Couples Counseling in Roseville: Reconnect and Thrive with Expert Guidance
Are you searching for couple counselors near me to rekindle the connection in your relationship? Navigating the complexities of couplehood can feel daunting, whether you're facing communication challenges or deeper unresolved issues. As a specialized couples therapist serving Roseville and offering online therapy throughout California and Texas, I provide personalized guidance to help you and your partner overcome these challenges and build a stronger, more resilient relationship.
Expert Couples Counseling with a Personalized Approach
Hello! I'm Audrey Schoen, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping couples transform their relationships through evidence-based therapeutic approaches. I specialize in working with individuals and couples dealing with various challenges, including treating anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, and unhelpful patterns that impact your mental health and overall life satisfaction.
As a solo practitioner, I offer:
Personalized guidance tailored to your unique relationship dynamics
A safe, neutral space to express emotions and concerns
Proven tools and strategies to improve communication and intimacy
Expert support through challenging relationship transitions
My approach is never one-size-fits-all. I understand that each couple has their own unique story, challenges, and strengths. That's why I develop customized treatment plans that address your specific relationship issues and goals, helping you find fulfillment in your current relationship.
Understanding Couples Therapy
Communication Skills
Effective communication is the cornerstone of a strong relationship. Many couples find it challenging to express their thoughts and feelings clearly, which can lead to misunderstandings and poor communication patterns. In couples therapy, you'll learn valuable communication skills that help bridge this gap.
By practicing active listening and expressing yourself openly, you can build a deeper connection with your partner. I can guide you in learning these skills, helping you to better understand each other and communicate effectively. These techniques include:
Reflective listening to ensure mutual understanding
"I" statements to express feelings without blame
Recognizing and respecting differences in communication styles
Techniques for discussing difficult topics in a healthy way
Emotional Intimacy
Emotional intimacy goes beyond physical closeness; it's about feeling connected and understood. Many couples find that their emotional connection fades over time, often due to life's stresses or unresolved conflicts. Therapy provides a safe space to explore these feelings and rebuild that emotional bond.
Through guided exercises and discussions, you can find new ways to connect on a deeper level. This process often involves sharing vulnerabilities and learning to support each other's emotional needs. As you grow more emotionally intimate, you'll likely find that your relationship becomes more satisfying and fulfilling.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict is a natural part of any relationship. However, it's how couples handle conflict that determines the health of their relationship. In couples therapy, you'll learn strategies for resolving disputes in a constructive way.
Many couples find themselves having the same argument repeatedly. Instead of resorting to blame or defensiveness, you'll practice approaching conflict with empathy and understanding. The goal is not to eliminate conflict but to manage it effectively. By learning these skills, you can turn disagreements into opportunities for growth and understanding.
Why These Skills Matter
Improving communication, deepening emotional intimacy, and mastering conflict resolution are essential for a thriving relationship. These skills not only help resolve current issues but also prepare you for future challenges. With my guidance as your couples therapist, you and your partner can create a stronger, more resilient partnership that withstands the test of time.
When to Seek Couples Therapy
Couples therapy can be a lifeline for those experiencing relationship distress, communication problems, or intimacy issues. If you and your partner find yourselves struggling to resolve conflicts, feeling disconnected, or lacking emotional intimacy, it might be time to seek couples therapy. Significant life transitions, such as a move, job change, or health issue, can also strain a relationship, making professional help invaluable.
Some common signs that you may need to seek counseling include:
Increased conflict and arguments
Feeling disconnected or distant from your partner
Lack of emotional intimacy or physical connection
Difficulty communicating effectively
Feeling unhappy or unfulfilled in your relationship
Recurring patterns of behavior that damage trust
Major life transitions creating relationship problems
Seeking professional guidance is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to acknowledge that your relationship needs help, and reaching out to licensed professionals can be a proactive step towards building a stronger, more fulfilling connection.
Preparing for Couples Counseling Sessions
Before your first counseling session, it's essential to prepare yourself and your partner. Here are some steps you can take:
Discuss Your Goals and Expectations
Have an open conversation with your partner about what you hope to achieve through counseling. Understanding each other's expectations can help align your focus and commitment to the process. Some couples find it helpful to write down their therapeutic goals separately and then share them with each other.
Identify Specific Issues
Pinpoint the specific issues you'd like to work on in therapy. While your therapist will help you explore these areas in depth, having a preliminary understanding of your concerns can make the initial sessions more productive. Consider both immediate concerns and long-standing patterns that may be affecting your relationship.
