Couples and Relationship Therapy

Couples Therapy—also known as marriage counseling or relationship counseling—is a supportive and structured process designed to help partners strengthen their connection, improve communication, and resolve conflicts. Many challenges in relationships stem from miscommunication, misunderstandings, or unmet emotional needs, and couples therapy provides a safe space to explore and address those issues together.

As your therapist, my role is to create an open, nonjudgmental environment where you and your partner(s) can speak honestly, listen deeply, and begin to shift the patterns that may be keeping you stuck. While sessions typically involve both partners, individual sessions may also be included when helpful.

A common goal for many couples who come to see me is to improve communication. This includes learning how to express yourself clearly and authentically while also listening with empathy and curiosity. I often teach practical communication tools such as active listening, mirroring, and paraphrasing, which can help each partner feel seen, heard, and understood. These techniques support mutual validation and lay the foundation for working toward shared goals.

Conflict is another area we often focus on. I guide couples in learning healthy ways to navigate disagreements—through skills like compromise, negotiation, and collaborative problem-solving. These tools can prevent misunderstandings from escalating and help couples find common ground even in moments of tension.

In addition to communication and conflict resolution, I aim to help couples develop a deeper understanding of themselves and each other. This might involve exploring personal values, core beliefs, and expectations for the relationship. I draw on a variety of techniques—including role-playing, visualization, and reflective journaling—to foster insight, emotional awareness, and connection.

While couples therapy isn’t a quick fix, it can be a deeply transformative process. Meaningful change takes time, but the benefits are often long-lasting. Couples I’ve worked with frequently report feeling more connected, more confident in their ability to communicate, and more capable of navigating future challenges together.

If you’re facing difficulties in your relationship, you don’t have to go through it alone. Couples therapy can be a powerful step toward healing, growth, and reconnection. I invite you to reach out and schedule a session—I’d be honored to support you on this journey.

I have received training in several evidence-based modalities for working with couples, and I primarily draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT)—both of which offer powerful frameworks for deepening emotional connection and improving relationship dynamics.

In addition, I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) for PTSD, a specialized approach shown to be effective for couples in which one or both partners are coping with the effects of trauma.

I also integrate elements from individual therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Narrative Therapy, which I’ve found to be highly beneficial in helping partners explore their values, understand their personal narratives, and relate to each other with greater compassion and clarity.

Furthermore, I work with couples experiencing challenges in the physical or sexual aspects of their relationship, providing a supportive and respectful space to explore these concerns and work toward greater intimacy and connection.

In addition to the areas mentioned above, I’m also trained to help couples navigate a wide range of underlying issues that often impact relationships. These areas of growth may include grief and loss, communication difficulties, infidelity, parenting challenges, sexual and emotional intimacy, addiction, and concerns related to religion or spirituality.

I’ve supported many couples in working through these and other complex dynamics, always with a focus on creating a safe, respectful, and collaborative environment. If you and your partner are facing challenges—whether specific or hard to name—please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be honored to support you on your path toward healing and connection.

Sessions typically last between 50-60 minutes. Couple/Relationship Sessions are $200. The number of sessions a couple can expect varies greatly and is dependent on a number of factors.

For Texas clients I take Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Oxford, United Health Care, and Oscar Health. For clients in Colorado, I take Aetna, Cigna, Oxford, United Health Care, and Oscar Health. I use Headway for my insurance billing. If you plan on using your insurance for my services please visit my profile there to get started. https://headway.co/providers/tim-parker

 If I do not take your insurance I can provide you with a superbill for consideration as an out of network provider. I cannot guarantee you will be reimbursed by your insurance company in these instances.

My goal in working with couples is to provide therapy that seeks what is best for the whole family. I do not find that my testimony in legal proceedings would be beneficial. I will work with couples who want to work together towards shared goals during the divorce process. If called to testify, the nature of our relationship changes and you will be required to seek therapy with another provider. My fees for testimony in legal proceedings are $750 per hour with a four hour minimum charge. All charges accrue at the hour increment.