Marriage Counseling in Roseville: Transforming Relationships with Evidence-Based Approaches
Every relationship faces challenges. The ebb and flow of connection, communication breakdowns, and unresolved conflicts can leave even the strongest partnerships feeling strained. If you're experiencing relationship challenges, you're not alone – and there's a path forward.
I'm Audrey Schoen, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing specialized marriage counseling services both in-person in Roseville and online throughout California and Texas. With extensive training in evidence-based approaches like Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Brainspotting, I help couples identify and transform destructive patterns into opportunities for deeper connection and lasting transformation.
Understanding Modern Marriage Counseling
Think of couples therapy as a guided journey with an expert navigator who helps you and your partner recognize patterns, resolve conflicts, and rebuild your connection. It's not about assigning blame—it's about creating mutual understanding.
"I often tell couples that seeking help is a sign of commitment, not failure," I share with clients. "It shows you value your relationship enough to invest in its health."
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I specialize specifically in relationship dynamics. My approach is carefully designed to meet the unique needs of each couple I work with in a non-judgmental space where both partners can express themselves freely.
Common Relationship Challenges
Every relationship faces unique challenges, but certain issues frequently bring California couples to counseling:
Communication breakdowns often top the list—those frustrating moments when you just can't seem to get through to each other
Relationship conflict that leaves both partners feeling unheard and misunderstood
Intimacy and connection challenges creating distance, whether emotional or physical
Trust rebuilding after betrayal or infidelity
Blended family dynamics bringing their own complexity
Major life transitions like career changes or becoming parents
Conflicts with in-laws affecting the primary relationship
Research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of modern therapeutic approaches. Studies on Emotionally Focused Therapy show impressive success rates—approximately 75% of couples experience significant improvement in relationship satisfaction, with benefits lasting years after counseling sessions conclude.
Modern Marriage Counseling Approaches
The landscape of marriage counseling has evolved dramatically in recent years. Today's couples therapy is structured yet personalized. Most couples attend between 6-12 sessions, though this timeline adjusts based on your specific situation and goals. Standard sessions typically last 50 minutes, though I often recommend 75-80 minute sessions for couples to allow deeper work.
For couples, I recommend a minimum of 80-minute sessions, which provide the necessary time for deeper emotional work. Most couples benefit from meeting every two weeks, allowing time to practice new skills between sessions. This bi-weekly schedule works well unless couples are in crisis, in which case weekly sessions or an intensive format may be more appropriate.
To establish a solid foundation for our work together, I request an initial three-month commitment. This timeframe allows us to develop momentum, implement new approaches, and evaluate our progress. At the end of this period, we'll assess how far we've come and determine if continuing our work together makes sense for your relationship goals.
"The work between sessions is just as important as our time together," I often remind couples. "That's where real change happens—in your daily interactions."
Modern marriage counseling emphasizes evidence-based approaches with research supporting their effectiveness. Rather than just talking about problems, you'll learn practical skills and receive specific homework assignments to strengthen your connection between sessions.
Expert Approaches: Transformative Methods for Relationship Healing
When it comes to marriage counseling, I've developed a rich toolkit of evidence-based approaches. As the sole provider at my practice, I carefully select therapeutic methods designed to address your current challenges.
Relational Life Therapy: Restoring Authentic Connection
Relational Life Therapy (RLT) offers a powerful framework for rebuilding genuine connection in relationships that have grown distant. Developed by Terry Real, this approach helps couples move beyond surface-level communication to address deeper patterns.
RLT recognizes that many challenges in marriage stem from learned behaviors and family-of-origin experiences. By identifying these patterns and developing new ways of relating, couples discover more authentic and satisfying relationships.
Through the RLT process, partners learn to balance vulnerability with healthy boundaries. This therapeutic approach provides concrete tools for expressing needs directly while remaining receptive to your spouse's experience.
Brainspotting for Couples: Healing at the Neurological Level
As a certified Brainspotting therapist, I offer couples a unique approach to healing that works at the neurological level. Some relationship issues stem from deeper traumatic experiences that talk therapy alone struggles to resolve. This is where Brainspotting offers remarkable breakthroughs.
This modality works directly with the brain's natural healing mechanisms to process trauma that fuels current conflicts. A triggering interaction that once escalated into hours of conflict might become neutral or even an opportunity for connection after just a few sessions.
Brainspotting can be particularly effective for couples where one or both partners experience strong emotional reactivity, anxiety, or trauma responses within the relationship. By addressing these underlying neurological patterns, partners often experience profound shifts in how they relate to each other.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy for Rapid Transformation
As a Certified Master ART Practitioner, I've witnessed how Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) can transform relationship dynamics by healing the individual wounds each partner carries. This approach allows for rapid trauma relief when we access specific neurological pathways.
