Posts Tagged ‘marriage counseling reno’
Starting Therapy With Us: What to Expect?
Getting Started with Therapy in Reno: What You Need to Know
Are you thinking about getting started with therapy in Reno but feeling unsure about what to expect? In this video, Cornelius Sheehan, Director of Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, offers a straightforward introduction to the process. We want to help you feel more comfortable as you consider taking the first step toward therapy.
What’s Covered in the Video:
- How to Begin Therapy in Reno
- A simple guide to getting started, including how to schedule your first appointment and what happens after you reach out.
- Cornelius shares insights into how we match clients with therapists who fit their unique needs.
- Your First Session
- What you can expect during that first meeting, including how we focus on creating a supportive and nonjudgmental space.
- A brief look at how we work together to explore your goals and concerns.
- Who We Help
- Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress, or facing challenges in your relationship, therapy can help.
- Cornelius explains how our practice supports individuals and couples using approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
- Why Therapy Matters
- A candid reflection on how taking that first step, even if it feels daunting, can lead to meaningful growth and healing.
- Therapy isn’t about having all the answers upfront—it’s about exploring what matters most to you, at your own pace.
Why Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates?
We know starting therapy can feel like a big step, and we aim to make the process as welcoming and approachable as possible. Cornelius and the team at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates believe in meeting you where you are, offering evidence-based methods in a compassionate, judgment-free space.
How to Get Started
If you’re ready to take the first step, here’s how to begin:
- Visit our website to learn more about our services and therapists.
- Contact us by phone or through our online form to set up your first session.
- Let us support you on this journey toward healing and connection.
Watch the Video
In this video, Cornelius Sheehan answers the question, “How do I get started with therapy in Reno?” You’ll find clear, straightforward information to help you decide if our practice is the right fit for you.
If you’re exploring therapy and have questions about how it works, this video can help you get a better sense of the process. At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, we’re here to support you every step of the way—whether you’re seeking individual care, help for your relationship, or simply a place to talk.
If you’re ready to reach out, we’d love to hear from you. Give us a call at 775-235-2205 or send an appointment request. We’ll answer any questions you have and get you pointed in the right direction.
Will Our Relationship Counselor Tell Us What to Do?
Will Our Therapist Tell Us What to Do?
At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, we understand that considering starting therapy can leaves people wondering things like, “Will our therapist tell us what to do?” Our experience is that this is one of the reasons people don’t start therapy. They worry that therapy will be about the therapist’s agenda or the therapist making a judgement call. The short answer to this question at our practice is NO, our therapists won’t tell you what to do. Instead, we believe in a collaborative approach to therapy that respects your role as the expert on your own life.
Our team of therapists combines professional training with a deep understanding of emotional and relational dynamics. Rather than providing directives or instructions, we focus on helping you explore your emotions, thoughts, and relational patterns. This process allows us to uncover areas that might not be immediately apparent to you and to provide insights and perspectives that can support meaningful change.
The Importance of Therapy as a Collaborative Process
Every individual and relationship is unique. What works for one couple or individual might not work for another. That’s why our approach emphasizes collaboration—we work together with you to clarify your goals, understand your challenges, and identify the best path forward.
This means that instead of prescribing solutions, we’ll help you gain the clarity and tools to take actions and make decisions that align with your values and needs.
For example:
- We’ll work with you to uncover interaction patterns that might be keeping you stuck, such as cycles of conflict or emotional withdrawal.
- We’ll help you explore underlying emotional needs and fears, often shaped by past attachment experiences, and how they play out in your relationships.
Our Role as Your Therapists
Think of us as guides and facilitators. We provide the structure and tools to help you connect with your emotions and each other more effectively, but we won’t take over as decision-makers in your life. Our job is to present options, insights, and new ways of understanding, while you decide how to move forward.
For instance, our therapists might:
- Map out emotional patterns in your relationship to help you better understand triggers and responses.
