Improve your relationship and learn to communicate better

Relationship difficulties can often be a source of great distress. Couples counseling may be a good option for those experiencing increased conflict, problems communicating, or increased feelings of disconnection.

My work with couples is rooted in effective and scientifically-tested approaches for improving relationship quality, such as Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT). Together, we’ll work to identify key differences and similarities between partners that may be impacting the relationship, understand each partner’s emotional sensitivities, what stressors contribute to relationship difficulties, and identify problematic communication patterns.

Couples counseling then focuses on practicing acceptance and understanding of the difficulties, leveraging strengths, and learning to make positive changes to the relationship. My approach is results-oriented and I work collaboratively with couples to focus on and achieve their goals.

Good to know

  • One session lasts 60 minutes.

  • I see couples online or in person at my practice in Bern.

  • The total price for the assessment (3 sessions) is 545 CHF. Afterwards, couples counseling sessions are CHF 240 each. I provide a sliding scale for a few clients who are in great financial need. If finances are a barrier, please discuss this with me.

  • Length of counseling varies and depends on a couple’s specific concerns and goals. However, my approach is time-limited and is not intended to last years. Often, couples see real gains and improvements within 15-30 weekly sessions.

  • Online sessions are conducted via a secure and encrypted HIPAA compliant video-conferencing service.

  • This is a private pay practice. As such, I am not able to accept health insurance.

What to expect

Free 10 minute phone call

Prior to meeting, we will have a free, brief phone conversation (~10 minutes) for introductions, to provide some initial orientation, and to schedule our first session.

Assessment

Each couples counseling begins with a thorough assessment of the relationship’s difficulties and strengths. The assessment phase takes place over 3 sessions and the purpose is to gain a deep understanding of the relationship that will then guide treatment goals. It also provides couples with an opportunity to get to know how I work and determine whether I am a good fit for their needs and whether they want to pursue counseling.

The assessment includes session time with both partners together, some time to meet with each partner individually, and the use of scientifically-backed questionnaires that provide additional important information. At the end of the assessment phase, I provide clients with feedback and suggest concrete directions for how to address the difficulties they are facing in couples counseling.

Weekly Sessions

During the counseling phase of couples counseling (typically between 12-25 sessions), sessions are guided by the insights gained from the assessment phase. Together, we examine recent incidents and interactions in a couple’s life (both positive and negative), and try to understand them better using what was learned from the assessment. Couples then learn and use acceptance and change strategies to collaboratively address their relationship difficulties. As a couples counselor, my role is to help couples engage with their difficulties rather than avoid them. However, within weeks, couples typically become more skilled at navigating these challenges on their own.

I am taking clients for online telehealth appointments and in-person sessions at my practice in Stettlen, Bern.

This is a private pay practice and I am not able to accept health insurance. Depending on your insurance, your treatment may be reimbursed and I can provide documentation for you to provide to your insurer. Ultimately, clients are responsible for payments of all fees for services.