ART works particularly well in intensive formats, where couples commit to longer sessions over a condensed timeframe. Rather than spreading healing over months of weekly sessions, intensives can create profound shifts in days.
The scientific research supporting these approaches continues to grow, with studies showing impressive outcomes for both individual therapy and couples work.
Financial Therapy: Navigating Money Matters Together
Financial conflicts represent one of the most common and destructive forces in relationships. Financial anxiety often stems from deeper emotional patterns and family-of-origin experiences rather than just the numbers in your bank account.
In financial therapy work, I help couples identify their "money scripts" – unconscious beliefs about finances that drive behavior. These scripts often clash in relationships, with one partner perhaps valuing security while the other prioritizes experiences or status.
By bringing these underlying values and fears into the open, couples develop collaborative approaches to money management that honor both partners' needs. This specialized work bridges the gap between financial planning and emotional healing.
Intensive Therapy & Retreats for Accelerated Progress
For couples seeking accelerated progress, intensives and retreats provide immersive experiences that can accomplish in days what might take months in traditional weekly counseling sessions. These structured programs create a container for focused work on specific relationship challenges.
Whether you're struggling with communication issues, recovering from betrayal, or simply wanting to deepen your connection, I offer a diverse range of approaches customized to your specific needs. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I understand that the key lies in finding the right approach for your unique relationship challenges.
As a solo therapist specializing in couples work, I combine these evidence-based methods to create a personalized approach for each couple I work with. There's no one-size-fits-all solution in relationship healing – your journey deserves a customized roadmap designed specifically for you.
In-Person and Online Marriage Counseling Options
The evolution of couples therapy has opened doors that were previously closed to many. If you live in a remote part of California or Texas, or have a busy schedule that makes regular in-office visits challenging, you can now work with me from anywhere in these states without the burden of a long drive to Roseville.
Research has consistently shown that online marriage counseling outcomes for couples match those of traditional in-person marriage counseling. Reducing the stress of commuting and scheduling can make therapy more accessible and effective for many California couples.
Let's look at how these options compare:
Online Couples Therapy:
Available throughout California and Texas
Greater scheduling flexibility with no commute time
Participate from the comfort of your home
Requires stable internet connection and device
In-Person Marriage Counseling:
Available in my Roseville, CA office
Traditional face-to-face interaction
Neutral space outside your home
No technology required
Both formats are fully recognized under California law, provided I use HIPAA-compliant platforms that protect your confidentiality. Many couples appreciate a hybrid approach, where we might meet in person for particularly significant sessions while conducting regular check-ins through online couples counseling.
"The medium isn't the magic," I often tell couples. "What transforms relationships is the quality of our connection and your commitment to the process—whether we're sharing physical space or connecting through screens."
I've seen how online couples therapy can actually improve certain aspects of marriage counseling. Many partners find it easier to be vulnerable from the comfort of their own space. The screen-sharing feature allows us to review resources together in real-time, and I can send helpful materials with just a click.
The convenience factor can't be overstated. For parents juggling childcare, professionals with packed schedules, partners living separately, or anyone with mobility challenges, online marriage counseling removes significant barriers to getting help.
While technology has expanded access dramatically, the heart of effective marriage counseling remains unchanged—creating a safe space where partners can reconnect, rebuild trust, and rediscover each other. Whether we meet in my Roseville office or through screens, my approach remains focused on your unique relationship needs using evidence-based methods.
If you're wondering which format might work best for your situation, I'm happy to discuss the options and help you determine the approach that will best support your relationship goals.
Counseling Duration, Structure, and Investment
When couples ask me about what to expect from marriage counseling, I often explain that therapy is like a custom suit rather than a one-size-fits-all garment. The timeline, structure, and investment vary based on your unique relationship needs.
Most couples find their journey follows one of these patterns:
Standard Weekly or Bi-Weekly Sessions: My recommended approach involves 80-minute counseling sessions every one to two weeks. This structure provides sufficient depth for meaningful work while allowing time to practice new skills between meetings. I request an initial three-month commitment to establish momentum and evaluate our progress together. This approach works well for most couples, as it provides both the intensity needed for transformation and the space to integrate changes into daily life.
Extended Sessions: Some couples benefit tremendously from extended sessions over 80 minutes, which provide breathing room for even deeper emotional work without feeling rushed. This format works particularly well for couples with busy schedules who can't commit to weekly appointments.
Intensive Therapy Experiences: For those seeking accelerated change, I offer intensive therapy experiences ranging from half-day deep dives to multi-day retreats. These immersive formats can achieve breakthroughs in days that might otherwise take months in traditional weekly counseling. They're particularly valuable for couples navigating crisis points or those who've reached an impasse in traditional therapy.
When it comes to the financial aspect of marriage counseling, I believe in transparency. I recognize that therapy represents a meaningful investment in your relationship's future. I encourage you to reach out directly to discuss current session fees and package options.
