Couples Therapy (Repair Work)
For couples working to repair damage in the relationship.
This often shows up as recurring conflict, emotional distance, or the sense that something important has shifted and hasn’t returned.
Weekly / Biweekly Couples Therapy
50-minute session - $450
80-minute session - $700
All new couples begin with an 80-minute session
Couples Therapy Intensives
A focused, high-impact alternative to weekly therapy - designed to help you understand your patterns, shift how you relate, and create meaningful movement in a short period of time. I structure this work so you don’t just understand your patterns - you experience a shift while you’re in session.
Intensives are structured, therapist-led, and intentionally paced to go deep - without overwhelming you.
One-Day Intensive - $3,200
Best suited for couples experiencing recurring conflict and disconnection, but without long-standing injuries or deeply entrenched patterns.
Includes:
80-minute joint intake session
80-minute individual session (two 40-minute individual meetings - one with each partner)
3-hour intensive therapy block
We use this time to map your negative cycle - how you get pulled into conflict, shut down, or escalate under stress.
I help you:
Identify the patterns driving your disconnection
Make sense of your emotional responses in real time
Begin shifting how you reach for each other during moments of stress
You leave this work understanding why, despite your best efforts, you fall into the same negative patterns - and how to begin reaching and responding to each other in a more effective way.
Two-Day Intensive - $5,000
Designed for couples dealing with long-term disconnection, repeated conflict, or relationships that feel really stuck.
Includes:
80-minute joint intake session
80-minute individual session (two 40-minute individual meetings - one with each partner)
Two 3-hour intensive therapy blocks
In addition to mapping your patterns, we go further.
I help you:
Identify where you get stuck - whether that’s shutting down or coming in strong
Name the specific blocks that keep you from reaching each other
Guide you toward more direct, vulnerable communication
We actively rework your interactions in session - so you’re not just talking about change, you’re experiencing it.
You leave this work knowing how each of you responds when high-stakes topics arise, how to interrupt the spiral at home, and how to stay connected even when you don't see eye-to-eye.
You'll know what gets in the way when you fight - and how to work with your vulnerability instead of against it.
Three-Day Intensive - $6,800
For couples ready to do deeper, more sustained work - especially when there have been significant injuries, betrayals, or repeated conversations that break down at home.
Includes:
80-minute joint intake session
80-minute individual session (two 40-minute individual meetings - one with each partner)
Three 3-hour intensive therapy blocks
With additional time, we are able to:
Work directly with relationship injuries or betrayals
Slow down and process the conversations that consistently go off track
Support deeper emotional access and repair
You leave this work with a clear understanding of how your relationship reached this point, including the injuries or betrayals that shifted everything.
You experience a deeper understanding of your partner - and the feeling that your partner fully grasps the impact of the disconnection or injury on you.
You begin to shift the patterns that existed before the injury, so repair is not temporary, but sustained.
Discernment Counseling (Decision Work)
For couples who are uncertain whether to stay in the relationship or end it.
Often one partner is leaning out, the other is still trying, or both are stuck in a place of not knowing what comes next.
This is a contained process designed to bring clarity to that decision-not extend the uncertainty.
Two-Session Format (Intensive Option)
For couples who need clarity without rushing a life-altering decision.
Session One: 3 Hours - $1,800
We begin with focused time together, followed by individual conversations with each of you.
I lead a structured assessment of how your relationship arrived at this point - cutting through surface arguments to identify the patterns, injuries, and turning points underneath.
We look closely at how you’ve fought, how you’ve repaired (or haven’t), and the injuries that have accumulated over time - not to fix them in this process, but to determine whether repair is something you are both genuinely willing to pursue.
During individual time, I work directly with each of you to:
Clarify where you stand right now
Explore your understanding of your own contributions and your partner’s
Make space for uncertainty, ambivalence, or shifting perspectives
There is no pressure in these sessions to decide immediately.
My role is to help you think clearly, explore all of your options, and feel solid that you’ve fully considered every possibility for your relationship.
Session Two: 3 Hours - $1,800
Most couples use both sessions to come to a decision.
In session two, we return to both joint and individual work, focusing on what has shifted, what has become clearer, and what still feels unresolved.
If you decide to separate, I help you:
Navigate next steps with intention
Identify the values you want to bring into the separation
Begin thoughtful conversations around logistics, including co-parenting
If you decide to stay and work on the relationship, I help you:
Define a clear, shared direction for change
Identify specific goals for therapy
Enter ongoing couples work (with me or another therapist) with momentum and focus
The second session is typically scheduled about two weeks later - giving you time to step back, reflect, and return with a clearer sense of where you each stand.
Additional Intensive Time (If Needed)
$600 per 60 minutes
Scheduled in 3-hour blocks
Weekly / Biweekly Discernment (Ongoing Option)
For couples who need more time to understand what is happening in the relationship before making a decision.
