Couples Counseling Chicago – FAQs

We understand that reaching out for couples therapy or marriage counseling can bring up many questions. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions our clients ask. If you don’t see your question here, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Getting Started with Couples Therapy

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 773.598.7797 or by filling out our confidential contact form. We’ll match you with a therapist who fits your specific needs and schedule, and typically respond within one business day.

What happens in the first session?

Your first session is focused on getting to know you and understanding what brings you to therapy. We’ll ask about your relationship history, current challenges, and what you hope to achieve through counseling. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and make sure you feel comfortable with your therapist. The first session is assessment-focused and helps us create a personalized treatment plan.

How long are therapy sessions?

Standard couples therapy sessions are 50-55 minutes long. We also offer extended sessions and intensive couples therapy options for those who prefer longer or more concentrated work.

How many sessions will we need?

Every couple is different. Some couples see significant improvement in 8-12 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work. We’ll discuss your goals and create a treatment plan that makes sense for your situation. Many couples check in periodically even after their primary concerns are resolved.

When Your Partner Won’t Attend

Can I come to couples therapy alone?

Absolutely. We offer couples therapy for one, which is individual therapy focused specifically on your relationship. This isn’t traditional individual therapy—we work on relationship patterns, communication skills, and strategies you can implement even when your partner isn’t participating.

Will couples therapy work if my partner refuses to attend?

Yes, it can be very effective. When one person changes how they show up in a relationship, the entire dynamic shifts. Many clients see significant improvements in their relationships by working on their own patterns, responses, and communication style. Additionally, once partners see real progress happening, they often become more willing to join therapy.

What’s the difference between individual therapy and couples therapy for one?

In couples therapy for one, the focus remains on your relationship dynamics rather than broader life issues. We examine specific conflicts, communication patterns, and relationship behaviors. You’re the client, but the relationship is what we’re working on. It’s specifically designed for people who want to improve their marriage or partnership even when their partner won’t attend.

How do I get my partner to agree to come to therapy?

This is one of the most common questions we hear. We find that ultimatums and pressure rarely work. Instead, we help you develop a non-threatening way to invite your partner to participate. Sometimes starting therapy on your own and showing positive changes is what eventually opens the door for your partner to join. We’ll work with you on strategies for approaching this conversation.

Cost, Insurance & Payment

How much does couples therapy cost?

Our fees vary depending on the therapist and type of service. Please visit our fees page for detailed pricing information. We’re committed to transparency about costs and are happy to discuss fees when you contact us.

Do you accept insurance?

We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) PPO insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify your mental health benefits. We can provide you with the information you need to check your coverage.

What if I don’t have BCBS insurance?

We accept payment by check, credit/debit card, and cash for clients who are paying out-of-pocket or have other insurance plans. Some clients choose to use their out-of-network benefits and submit claims themselves for partial reimbursement.

Do you accept Medicaid or Medicare?

We do not currently accept Medicaid, Medicare, or public aid insurance plans. We’re happy to discuss self-pay options and payment plans if cost is a concern.

Types of Therapy & Specializations

Do you work with LGBTQ+ couples?

Absolutely! All of our therapists have specialized training in working with the LGBTQ+ community, and several identify as LGBTQ+ themselves. We are a queer-affirming practice and welcome all identities, orientations, and relationship structures. Learn more about our LGBTQ+ couples therapy services. Many of our clients come to us from Andersonville and Lakeview.

Do you offer premarital counseling?

Yes! Premarital counseling is one of our specialties. We work with clients across, including many young professionals in the West Loop and Lincoln Park area. We help engaged couples build strong foundations, improve communication, discuss important topics like finances and children, and develop conflict resolution skills before marriage.

Can you help with infidelity and affairs?

Yes. Infidelity counseling is one of our areas of expertise. We help couples work through the pain of betrayal, rebuild trust, and decide whether to stay together or part ways. Recovery from infidelity is possible with the right support.

Do you offer sex therapy?

Yes, we offer sex and intimacy counseling for couples experiencing sexual difficulties, mismatched desire, intimacy issues, or who simply want to improve their sexual connection.

Can you help us decide whether to stay together or break up?

