Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.

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  • I recommend, for individual or couples, that we start by meeting on a weekly basis to gain traction in our work. If at any point, you decide weekly sessions are not serving you, I welcome conversations about our cadence.

    I offer both 50-minute and 75-minute sessions and recommend the extended sessions for couples.

  • Experiential therapy means that we are working with the present moment, often in an “emotional experience”. Often times I am working with both individuals and couples on bringing more awareness to their bodies and emotions in the present moment during our therapy session.

    I believe the more I can help you understand your emotional process, the more you can slow yourself down outside of session, gaining more control over your reactions and interactions with others. This also means I am not a “tools” therapist. I am less likely to offer practical tools to “solve” for your emotions.

  • We strive to make specialized care as accessible as possible by offering two distinct pathways for payment:

    • In-Network Insurance: We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Illinois PPO only for individual sessions. Unfortunately, we are unable to bill couples sessions to insurance.

    • Out-of-Network / Private Pay: If you do not have these insurances, or if you prefer absolute privacy without a mental health diagnosis on your permanent medical record, our private-pay rate is $170 per 50-minute individual session and $185 per 50-minute couples or family session.

    • Superbills: For private-pay clients, we can provide a monthly Superbill (an itemized medical receipt) that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

  • If you are paying out-of-pocket or using out-of-network benefits, sessions cost $170 per 50 minute individual session and $185/$270 per 50/75 minute couples session.

Couples Therapy FAQs

How long does couples therapy take? How long can we expect to need services?

Because every relationship has its own unique history and pace, there isn't a one-size-fits-all timeline. However, because I practice Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)—a highly structured, scientifically validated approach—we aren't just meandering through weekly complaints. We are working through a clear, three-stage process to map and transform your relationship dynamics.

For most couples, a standard course of EFT takes anywhere from 12 to 30 sessions (typically spanning 6 to 9 months).

Here is what that roadmap generally looks like:

  • The Assessment & De-escalation Phase (Sessions 1–8+): First, we identify your couple "loop" or "dance"—the repetitive, painful argument cycle where you both get stuck (e.g., one person pursues/criticizes while the other withdraws/quiets down). Success in this phase means learning to step back, recognize the cycle in real-time, and stop it before it blows up.

  • The Restructuring Phase (Sessions 10–20+): This is the heart of EFT. Once the daily fighting or icy silence calms down, we do the deeper work. You will learn how to share your core emotional needs and vulnerabilities in a way that pulls your partner in rather than pushing them away, creating new, secure moments of deep connection.

  • The Consolidation Phase (Sessions 20–30): In the final few sessions, we look at how far you’ve come, practice applying your new communication skills to old triggers, and ensure your new bond is resilient enough to last long after therapy ends.

What can speed up or slow down the process?

Couples who practice stepping out of their negative cycles at home between sessions often move through therapy faster. On the other hand, if your relationship is healing from deep injuries like an infidelity, a major betrayal, or years of emotional detachment, it naturally takes more time to rebuild that foundational trust safely.

Our ultimate goal isn't to keep you in therapy forever; it's to build the emotional safety necessary to eventually become each other's best resource.

How long are the sessions, and how often do we meet?

Because Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) works with deep emotional patterns rather than surface-level fixes, traditional 50-minute sessions can sometimes feel rushed for couples.

  • Initial Assessment: I recommend a 75-minute session* for our initial appointment to allow for enough time to explore the history of the relationship and handle logistics like scheduling.

  • The "Deep Work" Sessions: For ongoing therapy, some couples prefer 75-minute sessions. This extended time allows us to de-escalate conflicts safely and create meaningful, lasting emotional shifts before you walk out the door.

  • Frequency: Schedule allowing, we meet weekly at the start. Consistency is what creates the "traction" needed to change long-standing relationship habits. As our work goes on biweekly services might feel more appropriate and we can discuss this change.

*Please note extended sessions are not typically covered by in-network insurance benefits.

What if my partner is resistant or reluctant to come to therapy?

It is incredibly common for one partner to feel nervous, skeptical, or protective about starting couples counseling. Often, the reluctant partner worries they will be blamed, ganged up on, or told they are "the problem."

  • Our Approach: In EFT, the enemy is the Cycle, not either partner. * A Neutral Space: My office is a strictly non-judgmental zone. I do not take sides. My job is to understand both of your perspectives entirely.

  • The Invitation: If your partner is on the fence, invite them to come to just one initial consultation. They can check out the space, see how I work, and decide if it feels safe enough to continue. There is no pressure or forced commitment.

What is "Experiential" therapy?

Many couples come to therapy expecting to be given a communication checklist, a set of behavioral rules, or "I-feel" statement scripts to practice at home. The problem with a purely tool-based approach is simple: when you are in the middle of a heated argument at 10:00 PM, your brain enters survival mode. The panic takes over, and every single communication worksheet you learned flies straight out the window.

Instead of teaching you how to argue more politely, my practice uses Experiential Therapy (specifically through Emotionally Focused Therapy).

"Experiential" means we do the actual work in the room, in real time. We don't just talk about your fights from last week; we look at what is happening between you right now in the session. I help you slow down, drop beneath the surface anger, and actually feel and express the deeper vulnerabilities—like the fear of failure or rejection—that drive your relationship's negative loop.

 THE "TOOLS" APPROACH  

 Focus: Memorizing behavior          

 "Try to remember a script when you are furious."              

THE EXPERIENTIAL APPROACH

Focus: Rewiring connection

"Reshape the emotional safety so you don't need a script."

We aren't practicing a script for the future; we are creating a live, corrective emotional experience during our time together. When you change how you feel and react to each other in the safety of the office, that safety naturally follows you home. You won’t need to look at a worksheet to communicate effectively, because the underlying ground your relationship is built on will finally be secure.