As an independent practitioner focused on specialized services, I work on an out-of-network basis with insurance companies. This means:
You pay for sessions directly at the time of service
If your health insurance includes out-of-network mental health benefits, you may receive partial reimbursement
I can provide superbills with the necessary codes for you to submit to your insurance
Many couples find it helpful to check their insurance benefits before beginning therapy by calling the number on your insurance card and asking specifically about out-of-network coverage for couples therapy.
Maximizing Your Counseling Investment
Rather than focusing solely on costs, I encourage couples to consider these practical approaches to maximize their therapy investment:
Think long-term value rather than just upfront cost. Effective counseling that resolves issues efficiently can be more economical than months or years of less-focused work. When couples consider the emotional and financial costs of ongoing relationship distress—the investment perspective often shifts dramatically.
Use HSA or FSA accounts if you have them. Many couples don't realize they can use Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts to pay for counseling with pre-tax dollars, effectively reducing the cost by their tax rate.
Prioritize between-session practice. The couples who make the fastest progress are those who diligently apply what they learn between our meetings. This "homework" extends the value of each session and builds momentum.
Consider frequency adjustments. Some couples benefit from spacing sessions further apart after initial progress, allowing for more practice time while managing costs.
Counseling isn't just about fixing problems—it's about developing relationship skills and patterns that will serve you for decades to come. The communication tools, emotional awareness, and conflict resolution strategies you learn become lifetime assets that benefit not just your partnership, but your interactions with children, colleagues, and friends.
Every relationship deserves customized care. I invite you to reach out directly to discuss how we might structure a therapy plan that meets both your relationship needs and practical considerations. Your journey toward a more connected partnership is unique, and your therapy experience should reflect that.
When to Seek Help & What to Expect
Timing is everything when it comes to relationship healing. Unfortunately, many couples wait until they're in crisis before seeking professional support. Research reveals a sobering statistic: most couples struggle for an average of six years before reaching out for help. By then, negative patterns have often become deeply entrenched, making the repair work more challenging.
Think of relationship problems like a small crack in your windshield. Address it early, and repair is relatively simple. Wait too long, and that crack spiders across the entire surface, potentially requiring complete replacement.
"The couples who have the most success in therapy are often those who come in when they first notice concerning patterns, not when they're at their breaking point," I often tell clients during consultation calls.
Consider seeking help when you notice these early warning signs:
Communication breakdowns are becoming more frequent or intense
The same arguments repeat without resolution
Emotional disconnection has crept in
Physical intimacy has noticeably decreased
Trust issues are developing or worsening
Major life transitions are creating unexpected stress
Conflicts with in-laws are affecting your primary relationship
One partner is considering separation or feeling hopeless
If you're noticing any of these signs, don't wait until things deteriorate further. Early intervention dramatically improves outcomes in marriage counseling.
Your First Session: Setting the Foundation
When you take that brave step and schedule your first appointment, knowing what to expect can ease anxiety. Your initial counseling session typically follows a structured format designed to lay a solid foundation for the work ahead:
Administrative foundations: Paperwork, policies, and confidentiality agreements
Relationship history exploration: How you met, significant milestones, and the evolution of your connection
Current challenges discussion: What's bringing you to counseling now
Individual perspectives: Space for both voices to be heard equally
Goal clarification: Ensuring we're aligned on what success looks like
Treatment plan outline: A customized approach drawing from evidence-based methods like Gottman Method principles when appropriate
It's completely normal to feel nervous before your first session. Many couples worry about being judged or that their therapist might "take sides." Rest assured that as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I create a balanced environment where both partners feel respected and heard.
What if your partner refuses to come? While having both partners engaged is ideal, meaningful progress can begin with just one committed participant. As the saying goes, "It takes two to tango" – when one person changes their steps in the relationship dance, the entire dance necessarily changes. Individual therapy focused on relationship dynamics can still create significant shifts in your partnership.
Signs Your Counseling Plan Is Working
How do you know if your therapy investment is paying off? Look for these positive indicators that signal progress:
Communication quality is improving: Less defensiveness, more effective listening, and growing understanding
Conflict patterns are shifting: Arguments resolve more quickly and constructively
Emotional awareness is expanding: Better ability to recognize your own feelings and empathize with your partner
Reactivity is decreasing: Developing the ability to pause and respond thoughtfully during challenges
Positive interactions are increasing: More affection, appreciation, and enjoyable time together
Active engagement with homework: Practicing new skills between sessions
Hope restoration: A renewed sense of optimism about your relationship's future
Progress in therapy rarely follows a straight line. Setbacks are normal parts of the growth process. As your marriage and family therapist, I help you use these moments as valuable learning opportunities rather than signs of failure.
"The couples who make the most progress," I often tell my clients, "are those who bring both patience and persistence to the process. Relationships worth having are worth working on."