- Guide conversations to create a safe space for expressing deeper emotions and needs.
- Introduce attachment principles to strengthen your bond and provide frameworks for connection and repair.
Why This Works Better Than Being Told What to Do
Lasting change comes from experience, not external instructions. When you’re actively involved in the process—discovering your own insights and solutions—you’re more likely to make changes that are authentic and sustainable. We create this kind of experiential therapeutic process.
We recognize that life is complex, and only you can fully understand the nuances of your situation. By focusing on your unique strengths and insights, we help you build the confidence to address challenges in a way that fits your life, goals, values and worldview.
A Safe and Supportive Space
At Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where you feel empowered to make the best choices for yourself. While we won’t tell you what to do, we’ll work with you every step of the way, offering guidance, tools, and compassionate understanding to help you navigate challenges and build a stronger connection with yourself and your loved ones.
If you’re ready to explore this collaborative approach to therapy, reach out to us today. Together, we’ll help you gain the clarity and connection you need to move forward. Our Care Coordinator is available at 775-235-2205.
Meet Reno Therapist Kim Crandell, CPC-I
Kim Crandell – Therapist in Reno
Kim Crandell is a Clinical Professional Counselor Intern dedicated to guiding individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges and transitions. Some clients have a specific preference for a male therapist in Reno, Kim can help. His expertise includes helping clients manage anxiety, loneliness, emotional stress, relationship difficulties, disconnection, and the complexities of retirement. Through personalized, client-centered care, Kim fosters healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being.
Kim integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)—a highly effective approach to relationship counseling—into his practice. For those seeking spiritual alignment, he also offers Christian faith-based support to complement clients’ personal beliefs and values.
Therapeutic Approach and Areas of Focus
Kim emphasizes the value of strong therapeutic alliances, which he believes are essential for achieving meaningful progress. By working collaboratively with clients, he helps them identify and break negative cycles, develop healthier behaviors, and foster lasting change.
He works with a diverse range of clients, including:
- Couples navigating relational challenges
- Adolescents and families addressing personal or family dynamics
- Executives and professionals managing stress in high-pressure careers
- Individuals facing personal transitions, grief, or emotional distress
Professional Experience and Collaboration
Kim brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, including serving as a hospital CEO, which gives him unique insight into the demands of executive roles. His deep understanding of leadership challenges and high-stress environments equips him to provide effective emotional support to professionals managing chronic stress.
At Relationship Counseling Associates, Kim works closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care, drawing on collaborative insights to meet clients’ unique needs.
Services Offered
Kim offers therapy to individuals aged 15 and older, with a standard session fee of $120. His services include:
- Individual therapy
- Couples counseling
- Family therapy
- Premarital counseling
- Parenting support and guidance
- Relationship coaching
- Professional development
Whether clients are working through marital conflict, career stress, family dynamics, grief, or personal growth, Kim creates a safe and empathetic space for transformation and healing.
Client-Centered Care Rooted in Attachment Science
Kim’s therapeutic approach is grounded in attachment science and guided by client-centered principles. His goal is to help clients develop self-awareness, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience, empowering them to build meaningful relationships through trust, empathy, and mutual respect.
Take the Next Step
Kim invites you to take the first step toward emotional well-being and relational health by following the link to schedule a free consultation. You can also call 775-235-2205 and learn more about working with Kim. He looks forward to partnering with you on your journey toward fulfillment, personal meaning, and deeper connections.
When Couples Therapy Misses the Mark: Why Some Approaches Can Worsen Conflict (and How EFT Offers a Solution)
Does Marriage Counseling Work? It Depends…
Introduction:
I read a forum post recently where the author was gathering opinions about, “does marriage counseling work?” My internal voice was, “well of course it does!!” But this isn’t always true: it depends on a number of factors. In this article I’m speaking to couples who are wondering whether marriage counseling works, and perhaps more importantly, whether it will make things worse. After all, if things are bad then at least doing nothing isn’t likely to make them worse, right? This is why I said, “it depends” in the subtitle.
