Last week, a couple from Capitol Hill sat in my Castle Rock office and told me something I hear alot: "We almost didn't come because of the drive. Now we're so glad we did."
Here's the thing about finding good couples counseling in Denver - you've got plenty of therapists who work with individuals, kids, families, AND couples. But when your marriage is struggling, do you really want someone who treats couples as a side thing?
Meet Kayla - Your Couples Specialist
I'm Kayla, and I've built my entire practice around couples therapy. My focus is helping relationships - whether that's working with both partners together or occasionally meeting with one partner individually when it serves the relationship work we're doing.
Sometimes one partner needs space to share things they're not ready to say in front of their spouse yet. Or we need to work through individual blocks that are getting in the way of couples progress. Those individual sessions always circle back to strengthening the relationship.
And yeah, I'm in Castle Rock. About 35 minutes from downtown Denver on a good traffic day. Some couples from Wash Park or LoHi see that and think "too far." But here's what happens - they call therapists closer to home, sit through a few sessions that feel like they're going nowhere, and then they call me.
Not Sure If We're the Right Fit?
I offer a free 15-minute consultation where we can talk about what's going on in your relationship and whether couples therapy makes sense right now. No pressure, no sales pitch - just an honest conversation about whether I can help.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationWhat Makes This Couples Therapy Different for Denver Couples
When you're a therapist who specializes exclusively in relationship work, you get really good at it really fast. I've done advanced training in affair recovery (I'm SART-trained, which is specialized affair recovery therapy), Relational Life Therapy, and high-conflict couples work. But honestly? The training matters less than the reps.
I see couples six days a week - Monday through Saturday, with Fridays reserved for admin work and catching up. My calendar is filled with relationship work. Sometimes that's couples sessions. Sometimes it's individual sessions that support the couples work - like when one partner needs to process something before bringing it to their spouse, or when individual barriers are blocking relationship progress.
That means:
When a couple from Cherry Creek comes in dealing with an affair, I've probably worked with 15 other couples that month going through the exact same thing. My SART training (Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy) means I know the specific steps that actually rebuild trust. I know what works. I know what doesn't. I know when someone's actually sorry versus when they're just sorry they got caught.
When a Denver couple shows up arguing about the same thing they've argued about for 5 years, I can usually spot the actual problem in the first session. (Hint: it's almost never about dishes or money - those are just the safest things to fight about.)
The Drive From Denver to Castle Rock (And Why People Do It)
Look, I get it. Castle Rock feels far when you're sitting in Highlands or RiNo looking at Google Maps. But here's what actually happens:
Virtual Therapy: All the Impact, Zero Commute
Most Denver couples do virtual sessions. You're in your own home, your partner's sitting next to you on the couch, and we're working through things over video. Same intensity, same results, zero traffic on I-25.
I've been doing virtual couples counseling since 2020 and honestly? The outcomes are identical to in-person work. The therapy happens in the conversation, not the physical location.
The couples who DO drive down usually say they like it. It's 35 minutes together in the car where you're not dealing with work emails or deciding what's for dinner. One couple told me they use the drive to talk about what they want to get out of the session. Another couple stops at Beau Jo's in Castle Rock after hard sessions and processes over pizza.
Plus, there's something about leaving Denver that helps. You're not running into neighbors at the coffee shop before therapy. You're not worried about seeing your coworker in the elevator after an emotional session. Castle Rock feels private in a way that couples counseling in downtown Denver sometimes doesn't.
Couples Issues I Actually Specialize In
Since I only do relationship-focused work, I've gotten good at the stuff that makes most therapists uncomfortable:
Infidelity and Affair Recovery
This is probably 40% of my practice. I'm SART-trained, which means I've got specialized certification in Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy - it's way more specific than general couples training. The couples who recover don't just "forgive and forget" (that doesn't work). They rebuild trust through specific actions over months. I know how to guide that process because I've done it hundreds of times with specialized training that most therapists don't have.
High-Conflict Relationships
Some couples fight constantly. Loud arguments, slammed doors, silent treatment for days. Most therapists will see you for a few sessions and then refer you out because it's too intense. I actually like working with high-conflict couples because the passion that fuels the fighting can fuel the healing too - you just gotta redirect it.
Emotionally Distant Marriages
This is the opposite problem - couples who barely talk, haven't had sex in months (or years), live like roommates. Denver couples dealing with this often feel embarrassed bringing it up. They wonder if they've just "fallen out of love." Usually the love's still there, it's just buried under years of not dealing with small hurts.
Communication Breakdowns
Every couple says "we just don't communicate well." What they usually mean is "we fight the same way over and over and nothing changes." Good couples counseling teaches you NEW ways to talk about hard stuff. Not just "use I statements" - that's basic. I mean actually hearing what your partner's saying under the words.
How Couples Counseling Actually Works at South Denver Therapy
First session is assessment. Both of you tell me what's going on, I ask probably 100 questions, and we figure out what we're actually working on. Sometimes couples come in saying "we need help with our sex life" and 20 minutes in we're talking about resentment from something that happened 3 years ago. That's normal.
Before you commit to paid sessions, we can start with a free 15-minute consultation call. This gives you a chance to ask questions, get a feel for whether we're a good fit, and make sure couples therapy is the right move for where you're at.
Investment in Your Relationship
$215
Per 60-Minute Session
Sessions are usually 60 minutes, weekly or every other week depending on what's happening. For couples dealing with more intense stuff - like affair recovery or preparing for a big decision - I also offer 90-minute sessions so we can really dig in without watching the clock.
Sometimes I'll meet with one partner individually if it benefits the relationship work. Maybe someone needs to process their own feelings before bringing them to their spouse. Maybe one partner is holding back in couples sessions and needs space to be completely honest. Those individual sessions aren't separate therapy - they're part of the couples work and everything circles back to strengthening the relationship.
