carpenter couple & family counseling, pllc

From the outside, your relationship might look solid. You’re managing life, sharing responsibilities, and showing up for each other. But internally, something feels missing. Many couples struggle with a relationship that looks good but feels empty - and feel confused or even guilty for wanting more when nothing is “wrong”. This quiet dissatisfaction is more common than you think.

Engagement is often filled with excitement, hope, and future planning. You may feel deeply connected, aligned on values, and confident in your relationship. So it can feel confusing when premarital counseling is suggested. After all, nothing is wrong. But premarital counseling isn’t about fixing problems. It’s about preparing for the realities of long-term partnership before stress, resentment, or disconnection have a chance to grow.

Starting couples therapy can bring up a mix of hope, curiosity, and understandable questions. Many couples wonder “Is therapy right for us?” or “What actually happens in sessions?” Keep reading to see answers to some of the most common frequently asked questions about couples therapy to help you feel more informed and at ease as you consider taking this step.

The holiday season brings a mix of joy, pressure, expectations, and family dynamics. For many couples, this time of year highlights both the strengths in the relationship and the areas where stress tends to surface. Between packed schedules, differing traditions, financial pressures, and emotional triggers, it’s easy for couples to feel disconnected or overwhelmed. The good news? With intention and communication, the holidays can become a time of deeper connection - not confl

Every couple goes through ups and downs - stressful seasons, communication misfires, emotional distance, or changes that shake up the rhythm of the relationship. Needing support doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with your partnership. In fact, many couples choose therapy not because they’re on the brink of separation, but because they care enough to strengthen what matters.

Even the strongest relationships need intentional space to stay connected. Weekly check-ins offer couples a chance to slow down, reflect,...

In every relationship, communication is key—but not just any  communication. It's easy to talk, but much harder to truly listen. We often...

One of the things that sets the relationship you have with a partner or spouse apart from other relationships in your life is the...

Have you ever found yourself sharing with your partner after a long day of work and looking for a listening ear, but instead your partner...

The holiday season can be a joyful and exciting time of year, but it can also be stressful for many, including for couples. Below are...