In my years as an Emotionally Focused Therapist, I’ve had the privilege of guiding many couples through meaningful change and growth in their relationships. I’ve seen many couples reconnect and rediscover love and trust with EFT. However, I’ve also encountered situations where well-intentioned therapeutic interventions had inadvertently made existing challenges worse. Here’s an example:
I recall one couple, I’ll call them Sarah and Mark, who sought my help after months of behavioral-based couples therapy. They were nearing the end of their rope, their communication patterns mired in blame and defensiveness. Mark felt unheard and dismissed, while Sarah felt perpetually criticized. Their previous therapist had focused on instructing them regarding communication techniques, but this only seemed to intensify their conflicts. Each new “technique” became another tool for discord. Conflict began to center around who was at fault for not following the therapist’s instruction!
Sarah and Mark’s experience is unfortunately not uncommon. Many couples enter therapy seeking support, only to find themselves feeling more disconnected and discouraged. Our local Reno therapists, Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates, understand this potential risk.
The Challenges of Traditional Marriage Therapy
Often, traditional couples therapy can become mired in continually identifying problems and assigning blame. As Sue Johnson, the pioneer of EFT, aptly observes, “Many couples come to therapy talking about communication problems when what they really need is help with the underlying emotions driving those problems.” (1)
Instead of fostering understanding and connection, this approach can leave couples feeling increasingly isolated and misunderstood. John Gottman, a leading researcher on marital stability, echoes this concern: “Most couples therapy focuses on changing behaviors, but what really needs to change is the emotional connection.” (2)
Specific challenges of traditional couples therapy models include:
- The Blame Cycle: Some approaches inadvertently encourage partners to focus on each other’s perceived flaws, fostering criticism and defensiveness, which can further erode their bond.
- Surface-Level Focus: Traditional therapy may get caught up in the content of arguments, overlooking the deeper emotional needs fueling those conflicts. This is akin to addressing symptoms while neglecting the underlying cause.
- Neglecting Attachment Needs: Humans have an innate need for connection. When these needs are unmet, we often react with fear, anger, or insecurity. Traditional therapy may not always address these fundamental needs, leaving couples feeling alone and unsupported.
- One-Size-Fits-All Solutions: Many therapists rely on standardized techniques and interventions that may not resonate with the unique dynamics of each couple. This can lead to frustration and a sense of being misunderstood.
Does Marriage Counseling Work? EFT: A Path to Emotional Safety and Connection
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) offers a different path. It recognizes that conflict is often a cry for connection, a desperate attempt to get our partner’s attention and feel loved and secure. In simple terms, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples is a roadmap to understanding and healing the emotional wounds that cause conflict in your relationship.
EFT guides couples through a process of:
- Uncovering Hidden Emotions: EFT helps you and your partner identify and express the deeper emotions that are often hidden beneath the surface of your arguments. These emotions might be fear, hurt, loneliness, or feeling unloved. Once these emotions are out in the open, you can start to make sense of them and address them.
- Creating a Safe Space: Your therapist will create a safe and supportive space where both of you can feel comfortable sharing your emotions without fear of judgment or criticism. This safe space is crucial for healing and building trust.
- Understanding Your “Dance”: EFT therapists help you recognize the negative patterns or “dances” you get stuck in during conflicts. These patterns often involve one person pursuing connection and the other withdrawing. Understanding this dance helps you break free from it.
- Changing Your Steps: With the therapist’s guidance, you’ll learn new ways to respond to each other’s emotional needs. This involves expressing your own needs more clearly and responding to your partner’s needs with empathy and understanding.
- Building a Stronger Bond: As you learn to communicate more openly and connect on a deeper emotional level, you’ll start to feel closer and more secure in your relationship. Trust and intimacy will grow, and you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges together.
