Is your relationship stuck in a loop, with the same fights over and over?
Maybe this has led to bigger and more frequent fights, or perhaps the distance has grown and you've noticed yourself thinking about divorce. You may be feeling frustrated, or simply lonely. Perhaps you’re even feeling unwanted and uncared for. And even though you are both smart and successful people, you still seem to be stuck. You have probably tried everything you can think of to improve the relationship, and are wondering if there is anything left to try.
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Whatever it is that you’re experiencing, you’re beginning to notice the impact of this in every facet of your life:
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If this sounds like you, then you are in the right place.
Marriage counseling can help.
It may feel impossible now, but you can save your marriage. You can become emotionally close again. You can create relationship security. And I can help you get there.
Marriage Counseling helps you do 4 things:
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I’ll help through this process, tailoring each step to your unique needs and circumstances. My approach to marriage counseling comes from a place of hope: believing that neither you nor your partner are the “problem”, but that it’s simply the cycle or pattern you’re in that needs fixing.
In marriage counseling, you'll learn to communicate your feelings more clearly, and improve your ability to understand and empathize with one another.
What you will learn in Marriage Counseling with me:
My approach to marriage counseling is based on Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), which is the #1 research-validated relationship therapy and the ONLY couple therapy recommended by the American Psychological Association to help improve relationships. In Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy with me, we will do a thorough assessment of your relationship, discover your relationships specific strengths and area's for growth, and discuss what makes for emotionally secure relationships.
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We'll deep dive into:
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FAQ
I am committed to a non-judgmental experience. I look through a lens that honors what makes us human. We are relational beings, hard wired to connect. What makes us different is where we want to be especially open, curious and never presume we are experts. I welcome all, including sexual orientation, relationship status, age, race, disability, ethnicity/national origin, gender identity and religious/spiritual affiliation.
What are marriage counseling sessions like?
At this time, all sessions for Virginia Beach are online through zoom. In-person sessions will soon be available in Fallon, Nevada. Our first session will be spent getting to know one another, discussing what’s led you to therapy, and giving you an opportunity to ask me questions. Then I will meet with each partner individually to learn about each persons family history, relationship history, and your individual concerns about the relationship. After that, all sessions will be with both partners present.
Weekly counseling sessions are a combination of conversation, skill building, and communication practice as we talk about about your relationship concerns. We'll talk lot about feelings to help you communicate your feelings with each other in a way that will be understood. Through this process you'll be learning tools to use in your day-to-day life. If needed, I'll offer referrals to other disciplines, such as psychiatry, primary care, individual therapy, etc. Most of all, I will hold space for you both to practice open, honest, and kind communication.
Weekly counseling sessions are a combination of conversation, skill building, and communication practice as we talk about about your relationship concerns. We'll talk lot about feelings to help you communicate your feelings with each other in a way that will be understood. Through this process you'll be learning tools to use in your day-to-day life. If needed, I'll offer referrals to other disciplines, such as psychiatry, primary care, individual therapy, etc. Most of all, I will hold space for you both to practice open, honest, and kind communication.
What type of marriage counseling to you do?
I do a type of marriage counseling called Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) which is the #1 research-validated relationship therapy and the ONLY couple therapy recommended by the American Psychological Association to help improve relationships.
In Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy with me, we will do a thorough assessment of your relationship, discover your relationships specific strengths and area's for growth, and discuss what makes for emotionally secure relationships.
We'll deep dive into:
In Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy with me, we will do a thorough assessment of your relationship, discover your relationships specific strengths and area's for growth, and discuss what makes for emotionally secure relationships.
We'll deep dive into:
- Discovering the interactional pattern you have been caught in that keeps you feeling distant in your marriage
- Exploring the underlying emotions and longings that are at the heart of the cycle you are stuck in
- Changing your communication to be effective and clear communication
- Rebuilding trust in the relationship, especially if there has been a betrayal of some kind
- Enhancing your sexual satisfaction so you can reconnect in an intimate way
- Building a secure relationship bond in your marriage
- ... and so much more!
How long will I need to be in therapy?
I meet with clients weekly and each session lasts for 50 minutes. It is hard to know how long therapy will take as many things impact how quickly progress can be made. In Emotionally Focused Therapy, it is common for this process to take 1-2 years of weekly therapy. However, if you have experienced significant trauma, abuse, or betrayals in the relationship, this could take longer. I usually recommend that couples start with 6-months of weekly sessions as a trial period to make sure you are finding this therapy helpful.
What if I need to reschedule?
I work with couples on a weekly basis during a day and time that is reserved for you each week. You are financially responsible for the that time slot for the duration of our work together. However if you need to miss a session, I am happy to reschedule you into an open slot during the same week, or doubling up by having two sessions the week before or after your designated appointment time. My attendance policy is detailed in your intake paperwork and I'm always happy to answer any questions you may have.
How do I know if marriage counseling will work for me?
There are times when individual therapy may be more appropriate than marriage counseling. These times include:
- Couples in which one or both partners have an active addiction.
- If there is an ongoing affair that hasn't ended yet.
- If being in the same room for a long time is too triggering (potential trauma reaction) or you haven't been able to be in the same space without being civil in a period of time - this format will not be productive.
- If there is active intimate partner violence, this is not an option.
Do you take insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider, which means that I do not bill insurance. I am happy to offer you the necessary paperwork (superbill) to file with your insurance provider for possible partial or full reimbursement.
Please know that not all insurance plans offer reimbursement and that some may have a deductible or an allowable amount. It is best to call the number on the back of your insurance card and speak to a representative about what your specific benefits are. A list of questions to ask your insurance company can be found on the Counseling FAQS page. It's also good to know that insurance companies typically only reimburse if the client has a diagnosable mental health condition. If you have questions, I'm happy to talk this through with you at any time.
Medicare: Elizabeth Polinsky and Elizabeth Polinsky Counseling do not participate in any health insurance plans, HMO plans or panels, and cannot accept Medicare in any form. Clients of Elizabeth Polinsky cannot attempt reimbursement of services through Medicare. Services provided by Elizabeth Polinsky are not covered under Medicare and no Medicare payment will be made or accepted for any reason.
Please know that not all insurance plans offer reimbursement and that some may have a deductible or an allowable amount. It is best to call the number on the back of your insurance card and speak to a representative about what your specific benefits are. A list of questions to ask your insurance company can be found on the Counseling FAQS page. It's also good to know that insurance companies typically only reimburse if the client has a diagnosable mental health condition. If you have questions, I'm happy to talk this through with you at any time.
Medicare: Elizabeth Polinsky and Elizabeth Polinsky Counseling do not participate in any health insurance plans, HMO plans or panels, and cannot accept Medicare in any form. Clients of Elizabeth Polinsky cannot attempt reimbursement of services through Medicare. Services provided by Elizabeth Polinsky are not covered under Medicare and no Medicare payment will be made or accepted for any reason.
What are your rates?
I charge $300 per 50-minute session.
How do we get started?
Click on the button below to book your initial 20 minute free consultation to chat with me to see if I am a good fit for your needs. Then we can book a thorough getting to know you session, where we explore your unique issues and your hopes for therapy in more depth. I’m really looking forward to hearing from you!
As with any psychotherapy, results are not guaranteed.