Frequently Asked Questions

In practice, couples counseling and marriage counseling refer to the same kind of work — therapy focused on the relationship between two partners. I use both terms because some people search for one or the other, but the process is the same regardless of whether you are married or not. The focus is on understanding your dynamic, improving communication, and addressing whatever is creating distance or conflict between you.

NorthStar Counseling & Therapy is a telehealth-only practice — all sessions happen through secure, encrypted video. There is no physical office to visit. At your scheduled time, you'll join a private video call from wherever you're comfortable — your home, your car on a lunch break, a private room at work. Many couples find telehealth actually makes it easier to show up consistently because there's no commute or scheduling around travel time. The platform is HIPAA-compliant, and your sessions are fully confidential.

Standard sessions are 50 to 60 minutes. Most couples start with weekly sessions because that consistency helps build momentum — you're able to practice what we work on between sessions and come back with real experiences to discuss. As things progress and you're feeling more confident in your communication and connection, we may move to biweekly or as-needed. There's no rigid formula. I work with you to find a rhythm that supports your progress without feeling like a burden.

This is one of the most common concerns I hear. It's normal for one partner to feel hesitant — sometimes it's about stigma, sometimes it's fear of being blamed, sometimes it's just not knowing what to expect. I can work with you individually to start. Individual sessions focused on your relationship can still be very productive. Often, once the hesitant partner sees that therapy isn't about pointing fingers, they become more open to joining. And sometimes the individual work itself is exactly what's needed.

Yes. Everything shared in sessions is confidential and protected under Texas law. There are a small number of legal exceptions — situations involving imminent danger to yourself or someone else, or suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult — but outside of those circumstances, what you share stays between us. Many people specifically choose a private-pay therapist because it means your session records and notes are not shared with an insurance company, which provides an additional layer of privacy.

If you're asking this question, that's usually a sign that something feels off — and that's reason enough. Some common patterns that bring couples in: repeating the same argument without resolution, feeling emotionally disconnected or more like roommates than partners, navigating a betrayal or broken trust, avoiding difficult conversations, or wondering whether to stay in the relationship. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from counseling. Many couples come in when things feel "fine but not great" and find it helps them reconnect before the distance grows.

Everything is virtual. NorthStar Counseling & Therapy is a telehealth-only practice. All sessions happen through secure video — there is no in-person office to visit. This means I can work with clients anywhere in Texas, and you can attend sessions from wherever feels comfortable and private for you.

I'm licensed as a Professional Counselor in the state of Texas, which means I can work with anyone located in Texas at the time of our session. Many of my clients are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area — Frisco, Plano, Prosper, McKinney, Allen, Celina, Little Elm, and The Colony — but I also work with couples and individuals across the state. Because everything is telehealth, geography isn't a barrier.

NorthStar Counseling & Therapy is a private-pay practice. Standard sessions are $200 for 60 minutes or $300 for 90 minutes. The initial intake and assessment is $250. I believe in being upfront about cost so there are no surprises. Many clients use HSA or FSA funds to cover sessions, and depending on your insurance plan, you may be eligible for out-of-network reimbursement — I can provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) that you submit to your insurer to check. Many people choose private pay because it keeps their therapy records completely separate from their insurance company, which offers a meaningful layer of privacy.

I do not bill insurance directly. NorthStar Counseling & Therapy is a private-pay practice, which means you pay for sessions at the time of service. If your insurance plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be able to submit a superbill for partial reimbursement — I'm happy to provide that documentation. Many clients also use HSA or FSA accounts to cover sessions. One reason people choose a private-pay therapist is that it keeps your clinical records out of insurance company databases, giving you more control over your privacy.

Yes. While couples work is often most effective when both partners are involved, individual therapy focused on your relationship can be very helpful. You might want to process your own feelings, get clarity about what you want, or work on patterns you bring into relationships. Sometimes individual sessions lead to your partner joining later. Other times, the individual work is the right path on its own. We can talk about what makes sense for your situation.

Premarital counseling is an opportunity for engaged couples to have structured, honest conversations about the things that matter most in marriage — communication, finances, family expectations, intimacy, conflict styles, and long-term goals. It's not about finding problems. It's about building the skills and understanding to navigate whatever comes your way. Many couples find it deepens their connection and helps them feel more grounded heading into marriage.

The first session is about understanding what brought you in and what you're hoping to work on. If you come as a couple, both of you will have space to share your perspective. I'll ask about your relationship — how you met, what's been working, and what feels stuck or painful right now. The goal isn't to solve everything in one session. It's to help both of you feel heard and to start building a picture of the patterns between you. From there, we'll talk about what the work ahead might look like and make sure it feels like the right fit.