Does Marriage Counseling Work? Only if it gets to the root of distress
Think of EFT like learning a new language – the language of emotions. Instead of speaking in accusations and criticisms, you’ll learn to express your needs and feelings in a way that your partner can understand and respond to. This new way of communicating can transform your relationship from a battleground into a safe haven.
It takes time and effort to change deeply ingrained patterns. I saw this positive change unfold with Sarah and Mark. As we delved into their deeper emotions, they began to understand the pain and fear that fueled their conflicts. Mark realized that Sarah’s criticism stemmed from a fear of abandonment, while Sarah recognized that Mark’s withdrawal was a way of protecting himself from feeling hurt. As they learned to express their needs more vulnerably and respond with compassion, their relationship began to heal.
Very importantly, when Sarah and Mark found themselves stuck in their negative pattern at home, they had a strategy. They were able to slow things down and realize they were bogged down. This gave them an opportunity to regroup and talk in more emotionally vulnerable terms. Specifically, to describe how their respective criticism and defensiveness were reactions to feeling disconnected and misunderstood.
Conclusion:
Does marriage counseling work? Couples therapy can be a valuable tool for healing and growth, but only when it addresses the root of the problem: the emotional disconnection that drives conflict. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), as offered by practices like Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates in Reno, offers a roadmap for couples to navigate their emotional landscape, heal old wounds, and create a more secure and loving relationship. If you’re considering couples therapy, choose wisely. This article outlines questions you might ask a prospective therapist. Your relationship is worth it.
Citations:
(1) Johnson, S. M. (2004). The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection. Brunner-Routledge. (2) Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Harmony.
Will My Insurance Cover Therapy? A Helpful Form
Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates
Insurance Verification Form for Therapy Benefits
Why Verify Your Therapy Insurance Benefits?
A common question (view our FAQ’s here) we are asked at our therapy center in Reno is, “will my insurance cover therapy?” Understanding your insurance coverage for mental health services is an important step in making informed decisions about your care. This form will guide you through a conversation with your insurance company to help you understand your out-of-network benefits for therapy sessions.
Send us an email to receive a printable version of this form.
Before You Call:
- Gather your insurance card and any relevant policy information.
- Have a pen and paper ready to take notes.
- Be prepared to wait on hold or be transferred to different departments.
Call your insurance company at the Member/Customer Services line. They may ask for your patient ID number. Each insurance carrier organizes its phone menu options differently, but you should listen for the options of checking benefits and eligibility and checking mental or behavioral health benefits. If possible, choose to speak to a live representative. If this is not a menu option, you may be able to reach one by verbally asking for a representative or for customer service. You may be transferred before reaching the representative who can tell you your benefits. Note the date you call and the call reference number.
Client Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________
Insurance Company: _________________________
Member/Customer Service Phone Number: _________________________
Call Reference Number: _________________________
- Benefit Period: (The year your coverage is active) _________________________
- Out-of-Network, Outpatient Mental/Behavioral Health Benefits:
- Individual or Family Benefits (or both): _________________________
- Deductible:
- Individual: _________________________
- Family: _________________________
- Amount Met Towards Deductible:
- Individual: _________________________
- Family: _________________________
- Coinsurance Rate (Percentage patient pays): _________________________
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum:
- Individual: _________________________
- Family: _________________________
- Pre-Authorization Requirements: _________________________
- Claims Address: _________________________
Additional Notes: _________________________
Will My Insurance Cover Therapy? An Example:
Let’s say the representative gives you these benefits:
Benefit period: 9/1/15-8/30/16
Deductible: $1,000 Amount met towards deductible: $300
Coinsurance rate: Insurance responsibility: 60% Patient responsibility: 40%
Out-of-pocket maximum: $5,000
Explanation:
These benefits are applicable during your benefit period. This means that on 9/1/16, a new benefit year begins. The benefit year is important to know because it tells you when the accumulation towards the deductible starts over. Many insurance companies will tell you the effective dates of the policy before they tell you the benefit period. This can be confusing, because both of them are dates and may be given at the beginning of the call, but make sure you ask for the benefit period specifically. You can ignore the effective dates for this worksheet.
