Sunday, October 6th
2024 Online Marriage Counseling Reviews
Growing Self
- Priced from $65 to $160 for a 45-minute session
- Pricing based on income
- Free online resources
- Choose counseling or coaching
- Positive client feedback and high BBB rating
Growing Self's name fits perfectly with their mission to help individuals and couples grow together. They're all about nurturing healthier relationships through their counseling and coaching services. Founded over a decade ago by Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby, a licensed therapist and psychologist, this platform offers a wide range of counselors and coaches who focus on personal growth and relationship development.
Founder's journey: a story of transformation and service
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby is the founder of Growing Self, but more than that, she's a beacon of hope for anyone wanting to experience personal growth and learn about themselves. Her own journey of self-discovery and her struggles have led her to become a professional counselor, driven by her commitment to helping others. Her personal experiences have given her profound insights and empathy, making her not just a therapist, but also a relatable and inspiring leader.
Getting started
Signing up with Growing Self is easy. Just head to their website and fill out a short survey to let them know what kind of service you're looking for and why you're seeking marriage counseling. You can choose if you want a counselor with more experience or a more affordable option, or if you'd rather let them match you with someone. Growing Self has a great team of over fifty experienced coaches and counselors, which means lots of options for couples looking for a good match. You can check out their bios and pictures on the website, so you and your spouse can make a good choice for your unique needs. This way, you're both involved in choosing a marriage counselor, which helps you feel like you're both working together towards your goals.
Free preliminary video consultation
After providing your email, you'll hear back from Growing Self shortly. They'll set you up with the right therapist or coach to meet your indicated preferences and needs. Then you can schedule a free consultation with your recommended expert to discuss your goals and get a read on how their personality works with yours and your partner's. Video sessions offer flexibility, with appointments available in the evenings and on weekends to fit your work schedule. Overall, the sign-up process is user-friendly and makes it easy to take the first step towards personal growth and stronger relationships.
Plenty of free information for personal growth
We were happy to discover that Growing Self's website contains a wealth of helpful information. They cover a broad range of topics, from dating to marriage and beyond, and offer tons of free resources such as quizzes, questionnaires, and advice articles. We found their "How Healthy Is Your Relationship" quiz particularly enlightening. Their podcast and blog provide even more useful tips. And if you're not sure which type of marriage counseling or coaching would be best for you, their FAQ section is there to guide you.
Wide range of services offered
They offer everything from dating coaching to premarital counseling, relationship counseling and coaching, and even parent coaching if you and your partner have kids. If you're going through a tough time, they also provide breakup and divorce recovery services. No matter where you're at in your relationship, Growing Self has something that can support you through it. We were really impressed with how much they offer to help people with their personal growth journey.
The difference between coaching and marriage counseling
At Growing Self, they make a clear distinction between coaching and counseling services. So what's the difference? Well, counselors help individuals and couples navigate emotional challenges, address past traumas, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. On the other hand, coaches work with clients to set personal goals and develop practical strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. Basically, they're there to help you become the best version of yourself. At Growing Self, you can choose to work with therapists or coaches, or even both together, depending on what you prefer and need.
You have to wade through anecdotes to find the price
Finding out the price for Growing Self's services can be a bit of a headache. You have to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and click on the pricing section, but instead of getting straightforward details, you're bombarded with pages and pages of motivational content. It's a lot like one of those recipe blogs - No, I'm not interested in hearing about the time your grandmother accidentally joined the yakuza and came out of it with a great recipe for ramen noodles. Just give me the recipe! They're trying to emphasize the value of investing in marriage counseling, but honestly, it's a bit overwhelming and off-putting. However, if you hang in there and keep looking, you might finally stumble upon the actual pricing.
At last, the price
Deep within the pricing section, you'll discover their session costs based on the therapist's level of experience. Pricing is on a sliding scale, so depending on the therapist you choose, you could pay anywhere from $65 to $160 per 45-minute session. The doctoral-level clinicians are the most experienced and charge $160, while their advanced clinicians charge $135, and their master's level clinicians are $115. If money is tight, you might be able to get a lower rate with their sliding scale option. The early career clinicians charge $105 and might offer income-based rates as low as $65.
No discounts mentioned
At Growing Self, they don't seem to offer any discounts, be it for military personnel or other professions. Also, there's no mention of any discounts for booking multiple sessions either.
Once-a-week sessions recommended to start
To kickstart your marriage counseling journey with Growing Self, it's recommended to begin with weekly sessions. If you're envisioning a shorter-term plan, this can be a good starting point. As you progress, after about eight to ten weeks, your therapist might suggest switching to bi-weekly sessions. Eventually, as the positive changes you're working on become more concrete, the frequency might be reduced to once a month. It's essential to keep in mind that for those who experience substantial improvements in their marriage, they have often committed to attending twelve to sixteen sessions in total. If you're dedicated and consistent, you'll be more likely to see significant positive changes along the way.
