Relationship Renewal & Growth
Expert Couples Counseling to Strengthen Your Connection
We all long for deeper connections with our partners, but sometimes patterns of communication or unresolved issues can create distance instead. Our couples therapists are trained in proven approaches that help rebuild trust, improve communication, and renew the connection that brought you together.
Couples therapy can help with:
- Communication breakdowns
- Recurring conflicts
- Trust issues and infidelity recovery
- Intimacy challenges
- Parenting differences
- Premarital counseling
Using methods like the Gottman Approach and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we help couples identify negative patterns and develop new ways of connecting that foster security and understanding.
Your Couples Counseling Journey
What to Expect in Couples Therapy
Initial Assessment and Goal Setting
Your couples therapy journey begins with an initial session where both partners meet with your therapist to discuss current challenges and goals. We’ll explore your relationship history, communication patterns, and areas where you feel stuck. This first phase is about understanding your unique dynamics and creating a roadmap for therapy that addresses your specific needs.
Skill Building and Pattern Recognition
In the following sessions, we’ll explore relationship patterns, communication styles, and underlying needs that may be going unmet. Unlike individual therapy, couples therapy involves active participation from both partners, with your therapist serving as a neutral guide through difficult conversations. We’ll introduce specific techniques to practice both during sessions and at home, helping you build skills that extend beyond the therapy room.
Integration and Maintenance
As you progress, we’ll help you integrate new communication and connection skills into your daily interactions. You’ll learn to recognize old patterns before they escalate and implement healthier alternatives. Couples attend weekly sessions, the timeline varies based on your specific needs and progress. Throughout the process, we’ll regularly assess how therapy is helping and adjust our approach as needed.
Related Services & Approaches
Related Relationship Services at Renewed Stories
Many couples find that complementary approaches can enhance their counseling experience. The relationship skills learned in couples therapy often connect with other services we offer, creating a comprehensive approach to emotional and relational wellbeing.
- Individual Therapy – Sometimes addressing personal challenges can strengthen your capacity for healthy relationships
- Family Therapy – For couples with children, addressing the entire family system can create lasting positive change
- Pre-marital Counseling – Building a strong foundation before marriage
- Sex Therapy – Addressing intimate relationship concerns in a safe, professional environment
- Therapy for Infidelity Recovery – Specialized support for rebuilding trust after betrayal
Our Couples Counseling Specialists
Tegan Brindley
LMCHA, LMFTA, NCC
I'm passionate about supporting people through life's varied challenges—whether you're navigating difficult transitions, relationship problems, overcoming trauma, managing anxiety or depression, or seeking greater self-awareness. Using person-centered, emotionally focused approaches, I create a space where you can explore your experiences and develop tools to thrive in all areas of life.
Bill Frye
LMFT
I specialize in helping couples rebuild connection when communication has broken down. I also have expertise guiding couples through the difficult decision of whether to sustain or end their relationship. Using Gottman Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), I work with challenging issues including sexual addictions, infidelity, and developing effective co-parenting strategies. For individuals, I provide sand tray therapy for children and LifeSpan Integration therapy for those working through past trauma. Trained in Gottman Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), I have extensive experience guiding couples through challenging issues, including sexual addictions and infidelity. I see individuals on a limited basis offering sand tray therapy for children and LifeSpan Integration therapy for those working through past trauma.
Annie Gerut
LMHCA
I will tailor counseling methods to align with what works best for you, ensuring personalized support for your growth and progress. I take a collaborative, relational approach, drawing from Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Strength-Based therapy, all grounded in attachment theory.
Caitlin Hill
LMFTA
Human beings share an intrinsic need for connection, understanding, and meaning through our relationships with each other. When these bonds suffer from repeated conflict, negative assumptions, and misunderstandings, it can leave you emotionally exhausted, caught in patterns of anger and resentment that seem impossible to escape. If you find yourself wondering whether you and your partner can truly know each other, or feel defeated by persistent disconnection without tools for meaningful change, you're not alone—and I'm here to help you rediscover the path to understanding and intimacy in your most important relationships.
Ian Redfield
LMFTA
Life's challenges can feel overwhelming when faced alone. As your therapist, I create a warm, non-judgmental environment where you feel safe and supported as we navigate difficulties together. Understanding that each person brings unique strengths and needs, I tailor the counseling process to support your individual journey toward achieving your personal goals and finding greater well-being.
Bonnie June Willey
LMHC, MHP
I have over 26 years of experience helping adults, teens and children in addressing their mental health goals. I'm licensed in both WA and ID and hold additional certifications and training in CBT for Psychosis, Trauma Informed CBT, EMDR, EFT, DBT, Adoption Support and Family Systems Therapy.
Triana Willmert
Pre-Licensed LMFT
I create a warm, inviting space where you can take courageous steps toward growth. I believe therapy should feel approachable and judgment-free—a collaborative journey where you can explore life's challenges exactly as you are. Whether you're navigating relationships, transitions, or feeling stuck, I'm committed to supporting you with compassion as we uncover your strengths and work toward meaningful change together.
Murray, Certified Therapy Dog
Registered Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
As a Therapy Dog certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Canine Good Citizen with the American Kennel Club, I work alongside Bill Frye, LMFT to provide comfort and grounding to clients experiencing emotional distress. When not helping clients, I enjoy swimming, playing keep away, snacks, naps, and making new friends. (Available exclusively with Bill Frye's sessions.)
Frequently Asked Questions about Couples Therapy
How long does couples therapy typically take?
Couples attend weekly sessions, the timeline varies based on your specific needs and goals. Some couples benefit from shorter, intensive work, while others prefer longer-term support. We’ll discuss a timeline during your initial consultation based on your specific situation.
Will you take sides or tell us if we should stay together?
Our therapists remain neutral, focusing on understanding each person’s perspective. We won’t tell you whether to stay together or separate—that decision remains yours. Our role is to help you gain clarity and develop skills to make informed choices about your relationship.
What if my partner refuses to come to therapy?
While couples therapy is most effective with both partners participating, individual therapy can still help you understand relationship patterns and develop new ways of responding. Sometimes, positive changes in one partner can influence the relationship as a whole. We’re happy to discuss options for your specific situation.
Do we need to be married to benefit from couples counseling?
Not at all. We work with couples in all types of committed relationships, regardless of marital status or length of relationship. Dating, engaged, married, or long-term partners can all benefit from the communication skills and relationship insights gained in couples therapy.
Is couples therapy only for relationships in crisis?
Many couples proactively seek therapy to strengthen an already good relationship or to navigate predictable life transitions. Couples therapy can be preventative, helping you develop skills before serious problems arise. It’s never too early to invest in your relationship’s health.
What if we've tried couples therapy before and it didn't help?
Different approaches and therapist styles work for different couples. If previous therapy wasn’t helpful, we can discuss what didn’t work and how our approach might differ. The fit between you and your therapist is crucial, and we’re committed to finding the right match for your needs.
How do we prepare for our first couples therapy session?
Come prepared to share openly about your relationship concerns, but don’t worry about having everything figured out—that’s what we’re here for. It can be helpful to reflect on what you hope to achieve through therapy and any specific patterns you’ve noticed in your relationship.
Is what we share in couples therapy confidential?
Yes, what you share in therapy is confidential with limited exceptions required by law (such as risk of harm to self or others). We’ll explain our confidentiality policies in detail during your first session so you can feel secure sharing your concerns.