So far in this series on mental health, I've been talking about individual counseling. Now I wanted to touch on marriage counseling. Being in relationship with others is a large part of what makes us happy and content; but it can also be a source of strife, loneliness, and downright misery. The good news is that even the most troubled relationships have room for growth, healing, and hope. As a trained marriage counselor, it is my job to lead couples there...
I absolutely adore being a couples counselor (btw, we therapists use the terms "couples" and "marriage" interchangibly.)! Specifically, I love the moment when I notice the tension lifting in the room, the couple's hearts softening, and gentler, more positive tones returning in their voices. There's this one moment where I can read their thoughts--and they're thinking, "Ohhh yeah, that's why I love him/her/them!"
How do I know if we need couples counseling?
If you are wondering and asking the above question, the answer is probably yes. Many of you wonder whether counseling can help; I'd say that it's worth a shot. I've seen many couples who were on the brink of divorce that have landed in my office, healed the hurts in their marriage, and then gone on to build a relationship that was far stronger and far better than they could have imagined. I've also helped couples work through one specific issue, only to find that they love marriage counseling so much that they want to continue coming to enrich their already strong marriage
Does insurance cover marriage counseling?
Actually, most insurance policies do NOT cover marriage counseling. Insurance companies only want to cover procedures that are medically necessary. In order to be medically necessary, a procedure (like any office visit) must treat a diagnosis. And "relationship issues" does not count as a diagnosis. There are exceptions to this rule, but they are just that: exceptions. If you believe you are one of those, I'd be happy to discuss.
How much does all this cost?
Here in Charlotte (Matthews), the going rate for a counseling session is $150-$400 for the intake session and $120-$300 for subsequent sessions. Those are "cash pay" rates; if you have insurance that covers mental health care, it may be significantly less. Either way, seeing a mental health counselor is an investment in yourself, your child, your marriage, your family. It will help you or your family manage your mental health needs in the present and the future, and that is well worth the effort and the cost. Marriage counseling is far less expensive than hiring a divorce attorney and supporting two households rather than one!
The Gottman Method. What is that all about?
The Gottman Method is globally recognized as the premier relationship therapy. There are now 38 million relationships that are empowered by the Gottman Method. It is based on 50 years of sound, longitudinal research; so all the tools, techniques, and tips are proven and science-backed. The Gottman Method also happens to be the approach that I use in couples counseling. Stay tuned for my next blog post, which will further explain the why and the how of my work with The Gottman Method. Until then…