Couples Counseling & Marriage Therapy in Frisco, TX

Most couples don’t come to therapy because things are perfect. They come because they’ve tried everything else. The long talks that turn into arguments. The silence that stretches for days. The feeling that you’re living with a roommate instead of a partner. At NorthStar Counseling in Frisco, Texas, Megan Corrieri has spent nearly 20 years sitting with couples in exactly that place. This page covers what couples counseling and marriage counseling actually look like here, what they cost, and how to know whether the work is right for you. Every session is telehealth, so you can meet from anywhere in Texas.

What is the success rate of couples in counseling?

Couples therapy has been a topic of great interest over the past few decades as it has undergone significant changes. Marital counseling approaches in the past had a difficult time producing lasting results, with effectiveness rates below 50%, and the improvements that were seen tended to fade quickly. Fortunately, new approaches to marriage counseling such as the highly acclaimed Gottman Approach have been developed, resulting in considerably better outcomes for couples. NorthStar also reviewed outcomes among couples who completed at least eight sessions and received a formal discharge. Of 85 program completers, 77 were documented at formal discharge as having improved relationship satisfaction. Read the results, methodology, and limitations. So if you find yourself asking the question “does couples counseling work?”, the evidence is encouraging when both partners commit to the process.

Most common reasons couples seek counseling

Intimate relationships can be complex, and even the strongest partnerships can experience challenges. At NorthStar Counseling & Therapy, we offer couples therapy in a safe and supportive space where partners can explore their relationship dynamics and learn to understand each other better. Each couple’s story is unique, and the reasons for seeking couples therapy are as diverse as love itself. Despite the many reasons why couples seek therapy, a few of the most common challenges we see recurring continually in our community include:

• Infidelity or affairs
• Communication breakdown and conflict
• Financial difficulties
• Growing apart over time
• Issues with sex and intimacy

When to consider couples counseling

There is no threshold you have to cross before therapy is allowed. Most couples wait longer than they need to. That said, these are the patterns that most often bring people in:

• Arguing constantly, or about the same thing over and over without resolving it
• Feeling emotionally or physically disconnected from your partner
• Trust has been broken, whether through infidelity or something else
• One or both of you has started thinking about separation or divorce
• A major life change has shifted things: a new baby, a death, a job loss, an empty nest
• Sex or physical closeness has become a source of tension or has stopped
• You are getting along fine but want to build something sturdier before problems start

If several of these look familiar, it is worth a conversation. You can also read more on the signs couples need counseling.

Award-Recognized Couples Counselor Megan Corrieri

One thing to note regarding why couples seek therapy is that there are a variety of reasons beyond the obvious communication issues or infidelity concerns. Many couples might face challenges stemming from family dynamics, whether that involves navigating conflicts with in-laws or blending family units together. Additionally, health problems, both physical or mental in nature, can also put stress on a relationship, leading to the possibility of seeking counseling. There might be disagreements over relationship roles and responsibilities, such as managing household duties or differing approaches to parenting that could benefit from the help of a therapist. Further, differing beliefs and values, including disparities related to cultural or religious backgrounds, can also create challenges that couples seek to address through therapy. Work-related stress is another common factor that people turn to therapy for support with, particularly when work schedules and demands clash. Ultimately, seeking counseling as a couple can help address these issues, with the aim of improving the relationship and preventing a potential split.

How to improve your intimacy with counseling

Intimacy is usually the first thing people think of as physical, but it is broader than that. It includes feeling emotionally safe with someone, being known by them, and wanting their company. When one part of that erodes, the rest often follows. A lack of intimacy is one of the most common reasons couples reach out.

Counseling can help rebuild that closeness. In session, couples work on:

Reconnect Emotionally: Therapists provide a safe space for partners to express their emotions openly and without judgment. By sharing their fears, desires, and hopes, couples can deepen their emotional bond.

Heal from Past Traumas: Hidden traumas or past experiences can create barriers to intimacy. Addressing these head-on, with professional guidance, can help clear the path for a closer connection.

Improve Communication: Effective communication is essential for intimacy. We can help partners hone their communication skills, ensuring that they can share and receive messages in a way that fosters closeness.