Couples Intensives: Get Months of Progress in Days
Some Colorado couples can't do weekly therapy because of demanding schedules, or they just want faster results. That's where intensives come in.
A couples intensive is 2-3 full days of focused therapy work. We tackle the big stuff without starting and stopping every week. It's like doing 3 months of regular therapy in one weekend.
Perfect for:
- Couples who need a breakthrough fast
- Busy professionals who can't commit to weekly sessions
- Relationships in crisis that need immediate help
- Pre-marital couples who want to start strong
- Couples dealing with major life transitions
Ask about intensive scheduling when you book.
I know $215 per session isn't cheap, but marriage therapy is cheaper than divorce attorneys. (And wayyy cheaper than splitting your 401k.)
I give homework between sessions because couples counseling only works if you're actually changing things at home. Might be practicing a new communication tool, might be setting aside time to talk about a specific topic, might be trying out date ideas that don't involve screens.
Most couples see real change in 3-4 months. Not "everything's perfect" change, but "we're actually talking again" change. "I remember why I married this person" change.
Serving Denver Metro: Virtual and In-Person Couples Therapy
I work with couples throughout the Denver area:
Some drive to Castle Rock for in-person sessions. Most do virtual couples counseling from wherever they are in the Denver metro. Both work equally well - it's really about what feels right for you.
When to Actually Get Help (Spoiler: Probably Now)
Most Denver couples wait way too long to start therapy. They think "it's not THAT bad yet" or "we can figure this out ourselves." Then they finally come in and they're so far gone that repair takes twice as long.
Here's when you should actually call:
You're having the same fight on repeat and nothing changes. That's a pattern problem, not a communication problem. It won't fix itself.
One of you had an affair (emotional or physical). You need help rebuilding trust. You can't Google your way through affair recovery - it requires specialized training like SART to actually work.
You're thinking about divorce but you're not 100% sure. Couples therapy helps you either fix things or get clarity that it's really over. Both are valuable.
You barely talk anymore except about logistics. When's the last time you had a real conversation about something that matters? If you can't remember, that's a red flag.
You're always angry/resentful/bitter toward your partner. That stuff builds up over years of not addressing problems. It doesn't just go away.
Why Denver Couples Choose a Castle Rock Therapist
The honest answer? Because I'm good at this specific thing.
When you see 20-30 couples every single week across six days, you pattern-match really fast. You've heard every version of every problem. You know what actually helps versus what sounds good but doesn't work.
A therapist who sees mostly individuals and some couples? They might see 2-3 couples per week. That's fine, but they're not getting the reps that build real expertise.
Plus, couples work is intense. It requires managing two people's emotions, tracking multiple perspectives, knowing when to push and when to back off. Some therapists find it draining. I find it energizing because relationship work is all I focus on.
The couples who get the best results are the ones who actually want things to change. They're willing to drive to Castle Rock (or log into virtual sessions consistently). They do the homework between sessions. They're honest even when it's uncomfortable.
If that's you, you can request an appointment here and we'll set up a time to talk.
Real Talk About Couples Therapy in Denver
Here's what I wish more couples knew before starting therapy:
It gets harder before it gets easier. First few sessions, you're bringing up all the stuff you've been avoiding. That's uncomfortable. Couples who quit after 2-3 sessions usually do it because things feel worse. But you gotta lance the wound before it can heal.
Both people have to actually want change. I can't save your marriage if one person's already checked out. I can help you get clarity faster though.
Virtual therapy works just as well as in-person. Some couples worry that video sessions won't be "real" therapy. I've worked with couples virtually since 2020 and the results are identical to in-person work.
Couples counseling isn't about learning to never fight. It's about fighting better, resolving things faster, and not letting resentment build up over weeks.
The goal isn't to get back to how things were when you first met. That was the honeymoon phase. The goal is building something more sustainable that doesn't require perfect circumstances to work.
Common Questions Denver Couples Ask
Do you offer a free consultation before I commit?
Yes! I offer a free 15-minute consultation call where we can talk about what's happening in your relationship and whether couples therapy is the right next step. It's a no-pressure conversation - just a chance to ask questions and make sure we're a good fit before booking your first paid session.
Do you accept insurance for couples therapy?
Most insurance plans don't cover couples counseling because they consider it "relational" rather than "medical." However, we've partnered with Mentaya to help you get reimbursed by your insurance company. You can use HSA/FSA cards for immediate payment, and I provide superbills you can submit for potential reimbursement. Check our FAQs page where you'll find a tool to see if your insurance plan offers out-of-network reimbursement.
How long does couples therapy take?
Depends what you're working on. Affair recovery usually takes 6-9 months. Communication issues might be 3-4 months. High-conflict couples sometimes need a year. I'll give you a realistic timeline after the first session. If you want faster results, ask about couples intensives.
What if my partner won't come?
I can work with one partner individually when it serves the relationship, especially if they're working toward eventually bringing their spouse in. Sometimes the reluctant partner comes to one session "just to see" and then they're in. Individual sessions always focus on relationship dynamics and how to improve things, even if only one person is in the room.
Are virtual sessions as good as in-person?
Yeah, actually. The therapy happens in the conversation, not the physical location. As long as you've got good wifi and a private space to talk, virtual couples counseling works great.
What if we're already separated?
I work with separated couples all the time. Sometimes separation gives people space to think clearly about what they want. Therapy during separation helps you either rebuild or end things more consciously.
What's the difference between regular sessions and intensives?
Regular sessions are 60-90 minutes once a week. Intensives are 2-3 full days of concentrated work - think 8-10 hours of therapy over a weekend. Intensives give you months of progress in days and work great for couples in crisis or people with crazy schedules.