Deductible Amounts:
Often, a deductible must be met before reimbursement is possible. In this example, that means that the patient has to spend $1,000 out of pocket before reimbursement can begin. Insurance companies will reimburse a percentage of the usual and customary fee for a therapy session. They will not tell you the usual and customary rate, but it is determined by typical session costs in your region. Often, this rate is lower than the actual fee you paid for your session.
The percentage of the usual and customary fee that the insurance company covers is known as the coinsurance rate. Be sure to find out what percentage the insurance company will cover and what percentage you will cover after the deductible is met. In this case, the insurance company will cover 60% of the fee after the deductible is met. For this example, let’s say the usual and customary rate is $100. The insurance company will send back $60 for every session after the deductible is met. The patient will have had 60% of the usual and customary rate reimbursed.
Your Out-Of-Pocket Maximum
Your insurance company will put a limit on how much money you spend before they cover out-of-network mental health services at 100%. They will either limit the amount you pay out of pocket in general – the out-of-pocket maximum – or they will limit what you pay after the deductible as part of your coinsurance responsibility – the coinsurance maximum.
If you still need help with, “will my insurance cover therapy?” call us.
Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates
Relationship Counseling / Therapists in Reno, NV
Special thanks to my friend and colleague, Dr. Laurie Watson, creator of the Foreplay Radio Sex Therapy program.
Should We Do Relationship Counseling Now? Some signs that it might be time.
There is a lot of high quality self-help available for distressed relationships. However, some of the difficult issues people in relationship face benefit most by professional help. The question, “should we do relationship counseling now?” comes up and isn’t always easy to answer. In this blog post, I explore seven key indicators that might suggest your relationship is facing challenges. Identifying these red flags early and getting effective relationship counseling can be the first step toward healing and rejuvenating your connection.
Growing a relationship is one of the most fulfilling aspects of life. It is a beautiful journey, but not without its fair share of peaks and valleys. While it’s normal for relationships to encounter rough patches, it’s crucial to recognize the warning signs when things take a downturn.
7 Signs Your Relationship May Be in Trouble
1. Diminished Priority on Quality Time Together
In the early stages of a relationship, the thrill of spending quality time together is often incomparable. However, if you find yourselves gradually drifting apart due to other commitments or distractions, it’s worth taking a closer look at the health of your relationship. To be clear, life has a way of keeping us busy, but a consistent decline in the time spent together could be an indication of fading interest in nurturing your bond. That said, it’s crucial to differentiate between evolving priorities and emotional detachment.
2. Communication Becomes Stagnant or Scarce
Effective communication is the lifeblood of a thriving relationship. When your conversations start feeling repetitive, mundane, or infrequent, it may be a sign of diminishing emotional intimacy and connection.
3. Negative and Minimal Communication
Meaningful communication should uplift and strengthen your relationship. If your interactions are marred by negativity, frequent arguments, or criticism, it can slowly erode the trust and harmony in your partnership.
4. Conflict Breeds Resentment Instead of Resolution
Every relationship experiences conflicts, but they should serve as opportunities for growth and resolution. When disagreements persist without resolution and lead to lingering resentment, it’s an indicator of deeper issues within your relationship.
5. One Partner Voices Concerns
Often, one partner may sense trouble in the relationship before the other. If your partner expresses concerns or dissatisfaction, it’s crucial to take their feelings seriously and initiate an open and honest conversation. This is another factor in answering, “should we do relationship counseling now?”
6. One Partner Shows Reluctance to Listen
Effective communication involves active listening from both partners. When one partner consistently dismisses the other’s thoughts and feelings without a willingness to engage, it can lead to frustration and emotional distance.
