Couples & Marriage Counseling in Denver, CO
Empowering Denver couples to communicate better, overcome conflicts, and rediscover the joy in their relationships.
Denver is a bustling, dynamic city – and while there’s so much to love about living here, the fast pace and stress can sometimes take a toll on our relationships. If you and your partner are struggling to communicate, stuck in frequent arguments, or feeling emotionally distant, you’re not alone (even if it feels that way). Every relationship faces challenges, and it’s okay to seek a little help to get back on track. At South Denver Therapy, we specialize in helping couples across the Denver area strengthen their relationships through personalized, effective counseling.
Whether you’re in downtown Denver, Capitol Hill, or out in the suburbs, we’re here to support you. Our office is a short drive south of Denver – about 30–35 minutes down I-25 to Castle Rock and we also offer online therapy, so you can work on your relationship from the comfort of home. Don’t let the distance deter you; many Denver couples choose to meet in person occasionally (combining a trip to Castle Rock with a date day) and use virtual sessions at other times. We aim to be as flexible and accessible as possible for busy city professionals, students, and families alike.
What kinds of issues do we help with? A little bit of everything. Perhaps communication has broken down – you talk, but it feels like your partner isn’t listening, or minor disagreements escalate into big fights. Maybe trust has been eroded – not necessarily by a major betrayal, but by small disappointments or secrets. It could be that life changes (a new job in the Tech Center, a new baby, or even the upheaval of events like the pandemic) have shaken your once-solid dynamic. Or maybe things look fine on the outside, yet inside the relationship you feel a lack of intimacy and understanding. These are all common scenarios, and couples counseling can help in each case.
At South Denver Therapy, we firmly believe that seeking help is a sign of strength and commitment. It shows that you both value the relationship enough to work on it. Our approach is not about blame or taking sides – it’s about equipping you as a couple with tools to handle issues and deepen your bond. Think of us as relationship coaches: we’ll identify the areas that need improvement (communication, conflict resolution, emotional connection, etc.) and teach you practical skills and insights to make those improvements. All of this happens in a supportive, confidential environment. Our Denver clients often tell us they appreciate having a space away from the city’s hustle where they can really focus on each other.
Expert Relationship Help for Denver Couples
Hi, I’m Kayla! Let’s work together for a strong, and loving relationship!
I’m Kayla, the lead therapist at South Denver Therapy. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist with a passion for helping couples create fulfilling, resilient relationships. Although my office is now in Castle Rock, I began my couples counseling career serving Denver-area couples and continue supporting clients from Denver through both in-person and online sessions. I deeply understand the unique pressures Denver couples face, such as demanding careers, stressful commutes, and balancing family life in a fast-paced city.
In terms of my approach, clients describe me as warm, non-judgmental, and straightforward. I create a comfortable space where both partners can speak freely. Many people find that I’m easy to talk to – I won’t sit there in silence or make you feel like you’re under a microscope. Instead, I engage with you, ask questions to clarify, and sometimes I’ll even gently challenge you (with kindness!) to step outside of your usual way of thinking. My goal is to help you both truly understand each other’s feelings and needs, perhaps in a way you haven’t before.
I utilize evidence-based methods in therapy, primarily drawing from Relational Life Therapy, an approach developed by renowned relationship expert Terry Real. This method helps couples break unhelpful communication patterns, increase emotional honesty, and develop stronger, more authentic connections. Each session is tailored to your specific needs—some may involve structured exercises to practice new skills, while others are more flexible, allowing you to focus on whatever is most important to you that week.
One thing I emphasize is that I’m not here to “fix” either of you, because I don’t see either person as broken. Instead, I focus on improving the interaction pattern between you. It’s that pattern – often a loop of miscommunication or misunderstanding – that we will work together to change. I often tell the couples I work with: It’s not about who’s right or wrong; it’s about what’s working or not working for your relationship. My job is to help you find what works.
I also value a bit of humor and humanity in therapy. Yes, we talk about serious, deeply emotional topics. But we might also chuckle at the absurdities of life or celebrate quirky things you love about each other. I want you to know that I’m a real person in that room with you, not a detached blank slate. I bring my professional expertise and my genuine care to each session.
Most importantly, I’m on your team. From the moment you reach out, I see it as “us three” working together to strengthen your relationship. I’ve seen incredible transformations – couples on the brink of breaking up finding their way back to love, or already-good relationships blossoming into great ones. I truly believe in the work we’ll do and will be there to guide and support you through every step.
How Couples Counseling Can Help - Common Issues for Denver Couples
Communication Problems
Communication issues are common for busy couples. Therapy focuses first on clear expression and active listening skills, helping you avoid misunderstandings and arguments. You'll learn techniques like using “I” statements and respectful timeouts, leading to calmer, more productive conversations at home.
