Frequently Asked Questions About Couples Counseling in Minneapolis
How do I know if couples therapy is right for us?
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Many couples wait until problems feel overwhelming before reaching out for help. Couples therapy can be beneficial if you're experiencing recurring conflict, communication difficulties, emotional distance, trust issues, infidelity recovery, life transitions, parenting disagreements, or simply feeling disconnected from one another.
Therapy isn't just for relationships in crisis. Many couples use counseling proactively to strengthen their connection and develop healthier patterns before problems become entrenched.
What can we expect during our first couples therapy session?
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The first session is primarily focused on understanding your relationship, concerns, goals, and what has brought you to therapy at this point in your lives.
You'll have an opportunity to share your perspective, discuss what's working and what's not, and begin identifying patterns that may be keeping you stuck. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where both partners feel heard and understood.
What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?
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Emotionally Focused Therapy is a research-supported approach to couples therapy that helps partners identify negative interaction patterns, strengthen emotional connection, and create greater security in their relationship.
Rather than simply teaching communication skills, EFT helps couples understand the emotions and attachment needs that drive conflict and disconnection. As an EFT-certified therapist, I use this model to help couples create lasting change in how they relate to one another. For more information click here.
Do you work with couples recovering from infidelity or betrayal?
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Yes. Recovering from an affair or betrayal can feel overwhelming and painful for both partners. Therapy can provide a structured process for understanding what happened, rebuilding trust, processing emotions, and determining how to move forward.
While healing after betrayal takes time, many couples are able to create stronger, more honest relationships through the recovery process. For more information click here.
Can couples therapy help if we're considering separation or divorce?
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Yes. Some couples come to therapy hoping to repair and strengthen their relationship. Others are unsure whether they want to stay together. Therapy can help you gain clarity about your relationship, better understand the challenges you're facing, and make thoughtful decisions about next steps.
What if my partner is reluctant to attend therapy?
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This is common.
One partner often reaches out first. Sometimes a hesitant partner worries about being blamed, judged, or forced to talk about things before they're ready. Many people find that once they attend a session, therapy feels very different from what they expected.
If your partner isn't ready to attend, individual therapy can still help you gain insight into relationship patterns and make meaningful changes.
Do you work with blended families and stepparents?
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Absolutely. Blended families face unique challenges that traditional family advice often doesn't address. I work with couples and individuals navigating remarriage, stepparenting, co-parenting dynamics, loyalty conflicts, boundary issues, and the complex emotions that often arise in blended family systems. For more information click here.
How often should we attend therapy?
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Most couples begin with weekly sessions. Meeting consistently helps build momentum and allows us to address patterns more effectively. As progress is made, many couples transition to biweekly or maintenance sessions.
How long does couples therapy take?
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The answer depends on your goals, the complexity of the issues, and how long the patterns have been present.
Some couples achieve their goals in a few months, while others choose to continue longer to deepen and maintain their progress. During our work together, we'll regularly discuss goals and assess whether therapy is meeting your needs.
Do you offer virtual therapy?
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Yes. I offer secure telehealth sessions for clients located anywhere in Minnesota, as well as in-person sessions at my South Minneapolis office. First appointments are generally conducted in person unless we make other arrangements.
Do you work with LGBTQIA+ clients and couples?
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Yes. Relation Works Therapy is LGBTQIA-affirming and welcomes individuals and couples of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures. My practice is committed to providing a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for every client.
Do you accept insurance?
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I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly.
Many clients choose private-pay therapy because it offers greater privacy, flexibility, and control over treatment. If you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide documentation that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. I recommend verifying your health benefits with your insurer.
How much does therapy cost?
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Couples therapy, first session: $275
Couples therapy, standard session: $220
Individual therapy, first session: $250
Individual therapy, standard session: $220
Other blocks of time are available and sessions are prorated. Please contact Lisa to discuss.
How do I get started?
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The first step is scheduling a free 20-minute consultation. During that conversation, we'll discuss what brings you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and determine whether we're a good fit to work together.
What is the best way to contact Lisa?
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Email is the best way to get in touch with Lisa. lisa@relationworkstherapy.com