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 and whether you have children. I'll give each of you a chance to tell me what you want your partner to change. Once I understand your concerns, I'll start helping both of you shift from blaming each other to taking personal responsibility for your own thoughts, words, and actions.

Most couples start to see things differently after just one session. My goal is to help you leave each session with something concrete you can do to improve your relationship.

How much does couples therapy cost?

Your first session is free. After that, 50-minute sessions cost $250. I offer this free first session because I want you to know what you're getting before you pay for it.

Do you accept insurance for marriage therapy?

I don't accept insurance directly, but I can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Many clients with out-of-network benefits are able to get partial reimbursement for couples therapy sessions.

How long does couples therapy take?

Most of my clients see their relationships improve after each session and feel comfortable stopping therapy after five to ten sessions.

The length of marriage therapy depends on you. Some couples resolve their issues quickly. Others stay longer to work on deeper challenges. Either way, my goal is to help you see concrete improvement after every session.

What is Crucible Therapy?

Crucible Therapy was developed by Dr. David Schnarch. It's different from traditional couples therapy because it focuses on personal growth and personal responsibility rather than teaching communication skills or forcing compromises.

Traditional marriage therapy often fails because it tries to get partners to validate each other's feelings. Crucible Therapy goes deeper. It helps each person develop a solid sense of self—the ability to stay connected to your partner without losing yourself in the process.

I became a Crucible Therapist because this approach saved my own marriage after five other couples therapists failed us.

Can couples therapy really help my marriage?

Yes. But here's the truth: couples therapy works when you're willing to work on yourself, not just wait for your partner to change.

Most couples come into my office blaming each other. My job is to help each of you see how you're contributing to the problems in your relationship—and what you can do about it. When you change, it makes it much easier for your partner to change too.

You’re probably right about your partner, but you’re probably wrong about yourself, and that’s what you need to focus on.

Do you offer online couples therapy or telehealth sessions?

I prefer working with couples in person at my Roseville office. There's something powerful about being in the same room together. I can see what's happening between you in ways that are harder to catch on a screen.

That said, I do offer online therapy for couples in California, and online relationship consultation for couples outside of California.

What issues can couples therapy help with?

I help couples work through communication problems, infidelity, sexual issues, emotional disconnection, constant arguing, narcissistic patterns, deception, and trust issues. I also work with couples navigating major life transitions like becoming parents or preparing for marriage.

Whatever brought you here, we'll explore the root causes during your first session and talk about what you can do to make things better.

How do I know if we need couples therapy or marriage therapy?

If you're asking this question, you probably already know the answer. Most couples wait too long before seeking help. They let resentment build for years before finally walking into a therapist's office.

Common signs include: you keep having the same arguments, you feel more like roommates than partners, one or both of you has considered leaving, there's been infidelity or a major breach of trust, or you just feel stuck. Don't wait until things are unbearable. The earlier you start, the easier it is to turn things around.

Do both partners need to attend couples therapy?

Couples therapy works best when both partners are in the room. That's where the real work happens.

However, if your partner isn't willing to come, you can still make progress by working on yourself. Your growth will change the dynamic in your relationship, whether your partner participates or not. Sometimes one partner starting therapy is exactly what it takes to get the other partner interested.

What makes your approach to marriage therapy different?

I'm more blunt, bold, and direct than most couples therapists. I'm not going to sit there nodding while you talk about your feelings for an hour. I'm going to tell you what I see and what needs to change.

Almost all of my clients are couples, and all of my post-graduate training is focused on helping couples improve their relationships. I've trained extensively in Crucible Therapy and work closely with trainers who follow Dr. Schnarch's Crucible approach.

My own marriage went through years of difficulty. My wife and I tried five different therapists before finding one who actually helped us. That experience drives everything I do. I know what bad couples therapy looks like, and I'm committed to doing something different.

Where is your office located?

My office is located at 300 Harding Blvd, Suite 108, in Roseville, California. I chose this location because it's easily accessible from Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Rocklin, Antelope, and the greater Placer County area.

How do I schedule a couples therapy session?

Click here to schedule, or call me at 916-292-8920. I'll get back to you as quickly as I can.

Your first session is free because I want you to know what you're getting before you have to pay for it. Reach out today to get started.