Marriage Counselor Reviews
Page Four
The work was hard. The change was real.
What you’re about to read isn’t marketing. It’s momentum.
This is page 4 of 4 in our client praise series.
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Although we loved each other, our relationship was very difficult.
We would get quickly triggered by each other, become defensive or would stonewall, and felt like nothing we tried or did ever improved the situation. We were at our wit’s end and were contemplating a trial separation. Everything turned around after our weekend Intensive with Dr. K.
We had done couples therapy on and off for many years and it helped us to some extent. We also attended a Gottman Institute weekend session in Seattle five years ago that was helpful, but we felt like we still needed more hands-on practice that only ongoing therapy or an in-person intensive could really address.
We looked for a Gottman-trained therapist in our area and found CTI’s website and blog posts, which were very helpful. When we spoke with Dr. K, we knew that she was the perfect person to help us. Her long experience, her use of Gottman, but also other techniques, and her listening skills convinced us to sign up for a weekend intensive.
At first we were concerned about the cost and the ultimate effectiveness of a weekend Intensive, but after we spoke with Dr. K, we were just eager to start as soon as possible. After one of us got sick, we had to reschedule our session for several months later; waiting for it to start was hard. But it turned out to be totally worth the wait!
We came away from our weekend with Dr. K completely certain that, thanks to her, we had the skills we had needed to bring happiness to our relationship, just as we’d hoped. We have very specific ways of handling the kinds of problems we were experiencing, as well as the higher level conceptual understanding of how it all works together and how we need to interrupt old patterns that weren’t working for either of us.
We also know that she is always available to continue to help us, should we get into a bad space again with each other. This gives us great confidence and so far, nearly a month after our weekend with her, we’re able to successfully practice what we learned.
Dr. K created the BIG BIG Book, which took many hours to fill out, but that gave us complete confidence that she knew all about us before we even met with her that first evening. She was the consummate professional; a great listener, easy to talk with, patient, good at explaining theories and making us practice new skills, and also handled tough subjects with grace and humor.
I can’t imagine any couple not benefiting from a weekend Intensive session.
We now have 1) Better communication skills and specific and useful techniques; 2) clarity about how to handle a host of situations that inevitably arise in a couples relationship; and 3) regaining the level of trust we need to simply love each other again.
To couples considering Couples Therapy Inc, I say don’t hesitate – it is the best money you can ever spend. Nothing is more important to your happiness than your relationship with your spouse. When you learn new skills and perspectives that can get you through the hard times, you can create a joyful future together once more.
Thank you, Dr. K!
We are both so appreciative of your remarkable expertise, wisdom, and kindness in guiding us back to a loving relationship that we believe we now have the tools to sustain. Your choreography of the entire weekend was masterful and fitting; starting with our love story, then practicing techniques for solving our problems, then helping me dive deep to work through old hurts, and ending with a return to our love and appreciation for each other. How lucky we were to have found you!
We had a solid relationship with some issues like how to deal with children/family, time investment in each other, and intimacy.
Havi Kligfeld was a great listener, she made spot-on observations, was objective and compassionate, had lots of tips and tools. It was a very pleasant experience. We looked forward to our time and are likely to visit again.
So far, we are more conscious and considerate of one another especially as it relates to the issues discussed. A renewed focus.
Havi is a very effective therapist and I wish we had more time with her for reasons previously mentioned. The BIG BIG Book seems like a very great tool for therapists to get great insight before starting, it would be great to receive a summary of feedback from all the data collected from the BIG BIG Book.
Our core issue was mainly to learn how to deal with conflict.
We finished the Couple’s Retreat 4 days ago and we are already seeing changes!
Angela Voegele is excellent, very experienced and very understanding of the issues that needed to be tackled. I would be very glad to recommend Angela Voegele not only because she is an effective therapist but because she is also an expert in the Gottman Method for couples. Her training, experience, and skills to deal with problems is remarkable! I have never seen a therapist that was so skillful and strategic in dealing with difficult people.
My husband and I know more about each other now. We learned real tools to help us to deal with anger and also to find solutions. I have never run into a therapist of this category. Angela is an excellent, sensitive and awesome therapist! After doing the 2-day Retreat, I have hope again in my marriage.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
I wish I would have done it before. You will not regret it.
Our relationship was a bit combative with communication and emotional issues.
We liked The Gottman Method and that the therapist was a licensed sex therapist.
It was difficult to share personal information with a stranger. Will this really work?
I liked that Angela Voegele dove into the child in both of us so we could realize why our behaviors may be very different. I believe Angela really understands the dynamics of relationships and although she can be direct, she was very fair and saw the good in both of us.
We definitely have a different and better understanding of each other, we are thinking before we say something and so much more.
Definitely try it!