Discover Shared Activities: Engaging in shared activities or hobbies is a wonderful way to bond. We’ll suggest new activities or help couples rediscover old ones that they can enjoy together, leading to moments of shared joy and increased intimacy.

Learn About Physical Closeness: While intimacy is not solely about physical connection, it certainly plays an important role. We can help partners learn about each other’s physical needs, boundaries, and preferences, ensuring that physical closeness complements their emotional bond.

Additional Tips for Enhancing Intimacy

• Make time for each other. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to neglect your relationship. Schedule regular date nights or simply make time to connect and talk without distractions.
• Be intentional about your communication. Make an effort to listen to your partner actively and to share your own thoughts and feelings honestly. Avoid using hurtful words or criticism.
• Be physically affectionate. Touch is a powerful way to connect with your partner. Hug, kiss, and cuddle regularly.
• Explore your sexual desires together. Talk about your fantasies and needs, and experiment with new things.
• Seek professional help if needed. If you’re struggling to enhance intimacy on your own, a trained couples counselor can provide valuable guidance and support.

Is marriage counseling the same as couples counseling?

Mostly, yes. “Marriage counseling” and “couples counseling” are used interchangeably, and the work is the same: both partners in the room, focused on the relationship rather than on one person’s diagnosis. The only real difference is who is asking. Married couples often come in around long-accumulated patterns, parenting, or infidelity. Unmarried and pre-marital couples more often come in around commitment, communication, or deciding whether to build a life together. Megan works with both, and the approach is tailored either way.

Marriage counseling is typically short-term and goal-focused. Most couples finish within about 20 sessions, with 12 being common, meeting weekly or every other week depending on what you are working on.

Is online counseling for couples just as effective?

Short answer: for most couples, yes. Research comparing therapy delivered by video with therapy delivered in person has generally found comparable outcomes, which is why telehealth moved from a stopgap to a standard option for many practices. It is not that a screen is better than a room. It is that the things that make couples therapy work, structured conversation, practicing new ways of responding, and having someone interrupt an old pattern in real time, translate to video without much loss.

Three approaches used with couples adapt particularly well:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT’s framework is both structured and pragmatic, making it a natural fit for online platforms. In an online environment, couples have the opportunity to engage in exercises, reflect, and even review sessions, a feature often not available with in-person meetings. Digital CBT sessions allow for real-time engagement, immediate application of techniques, and often the use of worksheets and tools that support the work between sessions. Research on CBT delivered remotely has generally found outcomes comparable to in-person delivery.

2. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT delves into the heart of relationships: emotional connections. When couples participate in online EFT sessions, there’s a unique layer of intimacy. Engaging from a personal space, be it their living room or bedroom, can often facilitate a deeper, more genuine exploration of emotional dynamics. This very essence of EFT, which seeks to nurture and fortify emotional bonds, is therefore enhanced. The digital format, far from being an impediment, can actually fortify the principles of EFT, fostering better understanding and stronger emotional ties.

3. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): SFBT is built around the concept of swift, positive change. The digital nature of online therapy, with its inherent flexibility, complements this approach perfectly. Digital platforms offer the feasibility of more frequent interactions, which means couples can benefit from regular touchpoints, ensuring momentum in their progress. As the name suggests, SFBT is about harnessing solutions, and the ready accessibility of online sessions makes this process even more streamlined and effective.

The clearest advantage is a practical one. Telehealth removes the drive, the wait, and the scramble for childcare, and those are the exact frictions that cause couples to cancel and drift out of therapy. Consistency matters more than setting. In practice, the couples who stay in the work are usually the ones for whom showing up is easy.

