Couples & Relationship Counseling

“Over 3/4s of those receiving marital/couples or family therapy report an improvement in the couple relationship.”
— American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

Setting a foundation of trust and harmony

At Sophrosyne Counseling Services in Erie, Pennsylvania, we’re dedicated to helping your partnership thrive. We understand that every relationship faces its own distinct challenges, shaped by a one-of-a-kind history. You may be facing a potential fracture, caused by something like infidelity. You may just want to improve your conflict resolution, or rekindle your day-to-day intimacy. Whatever you face, Sophrosyne provides an empathetic, safe and supportive space to work on these issues. We offer counseling for couples within the LGBTQ+ community.

You do not have to be married to benefit from relationship counseling! We offer premarital couples counseling, typically used by those in long-term relationships. We also offer counseling for polyamorous relationships, open relationships, and more.

What brings people to couples counseling?

At Sophrosyne, couples typically come to us at a high stress moment in their relationship. While there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach, we often aim to develop healthy communication habits, analyzing your communication styles and strengths. Our professionals can identify unhealthy communication habits and help you improve. We can also tackle issues like trust/infidelity, sexual compatibility, conflict resolution, and your home life (finances, parenting, family stressors).

What to expect in relationship therapy

Couples or marriage counseling is a process designed around your specific challenges. To help make meaningful change though, you can always expect the following elements through your work with Sophrosyne.

• A safe, neutral environment for all: Couples counseling can be scary. You’re taking a microscope to the most intimate relationship in your life. We recognize this and respond with a welcoming environment, in which both partners feel heard and respected. We also abide by ACA ethical standards and HIPAA.

• Choice of counselor: You may have preferences on your counselor’s gender, age, cultural background and style. We will try our best to find the right match amongst our team. If we don’t have the right match, we will provide you with a proper referral.

• Group goals: We’ll collaborate to identify your relationship goals and develop a path tailored to achieving them. These goals can match highly unique situations, such as aligning your relationship to a chosen faith, or tackling issues brought on by military service.

• Professionalism: Our therapists are trained professionals, and they will show you respect and attention. Expect active listening, an ability to break down complicated psychological terms and concepts, and identification and maintenance of proper boundaries.

• Proven techniques: Whether using emotion focused therapy, solution focused therapy, or the Gottman method, our professionals bring years of experience and training to your sessions. We rely on proven, evidence-based approaches.

Meet our team

Our group of trained therapists is committed to helping you achieve your mental health and wellness goals with empathy, expertise, and genuine care. You may select a professional based on their expertise, or we can help you find the right match.

Do you offer virtual therapy?

Absolutely. We do not limit our therapy professionals to the Northwest Pennsylvania region. In our online therapy options, you will receive the same safe and confidential space as in-person clients, along with the same ACA ethical standards and HIPAA compliance. We have serviced virtual therapy clients as far as Michigan and South Carolina.

Therapy insurance options

We can accept Commercial UPMC, Commercial Highmark*, Optum, Aetna, UMR, United Healthcare, and most EAPs.

Please check with your healthcare provider to see if couples counseling is covered by your insurance. If you do not live in Pennsylvania and want to set up online therapy, please check with your health care plan regarding any limitations.

*Most variations of Highmark include coverage; please reach out to verify if your plan is included.

Ready to start your journey?

When you’re ready to book your first appointment, we’re here to support you.