Our relationship was tenuous. We were trying to deal with the aftermath of infidelity.
We tried one therapist before moving on to another whom we liked better, but we felt like weekly sessions were not anywhere near enough.
My wife found CTI online. But I wasn’t sure if anything could help ease the pain.
I got a much better understanding of the nature of my spouse’s affair, which was important because only by truly understanding what happened can forgiveness occur. We also got a better understanding of the strengths of our marriage as well as areas to improve upon. As well as a much better understanding of the factors that make marriage difficult, but also useful and applicable tools that can make marriages stronger.
In short, Angela Voegele was amazing. Her level of experience and insight was incredible. She is also very perceptive and knew how to ask the right questions. I left the retreat with a much better intellectual understanding of what happened, and with much greater hope of getting through this stronger than before.
An intensive private therapy session allows a level of exploration and reflection that I think will be very difficult to achieve with a series of conventional therapy appointments.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
If you’re serious about saving your relationship, do it.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m extremely grateful for the care and attention that Angela gave to us.
We were on the brink of divorce. Barely speaking.
I was afraid there was no hope and couples therapy would solidify that. I had brought my partner to my individual therapist. It was not successful.
I found it hard to talk about my past. Dr. Patricia Gorman was amazing, nonjudgmental, and was able to help us open up and be honest with each other in safe environment.
We are able to understand the other person better and have new tools to keep us from attacking when we are angry or withdrawn.
My husband and I are able to identify the triggers in our relationship, we can communicate without fear and we now have options to help us calm down and focus on what is important.
Thank you, Dr. Gorman. You are a wonderful person and the best therapist we have ever met. I am so grateful for your expertise and patience. Our New Year is filled with hope and love.
Our relationship was a bit combative with communication and emotional issues.
We liked The Gottman Method and that the therapist was a licensed sex therapist.
It was difficult to share personal information with a stranger. Will this really work?
I liked that Angela Voegele dove into the child in both of us so we could realize why our behaviors may be very different. I believe Angela really understands the dynamics of relationships and although she can be direct, she was very fair and saw the good in both of us.
We definitely have a different and better understanding of each other, we are thinking before we say something and so much more.
Definitely try it!
We bad communication, lack of sex.
We tried weekly therapy before. Things would be ok for a few hours after our session, but nothing really changed in the long run.
We did a lot of online research. This company worked best with our schedule and also had a great website.
Angela Voegele made me feel very comfortable and safe in sharing my concerns. After studying our Big Big Books, she seemed to know who exactly who we were and how are personalities clashes.
I wasn’t sure if we were going to be able to accept each other for the better but we learned how to listen and communicate. We now have quite a few tools to turn to when we start sliding back.
I got my best friend back. We have an exciting and reignited sex life. I feel accepted for who I am.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
It’s the best thing that we could have ever done for our relationship
Angela was simply amazing!!
It was a powerful weekend – that we both enjoyed.
We were looking to improve on conflict resolution and to improve our communication skills on subjects where there is disagreement.
Marisa Mundey was very professional, very approachable and disarming. We immediately felt at ease and comfortable talking to her. I really can’t think of a criticism of her.
What changes resulted in your marriage from the work you did?
It was a powerful weekend – that we both enjoyed. We both came away with a fresh perspective on each other. We have a deeper understanding of why each of us reacts the way we do on certain issues. I believe we will have a stronger relationship due to the weekend and be better at resolving conflicts without anger. We were very pleased.
We left with: 1) better perspective on each other’s positions and why we are like we are on certain topics 2) better communication techniques on areas of disagreement. 3) we learned how damaging anger can be and how to avoid it.
For us – it was exactly what we needed. it was an intense, weekend, but very very helpful. I thought the time allowed was great – the one on one sessions were very good and beneficial. Marisa was really good – we identified with her. She is very affirming, warm and sincere. the whole weekend exceeded our expectations.
Absolutely would recommend.
Jenny Fang was amazing.
She really helped us to gain perspective and redirection that we needed. We are so grateful for having the time with her.
Our relationship was troubled. Daily interaction, joint purpose, joy, sex.
Concern that it would be difficult without positive outcome.
We had gotten help on occasion in distant past. Overall, unsuccessful.
Our time with Marisa Mundey was different. Extremely favorable review of Marisa. Strong yet gentle direction during activity practice. Able to steer and focus both partners.
Would you recommend your couples therapist and Couples Therapy Inc? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes. While I think ongoing therapy will be needed and beneficial, it was much more effective than a traditional once a week approach.
An impending divorce due to lack of communication and understanding drove us to seek help.
I liked working with Dr. Scott Wolfe on how there are hidden messages in how we communicate, such as pointing out an issue but wording it as though your partner is the cause of the issue. Thus, your partner thinks you are mad at them, not just the situation.
