Marriage and Couples Counseling

At White Oak Institute, we specialize in marriage and couples counseling. Couples therapy is designed for married couples and those in significant relationships seeking to deepen their connection and love. Traditional couples therapy involves all parties meeting together with the therapist in one room. The therapist remains impartial, focusing on the relationship rather than taking sides.

We take great pride in our couples therapy services and are committed to enhancing the quality of your relationship, regardless of your current situation or goals.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

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The Big Three Values Of A Successful Relationship

White Oak Institute Locations

Orland Park, IL

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Frankfort, IL

Find a therapist in Frankfort, IL

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Insurance Accepted

blue cross and blue shield of illinois insurance accepted

Insurance provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Cigna Healthcare Insurance Accepted

Insurance provided by Cigna Healthcare

Aetna Insurance Accepted

Insurance provided by Aetna

Self Pay Options available

Self Pay Options Available

Reasons to seek Couples Counseling

Couples come in for a variety of reasons. The following list is an example of some of the recent reasons couples have sought couples therapy with the White Oak Institute.

  • Adjusting to New Stage of Creating the Family Life Together
  • Anger Management
  • Considering Divorce
  • Consistent and Persistent arguing
  • Coping with a spouse’s Depression or Other Mental Health Issue
  • Coping with your or the Other Person’s Medical Condition
  • Coping with your or the Spouse’s Lifestyle or Change in it
  • Emotional Affairs
  • Empty Nest Syndrome
  • Family or Personal Problem
  • Family Restructuring
  • Financial Issues or Concerns (Such as excessive spending)
  • Infidelity and the Relationship After
  • Intimacy Enhancement
  • Job Loss or Stagnation
  • Learning Conflict Resolution Skills
  • Loss of a Parent
  • Mid-Life Crisis
  • One partner coping with the other partner’s mental problem or situation (Such as traumatic event or mental illness i.e. Depression)
  • Parenting Problems or Differences
  • Personal or Family Trauma
  • Postpartum Depression
  • Rebuilding the Relationship over time
  • Relocation
  • Resolving Gridlock or Acceptance of the Differences
  • Retirement
  • Sex Addiction
  • Sexuality
  • Spousal Abuse, Processing, and Decision to Restructure Relationship
  • Surviving Infidelity

Building a Strong Foundation

At White Oak Institute, we use Gottman’s Couples Therapy methods as a foundation for our couples therapy. Each therapist may use additional methods such as ACT or EFT. Our goal is to find what works best for your situation.

The Gottman Method, developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, is a research-based approach designed to strengthen relationships and resolve conflicts within couples. Grounded in extensive scientific research and observations of thousands of couples, this therapy focuses on enhancing communication, fostering intimacy, and building trust. Through evidence-based interventions and assessments, couples learn practical skills to manage conflict effectively, deepen emotional connection, and nurture a lasting bond.

By identifying and addressing specific patterns of interaction, couples gain insight into their relationship dynamics and work towards building a resilient and satisfying partnership. Gottman’s Couples Therapy aims to empower couples with the tools and understanding needed to navigate challenges and create a thriving, fulfilling relationship.

Video: Dr. John Gottman explains the most important thing you can do to make a relationship work.

Reconnect and Rekindle with a Couples Retreat

Embark on a transformative experience with our Couples Retreat, crafted to enhance your bond and rekindle passion in your relationship. Guided by the skilled therapist Wesley Dapkus, this engaging weekend includes six insightful sessions covering communication, forgiveness, intimacy, and more.

Participate in interactive workshops and guided activities designed to equip you with practical tools for overcoming challenges and deepening your connection with your partner. Hosted at scenic venues like Starved Rock Lodge and Geneva Inn, each retreat offers a tranquil environment for reflection and growth. Begin your journey towards a happier, healthier relationship by reserving your spot today.

Learn More About Our Couples Retreat

couples retreat

Common Questions

What is marriage and couples counseling, and how does it work?

Marriage and couples counseling involves therapy sessions with a licensed therapist to address relationship issues and improve communication and intimacy between partners. It typically focuses on resolving conflicts, strengthening bonds, and fostering healthier relationships.

You may consider marriage and couples counseling if you and your partner are experiencing communication breakdowns, frequent arguments, trust issues, lack of intimacy, or contemplating separation or divorce. Seeking professional help can provide guidance and support in navigating these challenges.

Marriage and couples counseling can help address a variety of issues, including communication problems, conflicts, infidelity, trust issues, intimacy issues, parenting conflicts, and life transitions such as marriage, relocation, or major life changes.

During a counseling session, you and your partner will engage in open and honest conversations guided by the therapist. The therapist will facilitate discussions, provide feedback, teach communication skills, and offer strategies to resolve conflicts and improve the relationship.

The duration of marriage and couples counseling varies depending on the complexity of the issues, the progress made, and the goals set by the couple. Some couples may benefit from short-term counseling lasting a few months, while others may engage in longer-term therapy for ongoing support.

Initially, couples may attend marriage and couples counseling sessions weekly or bi-weekly to establish rapport and momentum. As progress is made, sessions may become less frequent, transitioning to monthly or as needed to maintain progress and address any new challenges.

Marriage and couples counseling is confidential, meaning that information shared during sessions is protected by law and kept strictly between the couple and the therapist. Confidentiality can only be breached in specific circumstances, such as if there is an imminent risk of harm to oneself or others.

Marriage and couples counselors typically hold advanced degrees in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field. They are licensed or certified by state regulatory boards and adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards. Additionally, counselors may have specialized training in couples therapy techniques and approaches.

The cost of marriage and couples counseling varies depending on factors such as the therapist’s credentials, location, and session duration. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees or accept insurance. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to determine coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses.

The success rate of couples and marriage therapy depends on various factors, including the commitment of the couple, the severity of the issues, and the effectiveness of the therapeutic approach. Research has shown that couples who actively engage in therapy and are committed to making changes often experience improvements in their relationship satisfaction and overall well-being.

Ready to reconnect with your partner and strengthen your bond?
Schedule your marriage and couples counseling session today.