DISCERNMENT COUNSELING - should we stay or should we go?

This is a unique service that can result in great insight and breakthrough in decision making for committed couples. If one spouse is leaning into the marriage and the other is ambivalent or leaning out (possibly contemplating ending the marriage) it is helpful to receive discernment counseling to sort out the problems and offer support as each spouse decides on the best next step for the relationship. Discernment counseling is typically 1-5 sessions. The first session is 2 hours and each additional session is 1.5 hours. There is brief and structured couple time along with individual counsel with each spouse. This is different from couples therapy because it does not aim to change or fix the couple's marital problems.  

free phone assessment: Each spouse receives an individual phone call to provide information about this service and determine if this service is a good fit to address the couple's needs and goals prior to scheduling the 1st session.

Full protocol lasts 3-6 sessions total

1st session (2 hours)

Subsequent sessions 2-5 (1.5 hours)

If you are interested in discernment counseling, please fill out the form on our contact page to get in touch for a free consultation.

GOTTMAN METHOD

Heal, Grow and Thrive Together! This service is for couples in which both partners are seeking help to heal and grow their relationship. The Gottman model of couples therapy is an evidence based therapy based on 40+ years of research and therapy conducted by Drs John and Julie Gottman. This service includes a formal assessment consisting of couple and individual interviews and Gottman Institute created and scored questionnaires. That information is used to create a treatment plan that guides specific interventions, activities, and resources that teach couples how to manage conflict, improve communication, build friendship and intimacy, and create shared dreams together.    

Free phone call or brief virtual intro is offered prior to scheduling the first session. (see below for private pay fees and the structure of the protocol / treatment process).

1st session (2 hours): includes an online Gottman questionnaire for each spouse and related couple's assessment summary, along with couple and individual interviews and creation of a treatment plan that is presented during the feedback session.  

Couples who have participated in discernment counseling often need only one 2 hour session for the assessment. Clients whom I have not worked with yet may need additional time. If any couple needs more than one session that would be discussed with them and an hourly fee would be charged based on what is needed.  

Feedback session (1 hour): The couple is provided with a summary of the Gottman questionnaires regarding relationship strengths and challenges. (Individual responses are not shared, only the overall view of the couple's relationship). This session focuses on a discussion of the treatment plan and other planning or couples therapy and any Q&A about this service and the couple's preferences for therapy. 

Therapy: After the assessment and feedback sessions are complete couples therapy begins. Couples choose the length and focus of their sessions. Sessions that extend beyond 2 hours are available based on a couple's request for "marathon therapy."  Extended session time and fees would be assessed upon this service request. 

If you are interested in discernment counseling, please fill out the form on our contact page to get in touch for a free consultation.

HOPEFUL SPOUSE COACHING 

Seeking hope and support? It can be challenging to desire to heal and grow a relationship when your partner is considering separation or divorce and is uninterested in participating in counseling with you. This service focuses on gaining personal insight about one's own contribution to relationship problems and steps to correct those individual problems. Clients are recommended to purchase and read The Divorce Remedy book by Michelle Weiner Davis while participating in coaching sessions to personalize the advice from this book and gain encouragement and support to make changes, encourage self care, and maintain realistic hope. This service is not for those who have psychological problems, need emotional support to make it through the day nor is it a  treatment for deeper issues (addictions, past trauma, etc). The typical treatment process takes about 1-5 sessions total.    

Free phone call is offered prior to scheduling the first session.

Clients choose the length of each session time based on individual needs/preferences.

If you are interested in discernment counseling, please fill out the form on our contact page to get in touch for a free consultation.

ACCELERATED RESOLUTION THERAPY (ART)

This treatment is interesting, creative, and full of insights, healing and breakthroughs. Eyes movements are used during a guided treatment process to help change negative images/memories, and body sensations. Clients are in control throughout the treatment. ART can help with problematic symptoms related to trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, learning problems, sleep disturbances, cravings, etc. ART is a useful individual treatment for those seeking healing and help for their marriage. The healing you receive for yourself can promote positive changes in your relationships.  

The typical number of sessions is 1-5.    

A free phone call is offered prior to scheduling the first session.

Clients choose the length of each session time based on individual needs/preferences.

If you are interested in discernment counseling, please fill out the form on our contact page to get in touch for a free consultation.

About Faith

I serve couples in crisis who are searching for clarity and confidence to make decisions about the future of their relationship; and those seeking couples’ therapy. I also counsel individuals feeling stuck due to trauma or other challenges. My clients are interested in turning towards solutions.

I am trained in evidence based, innovative approaches that offer new solutions. I offer Discernment Counseling for couples on the brink of deciding whether to divorce or restore their marriage, Gottman method for couples seeking improved communication, conflict management, and greater intimacy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma treatment.

I have a Master of Social Work degree and a Master of Education. I hold clinical social worker licenses in several states. I have worked in the social services field for over three decades. I am originally from the Midwest and now live on Whidbey Island in Washington State. Adoption, social work and counseling are my passion. These same areas have touched my own life.

I am a mom of two adult children (one who is biological and the other who is adopted). I had a long, challenging first marriage and received insight and breakthrough by seeking counseling. I am now happily remarried and together we enjoy caring for our sweet Bouvier dog (Remi), biking, traveling, enjoying a local beach, participating in our local church, and maintaining close relationships with friends and family. My individual hobbies also include playing the flute, reading mystery books, and fitness.

If you have relationship challenges or struggle with trauma I am here to help. I offer support, encouragement, and a positive regard that people can achieve their desired breakthroughs and sound mental health goals.