We now have healthier communication and the ability to identify when a conversation goes from expressing concerns to accusations and how to pull back from that. We didn’t get divorced, we are better at dealing with stress from internal and external factors, and we are more intimate.
It is highly effective but comes with a price that matches. It’s better for those with significant means or who are in such dire straits that the debt/cost is worth saving things ASAP. The counseling was very fun and insightful, but I wish I had been in a better financial situation when I needed it.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
Try doing research on Dr. Gottman first, and if implementing his teachings fails to yield positive results, then seek counseling here to get very effective implementation.
Dr. K, when I looked in the mirror on Monday morning, I saw, for the first time, a loved and lovable woman looking back at me.
The woman looking back at me was not defective, not broken, not crazy. I didn’t, until that moment, realize how much contempt I felt for myself all these years. Imagine the joy I felt! And the gratitude!
There are no words to adequately express how grateful I am for the weekend my husband and I spent with you. You provided invaluable insight that, with time and practice, will help us navigate our marriage as well as our relationships with our children and extended family in a loving, supportive way. I walked away with so much hope, to the point of bursting with it. The concept of developmental trauma explains so much about the dynamics within our relationship, and still has us reeling when we think about the impact it has had not only on us but on so many other people. I can only imagine the difference it would make if it were more widely recognized.
It was in an extremely fragile state. We were existing together, nothing more.
Our core issues were respect, communication, and understanding.
We tried couples therapy before, but it only created more frustration and division.
We liked Couples Therapy Inc for the use of the Gottman Method and reviews.
Honestly, the cost made us pause.
Dr. Alexis Johnson-Nelson’s ability to comprehend our issues, validate our individual concerns, and give us the tools needed to improve as one. She was amazing in both of our opinions. She made us both remember our “why,” which is what we had forgotten.
We are more open and honest with one another. It’s more about how we say it versus what we say, and we’re listening to one another now, allowing us to re-create a safe space in our union. We’re becoming more intentional in our actions.
I would highly recommend working with Dr. Johnson-Nelson & Couples Therapy. She opened our eyes to the fact that “life” had affected our love, and we are actively implementing to toolkit she gave us to continue to work on us.
It’s pricey, but one’s marriage is an investment. Investing in Couples Therapy was worth it for us.
Anything else you’d like to add?
If there was a way for 2 or 3 follow-up sessions to be included in the original price, I believe it would prove beneficial for the average working family. I enjoyed working with our therapist, but the cost of preventative maintenance sessions had to take a back seat to other things. Or if those sessions could be covered by insurance, that would help as well.
From Dr. K
We’re always trying to find better ways to offer effective follow-up care. Check in with Dr. Nelson-Johnson for extended services.
Finally, couples therapy is not covered by the vast majority of plans. Any therapist who says they’ll accept your insurance will provide it in brief 45-50 minute sessions and label one of you as having a mental health issue. That doesn’t work for most couples, as they often come in labeling each other!
Always consult with your couples therapist regarding your options if follow-up care is warranted. She’s an excellent resource.
I was concerned that perhaps I was being unreasonable in my desires and needs.
I felt angry and lonely and disconnected. Communication was a major issue. I didn’t feel heard or even listened to and my emotional needs were not feeling validated or met. But I was concerned that perhaps I was being unreasonable in my desires and needs.
I had suggested another couples therapy, but because I am a social worker/therapist there was no one locally that I felt could really help us on a level that would be deep enough.
We chose CTI for Gottman and EFT certified, intensives, and level of expertise and experience.
Dr. K was the best therapist I have ever met. Sense of humor, communication direct, respectful and compassionate.
Expertise; I felt heard, safe and comfortable with her. I am not certain where we would be without her help. Although my heart is still aching and I feel overwhelmed with the amount of work that needs to be done I am grateful to understand how being a neuro-diverse couple has impacted our lives. There is hope for healing, compassion and understanding on both our parts. Dr. K, as I said is the best most professional therapist I have ever encountered.
Finding out that my husband is neuro-atypical has change almost everything. Although I am feeling overwhelmed the last 36 years make much more sense. I feel more compassion but I also feel so tired of having yet another “thing” that I have to understand.
We have a formula to learn how to communicate better, validation that there was indeed a reason why I was feeling the way I have and why I have felt so hurt over the many years we have been together.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
It was an exhausting weekend that brought with it a new understanding of each other as individuals within our marriage. Months worth of therapy in a weekend that we would never have gotten going once a week in standard Marriage Therapy.
I was concerned that it this intensive wouldn’t get into the core issues.
Previous couples therapy had been helpful in the past, but progress was inconsistent and providers struggled with our complicated dynamic.
