Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is couples therapy and how does it work? Couples therapy helps partners understand the patterns that keep them stuck in conflict, distance, or emotional shutdown. Instead of focusing only on communication tips, this work looks at attachment, nervous system responses, and unmet needs, so couples can create lasting change, not just temporary relief.

How is your couples therapy different from traditional couples counseling? Many couples counseling approaches focus on managing conflict. My work focuses on rewiring the patterns underneath the conflict. We slow things down, create emotional safety first, and help each partner respond differently at the exact moments where the relationship usually goes off track.

Do you offer couples work in Lexington, Massachusetts? Yes — Restoring Harbor Counseling & Coaching is located at 10 Muzzy Street in Lexington, Massachusetts and also serves couples virtually throughout Massachusetts and Colorado. Whether you prefer in-person sessions or the flexibility of telehealth, we make it work for your life.

What kind of couples do you work with? I specialize in high-conflict couples, parents navigating the added stress that children bring to a relationship, and BIPOC couples who want support that genuinely accounts for the fullness of their lived experience. If you've felt like generic relationship advice has never quite fit your situation, this work is built for you.

What is the difference between couples therapy and relationship coaching? Therapy often focuses on healing past wounds and clinical symptoms. Relationship coaching focuses on present patterns, nervous system regulation, and actionable change. Coaching is ideal for high-functioning individuals or couples who want results, insight, and practical tools and is available nationwide.

When should couples start therapy? Couples don't have to be on the brink to benefit from therapy. Many seek support when they feel emotionally distant, stuck in the same arguments, recovering from trust injuries, or struggling to feel like a team again. Early support often prevents deeper rupture later.

What if my partner is hesitant about coming to therapy? This is one of the most common things I hear — and it makes complete sense. Therapy can feel vulnerable, especially if one partner has had a negative experience before or isn't sure it will help. I'd encourage the hesitant partner to come to one session with no pressure or commitment beyond that. Most of the time, something shifts when they experience what the work actually feels like.

How long does couples therapy or coaching take? Every relationship is different. Some clients notice shifts quickly, while others choose ongoing support to create steady, lasting change. At a minimum, I see couples shift within the first six sessions.

How do I get started? The first step is scheduling a consultation to clarify your goals and determine whether couples therapy, relationship coaching, or dating therapy is the best fit. If you already know this is the right work for you, reach out directly to get on the schedule for your first session.

How much do you charge and do you take insurance? I am an out-of-network provider and my rates are listed on each service page. I use Thrizer to help clients access out-of-network benefits, and many receive 40–80% reimbursement depending on their plan.

Session Structure
Rates are discussed during the consultation call. Sessions have a 1.5-hour minimum to allow enough space for the work to unfold. Most couples choose 2-hour sessions, as the added time supports steadier pacing, clearer insight, and deeper connection—without rushing toward closure. Longer sessions are available for couples who want additional time to move through patterns with care and depth.

This work is intentional and immersive. It’s designed for couples who are ready to move beyond temporary fixes and into something deeper.

Why Work Outside of Insurance?

Working outside of insurance allows the therapy to stay focused on depth, pacing, and meaningful change—rather than diagnosis requirements, session limits, or administrative constraints.

This structure supports:

-Longer, more spacious sessions
-Flexible pacing based on your relationship’s needs
-A focus on patterns, connection, and nervous-system regulation
-Care shaped by what actually supports lasting repair

Therapy is an investment in your emotional and relational health, and this model allows the work to remain relational, intentional, and responsive.

Good Faith Estimate
If you are not using insurance, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate outlining the expected cost of services, in accordance with the No Surprises Act.

You may request this estimate before scheduling services or at any time prior to care.
If you receive a bill that is $400 or more above your Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the charge.

Learn more at cms.gov/nosurprises or by calling 800-985-3059.

Payment & Cancellation Policy
Payment is due at the time of service. Accepted forms of payment include:

-Credit card
-Debit card
-HSA/FSA card

A 24-hour notice is required for cancellations or reschedules. Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged at the full session rate.

Session Information

Insurance & Out-of-Network Care

I work out of network and do not bill insurance directly. Depending on your plan, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement through out-of-network mental health benefits.

For Colorado clients, I partner with Thrizer to make this process easier. Thrizer can estimate benefits, submit claims for you, and help reduce out-of-pocket costs when eligible. Use the widget below to get a personalized estimate and see what reimbursement may look like for our work together. Eligibility and reimbursement vary by plan. The below is set for two hour sessions.

Session Rates

Couples and individual sessions are offered at a rate of $200 per hour, with a minimum session length of 90 minutes.

This structure is intentional. Meaningful relationship work takes time—time to slow down what’s happening beneath the surface, to understand patterns as they unfold in real time, and to begin shifting them while you’re in the room together. Shorter sessions often only allow us to touch the surface; extended sessions create the space for deeper clarity, emotional processing, and real change.

Most clients find that the 90-minute format allows us to move beyond just talking about issues and into actively working through them. This is where the work becomes more impactful, more connected, and ultimately more transformative.

What is couples therapy and how does it work?

Couples therapy helps partners understand the patterns that keep them stuck in conflict, distance, or emotional shutdown. Instead of focusing only on communication tips, this work looks at attachment, nervous system responses, and unmet needs—so couples can create lasting change, not just temporary relief.

What is relationship coaching?

Relationship coaching is a forward-focused, skills-based approach for individuals or couples who want clarity, pattern awareness, and relational growth without a mental health diagnosis. Coaching helps clients understand how they show up in relationships and choose new, more secure ways of relating.

How is your couples therapy different from traditional couples counseling?

Many couples counseling approaches focus on managing conflict. My work focuses on rewiring the patterns underneath the conflict. We slow things down, create emotional safety first, and help each partner respond differently at the exact moments where the relationship usually goes off track.

How is relationship coaching different from therapy?

Therapy often focuses on healing past wounds and clinical symptoms. Relationship coaching focuses on present patterns, nervous system regulation, and actionable change. Coaching is ideal for high-functioning individuals or couples who want results, insight, and practical tools.

When should couples start therapy?

Couples don’t have to be “on the brink” to benefit from therapy. Many seek support when they feel emotionally distant, stuck in the same arguments, recovering from trust injuries, or struggling to feel like a team again. Early support often prevents deeper rupture later.

How long does couples therapy or coaching take?
Every relationship is different. Some clients notice shifts quickly, while others choose ongoing support to create steady, lasting change. At a minimum I see couples shift in the first six sessions.

How do I get started?
The first step is scheduling a consultation to clarify your goals and determine whether couples therapy, relationship coaching, or dating therapy is the best fit. If you know this is the therapy, coaching or intensive for you- please feel free to contact us directly to get on the schedule for your first session.

How much do you charge and do you take insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider and discuss rates during the consultation to ensure full transparency. I use Thrizer to help clients access out-of-network benefits, and many receive 40–80% reimbursement, depending on their plan.

Frequently asked questions