How Couples Counseling Works in Frisco, TX

Relationship counseling offers a platform for couples to navigate challenges and strengthen their bond. It involves a specialized approach tailored to the unique dynamics of every relationship. Here’s a more comprehensive look at how it operates:

• Guided Discussions: The essence of relationship therapy is facilitating open dialogue. Therapists, like Megan, create an environment where both partners feel heard and understood. By structuring conversations, therapists ensure that both parties express their feelings, fears, and desires without falling into the common pitfalls of blame or defensiveness.
• Building Trust: Trust, once broken, is challenging to restore. Relationship counseling provides tools and exercises that help rebuild and strengthen this crucial foundation. Whether trust was eroded due to infidelity, misunderstandings, or other breaches, therapy aims to repair and fortify this bond.
• Enhancing Emotional Connection: Beyond communication, emotional intimacy is the bedrock of any strong relationship. Counseling sessions often delve into the emotional disconnects that might exist, guiding couples towards rediscovering their bond and reigniting the affection and appreciation they once shared.
• Conflict Resolution Techniques: Disagreements are inevitable in any relationship. However, it’s the manner in which they’re handled that determines their impact. Therapists introduce and practice conflict resolution skills, ensuring that disagreements become opportunities for growth rather than sources of discord.
• Individual Growth for Collective Benefit: While the focus is on the relationship, individual growth and self-awareness are often emphasized. By understanding one’s triggers, emotional needs, and patterns, individuals can contribute more positively to the relationship.
• Setting Goals and Future Planning: Counseling isn’t just about addressing present challenges. It also involves setting goals for the future. Whether these are related to family planning, financial objectives, or personal growth, having a roadmap ensures the relationship continues to evolve and flourish.
• Support and Accountability: One of the significant benefits of relationship counseling is the continuous support and accountability it offers. Regular sessions serve as checkpoints, ensuring that couples remain on track, celebrate their progress, and address any new challenges head-on.

What therapy methods we use with couples

Most couples want to know what actually happens in the room, not just that therapy “helps.” There is no single method that fits every couple, so the approach depends on what you are dealing with. These are the frameworks that inform the work here.

The Gottman Method. Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman out of decades of observational research on couples, this approach focuses on building friendship and mutual respect, managing conflict rather than trying to eliminate it, and creating shared meaning. It is structured and skills-based, which suits couples who want something concrete to practice. Much of the work involves learning to recognize the specific patterns that escalate an argument, and interrupting them earlier each time.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT targets the thoughts underneath the reaction. A partner who hears “you forgot again” as “you don’t care about me” is responding to the interpretation, not the sentence. CBT work involves testing those interpretations against evidence and building more accurate ones. Megan is CBT Certified.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT works from attachment: the idea that most recurring fights are really about whether your partner is reachable when you need them. Rather than negotiating the surface argument, EFT slows things down to the emotion driving it, often fear or hurt sitting underneath the anger. It is well studied as an approach for distressed couples.

Imago. Imago focuses on how each partner’s early experiences shape what they need now, using a structured dialogue of mirroring, validating, and expressing. It is useful for couples who talk past each other and need a slower format to actually be heard.

In practice these overlap more than the labels suggest. A session might involve naming a pattern, testing an assumption, and slowing down to the feeling underneath, all in the same hour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Couples Counseling

How much does couples therapy cost in Frisco, TX? Sessions are $200 for 60 minutes and $300 for 90 minutes. We are out-of-network with insurance but provide a Superbill so you can submit for potential reimbursement. Many clients are surprised by what their plan actually covers.

Does insurance cover marriage counseling in Texas? Most plans don’t cover couples therapy directly. But if you have out-of-network benefits, you may get partial reimbursement. Ask your insurance provider specifically about outpatient mental health coverage for out-of-network providers. We handle the Superbill on our end.

What is the success rate of couples counseling at NorthStar? NorthStar has published an internal review of outcomes among couples who completed treatment. Read the results, methodology, and limitations here. Individual outcomes vary.

How long does couples counseling take? It depends on what you’re working through. Some couples see real progress in a few sessions. Others benefit from longer-term work. Megan will talk through a realistic timeline with you during your first consultation.

Do both partners have to come to every session? The short answer is yes, but every situation is different. Couples therapy works best when both partners are in the room. In some cases Megan may recommend individual sessions alongside the couples work, and she’ll let you know if that’s the right fit for your situation.

Is online couples therapy as effective as in-person? Research says yes, and so does our experience. A lot of couples actually find it easier to stay consistent with telehealth because there’s no commute and no need to find a babysitter.