Navigating Change & Life Transitions
Change is inevitable—new jobs, parenthood, moving, or other big shifts can disrupt your relationship's rhythm. Therapy provides tools to adjust together, communicate clearly through transitions, and strengthen your bond during uncertainty. Facing change as a team turns challenges into opportunities for deeper connection and growth.
Frequent Conflict and Anger
Small disagreements or major arguments often reveal deeper feelings like hurt or fear. Therapy explores these underlying emotions and teaches fair-fighting methods, like focusing on one issue at a time and taking cooling-off breaks. The goal is less fighting, more understanding, and practical resolutions.
Stress, Anxiety, & External Pressures
Denver life can be stressful, impacting relationships. While we can’t remove stressors, therapy helps you manage them together effectively. You’ll learn to support each other better, communicate clearly about stress, and implement practical stress-relief strategies, turning external pressures into opportunities to grow closer.
Drifting Apart / Lack of Intimacy
Sometimes couples quietly drift apart due to busy lives. Therapy offers a chance to reconnect emotionally, through deeper conversations and intentional quality time. As emotional closeness improves, physical intimacy usually follows, bringing warmth and affection back into your relationship.
Rebuilding Trust & Connection
Trust and mutual understanding form the heart of any healthy relationship. Our counseling helps you repair broken trust, strengthen your emotional bond, and foster deeper intimacy. Through supportive guidance and practical strategies, you’ll build a foundation of connection that enables you both to confidently move forward together. Whether recovering from past hurts or aiming to enhance closeness, you'll learn to reconnect on a deeper, more meaningful level.
Why Choose South Denver Therapy for Denver Couples Counseling?
Specialization in Couples Work
Not all therapists are trained or experienced in couples counseling – it’s a distinct skill set. South Denver Therapy focuses on couples and family therapy, meaning this is our bread and butter. I (Kayla) have specific training in relationship dynamics, conflict mediation, and romance/intimacy issues. I’ve also helped a wide range of couples, from those in their 20s dating in LoDo to those married 30 years in Cherry Creek. That depth and breadth of experience means I’m not easily fazed by any situation; I have a toolkit for many scenarios.
Comfortable Environment (In-person or Online)
Our Castle Rock office is designed to be cozy and private – a short escape from the Denver bustle. Some couples say the drive down gives them time to decompress before session, and the more relaxed pace of our town helps them focus. If you prefer online, we ensure the experience is smooth – we use secure, high-quality video platforms. Many are pleasantly surprised at how intimate and effective online sessions feel. We’ve invested in good technology so technical issues are rare. So, whether you come to our office or log in from home, you’ll be in a distraction-free, supportive space.
Strong Track Record
We’re proud of the success stories we’ve been part of. Our past and current clients from Denver often refer friends or leave positive feedback. South Denver Therapy has grown largely through word-of-mouth – a testament to our clients finding genuine value in the therapy process. We maintain confidentiality, of course, but it warms my heart how often I hear “So-and-so told me you helped their marriage, and we thought maybe you could help us too.” It’s an honor we don’t take lightly.
Follow-Up and Flexibility
Our relationship with clients doesn’t abruptly end at a certain session count. We often do a planned “phase out” – moving from weekly to bi-weekly to monthly as things improve, to ensure you feel solid. And even after formal therapy is done, our door remains open. Some Denver couples we worked with years ago check in for a session or two during big life changes (new baby, relocation, etc.). We’re here as an ongoing resource. Think of us like your relationship doctor – you come for a checkup or a tune-up any time. We’re committed to your long-term success, not just short-term fixes.
Confidentiality & Privacy
We deeply value your confidentiality and privacy. Our counselors are committed to creating a safe, secure environment where you can openly share without fear of judgment. Everything you discuss remains strictly confidential, allowing you to comfortably explore sensitive topics and personal concerns. From your very first interaction with us, we uphold professional and ethical standards to protect your privacy and ensure that therapy remains a trusted, supportive space.
LGBTQ-Friendly
We are proud to be an LGBTQ-friendly counseling center. Our counselors are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for individuals and couples of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We understand the unique experiences, strengths, and challenges that members of the LGBTQ community often face, and we’re dedicated to providing respectful and personalized care. Our goal is to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels genuinely valued, heard, and supported, regardless of their identity or who they love.
Success Stories from Denver Couples
Sometimes it helps to hear about others who have been where you are. Here are a few anonymized success stories from Denver-area couples who worked with us:
It’s Your Turn – Take a Step Toward a Better Relationship
You’ve learned how couples counseling can help—now the next step is yours: reaching out. Don't wait until problems feel overwhelming; the sooner you begin, the faster you’ll notice positive changes. Even if your partner feels hesitant, you can still initiate contact, and we can suggest gentle ways to invite them into counseling.