Self-Reflection
Take time for individual reflection before your first session. Consider your role in relationship patterns and what changes you're willing to make. Self-awareness is a crucial component of successful therapy, as it allows for more honest and productive discussions during couples sessions.
Keep a Journal
Consider keeping a journal or log of your interactions and conflicts to share with your therapist. This can help identify patterns and triggers that might not be immediately obvious in conversation. Note both the challenging moments and positive interactions that strengthen your bond.
Commit to the Process
Be prepared to commit time and emotional energy to the therapeutic process. Meaningful change doesn't happen overnight, and consistent engagement with therapy sessions and at-home practices is essential for lasting results. Remember that personal growth often comes with discomfort, but the rewards of a healthier relationship are worth the effort.
The First Session: What to Expect
The first session of couples counseling is an opportunity for you and your partner to meet with me in the therapist's office or online and discuss your goals and expectations. Here's what you can expect:
Introduction and Overview
I'll introduce myself as a licensed marriage and family therapist and explain my therapeutic approach and experience working with couples. This is also a chance for you to ask questions about the counseling process and get comfortable with the therapeutic relationship.
Sharing Goals and Concerns
You and your partner will have the opportunity to share your goals and expectations for counseling. This helps establish a clear direction for our work together and ensures that both partners feel heard from the beginning.
Understanding Your Relationship
I'll ask questions to help me understand your relationship history, strengths, and the issues you're experiencing. This might include exploring how you met, what attracted you to each other, major milestones in your marriage or relationship, and current challenges.
Session Format and Structure
We'll discuss the format and frequency of your counseling sessions. Typically, couples therapy involves weekly or bi-weekly sessions of 50-90 minutes, but this can be adjusted based on your needs and circumstances.
Initial Feedback and Planning
Before concluding the first session, I'll provide initial feedback and suggestions for moving forward. This might include recommendations for immediate strategies to implement at home and an outline of how we'll approach subsequent sessions.
The first session is also an opportunity for you and your partner to get a sense of my style and approach. If you feel comfortable and confident in my ability to help you, we can move forward with a treatment plan designed specifically for your relationship.
Evidence-Based Therapeutic Approaches for Couples
As a certified Master ART Practitioner with expertise in multiple therapeutic modalities, I offer specialized approaches that can effectively address relationship challenges. Here's how these evidence-based methods can benefit your relationship:
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
As a Certified Master ART Practitioner, I offer this innovative approach that can rapidly address emotional triggers and past traumas that may be affecting your relationship. ART helps process difficult memories without having to discuss them in detail, making it particularly effective for:
Resolving traumatic experiences that impact your relationship
Addressing emotional reactivity between partners
Reducing anxiety and depression that interferes with intimacy
Healing from past relationship wounds
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a powerful therapeutic technique that helps access and process deeper emotional material stored in the brain. In couples therapy, this approach can:
Identify and resolve subconscious triggers that cause conflict
Process emotions that feel too overwhelming to address directly
Enhance self-esteem and self-awareness of relationship patterns
Create deeper empathy between partners
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
I incorporate principles from the Gottman Method, developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman at the Gottman Institute. This research-based approach focuses on:
Building love maps to understand your partner's inner world
Managing conflict in productive ways
Creating shared meaning and life goals together
Strengthening the foundations of your relationship through proven techniques
The Gottman Method helps couples move past gridlocked conflicts and build a relationship that embodies shared meaning and mutual respect.
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is another evidence-based approach I use to help couples understand and transform their emotional responses. EFT helps partners:
Identify negative interaction cycles that cause distress
Access and express underlying emotions that drive these patterns
Create new, positive emotional experiences together
Build secure attachment and deeper connection
Research shows that emotionally focused therapy helps approximately 75% of couples recover from distress and achieve a positive outcome.
Intensives & Retreats
For couples seeking more concentrated therapeutic experiences, I offer intensive therapy sessions and couples retreats. These immersive experiences provide:
Focused time away from daily distractions
Accelerated progress compared to weekly sessions
Deeper exploration of relationship dynamics
Transformative experiences that can reset relationship patterns
Practical tools and strategies to implement immediately in your life
These specialized approaches can be particularly effective for couples dealing with trauma, deep-seated patterns, or those who feel stuck despite previous counseling efforts. By addressing both conscious and subconscious relationship dynamics, we can create lasting change that enhances your connection.
In-Person vs. Online Couples Therapy
I offer both in-person couples counseling in Roseville, CA, and online therapy for couples throughout California and Texas. Each format has its own advantages, and the best choice depends on your specific situation and preferences.