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Counseling
I've gathered the most common questions couples ask me about counseling. These insights come from years of helping couples navigate their relationship journeys.
How long until we see results?
The timeline for seeing meaningful change varies for every couple. Many partners notice small but significant shifts after just a few counseling sessions—perhaps catching yourselves using new communication skills during a disagreement or feeling more emotionally connected after a session.
More substantial change typically unfolds across 6-12 sessions, though this isn't a rigid timeline. What influences your progress? Several factors come into play:
Your history and challenges make a difference—couples working through years of conflict or healing from infidelity may need more time than those addressing more recent issues
Commitment to the process significantly impacts results
Consistency in applying new skills at home accelerates growth
The research on Emotionally Focused Therapy shows encouraging outcomes—about 70-75% of couples move from relationship distress to recovery, with benefits continuing long after counseling ends. Healing isn't linear; you'll likely experience both breakthroughs and temporary setbacks along your journey.
Will it work if my partner won't come?
While couples therapy ideally involves both partners, meaningful change can absolutely begin with just one person. When you develop better communication skills, learn to manage your own emotional reactions, and gain insight into relationship patterns, these changes create ripples throughout your entire relationship system.
I've seen numerous situations where one partner's individual therapy created such positive shifts that their reluctant partner eventually became curious about the process. As you become less critical, more understanding, and create a safer emotional space, your partner often notices and responds differently.
Individual work can also help you gain clarity about your relationship needs and boundaries, whether your partner ultimately participates or not. This self-understanding is valuable regardless of your relationship's future direction.
How do online couples therapy sessions work?
Online couples counseling uses secure, HIPAA-compliant video platforms to connect you and your partner with me from the comfort of your home. Many couples find that online couples therapy offers several advantages:
Convenience: No commute time means it's easier to fit sessions into busy schedules
Comfort: Being in your own space can sometimes make vulnerable conversations easier
Flexibility: Partners in different locations can still attend therapy together
Consistency: Weather, traffic, or minor illnesses won't interrupt your progress
During online couples counseling, we'll work on the same evidence-based approaches used in in-person sessions. The format may be different, but the goals and outcomes remain the same—helping you create a stronger, more connected relationship.
Additional Services: Supporting the Whole Person
In addition to my couples therapy work, I offer several specialized services that support individuals in their personal growth journeys:
Individual Therapy for Relationship Issues
While working with couples is my primary focus, I also provide individual therapy for those wanting to address personal challenges that impact their relationships. This work can help with:
Self-criticism and self-doubt
Anxiety and perfectionism
People-pleasing tendencies
Processing trauma that affects current relationships
Building healthier boundaries
Reducing emotional reactivity
Therapist Business Coaching
As a successful solo practitioner, I also offer business coaching specifically for therapists looking to build thriving private practices. If you're a mental health professional seeking guidance on practice development, please reach out to learn more about this specialized service.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Stronger Relationship
Relationships are beautiful, complex journeys that sometimes need a little guidance along the way. Whether you're struggling with communication issues, healing from betrayal, navigating major life transitions, or simply wanting to strengthen your bond, professional support can make all the difference.
The evidence-based approaches we've discussed—from Relational Life Therapy to Brainspotting to Accelerated Resolution Therapy—provide clear pathways to relationship renewal. I've witnessed how couples can break free from destructive patterns that once seemed impossible to change. The moment when partners truly see and understand each other—often for the first time in years—is nothing short of transformative.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Roseville and online throughout California and Texas, I bring specialized training in powerful approaches designed to create meaningful change efficiently. My background as a Certified Master ART Practitioner and certified Brainspotting therapist allows me to offer couples unique tools that often work more quickly than traditional talk therapy alone.
What makes my approach different is the understanding that no two relationships are identical. I tailor my methods to your specific situation, whether that means traditional weekly counseling sessions or intensive formats designed for accelerated progress. Some couples benefit most from structured communication exercises, while others need deeper emotional processing work—and many need a thoughtful combination of both.
The goal always remains the same: creating a secure, connected partnership where both individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. A relationship where conflicts become opportunities for growth rather than threats to your bond. A partnership that supports rather than hinders your individual growth and shared dreams.
If you're feeling stuck in painful patterns, know that change is possible. If arguments leave you feeling more distant rather than more connected, there are concrete skills you can learn. If past hurts continue to affect your present relationship, healing is within reach.
Taking that first step can feel daunting, but reaching out for professional support is an act of courage and hope. It's an investment in not just your relationship, but in your overall wellbeing and future happiness.
I invite you to take that step today. Reach out to start a conversation about how we might work together to create the relationship you truly desire and deserve. Whether you choose in-person marriage counseling in Roseville or online couples therapy throughout California or Texas, the path to a stronger relationship begins with a single step.