Couples Counseling
in Loveland, Ohio
You don't have to keep having the same fight.
Stop Surviving Your Relationship. Start Thriving In It.
Do you feel like you're having the same fight over and over without ever resolving anything? Has the intimacy (emotional or physical) disappeared from your relationship? Do you wonder if you and your partner will ever feel close again?
You're not alone. Many couples reach a point where they feel stuck, disconnected, or exhausted from trying to make things better on their own. Couples counseling offers a path forward—not by avoiding the hard conversations, but by learning how to have them differently.
I'm Alison Sauer, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Ohio with advanced training specifically in couples work. I have completed Levels 1 and 2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy — one of the most research-backed approaches to couples therapy available — and am also trained in Discernment Counseling through the Doherty Relationship Institute. Learn more about my background and training.
Who I Help
I work with couples at all stages who are struggling with:
Communication breakdowns - Every conversation feels like it could turn into a fight. You can't discuss important topics without someone shutting down or things escalating. Small disagreements become explosive battles.
Feeling like roommates - You're living parallel lives under the same roof. The connection, passion, and closeness that used to be there has faded. You wonder if you're staying together out of habit rather than love.
Repeated conflict patterns - The same fight happens over and over with no resolution. You know the script by heart, but you can't seem to break the cycle.
Trust and betrayal - Whether it's infidelity, broken promises, or a pattern of dishonesty, trust has been shattered and you don't know if it can be repaired. The hurt feels overwhelming and you're not sure where to start.
Constant conflict - You're tired of walking on eggshells. The tension is exhausting. You argue about everything—money, parenting, household responsibilities, in-laws—and nothing ever gets resolved.
Loss of intimacy - Physical and emotional closeness has disappeared. You don't talk about what really matters. You avoid vulnerability because it's safer to keep distance than risk more hurt.
Life transitions - Becoming parents, career changes, health issues, or other major shifts have created stress and distance in your relationship. You're struggling to adjust and reconnect.
Different conflict styles - One of you avoids conflict, the other pursues. One gets loud, the other shuts down. Your differences in how you handle disagreement are tearing you apart.
Infidelity and affair recovery - Rebuilding after betrayal is possible, but it requires structure, honesty, and time.
Addiction's impact - Substance use, gambling, or other addictive behaviors create patterns of broken trust and hurt.
Parenting disagreements - Different approaches to discipline, boundaries, or values create ongoing tension.
Financial stress - Money conflicts often reflect deeper issues about trust, values, and power.
Blended family challenges - Navigating stepchildren, co-parenting with ex-partners, different parenting styles, and the complexity of building a new family structure.
Sexual intimacy concerns - Mismatched desire, past trauma, or avoidance of physical connection.
My Approach to Couples Counseling
My work is grounded in the Gottman Method, a research-based approach with over 40 years of science behind it. This isn't just talk therapy—it's a structured, practical method that teaches you specific skills to improve your relationship. I also integrate the Doherty Approach, which emphasizes relational responsibility and helping couples move beyond blame to understand how each partner contributes to both problems and solutions.
In our work together, we'll focus on:
Understanding what's not working - We'll identify the patterns and cycles keeping you stuck. Often couples know what they're fighting about but don't understand why the same issues keep coming up. We'll look beneath the surface to understand what's really happening.
Learning to communicate differently - You'll develop skills to express needs without attacking, listen without becoming defensive, and have difficult conversations without escalating. Communication is about being kind but also being honest and heard.
Managing conflict effectively - Conflict is inevitable in relationships. The goal isn't to eliminate it but to learn how to navigate it without damaging your bond. You'll learn repair skills, de-escalation techniques, and how to take productive timeouts.
Rebuilding trust and intimacy - Whether you're recovering from a betrayal or simply feeling disconnected, we'll work on creating safety, accountability, and gradual steps toward emotional and physical closeness.
Creating shared meaning - Strong relationships are built on more than just problem-solving. We'll explore your values, dreams, and what you want your life together to look like moving forward.Not sure if couples counseling is the right fit?
If one of you is uncertain whether the relationship should continue, I also offer Discernment Counseling — a structured process designed specifically for couples navigating that question.
Discernment Counseling: When You're Not Sure Whether to Stay
Sometimes one partner wants to work on the relationship and the other isn't sure the relationship should continue. Traditional couples therapy isn't designed for this situation — and starting it too soon can actually make things worse.
Discernment Counseling is a short-term, structured process specifically for couples where one person is leaning out and the other is leaning in. The goal isn't to fix the relationship — it's to help both partners gain clarity about the path forward. I am trained in Discernment Counseling and work with mixed-agenda couples navigating this difficult decision.
