Couples/Marriage Therapy

Similarly to individual sessions, the first session will include information gathering as well as input about what you hope to get out of the sessions. This initial sessions generally involves me creating a genogram (or family map). I will ask a ton of questions and get much of the same information as an individual assessment, but just using a different format. I see a marriage/couples/family as a system. If one part of that system is not working well, the rest of the system adjusts to accommodate. Issues that we see in this area include, but are not limited to, affairs, addiction, divorce, blended families, and abuse.

*be sure to check your insurance for coverage

 What to Expect

  • If you’ve received the client portal invitation, log in and check any messages, fill out paperwork, etc. With family therapy, there is usually one person who will be the “identified patient.” This is the person whose name will be associated with the file.

    Be thinking of what you would like to talk about, or any questions you have. Feel free to write those down and bring them in.

    Download the mobile parking app. Or bring change for the metered parking ($0.50/hour). Find information here about the app. There is free parking behind Main Street as well.

    Verify your insurance. Click here for more information regarding insurance.

  • Our building is on 5th street. We are one block North of Main Street. We have our own entrance at 214-5th.

    We do not have a receptionist, so feel free to have a seat and we will be with you as soon as possible.

    If there is still paperwork to be done, you may be asked to fill out paperwork before your appointment.

    Because we are talking about topics that may heighten emotion, we may take steps to decrease emotional intensity and increase safety. These may include ending sessions early, only meeting with one partner, or making a referral elsewhere.

    If the counselor meets with one person, that meeting will be kept confidential and not disclosed to the other person.

    Each therapist has a private office, so you will be with the same therapist in the same office every session. To increase privacy we leave a noise machine on as well as the bathroom light/fan. These are to muffle noises.

    After your appointment we will work together to decide if you would like to schedule another session. We will also determine if that will be scheduled at that time, or if it will be scheduled later. There is no right or wrong way to do it.

    If there is a copayment, we can take care of that after the session.

  • Be kind to yourself, you’ve done a lot of hard work. Be mindful that your partner may need more or less time to bring their emotions back down.

    You are welcome to contact your counselor with any questions/concerns between session. Email or the client portal are the most direct ways to get in contact. Please be aware we may not be able to return your message for up to 48 hours.

    Our phones are answered 9am-5pm Monday through Friday. They are answered by a call center and are not physically in the same building. Phone calls are more difficult to return due to the nature of our schedule.

    You can use the client portal to check your appointments or make/change any appointments.

    Contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit your local emergency department if you are having thoughts of self harm or suicide. Cultivate Wellness is not a crisis center.

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • In our office we let our client’s define the relationship. We do not have one definition or structure.

  • My approach is very person centered, which means focusing on the needs of people where they’re at. If a partner is not ready/unwilling/unable to participate, I never want to force them to engage. Good work can still be done with whomever does choose to participate.

  • While we are not Faith Based, we welcome anyone of any faith.

  • Yes. Cultivate Wellness is LGBTQ+ Affirming

  • Scheduling your next appointment can be done at the end of an appointment. Or can be done through the client portal or by calling 515-212-7379. Counselors are not always able to accommodate same day appointments.

  • Read about our insurance/fees/payments here

  • We take your privacy seriously. This is suppose to be a safe space and confidentiality is vital to that. If you want someone to be able to communicate with us about your services. (including billing) you can sign a release of information. This is also something that can be revoked by you at any time. Best practice includes coordinating with your primary care provider, but again, this is your choice.

    In family counseling, things that are said in the therapy room are expected to stay in the therapy room. For example, if I meet for part of the session with a parent/caregiver and a child and they are talking through a problem with another family member, that information will not be shared with the rest of the family.

    HIPAA (Health Insurance Privacy Portability Act) protects your PHI (protected health information). Our emails use HIPAA compliant encryption. Our client portal and our backup telehalth platform are HIPAA compliant.

    Counselors are mandatory reporters. As such we are mandated by law to report any suspected child abuse.

  • While our emails use a HIPAA compliant encryption, it is safest to use our secure portal to communicate with your counselor.

    Our phones are answered 9am-5pm Mon-Fri at 515-212-7379

    We discourage coming in person without an appointment as we may be unable to help you. Our office space is shared with other counselors, but they are unable to see your information and will likely be unable to help.