In-Person Couples Therapy in Roseville
Meeting face-to-face in my Roseville office creates a dedicated space for your relationship work. This traditional approach offers several benefits:
More personal and intimate connection with your therapist
Ability to observe and address nonverbal cues and body language
A physical space separate from home that's dedicated to your relationship
Freedom from potential technical issues that can occur online
In-person therapy can be particularly beneficial for couples who:
Live in or near Roseville, CA
Prefer direct, face-to-face interaction
Value the ritual of "going to therapy" as part of their commitment
Need a physical space away from home to discuss relationship matters
Online Couples Therapy
Virtual couples therapy has become increasingly popular and effective, offering unique advantages for many couples:
Increased flexibility and convenience
No commute time, making therapy more accessible
Ability to participate from the comfort of your home
Equal quality of care compared to in-person sessions
Online therapy works especially well for couples who:
Have busy schedules or travel frequently
Live throughout California or Texas, beyond the Roseville area
Have childcare or other logistical challenges
Prefer the comfort and privacy of their own space
Whether you choose in-person or online therapy, the quality and effectiveness of the therapeutic process remain consistent. Many couples find that a combination approach—with some sessions in person and others online—provides the perfect balance of convenience and connection.
Benefits of Couples Counseling
Couples counseling offers numerous benefits that can transform your relationship from struggling to thriving. Here are the key areas where you can expect to see significant improvements:
Improved Communication
Effective communication forms the foundation of a healthy relationship. Through couples counseling, you'll develop the skills to:
Express your needs and feelings clearly without criticism or blame
Listen actively to truly understand your partner's perspective
Navigate difficult conversations with respect and empathy
Recognize and change communication patterns that lead to conflict
Develop a shared language for discussing sensitive topics
These improved communication skills extend beyond therapy sessions, transforming day-to-day interactions and preventing misunderstandings before they escalate into conflicts.
Relationship Growth
Beyond resolving immediate issues, couples therapy fosters profound growth that strengthens your bond for the long term:
Develop a deeper understanding of each other's needs and desires
Reconnect with the qualities that initially attracted you to one another
Create new rituals and experiences that reinforce your connection
Build resilience to weather future challenges together
Align on shared values and goals for your relationship and families
This growth process helps couples move from simply coexisting to actively cultivating a relationship that brings joy and fulfillment to both partners, contributing to a more fulfilling life together.
Emotional Healing
Past hurts, unresolved issues, and emotional wounds can create barriers in your relationship. Marriage counseling provides a path to healing:
Process past relationship injuries in a supportive environment
Release resentments that have built up over time
Rebuild trust after breaches or disappointments
Develop emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills
Create a secure emotional foundation for vulnerability and intimacy
Through emotional healing, couples can transform their relationship into a source of security and support rather than stress or pain.
Enhanced Mental Health
The health of your relationship significantly impacts your overall mental health. Couples therapy can help address issues like:
Depression and anxiety that affect relationship dynamics
Stress management and emotional regulation
Self-esteem and confidence issues that impact how you relate to others
Unhealthy patterns developed from past experiences
Mental illness concerns that require compassionate understanding
By improving your relationship, couples therapy often leads to better mental health outcomes for both partners, creating a positive cycle of wellbeing.
Specialized Support for Specific Challenges
Every relationship faces unique challenges. As a family therapist with diverse expertise, I offer specialized support for various relationship issues, including:
Overcoming Infidelity's Impact on Relationships
Infidelity can devastate trust and security in a relationship. My approach helps couples:
Process the initial shock and emotional trauma
Understand the factors that contributed to the infidelity
Rebuild trust through transparency and consistent actions
Create new relationship boundaries and agreements
Make informed decisions about the future of the relationship
Overcoming infidelity is possible with the right support, and many couples find their relationship becomes stronger after working through this difficult experience.
Navigating Financial Stress and Differences
As a therapist with expertise in financial therapy, I help couples address money-related conflicts and anxieties:
Explore different money mindsets and their origins
Develop healthy communication about financial matters
Create systems for managing money that respect both partners' needs
Address financial trauma or anxiety that impacts decision-making
Align financial behaviors with shared values and goals
Breaking Free from Unhealthy Patterns
Many couples find themselves stuck in repetitive cycles of interaction that leave both partners feeling misunderstood and frustrated. I help couples:
Identify triggering situations and automatic responses
Understand the deeper needs and fears driving reactive patterns
Interrupt negative cycles before they escalate
Develop new patterns of interaction that foster connection
Create repair strategies for when old patterns resurface
Supporting Entrepreneurial Couples
The unique stresses of entrepreneurship can place significant strain on relationships. Drawing on my experience working with entrepreneurs, I provide targeted support for:
Balancing work demands with relationship needs
Managing the financial uncertainties of business ownership
Addressing perfectionism and self-criticism that impacts both business and relationship
Creating boundaries between work and home life
Supporting each other's professional goals while nurturing the relationship
Helping Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Spouses
The demands and stresses of law enforcement careers create unique relationship challenges. I offer specialized support for LEO spouses and their family members dealing with:
The emotional impact of high-stress, high-risk professions
Communication challenges related to shift work and job stress
Secondary trauma and its effect on the relationship
Building resilience as a couple and as individuals
Creating safe spaces for processing work-related experiences
Through these specialized approaches, I help couples address their specific challenges with targeted interventions that lead to meaningful, lasting change.