Clients like it
Growing Self boasts an impressive "A+" rating with the Better Business Bureau, which reflects their commitment to excellence in service. The rating is solely based on their business practices and is not influenced by customer reviews, whether good or bad. We found reviews from clients expressing their satisfaction, stating that they found therapists here who catered to their needs. Many even anticipated continuing with their therapists for six months or even beyond a year, a clear testament to the Growing Self's effectiveness. In a separate survey, a whopping 90% of participants gave Growing Self a thumbs up, with a majority expressing their willingness to choose the platform again if given the chance.
We recommend Growing Self if you have a flexible budget
Growing Self is a valuable platform for personal growth and relationship development. With a diverse team of experienced counselors and coaches, the service offers a wealth of free information on their website to support clients' journeys. The only drawback is the lack of transparency in pricing - it's overwhelming to find, and once you do, you still won't know exactly how much you will be paying until you're matched with a therapist. Nevertheless, positive client feedback, an "A+" rating with the Better Business Bureau, and a personalized approach make Growing Self a good marriage counseling choice for those committed to personal growth and stronger relationships.
More Online Marriage Counseling Reviews
The 11 Best Online Marriage Counseling Services
Where Can You Find the Best Online Marriage Counseling?
Online marriage counseling, or couples therapy, is a relatively new way for couples to receive therapeutic services through the internet. This alternative to traditional, in-person therapy sessions is becoming increasingly popular and is a modern solution that provides much-needed intervention and support for struggling relationships.
At the heart of online marriage counseling are licensed therapists. These professionals have a background in psychology or a related field and have specialized training in helping couples navigate the challenges in their relationships. These counselors can provide guidance, strategies, and tools to help partners communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their emotional connection.
Online Marriage Counseling FAQ
Continued from above...
Online marriage counseling can help with a wide range of issues, from infidelity and trust issues to communication breakdowns, parenting conflicts, sexual dissatisfaction, financial stress, and more. And it's not just for couples in trouble: even healthy relationships can benefit from therapy as a way to strengthen their connection and build a strong foundation.
So, how does this work remotely? Online marriage counseling operates through various digital platforms like video conferencing, phone calls, text messages, emails, and chat platforms. Therapists might use one or a combination of these methods to deliver their services. This flexibility can be highly beneficial, especially for couples who are geographically separated due to work or other commitments. Therapy sessions can be scheduled at a time that suits both partners, eliminating commuting time and the hassle of coordinating schedules. It also provides a level of privacy that might not be available with in-person sessions.
This type of counseling is particularly beneficial for couples who live in rural areas with limited access to therapy services. Additionally, it eliminates the geographical barriers that often come with choosing a therapist. This means that couples can find a counselor that suits their needs from a wider range of professionals across the country or even the world.
Wondering about the cost? Online marriage counseling can be affordable, with fees varying depending on the therapist's experience and the length and frequency of sessions. Some insurance plans cover it, so it's worth checking with your provider. There are also low-cost online therapy options and platforms that work on a sliding scale, making therapy accessible to more people.
If you're searching for a marriage counseling service, it's important to keep a few things in mind to make sure you get the best possible care and support. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Therapist's Credentials and Experience: It's vital to verify that the counselor is a licensed professional with a background in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or a related field. Look for a therapist who specializes in couples or marriage counseling, as they will have more knowledge and experience dealing with relationship issues.
- Therapy Approach: Therapists use various approaches to address relationship issues, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, and others. Each technique has a different focus, so research these approaches and consider what might be most helpful for your relationship.
- Accessibility: The counseling service should be accessible, both in terms of location and scheduling. If you're considering online therapy, make sure you have a reliable internet connection and a quiet, private space where you can talk openly.
- Communication Style: Every therapist has a unique communication style, and it's crucial to find one that you and your partner both feel comfortable with. Some therapists are more directive and will give you tasks and homework, while others might be more reflective, helping you uncover deeper feelings and patterns.
- Initial Consultation: Many therapists offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. Use this time to ask questions about their approach, experience, and what you can expect from therapy. It's also a chance to see if you feel a good connection with the therapist, which is crucial for successful therapy.
- Confidentiality and Privacy: Ensure the service has strict privacy policies and uses secure, encrypted platforms if you're engaging in online therapy.
- Fees and Insurance: Counseling services can vary widely in cost, so consider your budget and whether the therapist accepts insurance. Some therapists work on a sliding scale, which can make sessions more affordable.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Reviews from other couples or recommendations from trusted sources can provide insight into the counselor's style and effectiveness.
Top Consumer Reviews has taken the time to evaluate and rank the top online marriage counseling services available today, with the goal of helping you identify the right one for your needs. Our hope is that this information will help you reconnect with your partner, or bring your relationship to new heights.
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