The short answer is that after 11 years of experience I’m really, really good at my job. Seriously.

I might not be the right fit for you. But if you are looking for a therapist committed to staying up-to-date on the latest research, who truly cares for each of her clients, and believes the occasional well-placed swear word or joke can sometimes be therapeutic, I’m your person.

Being able to trust your therapist and believing that they can help you is the number one factor towards success for all therapy. I consider this an on-going process. First, we’ll have a free online consultation where you learn my approach and get a sense of my personality. I’m also making sure your concerns are in my lane – do I think I can be helpful to you? Then, in the first few sessions you are continuing to get to know me, how it feels to be in the room with me, and the science behind Emotionally Focused Therapy. Eventually we will have a ‘define the relationship’ conversation. I will check in with you- do you think this match will work? If the answer is yes, we will continue, If the answer is no, that’s OK too. I will not be offended! I can even try to help you find a better fit.

The answer to this varies greatly. Consider this:

• How long have you been unhappy and disconnected from one another?
• Are there still glimmers of love between you?
• Do you want your relationship to improve?
• Are you willing to commit to regularly attending therapy?
• Is your couples therapist an expert with a clear, evidence based approach?

If the hurt between you has been growing for a few years rather than a decade, the course of therapy will be shorter. I have worked with couples who have made great changes and ‘graduated’ from couples therapy in six months. Some couples take much longer. The average for my couples is about one year of consistent, weekly sessions.

This is such an important and real question. The slick answer most couples therapists will say is: “Less than divorce!” which is true. But clients are really asking, “Why would I choose you when I could go with someone who bills insurance?” Paying for therapy is like buying a sweater. You can find a perfectly serviceable sweater for twenty bucks but you will be buying another sweater next winter. I’ve had couples work with me who first tried BetterHelp or another online service who were paired with counselors who didn’t even specialize in couples work. I’ve had clients report to me that they have seen therapists who have reminded them to go on date nights, get more sleep, and even taught them healthy communication skills, which did provide some improvement. But when we are hurting or angry our animal brains take over and we don’t give a damn about healthy communication skills. The time for this kind of advice is BEFORE we are stuck and contemplating separation. Often these couples say, “I wish we had found you first. We could have saved so much time and money.” Using Emotionally Focused Therapy, I help couples understand the roots of the problems and made deep, long-lasting changes. In therapy and in sweaters, we get what we pay for. Your relationship deserves a well-made, 100% wool sweater that is going to last long enough to pass on to your kids.

My rate is $200 per session.

I can’t speak for all couples therapy but in my office -yes, couples therapy works. Not always. And sometimes, in working a couple decides to end the relationship. But I do believe that if both members of a couple really want to save their relationship and enjoy it, I can help them do this. The research on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy shows that not only do couples report significant improvement after a course of treatment, but in follow-ups ten and fifteen years later these couples are still reporting relationship satisfaction.

A friend of mine described it as spending a lot of money to feel bad about yourself. For the record, she is talking about the process, not the results.

Yes, and… what would you pay to stay with and stay happy your partner? How much does divorce cost? Financially? Emotionally?

Yes, and…what would it cost to stay in a relationship where you feel unseen, hurt, angry, and alone?

Yes, and… therapy is hard. You will have to feel and share emotions most of us would rather avoid, numb, or distract from. You will have to be vulnerable. You will not have to do this alone. And on the other side is joy, peace, and connectedness you may never have experienced before.

For more information, click here.

GR Family Therapy is no longer in network with any insurance companies. Superbills can be provided to individual clients. Superbills will not be provided for couple, family, or pre-marital sessions. 

$200 per session. $150 for pre-marital sessions. 

Both! I can meet with you in our offices located just south of downtown Grand Rapids or via a secure telehealth platform.

Surprisingly well. When you schedule an appointment, I’ll send you instructions on how to connect.

Some things to consider when doing teletherapy: Where the session will take place? Do you have a reliable internet connection? Are you in a quiet, private location? Do you have earbuds or a microphone you would like to use? Is your device fully charged?

I work with clients ages 13 and up. I also work with parents of kids of all ages both as a therapist and coach.