When is it too late to try couples counseling? Honestly, most couples wait longer than they should. We regularly work with couples who come in already talking about separation, and many of them don’t end up there. It’s almost never too late to try.

Counseling Fees & Insurance Options for Couples in Frisco Texas

Counseling is an excellent investment in the future of your relationship, and we want you to have clear expectations before we begin.

Session Fees at our Frisco, TX Office:

• 60-minute session: $200
• 90-minute session: $300

Insurance & Reimbursement: NorthStar Counseling and Therapy does not bill your insurance directly. However, some of our clients in Frisco and throughout Texas utilize a superbill we provide them with for reimbursement.

A Superbill is a detailed receipt to make the reimbursement process straightforward with your insurance provider. We recommend a quick call to your provider to ask about your specific mental health coverage benefits and see if this applies to you.

For more information, see our detailed guide to therapy costs in Texas.

What to expect during your counseling sessions as a couple

NorthStar Counseling & Therapy can be a lifeline for you as a couple navigating the choppy waters of a romantic relationship. It’s a safe space to explore your relationship dynamics, learn to communicate more effectively, and resolve conflict in a healthy way. Therapy as a couple isn’t about surrendering to defeat; it’s a testament to your commitment to each other and your desire to build a stronger relationship.

During your counseling sessions with us, you can expect to:

• Identify the root causes of your relationship problems. Your therapist will help you to understand the underlying factors that are contributing to your conflict.
• Develop new communication skills. Your therapist will teach you how to communicate your needs and wants in a clear and assertive way, and how to listen to each other with empathy and understanding.
• Learn to resolve conflict constructively. Your therapist will help you to develop strategies for resolving conflict in a way that is fair and respectful to both partners.
• Build a stronger connection. Your therapist will help you to identify and nurture the strengths of your relationship, and to overcome the challenges that you face together.

Our expectation of you during therapy sessions is:

• Active participation. Both of you engaging, not one person reporting while the other waits for it to be over.
• Openness. Being willing to say the uncomfortable thing. You do not have to do that on day one, but the work stalls if it never happens.
• Consistency. Showing up regularly, including the weeks when it feels like nothing is changing. Those are often the weeks it is.

Some of the engaging exercises you may be asked to do in session are:

• Communication exercises are essential in helping couples improve their communication skills. Examples of these exercises may include role-play scenarios where each partner listens and responds to the other’s concerns, using “I” statements instead of “you” statements when expressing thoughts or feelings, and actively listening to each other without interrupting or assuming what the other is saying.
• Role-playing exercises involve couples taking on different roles and practicing how to handle difficult situations in a positive and effective way. For instance, the couple may role-play a scenario where one partner expresses their emotions about a particular issue, while the other partner listens actively and validates their feelings. The exercise helps to promote effective communication, active listening, and empathy.
• Problem-solving exercises may involve couples working together to identify solutions to specific issues or challenges that they are facing in their relationship. For example, the counselor may guide them through a process of brainstorming potential solutions, evaluating the pros and cons of each, and creating a plan to move forward. This exercise helps to promote effective problem-solving, compromise, and collaboration.
• Emotional awareness exercises may involve helping couples identify their emotions and learn how to express them in a healthy and constructive way. For example, the counselor may guide them through exercises such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, or journaling to help them become more aware of their emotions and how to regulate them. This exercise helps to promote emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and self-regulation.
• Trust-building exercises may involve couples engaging in activities that help build trust and deepen their emotional connection. For example, the counselor may guide them through exercises such as sharing personal experiences or feelings, practicing vulnerability, or engaging in activities that require mutual trust and cooperation. This exercise helps to promote openness, honesty, and a sense of safety and security in the relationship.

Homework assignments the counselor may ask you to do between sessions include:

• Communication exercises. The counselor may assign communication exercises for the couple to practice at home. These may involve activities such as writing love letters to each other, taking turns to talk and listen to each other, or practicing nonverbal communication.
• Journaling. The counselor may ask the couple to keep a journal to document their thoughts and feelings about their relationship. This can help the couple gain insight into their relationship and can be a useful tool for tracking progress.
• Date nights. The counselor may suggest that the couple plan regular date nights as a way to strengthen their relationship. This can involve engaging in activities that they both enjoy, such as cooking together or going for a walk.
• Practice relaxation techniques. The counselor may suggest that the couple practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.