I wanted an intensive 2:1 setting that was structured and could look at the whole picture.
I was concerned that it this intensive wouldn’t get into the core issues.
Diane Foy was patient and assertive. I appreciated her insight. We now have increased language and communication to help solve problems.
I would recommend CTI to others, although I think for us, further work will be needed. Learning and knowing that my partner has adisorganized attachment style is helpful. I would like more guidance or follow-up/treatment plan on how to help heal and work through that.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
Be open-minded, honest and willing to do the work.
We were in a rocky situation as there was a recently discovered infidelity.
We had begun the groundwork on our own of going through a therapy workbook geared toward infidelity recovery and had started having discussions of our own prior to our weekend.
We hadn’t done therapy prior to this experience. It was recommended to us by the therapy coordinator through my husband’s work that we find a therapist who is certified in the Gottman method. That helped us narrow down our search.
It was both brutal and healing to participate in the weekend. We dove headfirst into very tough conversations that were difficult to have. However, Debbie Woodall Carroll guided the conversations very gently and helped us feel safe in having them. We have learned to address issues head on as they arise rather than waiting and hoping they get better.
Although the conversations we had were very difficult, they were vital in getting us on a path to healing.
If you are committed to making your relationship work, it is 1000% worth the tough days ahead. It will feel like you take one step forward and two steps back for a little while, but it’s all part of the process. Each step forward is a huge milestone on your path to success.
Previous couples therapy was not helpful.
We felt consecutive hours might propel us to a faster resolution. It allowed for undivided attention to be focused on the relationship.
Scott Wolfe was impartial and helpful. Now we are seeing each others’ perspectives.
We have self-awareness, talking tools, 6-1 good conversations.
Our relationship before we contacted Couples Therapy Inc was in fight or flight mode.
We had reached our breaking point and needed to make some serious changes and progress to continue as a couple. A core issue waslLack of intimacy and that we needed to improve as well as learning how to communicate in an effective and meaningful way.
We had tried couples counseling and the experience was very disappointing.
We both liked the idea of an intensive weekend that would allow us to dig into deep issues without a lot of time going by in between sessions. We also liked the science based approach.
My hesitation was that it we would not make progress in our marriage and that it would push us further apart.
Dr. Johnson-Nelson was very intentional and was a great listener. She was good at helping us get to the core issues and understand each other better. From my point of view it was very emotional and Dr. Johnson was empathetic and compassionate. She checked in on how we were feeling often.
The hopeless feeling we both had about our relationship and the feeling that we lacked the ability to make changes has become less of a constant feeling.
We gained skills to communicate and understand each other better. We have goals for our relationship and tools to help us reach those goals. We learned more about each other and became more empathetic.
I would recommend both our therapist and Couples Therapy Inc. Dr. Johnson is very knowledgeable in the Gottman method and good at getting to the root of an issue. They will not regret working with Couples Therapy Inc. No matter the outcome you will gain invaluable tools that will help you have a deeper connection and understanding to your partner.
Some stories are still unfolding.
Yours could be next.
Our relationship was strained.
We thought the issues around connection and intimacy were intractable. We wanted to improve our emotional and intimate connections.
We had tried couples therapy before and it was a good experience. We had received some tools that helped us address issues pertaining to a history of pregnancy loss and concerns about child-bearing.
When we found that CTI had well-trained sex therapists who operate within an evidence-based approach to couples therapy and CTI offers weekend intensives, we knew we wanted to engage their services.
Initially, the cost of the weekend intensive was a barrier. Additionally, there were concerns that the end result of the couples therapy might be a dissolution of our marriage. We were feeling a bit hopeless before this intensive.
Angela Voegele read us like a book! She is very incisive – able to pinpoint the core issues and convey them to us in relatable language. Her skillful approach instilled hope from our first day of meeting. She provided resources, sound education, and evidence-based explanations which corrected longstanding misperceptions and expanded our awareness of possibilities for deeper connection and intimacy.
Angela was wonderful! We found the weekend intensive offered by CTI allowed us to solely focus on the relationship and target issues/skill-building without distraction and in an efficient way. We were able to break out of inertia and build momentum with this approach and therapist.
We are following the recommendations for “Six Hours a Week to a Better Relationship,” to include a weekly “State of the Union” meeting, and we are happily engaging in increased intimacy and sexual activities. We now have a resurgence of shared sexual energy, a shared increase in positive mood which helps when facing daily stressors, and structures to support building and maintaining healthy relationship habits.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
Highly recommend! Stay open to being fully engaged and present. The therapist we worked with (Angela Voegele) has an incredible combination of expertise, clinical skills and relatability. We got a lot out of this experience and our relationship is better for it! The weekend intensive experience is well worth the expense in time and money.
