Photo of Heidi Fraser, Licensed Professional Counselor in 49686, MI
Heidi Fraser
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CAADC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
Your pain does not define you. But, it sure does taint our view of ourselves. It's hard to see the best version of us. I would love to help you see how wonderful you are! I offer appointment times after work hours or on the weekends. You will find me to be a fun therapist who thrives on incorporating all aspects of emotion into her sessions. We may cry, but we will laugh too! We will take about fear, but we will take about courage too! I truly believe that the most change occurs when you feel like you can connect with your therapist! Give me a call and I'll get you in for an appointment as soon as I can!
Your pain does not define you. But, it sure does taint our view of ourselves. It's hard to see the best version of us. I would love to help you see how wonderful you are! I offer appointment times after work hours or on the weekends. You will find me to be a fun therapist who thrives on incorporating all aspects of emotion into her sessions. We may cry, but we will laugh too! We will take about fear, but we will take about courage too! I truly believe that the most change occurs when you feel like you can connect with your therapist! Give me a call and I'll get you in for an appointment as soon as I can!
(989) 301-4199 View (989) 301-4199

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Couples Counseling Therapists

Does couples counseling work?

Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.

When should a couple seek counseling?

Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.

How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?

The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.

How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?

The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.