None of this is comfortable at first. Most couples find the first two or three sessions the hardest, because you are saying things out loud that you have been managing around for a long time. It gets easier once the pattern is on the table and you are both working on it instead of each other.

Individual therapy can help you as a couple

Couples therapy works on what happens between two people. Individual therapy works on what each person brings into the room to begin with. Sometimes the second one is what makes the first possible, and a clearer picture emerges of how personal history is showing up in the relationship.

Every individual comes into a relationship with a unique set of experiences and baggage. These can range from past traumas and childhood experiences to ingrained behavioral patterns and coping mechanisms. While some of these attributes enrich the relationship, others might unintentionally cause strain or misunderstanding. Individual therapy provides an invaluable opportunity for introspection and personal growth, which directly influences the health of the relationship.

Furthermore, as individuals cultivate emotional intelligence and self-awareness, they become better equipped to express their needs, understand their partner’s perspectives, and navigate conflicts more constructively. This personal evolution ensures that when both partners come together in couples therapy, they are not only working on their collective challenges but are also leveraging their individual growth to forge a stronger, more harmonious bond.

In essence, the combination of individual counseling services and couples therapy offers a holistic approach to relationship healing and growth, addressing challenges at both personal and interpersonal levels.

What prevents couples therapy from being effective?

The efficacy of therapy often rests on the foundation of openness, commitment, and the desire for positive change. Just as the adage goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink,” therapeutic interventions require both partners to be willing participants. Without a genuine desire for growth and understanding, even the best therapeutic techniques may fall short. Some common obstacles that may prevent therapy from reaching its full potential include:

• Reluctance to Engage: A key barrier can be a half-hearted approach. When partners aren’t equally committed to the process, breakthroughs are harder to achieve. A partner who is present in body but not in spirit may hinder the progress for both.
• Dysfunctional Communication Patterns: Deep-rooted negative communication habits can cloud clarity during sessions. Without the ability to convey feelings effectively or listen with empathy, achieving mutual understanding becomes a challenge.
• External Strains: Substance use, unresolved trauma, or an untreated mental health condition can overshadow the relationship issues and stall the work. These usually need to be addressed alongside the couples work, or before it.
• Misaligned Expectations: A misconception that therapy is a magic wand can set couples up for disappointment. Real change requires patience, time, and effort. Understanding that therapy provides tools rather than instant solutions is essential.
• Therapist Compatibility: The bond between therapist and client is intricate and vital. If any partner senses a disconnect or lacks trust in the therapist, it can hinder progress. It’s essential to find a therapist that both partners feel aligned with. However, it’s worth noting that sometimes initial resistance arises not from a true mismatch but from discomfort with the insights being presented. A competent therapist will skillfully build rapport and trust, guiding couples to discernment and understanding.

None of these are permanent roadblocks. Most of them can be worked on directly, as long as they get named early rather than quietly derailing things for months.

Does Texas require counseling before getting a divorce?

No, Texas does not require counseling before getting a divorce. However, the Texas Family Code does allow the court to direct both parties in a pending divorce to meet with a couples counselor. This is rare, but it can happen if the judge believes that counseling could help the couple save their marriage.

Why couples may want to get counseling before seeking a divorce

There are many reasons why couples may want to get counseling before seeking a divorce. Some of the most common reasons include:

• To try to save their marriage. Counseling can help couples to improve their communication, resolve conflict, and build a stronger connection. If both partners are willing to work hard, getting therapy as a couple can be very effective in helping saving their marriage.
• To make the divorce process easier. Even if couples decide that they want to get a divorce, counseling can help them to make the process easier and less stressful. Counseling can help couples to communicate more effectively, negotiate agreements, and co-parent effectively.
• To learn how to cope with the emotional and practical challenges of divorce. Divorce can be a very difficult experience, both emotionally and practically. Counseling can help couples to learn how to cope with the stress of divorce, make decisions about child custody and finances, and adjust to their new life as single parents.

