Frequently Asked Questions

Couples & Individual Therapy in Washington State 

If you are considering couples therapy, it is normal to have questions. Here are answers to common questions about online couples therapy in Washington State and what to expect when working together.

  • Insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis for any covered service. That works reasonably well for individual therapy, where the client is the one being treated. It does not work for couples therapy, because a relationship is not a diagnosable condition, and the insurance company would require me to diagnose one partner as the "identified patient" in order to bill at all.

    I don't work that way. In couples therapy, both of you are the client. Nobody is the sick one and nobody is the problem to be treated. Billing insurance would mean putting a mental illness label on one partner's chart to satisfy a claims requirement, even when that's not clinically accurate or in your best interest. It can also follow that person on their medical record long after our work together ends.

    Private pay lets me protect that. It means the frame stays on your relationship, not on pathologizing either of you, and there's no third party (the insurance company) with a say in your diagnosis, your records, or how many sessions you're "allowed."

    This is why premarital counseling and discernment counseling are also private pay. Neither one involves treating a mental illness. They involve two people doing intentional work on their relationship.

  • Couples therapy is a structured form of counseling designed to help partners improve communication, understand patterns in their relationship, and navigate conflict more effectively.

    In couples therapy, we look at how each partner experiences the relationship, how stress and conflict are handled, and how emotional connection can be strengthened. The goal is not to determine who is right or wrong. The focus is on understanding and improving the relationship dynamic.

  • Yes. All sessions are conducted via secure telehealth for couples located in Washington State.

    Online couples therapy allows you to attend sessions from your home while still engaging in meaningful, guided conversations. Many couples appreciate the flexibility and accessibility of virtual therapy.

  • The length of couples therapy varies depending on your goals and the concerns you are bringing in.

    Some couples attend for a short period to address a specific issue. Others choose longer-term therapy to work through deeper relational patterns. During our consultation, we can discuss what feels realistic and supportive for your situation.

  • Couples seek therapy for many reasons, including:

    • Communication challenges

    • Recurring arguments

    • Emotional distance

    • Trust concerns

    • Premarital preparation

    • Life transitions

    • Differences in expectations or roles

    Therapy provides space to slow down and examine what may be happening beneath the surface.

  • My work integrates principles from the Gottman Method and Narrative Therapy.

    The Gottman Method focuses on communication patterns, emotional connection, and conflict management. Narrative Therapy helps partners understand how personal stories, family background, and identity shape the relationship.

    Together, these approaches support thoughtful exploration and practical skill development.

  • No. Many couples begin therapy before problems feel overwhelming.

    Couples therapy can be helpful at any stage of a relationship. Some partners seek support to strengthen communication. Others want to feel more connected or intentional. Therapy is not limited to crisis situations.

  • Yes. I work with culturally diverse, intercultural, and same-sex couples throughout Washington State.

    Identity, culture, and lived experience influence how each partner approaches communication, conflict, and commitment. Therapy provides space to explore these differences with care and respect.

  • Couples therapy sessions are $150 per session.

    Payment is due at the time of service. I can provide a superbill upon request if you would like to seek possible out-of-network reimbursement from your insurance provider. Coverage varies depending on your plan.

    If you have questions about fees or payment policies, we can review them during your consultation.

  • Yes. Couples therapy is confidential within the limits of Washington State law and professional ethical guidelines.

    At the start of therapy, we will review confidentiality policies, including how information is handled in a couples context.

  • The first step is scheduling a consultation. This allows us to briefly discuss your concerns, review logistics, and determine whether the fit feels right for both of you.

  • I offer telehealth sessions Monday through Wednesday, 7 to 11 AM and 3 to 8 PM, and Thursday 3 to 8 PM. Morning and evening appointments are available, which works well for couples and individuals with varying schedules. I see clients throughout Washington State via secure video.

  • Yes. All sessions are telehealth, so I work with couples and individuals anywhere in Washington State. This includes Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Bellevue, Olympia, Everett, and beyond.

  • The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. It focuses on communication, conflict patterns, and emotional connection. I am trained at Level 2 and use it as a primary framework in couples sessions and in the Marriage by Design premarital program.