GOALS of COUple’s therapy

The majority of couples Dr. Sierra sees come to therapy because they are struggling to communicate effectively. There may be frequent conflict and arguments or there may be withdrawal and isolation in the relationship. Often, by the time couples come to therapy, one or both partners may be holding feelings of anger, resentment, betrayal, lack of trust, and fear that goes unspoken and unseen and therefore creates the need for protectiveness in the relationship that interferes with real intimacy and connection.

Most couples describe repeating problematic patterns that never change, mainly because they don’t consciously have understanding or awareness of what led to these patterns to begin with.

Dr. Sierra helps clients explore their attachment and relational histories to better understand their patterns of relating and to better understand their partner’s patterns.

Most couples Dr. Sierra meets with struggle to openly and directly communicate their needs, wants, and feelings and they don’t yet know how to resolve the disagreements that arise when their needs, wants, and feelings conflict. Thus, over time, partners find themselves feeling misunderstood, uncared for, disconnected, distant, and lonely or alone.

typical couples sessions

A typical couple’s session with Dr. Sierra is 90-minutes to allow ample time for both partners to describe their experience of the problems and situations that commonly arise. This also allow partners time to explore where, when, and how these patterns developed.

During this time, Dr. Sierra also facilitates guidance and coaching on how to speak and listen more effectively. Partners are shown how to communicate with each other more mindfully, openly, non-defensively, and empathetically.

Dr. Sierra integrates practical exercises like worksheets, role-plays, and guided mindfulness practices both in session and outside of session to help couples develop useful skills to create meaningful change.

Sessions also include practical guidance on how to repair ruptures, resolve resentments, reduce shame and blame, and engage in the process of forgiveness for past relational hurts, betrayals, or wounds that have not healed.

session cost

Typical couple’s sessions are $275 for a 90-minute session. Shorter 60-minute sessions are also available for $230, but couples tend to make progress quickly with the longer sessions.

Dr. Sierra does not accept insurance for couples sessions because insurance does not deem couples therapy to be medically necessary, which is the standard that needs to be met for insurance reimbursement.

What’s included in the fee

In addition to the 90-minute sessions, Dr. Sierra will cultivate and give you private access to a tailored collection of resources including worksheets, guided exercises, mindfulness practices, talks, and educational material that can be used in therapy sessions and outside of sessions. Resources will not only include materials that support the couple’s work as well as support each partner individually with any unique struggles such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, insecure attachment, anger management and substance abuse.