Couples therapy
For two people who have been together a long time
Abide sees couples married fifteen years or more, in the office in Holladay or by video.
You may have raised children together, built a business or a career, buried parents, moved house more than once. Couples therapy at Abide starts from that history, not from a blank page.
What sessions look like
Three people, eighty minutes
You talk, Louise guides
Each of you has time to speak. Louise slows the conversation down so that each of you can say what you need and the other can hear it.
No sides
Louise does not take sides, and she does not keep secrets between the two of you.
One thing at a time
Most couples bring more than one thing. Louise helps you choose where to start, and you can change your mind.
The method, and what this is not
How it is done, and what it is not
The method
Most sessions follow emotionally focused couples therapy, a method taught through the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy. It looks at the pattern between the two of you rather than at who is right.
What this is not
It is not individual therapy, a custody or divorce evaluation, or crisis care. If there is violence or fear at home, couples therapy is not the first step; call 911 if you are in danger.
Length and frequency
Sessions are 80 minutes, usually every week or every other week. Louise sets the pace with you and does not promise a number of sessions.
How long a session isHow it is paid
You pay for each session yourself and get an itemized receipt for any plan that reimburses.
How fees work
Questions
Three questions about couples therapy
What if one of us is not sure about coming?
That is common. Louise meets with both of you from the start, and it is fine to say you are not sure. She will not pressure either of you to continue.
Do we have to agree on what to work on?
No. In the first session Louise asks each of you separately what you want from the time. You do not need to agree before you come.
What if we are thinking about separating?
You can say so in the first session. Louise does not decide whether a marriage continues; she helps you each say what you want and hear the other.
Ready to write to us?
Tell us what times suit both of you.