Do you work with couples together or separately?

Both. Mostly I work with both spouses together in the session.  On rare occasions I work with a couple primarily through individual sessions with each. On occasion I supplement couples counseling with an individual session with one or both partners.

What kind of couples do you primarily work with?

Most couples come to me at a crossroads in their relationship where the need is to repair communication, restore connection, or rebuild trust…or all three. There often is a measure of healing that needs to take place. Many couples come to me because of a conflict issue or a conflict style of relating to one another. Some couples just need the equivalent of a chiropractic adjustment while some couples need surgery. The common denominator is that both couples have at least one partner declaring that just maintaining the status quo is no longer an option. Something must change. And both couples are saying we need help getting unstuck.

My spouse is resistant to counseling right now?  Do you still recommend counseling and will you see me?

Yes. One of the things many clients have found helpful is my assisting them in engaging and responding to a resistant spouse. One of the tough issues we tackle is how to deal with a partner who is emotionally detached or even hostile, who will not acknowledge shared ownership of the relationship problem, and who seems set against change.

While I do have a relationship issue, I want to come to counseling alone for right now. Is that okay?

Yes, I certainly respect that.

Do you counsel with children?

I counsel exclusively with adults.  As a marriage therapist I often counsel with parents who have child/parenting concerns as a part of their relationship stress.   But when the need is for counseling directly with a child or teens I make referrals to skilled and caring counselors who specialize with that population. 

How long will counseling last?

That really depends on your goals for counseling. My training is in short-term solution-based therapy.  I’m available for as long as you genuinely need guidance, but I don’t believe in dragging out counseling and searching for more to discuss when you are satisfied with your progress and growth.

How often are sessions?

Most individuals & couples come for counseling every other week, but some attend weekly. Factors which may influence appointment scheduling are the nature of the client’s issue or concern, sense of urgency, motivation, work schedule, and yes their budget. I’m flexible about scheduling because I understand there are a number of factors that influence a client’s availability.

Since you mentioned budget, this is probably a good place to ask how much you charge.

For Couples Therapy sessions, the fee is $235 for a 75-minute session.  (The “therapeutic hour” is typically 50 minutes. While 50-60 minutes is adequate for therapy sessions with an individual, it’s rarely feels adequate for couples in therapy. Couples feel that, not just therapists. 

For therapy sessions with Individuals the cost is $195 for a 55-minute session. 

What payment options are available? Do you take insurance?

Clients pay at the time of session by check, cash, credit card, Venmo, Zelle, or Health Savings Account (HSA) debit card. I’m sorry but I do not take insurance.

What are your office hours?

I offer appointments Monday through Thursday with the first session beginning at 7:30 AM and the last session beginning at 3:30 PM. 

What if I have other questions?

Please don’t hesitate to ask. You may call me or e-mail your question to me at ramonpresson@gmail.com