Frequently Asked Questions

Couples Therapy & Marriage Therapy in Roseville, CA

What happens during the first couples therapy session?

Your first session is free. I’ll ask how long you’ve been together, whether you have children, and what each of you wants to change. Once I understand your concerns, I’ll start helping both of you shift from blaming each other to taking responsibility for your own thoughts, words, and actions. Most couples start to see things differently after one session. You can schedule here or use the contact page.

How much does couples therapy cost?

Your first session is free. After that, 50-minute sessions are $250. I offer a free first session so you know exactly what you’re getting before you pay for it. You can get started here: Schedule.

Do you accept insurance for marriage therapy?

I don’t bill insurance directly, but I can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Some of my clients pay for therapy with HSA cards.

How long does couples therapy take?

Most of my clients improve after each session and feel comfortable stopping after five to ten sessions. Some couples resolve issues quickly; others stay longer for deeper work. Either way, my goal is concrete progress each session. You can read more about the process on How Couples Therapy Works.

What is Crucible Therapy?

Crucible Therapy was developed by Dr. David Schnarch. It focuses on personal growth and responsibility instead of teaching surface-level communication tricks or forcing compromise. It helps each person develop a stronger sense of self while staying emotionally connected.

Can couples therapy really help my marriage?

Yes, if you’re willing to work on yourself instead of waiting for your partner to change. My job is to help each of you see your part in the pattern and change it. When you change, it becomes easier for your partner to change too.

How do we know if we need couples therapy now?

Common signs: repeated arguments, emotional distance, feeling like roommates, talk of leaving, infidelity, or major trust breaches. Don’t wait until things are unbearable. Earlier intervention is usually easier and faster. See Communication Therapy.

How do we rebuild trust after betrayal, deception, or infidelity?

Trust is rebuilt through consistent behavior over time, not one apology. We focus on accountability, transparency, and clear repair behaviors that reduce chaos and rebuild safety. If this is your issue, start with Infidelity Therapy and Contact.

Can counseling help if we argue constantly or feel like roommates?

Yes. Constant arguing and “roommate mode” are predictable patterns. We work on de-escalation, directness, and practical repair so conflict doesn’t keep repeating. We also rebuild emotional connection so you stop living like co-managers. See Communication and Disconnection.

Can therapy help with intimacy, sex, and desire differences?

Yes. These are common and treatable when couples stop avoiding the topic and start addressing it directly. We work on emotional honesty, pressure reduction, and clearer agreements around connection. You can start with Sexual Intimacy Therapy.

Can couples therapy help with money stress and life transitions like becoming parents?

Yes. Money conflict and parenting transitions often expose deeper issues around teamwork, resentment, fairness, and emotional load. We address the relationship process underneath those fights so you can solve practical problems without destroying connection. Start with How Couples Therapy Works

Do both partners need to attend couples therapy?

It works best when both partners attend. That’s where the real work happens. But if your partner won’t come, you can still make meaningful progress by working on yourself. One person changing can shift the relationship dynamic. See Couples Therapy.

Do you offer online couples therapy or telehealth sessions?

I prefer in-person sessions at my Roseville office because I can see relational dynamics more clearly in the room. That said, I do offer online therapy for couples in California and online relationship consultation outside California. See Worldwide Relationship Coaching.

What makes your approach different?

I’m more blunt, direct, and practical than most therapists. I won’t just nod while you talk in circles. I’ll tell you what I see and what needs to change. Almost all of my post-graduate training is focused on couples work, including Crucible Therapy training. My personal experience with ineffective therapy is exactly why I work this way. Read more on Crucible Therapy.

Where is your office, and how do we schedule?

My office is at 300 Harding Blvd, Suite 108, Roseville, CA (easy access from Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Rocklin, and Granite Bay. To start, schedule online or call 916-292-8920.