The BIG BIG Book is a lot of work – but is an invaluable resource to couples and your therapist. Be thoughtful and honest with your responses. The BIG BIG Book can really help you learn a lot about yourself and the relationship as well as focus in on what is most important to address during the intensive.
Our relationship was volatile and unstable. Disconnected.
I wanted to make some sense out of it more than anything and attempt to reconnect with my partner. I wanted to establish mutual respect between us. I had hesitation due to the price. Also a deep-seated mistrust of therapists. We hadn’t been in couples therapy before.
What changes resulted in your marriage/relationship resulted from your work with Couples Therapy Inc.?
There is now mutual respect and greater understanding between us which I hope will last. More respect, dignity, and compassion for my partner.
Who was your therapist? What specific qualities did you like most and least about working with this therapist?
Jenny Fang. I liked everything about Jenny. She was thoughtful, intuitive and caring yet firm. She was great to work with.
Would you recommend your couples therapist and Couples Therapy Inc.? If so, why? If not, why not?
I’m not sure. I am suffering from a lot of anxiety and depression as a result of this I fear. I am a little confused and wondering what to do next. I wish I was able to consult my therapist about the after effects of this as part of this package.
What three benefits resulted from working with Couples therapy Inc.?
Respect , dignity, and compassion for my partner
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
Be careful this may mess with your head. It is definitely worth it however.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am confused and a little lost.
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Some clients need ongoing support, even after an intensive retreat, as this client does. Please don’t hesitate to talk to your therapist about additional services.
Before we contacted Couples Therapy Inc., we did not know how much longer it would be beneficial for us to be a couple.
We knew that something needed to change because most of the time neither of us were happy unless it was at the emotional expense of the other. The core issues we needed to improve included differences in religious belief, sexual issues, and ideal lifestyle.
We had tried couples therapy once before and found it less than satisfying. We only had one session, but we knew right away that the therapist was not a good fit for us. We felt that he would be unable to truly connect with us and understand our situation.
My husband found your services online. He was familiar with Dr. Kathy McMahon and felt that she could best serve us based on her previous work.
The only hesitation we had about starting couples therapy with CTI was the price. It was a big investment for us, and if we were going to pay it we wanted to be sure that the therapy would be helpful in our situation.
The biggest noticeable change has been in the way we have discussions (what some may call disagreements, arguments, or fighting). We are much better at regulating each other and keeping the discussion within a reasonable time period (from about four hours at a time on the weekends to daily 20-minute sessions for check-in, to keep on top of potential conflict or issue).
This was only our second time working with a couple’s therapist, but we found her effective and invested. The qualities I liked most about working with our therapist included her knowledge about some of the topics we were struggling with specifically, and her support when discussing difficult subjects.
Having a therapist that “eats, breathes, and sleeps” your case provides a lot of hope to struggling couples. Benefits include regulation of each other and time management of discussions, a therapist that understands and was able to discuss a difficult topic with my spouse that he has felt entirely alone on, and help to move forward on issues I have been struggling with regarding sexuality.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
I would encourage them to do so. It is amazing how much difference it makes when couples are able to communicate respectfully and effectively. We felt for the longest time that we were going “going in circles” during our discussions and never made any meaning.
Thank you for investing in our relationship. It means the world to us. Thank you for your dedication to couples everywhere.
It gave us exactly what we needed to address.
I wanted to address my Intimate Relationship with my spouse. But I was hesitant about the cost, given the value of our past therapy. Past therapy seemed to have only caused more problems.
But it gave us exactly what we needed to address, we resolved issues verses fighting about them.
Common therapy prior was unsuccessful. This therapy with Couples Therapy Inc. was successful and effective.
Dr. Scott Wolfe was excellent. He did an outstanding job.
What did you like most and least about your therapist?
Most, facing my issues. Least, facing my issues.
Results?
We have better intimacy, regular relationship, and overall feeling of closeness. The ability to discuss verses arguing.
Overall, it was excellent and effective. Our therapist was excellent and high quality.
Our relationship was positive and in recovery, but we still struggled
we still struggled with deep attachment wounds we had individually and later, between us. We are both earnest and comprehensive in the life we are seeking together. We have many new tools to work through together. We are learning how to communicate amygdala-to-amygdala. The Gottman practical skills are also a useful framework for day-to-day conflict. We are still internalizing bigger messages about our own development and how that fits into our marriage.
Who was your couples therapist? Excellent. We appreciated Dr. Kathy McMahon’s direct approach, breadth of knowledge and ability to see our situation from a new and fresh perspective.
Most: She knows what she is doing in complicated situations and has the confidence to address issues she sees in a direct way.
Least: We needed more time to digest in pieces.
