Counseling for Couples

Are You Experiencing These Challenges in Your Relationship or Marriage?

• Do you feel disconnected from your partner, as though you’re living parallel lives?

• Are recurring conflicts leaving you feeling frustrated, unheard, or misunderstood?

• Have you experienced a breach of trust, such as infidelity, and are struggling to rebuild?

• Is the intimacy in your relationship dwindling, leaving you feeling emotionally or physically distant?

• Are external stressors, such as parenting or financial pressures, causing tension in your relationship?

Couples Counseling

Couples therapy is a collaborative process designed to help couples navigate challenges and strengthen their relationships. In Grand Rapids, MI, I specialize in providing a structured yet compassionate environment where you and your partner can:

• Develop healthier communication patterns.

• Gain deeper insight into each other’s needs, emotions, and perspectives.

• Address longstanding issues or recurring conflicts.

• Work toward repairing trust and rebuilding emotional intimacy.

This work is not about assigning blame but rather about fostering understanding and equipping couples with the tools to create lasting change. Whether your relationship is in crisis or you simply want to deepen your connection, therapy is a proactive step toward a more fulfilling partnership.

My Approach to Relationship Counseling

I bring over 25 years of experience and licensure as a therapist specializing in individual and relationship therapy. My approach integrates evidence-based practices with tailored strategies for each couple’s unique dynamics.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thought patterns that may lead to destructive behaviors or communication. For couples, this often involves uncovering assumptions or beliefs that hinder mutual understanding and replacing them with healthier perspectives.

Family Systems Approach

Understanding that every couple operates within a broader context, the family systems approach examines how familial and relational patterns influence your relationship. This lens helps illuminate how past experiences and current dynamics contribute to challenges—and how to overcome them.

The Crucible Approach

The Crucible Approach, inspired by David Schnarch’s work, focuses on differentiation—the ability to maintain your sense of self while deeply connecting with your partner. This method emphasizes personal growth within the relationship, empowering both partners to meet each other with authenticity and vulnerability.

By blending these approaches, I aim to provide a balanced, comprehensive pathway to healing and growth, equipping you with skills that extend far beyond therapy sessions.

Qualifications

Experience and Expertise: I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals and couples facing relationship difficulties. I have trained with two of the top clinicians in the field and have worked alongside my husband, Dr. Joseph Horak, who has extensive experience and training in the area of relationship counseling.
Confidentiality and Support: I prioritize your privacy and provide a confidential space for you to express yourself as I seek to understand you, not judge you. I will offer empathetic support, actively listening to your concerns and guiding you towards positive change.
Holistic Approach: I believe in addressing the root causes of depression, anxiety and relationship problems, going beyond surface-level solutions. My approach focuses on your emotional well-being, personal growth and developing healthier relationship dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions about Couples Counseling

1. How do I know if my relationship needs therapy?

If you’re experiencing ongoing conflicts, feeling emotionally distant, struggling with communication, or facing significant life changes affecting your relationship, therapy can help. Even if your relationship is not in crisis, therapy is a proactive way to strengthen your bond.

2. What can we expect during our first session?

Our first session will involve discussing your goals as a couple, exploring the challenges you’re facing, and identifying how therapy can help. It’s also an opportunity for both of you to ask questions and get a sense of how I work as a therapist.

3. How long does marriage therapy take?

The duration of therapy varies depending on the complexity of the issues and your specific goals. Some couples find meaningful progress in a few sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term work to address deeper concerns.

4. Will therapy force us to stay together?

Therapy isn’t about forcing decisions but rather providing clarity and tools to navigate your relationship. The goal is to help you both make informed, intentional choices—whether that’s staying together, working on reconciliation, or parting ways amicably.

5. What if my partner is hesitant about therapy?

It’s common for one partner to feel uncertain about therapy. A free consultation can be a helpful first step to ease concerns, answer questions, and help both partners feel more comfortable about the process.

6. Do you offer therapy for individuals experiencing relationship issues?

Yes, I also work with individuals to address relationship challenges. Whether your partner is unable or unwilling to attend, individual therapy can help you gain insight, develop skills, and make empowered decisions.

Take Your First Step

You don't have to navigate your struggles or relationship challenges alone. I can help you on your path toward a healthier self and healthier relationship(s). If you are ready to start your journey, text, call or email me to schedule an initial appointment.

Email: stephanie@drhorak.com

Phone: (616) 942-2327