7. Criticism of Differences Instead of Embracing Them
Our unique qualities and quirks are what make us individuals. When these differences are met with criticism rather than celebration, it can poison the atmosphere in your relationship. There are reasons this begins to happen in relationship and a well-trained, attachment focused therapist can help you understand and overcome.
Conclusion
Healthy relationships require nurturing, communication, and mutual effort. Determining whether you should do relationship counseling isn’t always easy. Recognizing these warning signs that your relationship might be encountering challenges is the first step toward addressing any underlying issues and rekindling the flame of love. If you identify with any of these signs, consider seeking professional guidance and at the least, engaging in a sincere conversation with your partner about your concerns. Relationship counseling like EFT can get you back on the path of connection. Remember, with dedication and mutual support, many relationships can overcome obstacles and emerge stronger than ever before.
Meet Reno Therapist Helen Going, LCSW
Hi, I’m Helen Going, LCSW, a Therapist in Reno
I’m a relationship counselor in Reno; a licensed clinical social worker with advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). After earning my Master of Social Work at UNR and completing my clinical internship locally, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients across various settings in Northern Nevada.
As a lifelong learner, I’m committed to continually enhancing the skills I bring to my counseling practice. My extensive lived experience has given me a profound appreciation for the distress emotional and relationship struggles can cause. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, effective support.
How Emotionally Focused Therapy Can Transform Your Relationships
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a powerful approach that focuses on understanding and reshaping the emotional bonds that drive relationships. Whether in couples therapy or individual sessions, EFT provides the tools to address disconnection and conflict, promoting healthier, more fulfilling connections. By working through emotional patterns and attachment needs, EFT empowers you to create lasting, meaningful change in your relationships.
Why I Do Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy
As a relationship counselor in Reno, there’s nothing more rewarding to me than seeing a couple discover each other in a completely new light…gaining an understanding of one another’s struggles in a way that feels manageable and empowering. I love helping people connect more joyfully and effectively with themselves and their loved ones.
EFT has become the foundation of my work because it aligns perfectly with my passion and values. While I’ve trained in various treatment modalities, EFT stands out for its gentle, effective approach. It creates a safe space where clients can experience themselves and their relationships in new ways.
EFT isn’t about assigning blame or focusing on superficial “tips and tricks.” Instead, it delves into the root causes of disconnection in relationships. Using the framework of attachment, EFT helps couples identify and reframe destructive patterns. This approach empowers them to create authentic, lasting change that goes far beyond surface-level communication strategies.
Why I Do Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy
In addition to working with couples, I provide EFT-based individual therapy in Reno. While EFT is best known for its success in couples therapy, its principles—emotional awareness, expression, and connection—are equally transformative for individuals facing personal challenges.
I’m drawn to individual therapy because it allows me to explore each person’s unique emotional landscape. Whether you’re grappling with relationship struggles, past traumas, anxiety, or depression, EFT provides a compassionate framework for uncovering the root causes of your difficulties and fostering healing.
In our sessions, we’ll work together to identify and express your emotions in a supportive, judgment-free space. We’ll also explore the attachment patterns and unmet needs that may be contributing to your struggles. By deepening your understanding of yourself, you’ll gain the tools to make empowered choices in your relationships and in life.
Individual EFT therapy is about more than addressing immediate concerns; it’s about helping you build healthier, more fulfilling connections with yourself and others. Whether or not you’re currently in a relationship, this approach can be transformative for personal growth, emotional well-being, and fostering meaningful connections.
For answers to some of the most common questions about therapy with me, click here.
Ready to begin? Call me at 775-235-2205, and I’d be happy to discuss what’s happening for you and how I can help.
Session Rate: $165 for 55 minutes. Insurance accepted includes: Hometown Health Plan
Nevada License: #10250-C
Therapist in Reno, NV: Specialities and Expertise
- Relationship Issues
- Marital and Premarital
- Life Transitions
- Anxiety
- Bisexual
- Depression
- Divorce
- Grief
- Infertility
- Lesbian
- LGBTQ+
- Mood Disorders