Couples Counseling

Licensed Couples Counselors in Seattle

Our experienced therapists and counselors are fully licensed and have multiple years of training and education in mental health. They are skilled in the Gottman Method, an evidence-based counseling intervention that teaches couples strategies for improving their relationship. Our couples therapists help you and your partner overcome challenges and connection issues so you can build a lasting, healthy relationship.

What Is Couples Therapy or Couples Counseling?

Couples therapy is different from individual therapy in that you and your partner are treated together and focuses on the best interests of the couple, not the interests of one partner. Relationship counseling helps you and your partner learn how to communicate openly, resolve conflicts effectively, and ensure each of your emotional needs is met. Ultimately, the goal is to improve your relationship so you function as an effective, loving couple.

At times, your couples therapy may include individual sessions so your therapist can get to know you as an individual and how that impacts your relationships.

Who Is Couples Counseling For?

Couples counseling is for any couple! Any type of relationship or partnership can benefit from couples or marriage counseling. It doesn’t matter if you’re married, living together, single, gay, bisexual, polyamorous, or straight.

Many couples seek counseling when they experience relationship issues and aren’t sure how to improve and repair it or when things are “bad enough” that they’re thinking of breaking up. But couples therapy also works for partners who want to “tune up” their relationship and remain on a healthy path, before a major relationship breakdown.

Is Couples or Marriage Counseling Enough?

Couples therapy is about working on issues together. But sometimes one partner has mental health issues that cannot be addressed in couples therapy, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and other disorders.

If this is the case, we recommend both couples therapy and individual therapy so you can use the practical tools, techniques, and learnings from both types of counseling to improve your relationship.

Why Choose Anchor Light?

Every couple’s relationship dynamics and goals are different. High-conflict couples may need to understand the root cause of their problems and learn strategies for effective conflict resolution and healthy communication skills. Other couples may need assistance working towards a specific goal or getting through a major life transition, such as the birth of a child or the loss of a job. Some couples desire a deeper connection with one another or the opportunity to address intimacy issues.

Sometimes we help couples gain clarity and understanding that the relationship is not sustainable. We’ll work with you to help you let go in a healthy way, end the relationship on a good note, and learn to work together as co-parents outside of a romantic relationship.

You and your therapist work as a team to identify and reach your relationship goals. As you and your partner evolve and gain more insight into yourself, each other, and your relationship, our experienced therapists adjust to keep you on track. No matter what your goals are, relationship therapy will help you learn new skills to help improve your relationship.

Types Of Couples Counseling We Offer

No two individuals or relationships are the same, which is why Anchor Light Couples and Family Therapy offers several types of couples counseling.

LGBTQ+ Couples Counseling

The therapists at Anchor Light Couples and Family Therapy support the sex positive community in Seattle, WA. We are poly, kink, and LGBTQ+ friendly. We offer an inclusive, safe space with emotional safety and support clients who may have felt judged or misunderstood in other therapeutic relationships.

Premarital Counseling

The greatest misconception about couples therapy is that it’s only for those who are in a relationship crisis or are currently struggling. But often, premarital counseling is the key to building a solid relationship foundation. Your therapist will help you develop practical tools and abilities to help you learn how you relate to each other as a couple, understand each other’s reactions and behaviors, and come together in a loving, rational, and respectful way.

Sex Therapy

Every couple has unique needs when it comes to sex, and it’s important to have open, honest conversations with your partner about it. At the same time, some have difficulty discussing the topic. Religion, family upbringing, and past sexual trauma can create communication issues that make it challenging to develop a long-lasting and satisfying physical relationship.

Our sex therapy services are a supportive part of couples counseling, providing a safe and confidential space to move past physical and emotional challenges and have a more satisfying relationship with their partner, experience more sexual pleasure, and learn how to take care of their sexual relationship.

Postpartum Counseling

We also provide therapy for couples coping with postpartum depression. If you and your partner need support post-baby, couples or marriage counseling can be a great place to communicate and relate with your partner.

Couples Counseling Articles

What Treatment Modalities or Techniques Do You Use?

Our couples and family therapists are trained in a variety of modalities and techniques to ensure you receive the care and support you need. We take an individualized approach to every treatment plan and create a supportive, objective, and compassionate environment where you can feel safe discussing sensitive topics and break down the barriers that may be getting in the way of a happy, fulfilling relationship with your partner.

Some of the techniques we may use are:

• The Gottman Method
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Talk therapy
• Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)
• Narrative therapy
• Weekend therapy
• Solutions-focused therapy
• Psychotherapy

Learn more about what to expect during couples therapy.

How Much Does Couples Therapy in Seattle Cost and How Does It Work?

We begin with an assessment phase, including four therapy sessions and an online assessment. After the first three sessions, your therapist will create a long-term treatment plan.

Couples therapy in Seattle is a financial and time investment that creates space for both of you to experience healing and transformation.

Insurance

We do not participate in any insurance panels. Anchor Light Couples and Family Therapy is considered an out-of-network provider.

As a courtesy to any client who wishes to utilize their insurance benefits, We are happy to verify your out-of-network plan benefits to tell you what portion may be covered by your health insurance provider.

Out of Network Insurance Options

Build a Strong Partnership

Seeking relationship therapy services can feel intimidating at first, but acknowledging the stressors in your relationship and committing to change are signs of strength and courage. Couples therapy gives you the space to explore your relationship, develop tools and strategies to help you cope as a couple, and create a strong, loving partnership that will last a lifetime.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.