The weekend format was great and is likely the best format for couples that need very intensive and consistent intervention. However, the BEST format for us would be 3 hours every two weeks for 12 weeks or something like that. Our issues are intense, but we are not in crisis. I think we do best when we can work intensely, close that down, break for several days/week, process, distil our questions down to one or two and then come back to answer those. We fatigued, but I think the issues still have energy. Our issues were marathons – not sprints.
What changes resulted?
1. A fresh perspective on our unique issues. 2. New skills to practice and utilize tailored specifically to our relationship. 3. Hope.
What follow-up services would be helpful?
A summary of Dr. McMahon’s impressions for each individual and then the couple/marriage. Three paragraphs of her straight impressions and advice. No nonsense. Big picture. Summary.
I would recommend Dr. McMahon without hesitation.
We were not getting along very well. I was considering divorce.
we were in crisis in terms of our relationship but hoping to be able to work it out and stay together.
We worked with two different therapists in the past and both times it was very helpful for us.
We wanted to get a lot of help in a short amount of time, so the intensive made sense to us. Also, we had done Gottman therapy in the past and that really worked well for us, and my individual therapist also recommended EFT [Emotionally-Focused Therapy].
I would’ve like to be able to start it sooner, I was worried we would be had a breaking point by the time we got to therapy.
Jillyn Kaufman was wonderful to work with. We both felt like she really listened to us and validated both of our perspectives. She was very skilled in translating for one another, getting to the root issue of our problems, and reinforcing our unique values and how that affects conflict in our marriage.
The step-by-step conversations for her navigating a conflict in the aftermath of an argument were very helpful. It was really helpful for Jillyn to jump in and tell us when we were going off track or criticizing, making assumptions, etc.
We feel much closer now, and hopeful again about our marriage. I feel more committed and I’m no longer considering divorce.
We have increased closeness, a better understanding of each other’s perspective, and tools to help with maintaining the positive aspects of our relationship
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
The intensive is a really great way to jumpstart therapy, especially for couples in crisis. However, for any couples with financial constraints this might be cost prohibitive. That was our one hesitation when signing up.
We needed to work on trust and intimacy. We were concerned, however, that an Intensive would be too much.
Instead, the intensive allowed for a deeper dive, instant practice on repairing with each other, and a chance to start the earnest repair sooner than we would have. It was easy to organize and a good investment in their relationship.
We learned techniques for improving our connection.
Angela Voegele was fine. She was very good at getting to the root of our problems.
We were afraid we’d invest all the time and money in the therapy and it wouldn’t “work”.
Our hesitation was primarily the cost. And that we would invest all the time and money in the therapy and it wouldn’t “work”.
I feel like our work with Couples Therapy Inc. turned us around. I think we have understanding, tools, etc we didn’t have before. I think we can move forward positively.
Dr. Patricia Gorman was very professional. That was good.
Our relationship was tense, constrained.
I had become involved In an abusive extramarital relationship and I felt so alone and powerless. I wanted my marital partnership back, the strength we once knew that had just gone away.
My experience with previous therapy was that it temporarily feel good. But I also felt like a basket case and was not empowered.
You looked like the real deal. Professional, intelligent, honest. You looked trustworthy and like real people who live in the real world. The price was comparatively good.
I had some concern for being judged “guilty” but I figured I’d work that out for myself. Or learn, grow, transform it or have a breakthrough from it. I had a concern that the model you (any psychotherapy) used would dominate a feeling that you were connected with me. I have had that experience and I have hated it. Waste of MY time and money.
Scott Wolfe’s compassion and ability to create an environment that was safe to express were my favorite qualities. Even his clothes were appropriate for creating himself as the background. It was great to have his maturity and experience as a contribution.
This is weird and did not interfere in the therapy but it bothered me a little that he considered me a Christian when I wrote about my humanist upbringing. Definitely NOT a Christian upbringing. Traditions only. I thought I’d made it obvious and that he’d know enough about different religions for me to not have to explain my religious beliefs. That was just a little strange to me.
I snuggle with my partner in bed. I still come to bed late but I approach and snuggle now. This morning I woke up in the position I fell asleep in…in his arms. This has NEVER happened before.
I’m honest. Honest about what I’m doing and honest about what I’m thinking. I share what I’m working through for myself or at least THAT I’m working something through and I need some space for reflection. I feel safe with my husband vs. neglected or ignored or one of us feeling agitated I love feeling like I’m not holding a secret and that I can tell him anything. I’m contributing more to the house. I’m cooking again. About half.
My husband had an emergency and All I wanted was to take care of him. New for me. I made a schedule of fun things we could do together. I was anxious to start NOW in a little fear we’d never do them.
I absolutely would recommend Scott Wolfe. I think any therapist can disconnect with their patients by over-relying on a technique or a model. Scott did not sacrifice any of his relatedness to us or his professionalism. He was true to his course and I felt known.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
Do it!
