Our Approach
Our Story
Background
Married Life Coaching and Counseling exists because of my (Christie’s) deep belief in marriage. My journey to this point has not been easy but has filled me with a passion to guide other couples to walk their path to healing together.
I watched my mom and dad struggle, and my husband, Mike, and I struggled, even though we were both very determined to love each other well and to do our marriage better and differently than our parents. We tried many counselors, invested thousands of dollars (that we didn’t have), read books, and went to intensives, retreats, and workshops with very little change.
During my schooling and training, I learned about Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and my husband and I garnered up what little energy and hope we had left and attended a weekend EFT retreat, and it stuck. At the same time, Mike yielded to an Adult ADD diagnosis he’d received about a decade earlier and began treatment. We still have work to do, but as we both remain humble, teachable, and personally responsible, we are finding connection, intimacy, and the friendship we started out with and have always hoped for.
I believe we have a God who modeled for us and designed us for relationships, whether we are married or not. Marriage happens to be one of the most significant relationships that best establishes security, safety, soothing, and significance for adults and children. Studies show that happily married couples actually have healthier, more productive, and longer lives.
Regardless of your faith, the principles our team at Married Life Counseling uses and teaches will help you navigate communication and conflict in a way that will “stick,” provided you’re willing to yield, explore, and engage.
Ready to get started?
Our Process
We believe marriage counseling is for ALL couples because it’s such a significant relationship. We make it easy and even fun! Counseling isn’t always heavy and hard, you’ll find laughter and humor as we dive into personalities and stories that are unique to you.
1
Schedule Consultation
Sometimes, the hardest part of lasting change is taking the first step. We’d love to chat with you if you’d like to ask questions and make sure one of our clinicians is a good fit. Otherwise, you are welcome to click the ‘schedule online’ button where you will have access to our practice calendar, choose your clinician, and book your first appointment.
2
Complete Paperwork
All intake forms are sent to your email, giving you access to your private, confidential client portal. Allow 30 to 60 minutes to complete all forms. This is an important step because it helps give us an overview of what’s happening and prepare for your first session. The client portal provides you with 24/7 access to all of your paperwork, invoices, scheduling, worksheets, and handouts.
3
Meet with Your Counselor
In the first appointment, we’ll get to know each other, create a genogram, (a quick diagram that illustrates your family members, history, and relationships), and explore what’s happening today. We’ll begin to formulate a plan to move forward and you’ll receive a follow-up email with the next steps.
Billing and Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your fees / rates?
Our fees are as follows:
Christie’s Fees:
$175 per 50-minute session
$350 per 1-hour and 45-minute session
$525 per 2-hour and 45-minute session
Jeff’s Fees:
$135 per 50-minute session
$270 per 1-hour and 45-minute session
$405 per 2-hour and 45-minute session
Rachel’s Fees:
$125 per 50-minute session
$250 per 1-hour and 45-minute session
$375 per 2-hour and 45-minute session
Matt’s Fees:
$100 per 50-minute session
$200 per 1-hour and 45-minute session
$300 per 2-hour and 45-minute session
Note: We offer double and triple sessions for those who prefer more time for their initial session, couples in crisis, couples driving from a distance, and those who wish to make progress quickly. These sessions are reserved especially for you and therefore are billed one-half of fees, non-refundable, at the time of scheduling. If you need to cancel or reschedule, we ask you to do so at least two weeks in advance to allow others the opportunity to schedule. If you’d like to schedule multiple sessions in advance, please speak with our intake coordinator or your counselor to make arrangements.
How do we pay for sessions?
Session fees are due the day of service by cash, check, credit card, or HSA card.
What if I need to cancel?
Please cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. Late cancellations and no-shows are billed at the full rate of the session scheduled.
Do you take insurance?
We do not take insurance but we are happy to offer you a monthly Superbill.
A Superbill is a form completed by your mental health provider that allows clients to be reimbursed directly from their health insurance companies.
*Note: A Superbill does not guarantee an insurance provider will pay for the services provided. Each insurance plan is different, and it is your responsibility to contact your insurance provider and find out exactly what will be covered.
Coaching and Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will counseling take?
We ask couples to commit to weekly counseling for 6-8 weeks. At that point, we will reassess. Some couples “graduate” and return as needed. Others discover childhood wounds or other diagnoses are impacting their current realities and desire to continue working together to deepen healing and restoration.
What if my spouse isn’t willing to participate?
There’s still hope! You have influence and the changes you make individually can greatly impact your partner. Please speak with us regarding your situation and we’ll work with you on a plan.
“The colossal misunderstanding of our time is the assumption that insight will work with people who are unmotivated to change. If you want your child, spouse, client, or boss to shape up, stay connected while changing yourself rather than trying to fix them.”
– Dr. Edwin Friedman