Counseling

Marriage & Couples Counseling

Counseling for couples navigating conflict, disconnection, and repair — across the Minneapolis–St. Paul North Metro.

Older happy married couple - Esther Davis Counseling | Marriage and Family Therapy, New Brighton MN

About this service

More meaningful connection is possible.

I am here to help. The relationship with your spouse or significant other can be the most rewarding and fulfilling relationship — as well as the most challenging. Intimacy is risky because it opens the possibility of pain, disappointment, and hurt. But when a couple navigates through that pain and decides to do the work of building trust and finding healing, they can find themselves in a new relationship with more meaningful connection than ever before.

In couples counseling you can expect an objective, outside perspective on the strengths and growth areas in your relationship, and a collaborative, strengths-based approach to reaching your goals. As a clinician trained in family systems, I work from an attachment lens — the belief that anyone who experienced an “insecure attachment” in childhood can grow toward a “secure attachment” in adulthood.

Our work together draws on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an evidence-based method for developing a closer emotional bond with your partner, along with insights from John Gottman’s research proven effective with couples.

I encourage you to take the next courageous step. Counseling has helped countless marriages and couples improve their relationship — I look forward to meeting you.

“The most functional way to regulate difficult emotions in love relationships is to share them.”

— Sue Johnson

How I can help

Whether your relationship has been impacted by…

Infidelity

Marital conflict

Disconnection

Pornography / addiction

Infertility

Parenting issues

Divorce

Sexual concerns

At a glance

Session details

Format

In person or telehealth

Session length

About 50 minutes

Intake session

$200–$270

Ongoing sessions

$175–$225

Getting started

A gentle, easy process

01

Free Consultation

We start with a free 15-minute call to talk through what’s bringing you in and see if we’re a good fit.

02

Intake Session

Our first session is about your story and goals — together we shape a plan that feels right for you.

03

Ongoing Counseling

We meet regularly and move toward your goals at a pace that fits your life.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How does couples counseling work?

We start by understanding both partners’ perspectives, then use EFT- and Gottman-informed tools to improve communication, repair trust, and rebuild closeness. You’ll get an objective, balanced space where both partners are heard.

Do both partners need to attend?

Couples work is most effective with both partners present, so that’s the usual approach. Individual sessions can be part of the process when it’s helpful.

What if we’re not sure counseling can help?

That’s common — many couples arrive discouraged. A free 15-minute consultation is a low-pressure way to see whether it’s a fit before committing.

Is couples counseling covered by insurance?

Coverage varies and typically requires a mental health diagnosis. We’ll talk through your specific situation during the free consultation.

Let’s begin

Not sure if it’s the right fit?

A free 15-minute consultation is a relaxed way to talk it through — no pressure, no commitment.