We went into the weekend with one of us feeling hopeless and considering separation
We went into the weekend with one of us feeling hopeless and considering separation and the other partner very uncomfortable about doing couples counseling. Dr. Scott Wolfe supported us to process some past hurts in constructive ways and taught us procedures for having more effective communications. I now feel encouraged that there is a future together and hopeful that we can use the tools to improve our marriage.
Not knowing what to expect and discussing openly topics which are private.
We learned open conversation, became closer physically, and developed trust.
Marisa Mundey, she seemed to understand us and our situation and adjust to it. I enjoyed her guidance and understanding.
I’m really writing just to say hi and thank you.
I’m really writing just to say hi and thank you. Finding you saved our marriage in the hardest time. I know this may sound crazy but I went to a medium recently and he actually mentioned how he saw your impact on my life and marriage. Obviously I agreed! You have such a gift and talent and I’m very grateful we found you when we did.
From a note recently sent to Angela Voegele (shared with permission).
We had huge communication issues and were lacking language and tools to work through big challenges.
Havi Kligfeld was kind, supportive, fair, and a great listener. She heard things that each of us didn’t and was able to effectively communicate and intuit each side. We can’t say enough about Havi. Her words and tea have stayed with us and we are constantly calling upon the resources she shared with us. She was absolutely fantastic.
As a result, we have better communication, kinder interaction, and improved conflict resolution.
Couples Therapy Inc. was more than we expected. It was a great way to get at the heart of our issues and find solutions.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
Don’t hesitate! It may be the single most important thing you can do for your relationship.
I really feel a great sense of relief.
Angela Voegele was a wonderful therapist and truly advocated for both of us, and our relationship throughout the weekend intensive. Her approach was thoughtful, logical and easy to follow. She listened to our concerns and organized the weekend in a meaningful way to cover many of our needs. The feedback she provided was constructive and professional.
I really feel a great sense of relief.
The follow-up work and reading she gave us provided a framework we need to continue the work on our own.
I would definitely recommend Angela to others looking for couples counseling.
Our relationship was in danger of ending.
We needed the ability to communicate clearly.
My wife found CTI online and we liked the approach and that our therapist was faith-based.
Doug Burford was able to facilitate the meetings without leading us. He encouraged us to work through existing issues in the sessions as we learned the new techniques.
I would highly recommend Doug. He is a caring and compassionate man that truly had an interest in helping us learn to better communicate and understand what things are influencing the way we communicate.
We are better able to communicate what we are feeling to each other. We better understand what is influencing how we communication. We have a better understanding of how each other processes what is being said.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
Don’t put off getting help from someone that has a true interest in helping you help yourself! It was money well spent!
I’d describe our relationship as “stuck” in a cycle of criticism and judgment.
Past therapy was not useful at all. Past attempts were not successful, and I wasn’t sure this would be different.
We chose Couples Therapy Inc for the scientific research behind the process.
Marisa Mundey had a very endearing personality. Non-judgmental. Made us feel like she understood us both, yet could challenge us where we needed to be confronted. It was like a pressure relief valve was opened and we were reminding of the good we shared. It was a reminder of the good that attracted us to each other in the beginning. It allowed us the space to get “un-stuck” from our cycle of conflict. The Big Book Assessment saved weeks of time for our therapist to get to know us and our issues in a much better way.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
Do it.
We have seen numerous therapist over the last three years and she by far exceeded all of our expectations.
We thought it might be nice for you to get some feedback on our retreat with Angela Voegele. Both my husband and I thought she was excellent. We have seen numerous therapist over the last three years and she by far exceeded all of our expectations. I got there on Friday with a lot of anger over our situation. By the time we left Sunday afternoon I felt free. She had a very nice way of not taking sides yet giving good strong comments and thought-provoking scenarios. She absolutely knew us when we got there and often referred to our history.
She gave us practical tools to use for when I was very upset which included meditation, favorite songs, my partner holding me tight (with a safe word if I did not want that), breathing devices and apps to download. We had struggled with much pain and anger for almost 10 months and by the time we left we felt almost normal again with a new vision of our future and tools to use to improve our communication. Her own experience and having gone through a similar situation was also nice for me in particular. She was extraordinarily easy to talk to and also has a nice sense of humor.
I was skeptical heading into the weekend but now I am so glad that we did it.
We had good communication/core relationship but devoid of intimacy.
Angela is a licensed sex therapist and this is where we knew our issues were.
Angela Voegle was wonderful. Very laid back, honest and easy to talk to. She had many tools in her “toolbox” for us to use going forward in our lives. It’s hard to talk about intimacy but she was so open (Europeans don’t have issues with intimacy) she made it very easy to talk about and explore.
