SERVICE 02

Couples Counseling
in Michigan

Professional Couples Therapy for Communication, Conflict & Connection

Navigate relationship challenges with better communication tools. We help couples understand each other's perspectives, resolve conflicts constructively, and rebuild trust and intimacy through evidence-based techniques. Serving couples throughout Michigan with virtual sessions and workshops in Grand Rapids.

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Professional counseling session
Couple holding hands

What is Couples Counseling?

Couples counseling is a specialized form of therapy focused on improving relationship dynamics, communication patterns, and emotional intimacy between partners. Unlike generic relationship advice, our couples counseling in Michigan uses evidence-based techniques from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method to address core issues that create distance and conflict in relationships.

At Steady Mind, PLLC, our couples counseling goes beyond surface-level complaints. We help you identify negative interaction patterns, understand attachment needs, and develop skills for healthy conflict resolution. Whether you're experiencing frequent arguments, feeling disconnected, or navigating a major life transition together, our structured approach creates lasting change.

We serve couples virtually throughout Michigan, with in-person mindfulness workshops held in Grand Rapids at Gilda's Club. Whether you're in Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Troy, or anywhere in Michigan, our couples counseling program is accessible, confidential, and tailored to your unique relationship dynamics.

RELATIONSHIPS TAKE WORK

Connection isn't always easy.
But it's always worth it.

Couples counseling isn't about determining who's right or wrong—it's about understanding each other more deeply.

Our couples counseling in Michigan focuses on breaking destructive patterns and building new ways of relating. We teach you to recognize when you're in reactive mode, slow down heated exchanges, and communicate your needs without blame or criticism.

We specialize in helping committed couples who want to stay together but don't know how to break free from negative cycles. If you're both willing to do the work, our counseling provides the roadmap to reconnect.

"Strong relationships aren't conflict-free—they're built on healthy conflict resolution skills."

Our Michigan-based couples counseling draws from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method—two of the most researched and effective approaches to relationship therapy.

Research shows this approach is especially effective for:

  • Couples stuck in repetitive argument cycles
  • Partners feeling emotionally disconnected or distant
  • Relationships recovering from breach of trust
  • Pre-marital couples building strong foundations
  • Couples navigating major life transitions together
Couple having meaningful conversation

Each session addresses specific relationship patterns rather than just venting frustrations. We teach concrete communication skills, help you understand your attachment styles, and create new positive interaction cycles. You'll leave with homework exercises designed to strengthen your bond between sessions.

THE OUTCOME

How Couples Counseling Creates Change

Transform your relationship through structured skill-building.

Communication Skills

Learn to express your needs, feelings, and concerns without triggering your partner's defenses. Replace criticism and contempt with curiosity and compassion.

  • Active listening without interrupting
  • Using "I" statements instead of blame
  • Validating your partner's perspective
  • Asking for what you need clearly

Conflict Resolution

Develop tools to navigate disagreements without damaging your relationship. Recognize when you're in reactive mode and slow down before escalation.

  • Identifying negative interaction cycles
  • Taking effective timeouts
  • Fair fighting rules
  • Moving from gridlock to dialogue

Emotional Intimacy

Rebuild emotional closeness through vulnerability and responsiveness. Understand each other's attachment needs and learn to show up when it matters most.

  • Sharing vulnerable emotions safely
  • Responding to bids for connection
  • Understanding attachment patterns
  • Creating rituals of connection

The Relationship Repair Process

Understanding

Identify the negative patterns keeping you stuck. Understand how your past experiences shape current reactions. Recognize the vulnerable emotions beneath anger and frustration.

Communication

Practice new ways of talking and listening that create safety instead of defensiveness. Learn to express difficult emotions without attacking your partner.

Connection

Build new positive experiences together. Create shared meaning and rituals. Deepen intimacy through intentional vulnerability and responsiveness.

Is Couples Counseling Right for You?

Our couples counseling in Michigan is specifically designed for partners at various stages of relationship depth.

Repetitive Conflict

You have the same argument repeatedly without resolution. You know exactly what your partner will say and how the fight will end.

Emotionally Disconnected

You feel more like roommates than romantic partners. You co-parent well but lack emotional or physical intimacy.

Recovering from Betrayal

You're rebuilding trust after infidelity, major deception, or broken promises. Both partners are committed to healing.

Pre-Marital

You want to build a strong foundation before marriage. You're addressing potential issues proactively.