120-minute intake - $900
80-minute follow-up sessions - $700 each (up to 5 sessions)
Individual Therapy or Discernment Counseling
For individuals navigating relational distress, betrayal, attachment injury, or uncertainty within a relationship.
80-minute session - $700
50-minute follow-up sessions - $450 each
Out-of-Network Insurance
I’m an out-of-network provider and do not participate in insurance panels. This allows me to offer focused, individualized care without session limits or third-party involvement.
Some clients choose to use out-of-network benefits for partial reimbursement. I can provide documentation for individual therapy when a diagnosis is appropriate.
For couples therapy, I can provide a superbill using the diagnosis Z63.0. Most insurance plans do not reimburse for this. You’re welcome to check with your insurance company and submit for possible reimbursement.
Superbills are not provided for Discernment Counseling or intensive services.
Cancellation & Payment Policies
Weekly and biweekly clients are subject to a 48-hour full-fee cancellation policy.
Initial intake appointments and all intensive therapy blocks require a full-fee deposit, as time is reserved specifically for you and other inquiries are declined.
Payment is processed via credit card or HSA/FSA.
You will securely enter your card information through the client portal when completing intake paperwork.
Lower-Fee Therapy
I believe therapy should be accessible. I hold a small number of reduced-fee spots for clients with financial need.
Unfortunately, those slots are full at this time.
If you’re looking for lower-fee therapy options, these resources may help:
Massachusetts-Based Resources
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Open Path Collective
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Fenway Health
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The Home for Little Wanderers
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Riverside Community Care
Washington State Resources
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Seattle Counseling Service
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Sound Mental Health
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Low Fee Therapy Seattle
Connecticut-Based Resources
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Connecticut Counseling Centers
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Wheeler Clinic
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The Village for Families & Children
Florida-Based Resources
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Center for Family and Child Enrichment
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Jewish Family and Community Services
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Banyan Health Systems
Fees
Invest in yourself. Transform your relationships.
Kimberly Schildbach, MEd, MFT, LMHC
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist and Certified Discernment Counselor
Serious Skills. Real Results.
I am highly trained and certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Discernment Counseling because they’re designed for couples in high-stakes moments. EFT helps partners shift long-standing patterns and reconnect while Discernment Counseling offers a focused, time-limited process so couples can make a confident decision about the future of their relationship.
For Couples Whose Fights Escalate Quickly - or Who Fear Being Judged
Maybe your arguments spiral fast. Things get said that you regret. Afterwards, you wonder, What kind of person does that? What kind of couple are we?
I specialize in working with couples who feel overwhelmed by their own reactions. I know how to hold space for the mess, the pain, and the hope that brought you here.
For Couples Who’ve Tried Therapy Before
If you’ve been to couples therapy and left feeling more confused than connected - you’re not alone. I work with couples who’ve felt underserved, overlooked, or frustrated by past therapy.
This isn’t your typical “So, how does that make you feel?” session (though I do ask that). I identify the bullets and blocks in real time and help make them explicit, so I can help you access what’s happening beneath the surface - and support you in finding new ways to reach and respond to each other.
20+ Years of Experience
This isn’t my first therapy rodeo. From my intern days to now, I’ve worked with couples who felt lost and exhausted.
Repetition has sharpened my instincts. Experience has made me bold. I’m direct (with heart), clear, and fully engaged in helping you move through the stuck spots.
Custom Care
I keep my practice small so I can show up fully for couples doing some of the hardest, most important work of their lives. If you’re reeling from a disclosure or weighing whether to stay or part ways, I want you to feel held and supported.
I guard my energy carefully - so you get the very best of me when it matters most.
Couples Are All That I Do
Couples therapy is my zone of genius. I’m continually training and deepening my work so I can help you rebuild trust, shift old patterns, and reconnect - with each other and with yourselves.
What is your cancellation and booking policy? A full-fee, non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking for all initial intakes for weekly or biweekly therapy, Discernment Counseling, and Intensive Therapy services (including the two 80-minute intake sessions required for Intensives). When you book, you’re reserving time set aside just for our work together. I hold that space exclusively and turn away other clients in order to honor our commitment. These policies are in place to respect the time and energy we’re both investing in this process. For ongoing weekly/biweekly/discernment therapy I require 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. If you cancel your appointment with less then 48 hours' notice you will be charged the full amount for the session.
Do you take insurance? As a highly specialized provider, I offer deeply personalized, expert care that isn’t limited by insurance restrictions. I am an out-of-network provider, and full payment is required at the time of service. However, your insurance may reimburse part of the cost as an out-of-network benefit. I can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement for individual therapy sessions where I can provide a mental health diagnosis. Couples therapy, couples therapy intensives, and discernment counseling do not include a mental health diagnosis and are not reimbursed by insurance. For couples therapy, I can include a Z code (Z63.0 – Relationship distress with spouse or partner), which some insurance plans may reimburse—but MOST do not. Please check with your insurance provider to find out whether they will reimburse services with a Z code or those without a formal diagnosis. Reimbursement should be seen as a bonus not a requirement for working with me.