We offer a free 15-minute consultation via phone or video call, allowing you to comfortably discuss your situation and ask questions. There's no obligation—it’s simply a chance to see if we're the right fit. If it feels like a match, we'll schedule sessions at times convenient for you, including evenings or online options.
Imagine your relationship six months from now—less conflict, more connection, and renewed closeness. Those outcomes aren’t just dreams; they're achievable realities with the right guidance. Your relationship deserves support, and we're here to help Denver couples reconnect and thrive. Take the first step today.
Let’s Get Your Relationship Back on Track with Expert Couples Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not at all! Couples counseling is for any two people in a relationship who want to improve it. We welcome unmarried couples, LGBTQ+ couples, engaged couples, or even exes who are co-parenting and want a healthier dynamic. You don’t need a ring or a marriage certificate to benefit from working on communication and understanding. If you’re in a committed partnership (or want to be), counseling can help strengthen that bond. We tailor our approach based on your relationship stage and goals. For instance, dating couples might focus more on conflict patterns and compatibility, engaged couples might work through any premarital concerns (finances, roles, etc.), and long-term partners might delve into deeper intimacy and life transitions. The key is, if you care about the relationship and both of you are willing to show up and work, couples counseling can be hugely beneficial – married or not.
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It’s quite common that one partner is more open to therapy than the other. We have a few suggestions: First, have an open conversation with your partner about why you want to go. Frame it not as “you need therapy” but “I love you and I want us to have the best relationship possible. I think a counselor could help us understand each other better – would you be willing to try a session or two?” Sometimes suggesting it as a short-term experiment (just one or two sessions to see) can reduce anxiety. You can also emphasize that couples counseling is a team effort, not one person being blamed. If they have specific worries (like “the therapist will side with you” or “I don’t want to air our dirty laundry”), reassure them that therapists are trained to be neutral and confidential. Invite them to read this overview or speak to me on the phone to ease concerns. Now, if despite your best efforts your partner absolutely refuses to come, you can still work on the relationship on your own. While joint sessions are ideal, you seeing a therapist alone (what we call “individual therapy with a relationship focus”) can still lead to improvements. You might learn new ways of communicating or coping that shift the dynamic at home. Sometimes one partner’s changes inspire the other to eventually join in. So yes, coming alone is better than doing nothing – and we won’t pressure you, but we can discuss strategies to encourage your partner to participate in the future.
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The duration of counseling depends on the issues and goals at hand. Some couples come with a very specific concern (say, one communication problem or a premarital checklist) and might achieve what they want in 8-10 sessions. More often, couples with deeper conflicts or trust issues might work with us for a number of months – commonly around 3 to 6 months weekly or bi-weekly. Serious issues like recovering from infidelity could be closer to a year of therapy to fully heal and rebuild. It’s really case-by-case. We usually start with weekly sessions to build momentum. As you improve, we might taper to bi-weekly and then monthly check-ins. You’re not signing a contract or anything – you can stop whenever you feel you’ve gotten what you need. Our aim is not to keep you in therapy forever; it’s to help you reach a point where you have the skills and insights to maintain your relationship largely on your own. Many couples enjoy sessions and choose to continue longer for continued growth, which is great. Others take a break once things are better and maybe return for a tune-up down the road. Research shows that maintenance sessions can solidify gains – so we might recommend a follow-up after a few months of ending, just to ensure things are still on track. But in the end, you two decide the duration based on whether you’re seeing results and feeling satisfied that your goals are met. We’ll check in regularly about progress to make sure you’re getting value from our time together
Our Services
Start your marriage off right by building a solid foundation of trust, communication, and shared goals. Our premarital counseling helps you navigate important conversations and proactively tackle potential challenges, setting you up for a lasting and fulfilling partnership.
EMDR therapy provides gentle yet powerful relief from trauma, anxiety, and unresolved emotional pain. Through guided sessions, you'll safely process difficult experiences and build lasting resilience, allowing you to heal and move forward with greater confidence and peace
Betrayal can deeply shake your relationship, but healing is possible. Our infidelity therapy provides a supportive, structured space to process emotions, rebuild trust, and create a stronger, healthier connection moving forward.
When your relationship needs focused attention and rapid improvement, our couples intensives offer concentrated support. Spend dedicated time working through core issues, learning new skills, and reigniting intimacy, helping you quickly move toward meaningful progress.
Our Denver Office
950 S Cherry St, Suite 1675
Denver, CO 80426
Phone
720-663-8046