Major Transitions

New parenthood, career changes, or financial stress is straining your relationship.

Different Conflict Styles

One pursues while the other withdraws. You have different communication or attachment needs.

Your Couples Counseling Journey

What to expect from first session to lasting change.

01

Relationship Assessment (60 min)

We meet together to understand your history, challenges, and goals. You'll each complete assessments to identify strengths and concerns. We'll begin mapping your conflict patterns.

What you'll gain: Clear understanding of relationship dynamics, hope that change is possible, initial communication tool
02

Pattern Identification

Identify the negative cycles you're stuck in. Learn basic communication skills to slow down escalation. Begin understanding the vulnerable emotions beneath conflicts.

What you'll gain: Recognition of your patterns, basic de-escalation skills
03

Skill Building & Practice

Deepen communication and repair skills. Address specific relationship wounds. Practice vulnerability and emotional responsiveness. Build positive experiences together.

What you'll gain: Consistent use of new communication patterns, increased intimacy
Farid Alsabeh, LLP - Couples Specialist
Your Couples Therapist

Farid Alsabeh, LLP

Farid brings specialized training in relationship dynamics and evidence-based couples therapy to his Michigan practice. After three years working with couples in community healthcare settings, he developed an approach that balances empathy for each partner with clear structure and accountability.

Specialized Training In:

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  • Attachment-Based Relationship Therapy
  • Communication Skills Training
  • Infidelity Recovery Protocols
"Healthy relationships aren't conflict-free—they're built on partners who can navigate disagreements while maintaining respect and connection. My role is to teach you skills that transform conflicts into opportunities for deeper understanding."
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Measurable Results

Based on outcomes data from Michigan couples who completed our 12-16 session program.

84%
Improvement
in relationship satisfaction scores.
76%
Reduction
in conflict frequency and intensity.
89%
Clarity
report better communication and understanding.
91%
Connection
feel more emotionally connected to their partner.
Weeks 1-3

Awareness

"We're starting to see the patterns we're stuck in. It helps to have someone point them out."

Weeks 4-8

Skill-Building

"We're catching ourselves before things escalate sometimes. We still mess up but we're trying."

Weeks 9-12

Mastery

"We handled a major disagreement without it blowing up. We actually felt closer afterward."

Weeks 13-16

Integration

"We feel like we're on the same team again. We still disagree but we know how to work through it."

Investment in Your Relationship

Most Michigan insurance plans accepted. HSA/FSA accepted.

Single Session

$140

Per 50-minute session

  • Full insurance coordination
  • HSA/FSA eligible
  • Dedicated clinical support
Book First Session
Most Popular

12-Session Program

$1,500

Save $180 total

($125 / session)

  • Complete Relationship Skills Protocol
  • Priority scheduling
  • Between-session support tools
Enroll in Program

4-Session Starter

$520

Save $40 total

($130 / session)

  • Relationship assessment included
  • Core pattern identification
  • Initial communication training
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Accepted Insurance Providers

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, Priority Health, HAP, Blue Care Network, Cofinity, Optum, UnitedHealthcare, McLaren, Molina.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you see partners separately or together?
Most sessions are with both partners together. Occasionally, we may meet individually to understand each person's perspective, but the primary work happens with both of you present to ensure transparency and safety.
What if my partner doesn't think we need counseling?
It's common for one partner to be more motivated initially. We can schedule a consultation with just the interested partner to discuss how to approach this with your partner in a non-threatening way.
Will you take sides or tell us to break up?
No. Our role is to remain neutral and help both partners feel heard and understood. We don't tell couples whether to stay together—we help you make that decision with clarity by improving your interaction patterns.
How long does couples counseling take?
Most couples see significant improvement within 12-16 sessions (3-4 months). Some couples need less, others benefit from longer work depending on relationship history and the complexity of current issues.
Is virtual couples counseling as effective as in-person?
Research shows virtual couples counseling is equally effective. Many Michigan couples prefer the convenience and level of comfort that comes with meeting from their own home environment.

Ready to Rebuild Your Connection?

Start your couples counseling journey with a free 15-minute consultation. We'll discuss your relationship challenges, explain our approach, and determine if we're the right fit. No pressure, no judgment.

Schedule Free Consultation
Book First Session Join Workshop

MICHIGAN COUPLES: Virtual sessions available statewide. In-person workshops in Grand Rapids.

(734) 531-8626 psyfar97@gmail.com