Why can't you bill my insurance like our previous couples therapist? Some couples therapists diagnose one partner and continue therapy based on that diagnosis. The problem is that once a diagnosis is made, therapy must focus on that individual’s issues, rather than addressing the true dynamics of the relationship. This can lead to complications, even insurance fraud. I provide specialized couples therapy, focusing on the core of your relationship struggles, not just the possible effects. That said, I can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement, using the Z63.0 code (Problems in Primary Relationship). It is your responsibility to check if your insurance carrier will reimburse you. Reimbursement should be seen as a bonus not a requirement for working with me.
What happens after I contact you for therapy? Once we connect and you schedule a session, I’ll send you a link to complete your intake paperwork. This must be submitted to secure your spot. For online sessions, we’ll meet on my secure therapy platform, SimplePractice. You’ll receive a reminder email or text with the meeting link 48 hours before your appointment - and again 10 minutes before we start. Before our session, check in a few minutes early. If you're meeting individually, use earbuds with a microphone for the best sound quality. If you're meeting as a couple, position your camera so I can see both of you. When you log in, you’ll enter a virtual waiting room. At our scheduled time, I’ll start the session.
We don't live in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Washington, or Florida but really want to work with you. If you believe I’m the right fit for you and are open to traveling for a couples therapy intensive, come to beautiful Massachusetts, Connecticut, Washington, or Florida and we'll meet online from your hotel room. I am only licensed to work within those 4 states.
How do I know if you're the right therapist for us? The right therapist makes all the difference—especially when your relationship is on the line. I’m not just a therapist who sees couples; I’m a highly trained couples therapist specializing in infidelity, high-conflict relationships, and couples on the brink of separation or divorce. I continually deepen my expertise in these areas because I understand how complex and painful these situations can be. Studies show that the connection between therapist and client is key to meaningful change. My clients describe me as warm, direct, and deeply engaged. Because I intentionally keep my caseload small, I offer highly personalized, focused care. That said, I’m not the right therapist for everyone, and I don’t claim to be perfect. If at any point you feel our work isn’t helping you move forward, I hope you’ll share your concerns. You deserve the best support possible. If for any reason this isn’t the right fit, I’ll help you find someone who is.
My spouse doesn't want to come to therapy. To encourage your partner to consider therapy, present it as a positive step toward strengthening your relationship. Emphasize that therapy is a safe, blame-free space where both of you can openly discuss concerns and work through challenges together. Avoid accusatory language and focus on your desire for a healthier, more fulfilling relationship. If they’re hesitant, suggest a trial session to see if we're a good fit. Even if your partner doesn’t see themselves as emotional—remember, if they breathe, they have emotions! I provide a welcoming, non-judgmental space where they can explore those feelings authentically. However, if your partner is leaning out of the relationship and isn’t ready to fully engage in therapy, it won’t be effective. In that case, Discernment Counseling may be a better fit, helping both of you gain clarity on the future of your relationship.
Do you offer a free consultation? I’m confident in my ability to help, and a brief consultation may not fully convey how I work. I prefer to begin with a full first session, allowing you to get a better sense of my approach and how it aligns with your needs. My goal is to always keep us moving forward, so even after our first session, you’ll walk away with greater clarity and a renewed sense of hope. If I’m not the right fit for you, I’ll help you find someone who is.
What can I expect during a couples therapy session? In a couples therapy session, expect a structured, supportive environment where both partners can openly express their thoughts and emotions. I guide you through a process of slowing down conflict, identifying triggers, and understanding the deeper emotions driving your interactions. Rather than assigning blame, we focus on recognizing negative cycles and finding new ways to reach each other.
How does online therapy work for couples? Online therapy provides the same structured, research-based approach as in-person sessions, with the added convenience of meeting from your own space. We connect through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, ensuring privacy and confidentiality. You and your partner can join from the same location or separate ones. I facilitate discussions, offer real-time guidance, and help you navigate challenges in your relationship—all without the stress of travel or scheduling conflicts. Many couples find online therapy just as effective, if not more so, due to the comfort of being in their own environment.
What kinds of couples and relationships do you work with? I work with a wide range of couples, including heterosexual and LGBTQ+ partners, as well as those in relationships involving nonbinary or gender diverse individuals. I also work with polyamorous relationships, especially those that are already established. All relationships are welcome - whatever your structure, identity, or background, you’ll be met with respect and openness. While I’m not a certified sex therapist, I do help couples address concerns around intimacy and sexual connection. If more specialized sex therapy is needed, I’ll gladly connect you with a trusted colleague.
FAQs
No Surprises Act
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.