If you and your partner are considering divorce, I encourage you to consider getting counseling before you file. Counseling can help you to make the best decision for your relationship and your family.

Here are some additional benefits of getting counseling before getting a divorce:

• It can help you to understand the reasons for your marital problems and how to address them.
• It can help you to develop a plan for the divorce process and to communicate effectively with each other.
• It can help you to protect your children from the negative effects of divorce.
• It can help you to create a new relationship with your ex-spouse that is based on respect and communication.

Even if you are certain that you want to get a divorce, counseling can still be helpful by making the process easier and less stressful for both of you.

If your partner does not want to go

This is one of the most common questions I get, and it usually arrives with some embarrassment attached. It should not. Wanting help before your partner does is ordinary.

Start by finding out what the actual objection is, because it is rarely that they do not care. Usually it is one of these:

• “Going to therapy means we have failed.” Plenty of couples come in specifically so that things do not get worse. Waiting until it is dire is the harder path, not the braver one.
• “The therapist will take your side.” A reasonable worry, and worth saying out loud in the first session. My job is not to referee or decide who is right.
• “It costs too much and we do not have time.” Fair. A free 15-minute consultation costs nothing and tells you both whether it is worth continuing.
• “I do not want to tell a stranger about our marriage.” Also fair. Nobody is required to disclose everything in session one.
• “You are going to talk me into a divorce.” Counselors generally do not recommend divorce. The work is about understanding what each of you needs and whether those needs can be met here. There are exceptions, particularly where there is abuse or a safety concern, but steering couples apart is not the goal.

If your partner still is not ready, starting individual therapy on your own is a legitimate option rather than a consolation prize. It helps you directly, and it often lowers the temperature enough that the conversation becomes possible later. Some partners join once they see that nothing catastrophic happened.

How to Get Started with Couples Counseling in Frisco

Taking the step toward couples counseling can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. If you and your partner have decided that it’s time for a therapeutic intervention, congratulations, you’re taking a proactive step toward a more meaningful connection.

Here is a straightforward guide on how to get started:

1. Schedule an initial consultation. NorthStar Counseling and Therapy offers a free 15 minute initial consultation or “meet and greet” session for couples to get to know their therapist and ask any questions they may have about the counseling process.
2. Set your objectives for therapy. What do you hope to achieve? Do you want to improve your communication? Resolve conflict in a healthier way? Build a stronger emotional connection? Once you know what you want to achieve, you can start to work with your therapist to develop a plan to get there.
3. Be honest and open with your therapist. The more honest and open you are with your therapist, the more effective therapy will be. This means being willing to talk about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, even if they are difficult or embarrassing.
4. Be willing to work hard. This is not going to be a quick fix. It takes time and effort to change the patterns of interaction that have led to your relationship problems. Be prepared to do the work, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
5. Be patient and consistent. Meaningful change takes time. Don’t expect to fix all of your relationship problems in a few sessions. Be patient with yourself and your partner, and keep at it.

Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of couples counseling sessions:

• Come to each session prepared. Think about what you want to talk about and what goals you have for the session. This will help you make the most of your time with your therapist.
• Be respectful of each other. This is and should be a safe space to express your thoughts and feelings. It is important to be respectful of each other, even when you disagree.
• Be willing to compromise. Just like life in general, it is not always about winning or losing. It is about finding solutions that work for both of you. Be willing to compromise and meet your partner halfway.
• Don’t give up. This can be challenging, but it is worth it. If you are committed to making your relationship better, don’t give up. Keep working at it, and you will eventually see results.

If you have read this far, you are probably already fairly sure something needs to change. The consultation is free, it takes 15 minutes, and it does not commit you to anything. You can schedule a free 15-minute consultation or call (214) 494-0737. Sessions are telehealth across Texas.

If you want to see what the research says about outcomes before you book, we publish NorthStar’s couples counseling outcomes along with the methodology and its limitations.

Sources:

1. International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT). Emotionally focused therapy.
2. Gottman, J. M., & Gottman, J. S. (2008). The Gottman method: A guide to relationship success. W. W. Norton & Company.