Couples therapy · Austin, Texas and online
Couples therapy in Austin, for when you're struggling and want to make it work.
Trust has been broken, the same fight keeps coming back, or you've drifted apart. We work on what's happening between you, and on what each of you brings to it.
Michael Strand, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist · Austin, Texas
Fully trained in EFT and Gottman · PSYPACT
Who it's for
Connect & heal your relationship.
Affairs, infidelity, or other betrayal
Frequent fights or conflicts
Emotional disconnection or loneliness
Lack of fun or joy in the relationship
Sexual issues or differences
Compulsive sexual behavior
ADHD and neurodiversity in the relationship
Parenting challenges
Issues with extended family
Financial or work-related issues
Difficulties with life transitions
Differences in values or lifestyle
Spiritual or religious differences
Coping with grief and loss
What to expect
Two phases, starting with a relationship check-up.
PHASE 1
The relationship check-up.
We start with an online relationship assessment and one or two individual sessions. Together, we decide whether couples therapy fits your needs and goals. If something else would serve you better, I'll tell you honestly.
PHASE 2
Regular sessions.
You'll learn proven therapeutic practices for you and your partner to engage in during our sessions and in your daily lives together. For most couples, I usually recommend regular sessions lasting at least three to six months.
THEN
We review progress together.
We look at what has changed and decide together whether to continue or to wrap up. If you want more sessions later, we can schedule them.
The methods
A collaborative, skills-based approach, grounded in relationship science.
In our couples therapy visits, I will provide your relationship with a supportive and structured environment to improve understanding, resolve conflict more easily, create more positive shared experiences, and forge a resilient bond that supports your life dreams and shared values.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) leads the work. I'm fully trained in EFT and the Gottman Method, with advanced training in IFS for couples.
My approach is integrative and highly personalized to each couple's concerns and goals. You don't need to know the methods by name. In sessions, we stay with what's happening between the two of you.
Why work with me?
4.9 average from 15 reviews on Google. Read them
Doctorate in psychology (PsyD). Licensed in Texas since 2017.
You work with me, from the free call through every session.
Fully trained in the Gottman Method and EFT. Advanced training in IFS for couples.
Out-of-network benefits? I can give you a superbill to submit.
You can start on your own if your partner isn't ready.
An LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC affirming practice, where all are welcome.
Sessions and fees
What couples therapy costs.
The same fees for couples and individuals, set by the length of the session. Choose 90 minutes when you want more room.
Insurance
For new clients, I'm an out-of-network provider with all insurance plans, including Aetna. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, I can give you a superbill (a detailed receipt) to submit for possible reimbursement. Your insurance company can tell you what your plan covers.
Payment
All major credit cards, plus FSA and HSA cards. Payment is processed automatically at the time of your session.
When and where
In the office in Austin on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Online on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Select extended evening and weekend hours are available on request.
$275 50-minute session
$400 90-minute session
The free 15-minute call comes first, so you can ask anything before you book.
Somewhere else right now?
Two other paths for couples.
Not sure whether to stay together?
Discernment counseling gives you room to look at what's happened, and to decide what comes next.
Decided to end the marriage?
For couples who want to end the marriage with more peace. I serve as the neutral mental health professional on a collaborative divorce team.
Questions couples ask
Before you book.
What happens in the relationship check-up?
You complete an online relationship assessment and have one or two individual sessions with me. Then we decide together whether couples therapy fits your needs and goals.
Can we meet online?
Yes. Online sessions are on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, for couples anywhere in Texas and in most U.S. states through PSYPACT. Office sessions are on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Austin.
Do you take insurance?
For new clients, I'm an out-of-network provider with all insurance plans, including Aetna. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, I can give you a superbill to submit for possible reimbursement.
How long does couples therapy take?
It varies, from a few sessions to longer. For most couples, I usually recommend regular sessions lasting at least three to six months. Then we review progress together.
Do you work with affairs and compulsive sexual behavior?
Yes. I work with couples through affairs, infidelity, and other betrayal, and with compulsive sexual behavior, where shame and secrecy often keep people stuck.
Start with a call.
Fifteen minutes, free. Tell me what's going on between you, and we work out together whether this is the right fit.