Yes. Discernment counseling is specifically designed for couples who are uncertain about their relationship’s future. We help you gain clarity about whether to work on the relationship, separate, or divorce. This process is about making an informed decision, not necessarily staying together.

Online & In-Person Options

Do you offer online couples therapy?

Yes! We offer online couples therapy throughout Illinois via secure video platform. Online sessions are just as effective as in-person therapy and offer greater flexibility for busy schedules, childcare challenges, or couples who prefer meeting from home.

Where is your office located?

Our main office is located at 655 W. Irving Park Road, Suite 203, Chicago, IL 60613 in the Lakeview neighborhood. We’re easily accessible from Lincoln Park, Boystown, Uptown, West Loop, Streeterville, Roscoe Village, Andersonville and surrounding areas. Several of our therapists also see clients at nearby North Side locations.

What are your office hours?

We’re open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We’re closed on Sundays. We offer evening and weekend appointments to accommodate work schedules.

About the Therapy Process

Is couples therapy confidential?

Yes, absolutely. Everything discussed in therapy is confidential with very limited exceptions required by law (such as imminent danger to self or others, or suspected child abuse). We take your privacy seriously and maintain strict confidentiality standards.

What if we’ve tried couples therapy before and it didn’t work?

Not all therapists or approaches are the same. Many couples who had unsuccessful experiences with previous therapists find that a different therapeutic approach or a better therapist fit makes all the difference. We encourage you to share your previous experience with us so we can address what didn’t work and try a different approach.

What therapy approaches do you use?

Our therapists are trained in evidence-based approaches including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the Gottman Method, Imago Relationship Therapy, and attachment-based approaches. We tailor our approach to your specific needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all method.

Do you meet with us together or separately?

Typically we meet with couples together for most sessions. However, therapists may occasionally schedule brief individual sessions to address specific issues or ensure both partners feel heard. The structure depends on your specific situation and therapeutic needs.

Will you take sides or tell us to break up?

No. Our role is not to judge or take sides, but to help you understand your relationship dynamics and make informed decisions. We work to create a safe, balanced environment where both partners feel heard. We don’t tell couples whether to stay together or break up—we help you gain the clarity and skills to make that decision for yourselves.

What if one of us doesn’t want to be there?

It’s completely normal for one partner to be more hesitant about therapy than the other. We’re experienced at working with couples where one person is skeptical or reluctant. Often the hesitant partner becomes more engaged once they see that therapy is a safe space and that we’re not there to blame anyone.

Specific Situations

Can you help with communication problems?

Yes, communication issues are one of the most common reasons couples seek therapy. We teach specific, practical communication skills that reduce conflict and increase understanding. You’ll learn how to express needs without criticism, listen effectively, and de-escalate arguments.

We’re not married – can we still come to couples therapy?

Absolutely. You don’t need to be married to benefit from couples therapy. We work with couples at all stages of relationships—dating, engaged, cohabiting, married, or in non-traditional relationship structures.

What if we argue a lot during sessions?

Arguments in session can actually be helpful—they show us your real patterns and give us opportunities to intervene in real-time. We’ll help you learn to argue more constructively and break negative cycles. Therapy provides a safe space to address conflicts with professional guidance.

Can therapy help if we feel more like roommates than partners?

Yes. Many couples come to us feeling disconnected, like they’ve lost the spark or intimacy in their relationship. We help you understand what led to this distance and work on rebuilding emotional and physical connection.

Is it too late for couples therapy?

It’s rarely too late if both partners are willing to try. However, earlier is generally better. If you’re noticing problems, don’t wait for a crisis. That said, we’ve helped many couples who thought their relationship was beyond repair discover new ways to connect and heal.

Getting the Most from Therapy

How can we make therapy more effective?

The couples who get the most from therapy are those who:

• Attend sessions consistently
• Do any suggested homework or exercises between sessions
• Come with openness to examining their own behavior
• Practice new skills outside of therapy
• Communicate honestly with their therapist
• Give the process time—meaningful change rarely happens overnight

What if I’m not sure therapy will help?

That’s a completely normal concern. We suggest trying at least 4-6 sessions before making a judgment. This gives you enough time to get past the initial assessment phase and start working on actual changes. Many skeptical partners find that therapy is different (and more helpful) than they expected.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.