We became closer immediately and we knew what we had to work on to keep our relationship healthy. “Maintenance” lists were given and many resources that do/will help down the road. Angela was excellent – hope I don’t need to return but have no qualms if we have to “check-in” with her.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
Try it! If you are going through a crisis albeit acute/chronic it won’t hurt anything, just help – if help is what you want!
Take a chance on yourself and your future.
Nancy Garcia-Ruffin was empathetic, genuine and a good listener. She made us both feel seen and was clear and convincing as she expressed faith in our ability to create a better future together.
We have a clear plan to go forward for the next few months at least.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
Take a chance on yourself and your future.
Our relationship had become strained.
We would bicker over the littlest things and often ignore the big issues completely. Every conversation threatened to turn into a confrontation. We were hoping to improve our communication with each other and rekindle our marriage. Our biggest worry was that it wouldn’t work, or worse yet it might send us even further down a dark spiral. After our three day intensive session with Dr. K., it was like we had a new marriage. A huge weight had been lifted off our shoulders. We were happy to spend time with one another again. And we couldn’t keep our hands off of each other! We had tried couples therapy before, but without success. Kathy McMahon had a great way of talking to one of us in a w ay that we could both hear. Even though she was giving us some pretty harsh feedback at times, it always felt like she had our best interests at heart.
The worst thing, by far, was the drive to Western Massachusetts. (Dr. K is now in Boston!)
I would enthusiastically recommend Couples Therapy to anyone who is going through a rough patch in their relationship or is just looking for a tuneup. We felt close to each other again. Although we still have a long way to go, we learned to communicate better.
We both left recommitted to our relationship like never before. Thank you, Dr. K. We hope to check back in again with you soon.
We were in a rough place trying to forgive the other for past issues.
We previously tried couples therapy, but for 1 session only. I was not pleased; the therapist did not help us but just regurgitated things/reasons/ understandings that we had already discussed on our own.
We were looking for a non-religion-based marriage intensive* and worked with Dr. Doug Burford.
It was very slow-paced. There was no excitement or fast-paced chaos and more open conversation. We are trying to remember the positives and reiterate the positives as we discuss issues/negatives. We are also having weekly check-in meetings.
It is always helpful to seek outside support and guidance and possible new ways of handling problems. You have nothing to lose but a lot of information and strategies to gain.
*Note from Operations: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, Dr Burford is a wonderful clinician and offers both secular and Christian-based intensives.
Catherine Pfuntner was great!
She is very perceptive, kind and knowledgeable about the technique and process. We learned much about ourselves, our relationship, and tools to improve. We have been practicing and plan to continue.
We were on the brink of divorce. Barely speaking.
I was afraid there was no hope and couples therapy would solidify that. I had brought my partner to my individual therapist. It was not successful. I found it hard to talk about my past. Dr. Patricia Gorman was amazing, nonjudgmental, and was able to help us open up and be honest with each other in safe environment. We are able to understand the other person better and have new tools to keep us from attacking when we are angry or withdrawn.
My husband and I are able to identify the triggers in our relationship, we can communicate without fear and we now have options to help us calm down and focus on what is important. Thank you, Dr. Gorman. You are a wonderful person and the best therapist we have ever met. I am so grateful for your expertise and patience. Our New Year is filled with hope and love.
Before the weekend, I’d describe our marriage as “very broken.”
We were not communicating, drifting and harboring resentment. Previous couples therapy failed. We never hit the root of issues.
Couples Therapy Inc. science based and intensive, we wanted to pick the “right” therapist for us. Money and time was not a problem.
I like that Angela Voegele was tough and no-nonsense. She wasn’t shy to call out our bad behavior with each other and was patient with helping us learn how to “turn toward”
OUR COMMUNICATION IS SO MUCH BETTER. Reignited my passion for my hubby that I know was still there but we had defensive wall up that were blocking our love.
Goals reached? Better communication, resolution of resentment and better intimacy.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
Do it. It’s worth the investment
Anything else you’d like to add?
Would be great to have a similar retreat for individuals based on the results of the big big book and discoveries from the weekend.
This weekend was so powerful, and I cannot thank you enough.
I feel much more equipped to deal with everything….what an eye opener. I can honestly say it was one of the most cathartic experiences of my life. (Therapist: Rebecca Lanier).
I liked that Angela dove into the child in both of us so we could realize why our behaviors may be very different.
I believe Angela Voegele really understands the dynamics of relationships and although she can be direct, she was very fair and saw the good in both of us.
We definitely have a different and better understanding of each other.
What would you say to couples that are considering working with Couples Therapy Inc.?
Definitely try it!
If you’re wondering where to start, this is the page we wish more couples found first.