You walk into your bathroom and look in the mirror and have the sudden thought, “what am I doing here?” Your relationship started great, but you’re realizing you’re feeling completely disconnected and seem to have the same arguments over and over. And you have no clue what to do about it. You know you could use support, but there are so many options out there. How do you know you’ve found the kind of therapist that is best for couples counseling.
Atlanta couples therapy can be a great option for couples who are struggling. And there are so so so many couples counselors in Atlanta to choose from which can be a great problem to have, but also overwhelming.
I always like to start with two important elements to consider when looking for an Atlanta couples therapist.
1. How do you feel when you’re around your Atlanta couples therapist? You won’t know this unless you have a call with them and even still it can take a couple of sessions. But, it’s worth considering. Do feel heard and do you feel they’re working hard to understand you? Do you feel comfortable around them? Do you feel a sense of safety when you’re with them? It won’t mean the ideal fit understands you completley and that you trust them completely. That would be unrealistic. But what we’re looking for here is do you get the sense that you can trust them enough and feel safe enough to do couples therapy with them? You will be challenged. They will read a situation wrong. And when those things happen, is the Atlanta couples therapist a person that you can say “It really hurst to hear that” or “I’m not feeling understood”?
2. Is your therapist trained to work in couples therapy? Once therapists finish graduate school, they can begin providing therapy, but doing couples therapy without any formalized training isn’t a good idea. Instead, you’ll benefit from seeing an Atlanta couples therapist who has trained in couples therapy. A few therapist that I like are Gottman Method (backed by over 20 years of research), EFT for couples, and Imago Relationship Therapy. There’s not a one size fits all and most couples therapies can be a great starting place. Your therapist can let you know if their specific training isn’t a good fit for you or if you need something different.
There’s a lot more that goes into choosing a good couples therapist like:
How long have they been a therapist? The longer they’ve been in counseling the more experience they have. This doesn’t mean that newer therapist aren’t the best for couples counseling, it just means that more experienced therapist have a longer track record of treating individuals.
Are you okay with their rate? Different therapists charge different prices for couples therapy and so it makes sense to understand what you can afford for therapy, and if the best therapist for your couples counseling needs is in that price range. Sometimes really skilled couples therapists charge more, and sometimes they can help quicker. Sometimes they can’t help any quicker. There’s no exact formula for this so it’s a tough thing to navigate, but still important to acknowledge.
Do they or can they understand dynamics around your family cultural dynamics or spiritual practices? This may not mean they’re from the same cultural background as you. It’s more about, if they are not, can they quickly acclimate so you don’t have to spend five sessions just explaining your family rules and expectations or spiritual practices.
There are even more things to consider, but this is a great starting point. It can be daunting to find other kind of therapist who is best suited for couples counseling in Atlanta, and we’re here to help.
If you’re wondering if one of our therapists would be a good fit, feel free to reach out. We would be happy to answer your questions and point you in a good direction.
Our compassionate Atlanta couples counselors, are truly passionate about helping couples rebuild communication and connection.
Meet Mikela Hallmark, MS, LPC, CPCS –
Helping Couples Find Balance and Connection
It is my genuine pleasure to serve as a couples counselor for those who are struggling, but long to rebuild. Many of my clients are high achievers who set demanding expectations for themselves, striving to reach their personal and professional goals. Yet, despite their success, they often find themselves struggling with connection or communication in their relationships. My approach in couples counseling is to help clients build communication and emotional attunement skills, learning to reconnect with their spouse or partner.
With over 13 years of experience in the mental health field, I bring a unique blend of professional expertise and real-world understanding. Prior to becoming a counselor, I worked in business, which allows me to relate to clients who are navigating similar professional pressures. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of serving in diverse settings, including residential treatment, clinical leadership, and private practice. I really love what I do.
I’m trained in the following counseling approaches, although don’t use them exclusively:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, helping partners strengthen their emotional connection.
- Gottman Method (Level 3), a research-based approach to improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), proven strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation.
- Trauma-Informed Therapy, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), to heal the impact of past trauma.
- Treatment for issues like relationship infidelity, attachment-based trauma, and depression.
I’m a licensed professional counselor in Georgia and a licensed mental health counselor in Florida, and my focus is always on creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore the complexities of life and relationships.
Meet Karen Michael, MS, LPC
Hello, I’m Karen Michael, MA, LPC, NCC. As a counselor in Atlanta, I believe everyone has the potential to thrive with the right therapeutic support to navigate life’s challenges. I see each client as a unique individual with the ability to grow and heal. My approach to counseling is client-centered, focusing on creating a safe, supportive, and comfortable space where you feel valued and respected. I am trained in the Gottman Method for couples, as well as trauma-informed care and specialized techniques for managing anxiety. I’m passionate about helping individuals and couples find balance, connection, joy, and success in their lives. Currently, I offer virtual sessions only to provide flexibility and convenience.
