseling at Riverwise is a good fit if you and your partner are:
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Stuck in the same arguments with no resolution
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Feeling more like roommates than partners
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Working to rebuild trust after an affair or betrayal
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Preparing for marriage and wanting to start on solid ground
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Navigating a major life transition. A new baby, a career change, a loss
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Feeling disconnected, even when things look fine on the outside
You don't need to be in a full-blown crisis to benefit from couples therapy. In fact, the couples who get the most out of it are often those who come in before the issues runs too deep.
What do Sessions Look Like
In our first session, we'll slow down and get oriented — what's been happening, what you've already tried, and what you're hoping for. There's no pressure to dive into the hardest stuff right away.
From there, sessions are 50 minutes, typically weekly or every other week. We'll use approaches drawn from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Bowen Family Systems Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). EFT in particular is built around helping couples understand the emotional cycles they're stuck in, and interrupting them. Sessions are available in-person at our office in downtown Littleton, or via telehealth; whichever works better for your schedules.
As your therapist, I'll give you honest feedback. I'll also ask for yours. Therapy works best when it's a real collaboration, not something done to you.
Frequently Asked Questions for couples counseling
Do you work with couples in South Denver, Highlands Ranch, or Englewood?
Yes. For in person, my office is located at 2629 W Main Street in downtown Littleton, which is easily accessible from South Denver, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Englewood, and Lakewood. Since I am right off of Santa Fe, couples wanting in person sessions in Denver Central and North can easily access the highway to the office. If the commute is a barrier, I also offer telehealth to provide services to anyone in the state of Colorado.
What if my partner is reluctant to come to therapy?
This is really common. Sometimes one partner is ready before the other. If that's where you are, feel free to schedule a free consultation and we can talk through how to approach the conversation with your partner, and whether individual sessions might be a useful starting point.
Do you offer premarital counseling?
Yes. I'm a certified SYMBIS (Save Your Marriage Before It Starts) facilitator, and premarital counseling is one of my favorite things to do. It's far easier to build good habits before you're married than to undo harmful ones afterward.
How long does couples counseling take?
It depends on what you're working on. Couples focused on communication skills might see meaningful progress in 8–12 sessions. Rebuilding after a betrayal typically takes longer. We'll talk honestly about timeline expectations at the start.
Do you accept insurance for couples counseling?
Most insurance plans don't cover couples counseling unless one partner has a diagnosed mental health condition. I can discuss self-pay rates, Superbills (an invoice you can provide to your insurance that could result in reimbursement for treatment) and any available options during your free consultation. I do offer Colorado Access- Medicaid.
What if things feel worse before they feel better?
That's actually pretty normal, especially early on. When couples start talking about things they've been avoiding, it can feel raw and open old wounds. The experience can feel uncomfortable but that's a sign that we are doing important work. Yet I am here, your not alone, and we'll navigate that together.