What Makes This Approach Different
The Gottman Method is based on Drs. John and Julie Gottman's research with thousands of couples over four decades. It's not based on theory or guesswork—it's grounded in what actually works.
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Some key principles we'll use:
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Building friendship and emotional connection
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Turning toward each other instead of away
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Managing conflict with dialogue rather than gridlock
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Creating shared meaning and purpose
I also integrate mindfulness practices to support emotional regulation and deeper self-awareness. My goal isn't to take sides or tell you what to do. It's to help you understand each other better, take responsibility for your part in the relationship dynamic, and build skills you can use for the rest of your relationship.
LGBTQ+ Affirming Practice
I provide affirming, inclusive couples therapy for LGBTQ+ partners. Your relationship deserves the same respect, support, and evidence-based care as any other. I'm here to help you navigate your unique challenges while honoring your identities and experiences.
What to Expect in Couples Counseling
First session (90 minutes): We'll meet together to understand what brings you in, what you've tried, and what you're hoping for. I'll ask questions to understand your relationship history, current challenges, and goals.
Assessment (if needed): Sometimes I'll ask you each to complete brief questionnaires or meet with you individually to get a fuller picture of your relationship dynamics.
Ongoing sessions (50 minutes): We'll typically meet weekly or biweekly. Sessions focus on teaching skills, practicing communication, processing emotions, and creating actionable steps you can take between sessions.
You don't need to come in agreeing on everything. What matters is that you're both willing to show up and try.
When to Seek Couples Counseling
Many couples wait too long to get help. They come in after years of resentment, distance, and repeated hurt. The sooner you address problems, the easier they are to resolve.
Consider marriage counseling if:
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You're having the same argument repeatedly without resolution
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Communication has broken down and you can't talk without fighting
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Trust has been broken and you don't know how to rebuild
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You feel more like roommates than romantic partners
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Life stress is putting strain on your relationship
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You want to strengthen your bond before small problems become big ones
Common Questions About Couples Counseling
What approach do you use with couples?
My work is grounded in the Gottman Method, an evidence-based approach built on over 40 years of research with thousands of couples. I completed Levels 1 and 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy — advanced training that most couples therapists don't have. I also integrate the Doherty Approach, which helps couples move beyond blame and understand how each partner contributes to both the problems and the solutions.
How long does couples counseling typically take?
Every couple is different, but most couples should expect at least 3-6 months of consistent work depending on the complexity of the issues and how frequently you meet. Couples who come weekly tend to make progress faster than those who meet every other week. The goal is always to get you to a place where you have the skills and connection to continue growing on your own.
What if one of us is unsure about couples counseling?
It's actually very common for one partner to be more ready than the other. You don't need to come in perfectly aligned — what matters is that you're both willing to show up and try. If one of you is uncertain whether the relationship should continue at all, traditional couples counseling may not be the right starting point. In that case I may recommend Discernment Counseling instead, which is designed specifically for couples navigating that question.
What if I'm not sure whether to stay in my marriage or relationship?
If you or your partner are questioning whether the relationship should continue, Discernment Counseling is likely a better fit than traditional couples counseling. It's a short-term structured process designed to help both partners gain clarity about the path forward — without pressure to make a decision before you're ready.
Do you meet with each partner individually during couples counseling?
As part of the initial assessment I may meet briefly with each of you individually to get a fuller picture of your relationship. Beyond that individual sessions during couples work are not a regular part of my practice. I also maintain a no-secrets policy — meaning anything shared in an individual session can and may be brought into the couples work. This protects the integrity of the therapy and ensures we're all working toward the same goal.
Do you accept insurance for couples counseling?
I am a private pay practice and do not accept insurance for couples counseling or marriage therapy. Insurance requires a mental health diagnosis assigned to an individual and couples counseling treats the relationship itself, not an individual diagnosis. This means couples work falls outside what insurance is designed to cover. Many couples find that investing directly in their relationship is worthwhile, and sessions can be paid for using cash, check, or credit card. I'd encourage you to check with your provider about HSA/FSA eligibility as some plans do cover couples counseling.
Getting Started
Couples counseling and marriage therapy requires courage. It means being willing to look at painful patterns, take responsibility, and try something new. But the alternative—staying stuck, growing more distant, or ending a relationship that could have been saved—is often harder.
I offer both in-person sessions at my Loveland, Ohio office and secure Telehealth sessions for couples throughout Ohio.
Couples session rate: $180 per 50-minute session (& first 90-min session)
I serve couples in Loveland, Milford, Mason, Lebanon, Cincinnati, and throughout Ohio via Telehealth. If you're ready to take the first step toward rebuilding your relationship, reach out through my contact form.