Frequently Asked Questions about Couples Counseling
When considering couples counseling, you likely have questions about the process and what to expect. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How long does couples therapy typically take?
The duration of couples therapy varies based on several factors, including the nature and severity of your challenges, your goals, and your commitment to the process. Some couples achieve significant improvements in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term therapy to address complex issues or make sustainable changes.
Each couple's journey is unique, and therapy progresses at the pace that works best for your specific situation. During our initial sessions, we can discuss realistic timelines based on your goals and circumstances.
Can couples counseling help if only one partner is willing to change?
While having both partners equally committed yields the best results, significant improvements can occur even when commitment levels differ. When one partner demonstrates positive changes, it often creates a ripple effect that can motivate the other partner to engage more fully.
That said, relationship dynamics involve both individuals, and lasting transformation typically requires some level of participation from both partners. I work with each couple where they are, helping the more motivated partner influence positive change while encouraging the more reluctant partner to become more engaged over time.
Will you take sides or tell us who's right?
As a Relational Life Therapy (RLT) practitioner, I take a different approach than traditional "neutral" therapy. In RLT, we recognize that relationship problems aren't always 50/50. Sometimes the dynamic might be 70/30 or even 90/10, and I'm not afraid to address that reality with compassion and clarity.
When I see behaviors or patterns that are damaging the relationship, I will lovingly but directly address them. This means I might focus more intensely on one partner's contributions at certain points in therapy, while the other partner becomes the focus at different times. Each person will have their turn to work on their part of the dynamic.
The goal isn't to blame or shame, but to create accountability with compassion. I stand up to harmful behaviors while still maintaining respect for each person. This direct approach helps cut through defensive patterns and creates faster, more meaningful change than remaining neutral when one partner's actions are clearly causing more damage than the other's.
Can couples counseling help with individual issues like depression?
Yes, couples therapy can address how individual issues like depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns impact your relationship. While individual therapy might be recommended as a complement to couples work, addressing these issues within the context of the relationship can be extremely beneficial.
Many therapists, including myself, take a holistic approach that recognizes how individual mental health and relationship dynamics influence each other. By improving communication and support within the relationship, couples counseling can help create an environment that supports individual healing as well.
What if we're not sure if we want to stay together?
Couples counseling can be valuable even when you're uncertain about the future of your relationship. Therapy provides clarity about relationship patterns, improves communication, and helps you make thoughtful decisions rather than reactive ones.
For some couples, therapy leads to a renewed commitment and stronger bond. For others, it facilitates an amicable separation process with greater understanding and respect. Either way, the insights gained through counseling help both individuals move forward with greater awareness and emotional health.
Taking the Next Step Toward a Stronger Relationship
At the heart of my practice is a commitment to helping couples create connected, fulfilling relationships. Whether you're facing specific challenges or simply want to strengthen your bond, couples counseling provides the guidance, tools, and support you need to transform your relationship.
Located in Roseville, CA, I offer both in-person sessions and online therapy throughout California and Texas. My specialized approach combines evidence-based techniques with compassionate understanding to address your unique relationship needs.
Many therapists offer support for couples, but my specialized training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Brainspotting, and Relational Life Therapy method couples therapy techniques provides unique advantages for couples seeking to overcome obstacles and build stronger connections.
For couples worldwide, research has shown that couples counseling and marriage counseling can make a significant difference in relationship satisfaction. By working with a licensed marriage and family therapist who has formal training in relationship dynamics, you can address current challenges while building skills that will serve you throughout your life together.
If you're ready to invest in the health and happiness of your relationship, I invite you to reach out to learn more about my services, including session availability and the process of getting started. Together, we can create a path forward that honors both your individual needs and your shared goals as a couple.
Contact me today to begin your journey toward a more connected, resilient, and joyful relationship. Your relationship deserves this investment in its future.