Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page. Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our services, appointments, and approach. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 816.805.0732.

About Marriage Counseling and Couples Therapy

What is marriage counseling and how does it work?

Marriage counseling is a therapeutic process, facilitated by a licensed and trained professional, that helps married couples and committed partners identify, understand, and resolve conflicts and challenges in their relationship. The process/session is confidential, private, and collaborative in nature. The goals include improving healthy communication, developing conflict resolution, recognizing blind spots and healing broken trust and betrayal.

How do I know if my partner and I need marriage counseling?

You might benefit from marriage counseling or couples therapy if you have said or thought one of the following:
- “As one client states, “when the bad in the relationship starts to outweigh the good”
- “We have talked about coming to marriage counseling for a long time”
- “I have been trying to get my partner to come but my partner said ‘we don’t need a stranger to tell us what to do, “
- We can work this out ourselves, we are two intelligent adults.
- When you have been fighting over the same issue for years.
- If you are tired, exhausted, lonely, anger, or resentful in your relationship
- Your dealing with broken trust, betrayal, or infidelity

What issues do you help couples work through?

Infidelity and betrayal trauma and recovery
Communication breakdowns and conflict patterns
Issues specific to interracial couples
Trusting rebuilding
Problem and compulsive behaviors
Intimacy concerns

Getting Started

How do we schedule our first appointment?

The first appointment is scheduled by phone. I offer a free 15 minute phone to answer your questions and determine if we are a good fit. Call to book (816) 805-0732

Do both partners need to attend every session?

After the initial assessment, evaluation and goal setting session, I’ll provide recommendations based on your specific situation. My preference is to work with both partners together as well as have one on one sessions to get optimal results. Chronic unhappiness, discord, and loss of intimacy is both a couples issue and an individual partner issue, in my experience.

What if my partner is reluctant to come to counseling?

Reluctance from one or both partners is very common. We can always start with the partner who is most willing and eager for change. From there, we can develop a plan that creates a natural pathway for the other partner to join when they're ready—without pressure or coercion.

What should we bring to our first session?

Emotionally and mentally:

An open mind about the process and your partner's perspective
Realistic expectations—meaningful change takes time
Commitment to the process, even when sessions feel difficult
Willingness to explore your own contributions to relationship patterns

What you don't need to bring:

A list of everything your partner does wrong
Expectations that I will "fix" your partner or take sides
The need to have everything figured out beforehand
Expectations motivated solely by your own interests rather than the relationship's wellbeing

Special Circumstances

Do you work with couples considering divorce?

Yes. Some couples come to counseling to determine whether they should stay together or separate. I provide a safe space to explore this decision thoughtfully and, if separation is chosen, to navigate it as respectfully as possible.

Can you help with premarital counseling?

Yes. Premarital counseling helps couples build a strong foundation before marriage by addressing expectations, communication styles, conflict resolution, and potential challenges before they become problems.

Do you counsel couples dealing with infidelity?

Yes. Infidelity and betrayal trauma recovery is one of my specialized areas. Healing is possible with commitment from both partners, and I provide structured support through this painful process.

How do you handle high-conflict situations?

I create clear ground rules for respectful communication in sessions and will intervene if conversations become harmful or unproductive. In some cases, I may recommend individual sessions alongside couples work to address high-conflict patterns safely.

Remember, it's completely normal to feel nervous about starting couples therapy. I will guide you through the process and help create a safe space for both of you to share and work on your relationship