https://briangirton.com/blog/ Practical answers about couples counseling and online therapy in Ohio. en-us https://briangirton.com/blog/does-couples-therapy-work/ Couples therapy can help partners understand recurring conflict, communicate more clearly, and rebuild connection. It cannot guarantee that a marriage will continue. A useful starting point is to agree on specific goals, ask how the therapist works, and review whether changes are showing up outside sessions. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://briangirton.com/blog/does-couples-therapy-work/ https://briangirton.com/blog/first-couples-therapy-session/ A first couples therapy session usually focuses on understanding why you are seeking help, hearing each partner's perspective, and discussing goals, confidentiality, and next steps. You do not need a perfect explanation or an agreed version of the problem. Procedures vary, so ask your therapist how the initial assessment works. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://briangirton.com/blog/first-couples-therapy-session/ https://briangirton.com/blog/how-much-does-couples-counseling-cost/ Brian Girton's posted self-pay rate is $150 per couples session and $135 per individual session, with a free 15-minute phone consultation. Your insurance cost may differ. Couples counseling is not automatically covered just because a therapist accepts your plan; confirm the service, eligibility, and your financial responsibility before booking. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://briangirton.com/blog/how-much-does-couples-counseling-cost/ https://briangirton.com/blog/can-couples-therapy-save-a-marriage/ Couples therapy may help a distressed marriage, even when problems have lasted a long time, but it cannot guarantee reconciliation. The important questions are whether joint work is safe, whether both partners will engage honestly, and what each person wants. Sometimes counseling helps partners repair; sometimes it helps clarify a decision to separate. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://briangirton.com/blog/can-couples-therapy-save-a-marriage/ https://briangirton.com/blog/how-long-does-couples-therapy-take/ There is no fixed number of couples therapy sessions that fits every relationship. Treatment length depends on your goals, the problems involved, safety, appointment frequency, and progress between visits. Ask for an initial plan and a specific point to review whether counseling is helping, rather than a guaranteed finish date. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://briangirton.com/blog/how-long-does-couples-therapy-take/ https://briangirton.com/blog/premarital-counseling/ You do not need to be in a relationship crisis to seek counseling before marriage. Premarital work can provide space to discuss expectations, practice communication, and identify differences that deserve attention. It cannot guarantee a lasting marriage, and any serious safety concerns need individual assessment rather than routine joint exercises. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://briangirton.com/blog/premarital-counseling/ https://briangirton.com/blog/partner-does-not-want-couples-therapy/ Ask what concerns your partner has, explain the specific change you hope counseling could support, and make an invitation without threats or pressure. You cannot make someone participate honestly. Individual therapy may help you clarify your needs and choices if your partner declines, especially when joint conversations do not feel safe. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://briangirton.com/blog/partner-does-not-want-couples-therapy/ https://briangirton.com/blog/find-a-couples-therapist-in-ohio/ Look for a licensed clinician with relevant couples experience, verify the credential with the appropriate state board, and ask about the approach, safety assessment, fees, and confidentiality. For online therapy, confirm authorization to treat people in your location. Both partners should have a chance to ask questions about fit. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://briangirton.com/blog/find-a-couples-therapist-in-ohio/ https://briangirton.com/blog/online-vs-in-person-couples-therapy/ Online couples therapy can be a useful option, and a small randomized study found improvements in both video and face-to-face groups without significant differences in measured outcomes. That does not prove the formats are equally effective for every couple or concern. Privacy, safety, technology, clinical needs, and therapist fit all matter. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://briangirton.com/blog/online-vs-in-person-couples-therapy/ https://briangirton.com/blog/stop-arguments-softened-startup/ Gottman's Four Horsemen are criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. The suggested alternatives are a gentle startup, appreciation and respect, taking responsibility, and calming the body before returning to the conversation. Start with one specific concern, name your feeling, and request a concrete change. These tools do not guarantee cooperation or make an abusive relationship safe. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://briangirton.com/blog/stop-arguments-softened-startup/