Couples Counseling made comfortable.
Online therapy for couples. Now accepting new clients in Washington state!
Couples Counseling made comfortable.
Online therapy for couples. Now accepting new clients in Washington state!
Couples
Counseling
made comfortable.
Online therapy for couples. “Now accepting new clients in Washington State!”
We are
glad you
are here.
Is your relationship stuck in a vicious cycle of disconnection and misunderstanding? Do you struggle with communication, intimacy, or broken trust? Do you suspect therapy could help?
We successfully help couples with:
We Can Help!
For 17 years, Inside Passage Relationship Counseling has been a leader in providing high-quality couples therapy. Now we have a whole team who specializes in Online Couples Therapy!
Empathic
Trauma Informed
Evidence Based
Our therapists literally meet you where you are – in the comfort of your own home, from your car, or even in a park. They are 100% dedicated to cultivating a safe, non-judgmental space for you and your partner to reconnect and understand your stories so you can finally live the life you long for.
90% of couples that work with us report:
- More happiness in their marriage
- A stronger connection
- Overall better communication
If that is what you’re longing for, you’ve come to the right place.
Why couples choose online therapy
It might surprise you to know that more and more couples are choosing online couples counseling as their go-to option for therapy. Not only has research shown it be just as effective, but many of our clients say they actually prefer it.
- No waiting rooms
- No traffic jams
- Preserves your privacy
- Access help from anywhere you have an internet connection
- Simple continued scheduling
Why
Couples
Choose
Online
Therapy
It might surprise you to know that more and more couples are choosing online couples counseling as their go-to option for therapy. Not only has research shown it be just as effective, but many of our clients say they actually prefer it.
- No waiting rooms
- No traffic jams
- Preserves your privacy
- Access help from anywhere you have an internet connection
- Simple continued scheduling
Our Methods
Integrative Experiential Couples Therapy (IECT)
We have an exclusive approach to couples therapy at Inside Passage Relationship Counseling called Integrative Experiential Couples Therapy. Developed by our own Laura Gambrel, PhD, LMHC and Heather Varnau, MA, LMHC, our signature integrative couples therapy approach includes a foundation in systemic experiential therapy (drawing from EFT, IFS, relational mindfulness, and the Satir Model) with intervention tools from polyvagal theory, interpersonal neurobiology, the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy, and other approaches. In integrative experiential couples therapy the goal is to help couples have new experiences of attunement, authenticity, and acceptance in their relationship that promote an increasingly secure attachment with their partner.
In order to assist clients with the ability to be vulnerable, take relational risks, and be present with emotional intensity, we build skills and awareness through psychoeducation and practicing tools. We work to help clients see and interrupt maladaptive relational patterns (cycles), to self-regulate when attachment fears are triggered, and to communicate congruently and effectively. Throughout the process, we bring attention to the individual experiences of each partner, and the relational dynamic (me, you, we) so that clients can be in touch with both their own needs and fears and those of their partner simultaneously. In this way, we help couples to spend more time in connection mode, instead of protection mode, which allows for a healing of past hurts, and deeper intimacy and attunement in the present and future.
Integrative Experiential Couples Therapy (IECT)
We have an exclusive approach to couples therapy at Inside Passage Relationship Counseling called Integrative Experiential Couples Therapy. Developed by our own Laura Gambrel, PhD, LMHC and Heather Varnau, MA, LMHC, our signature integrative couples therapy approach includes a foundation in systemic experiential therapy (drawing from EFT, IFS, relational mindfulness, and the Satir Model) with intervention tools from polyvagal theory, interpersonal neurobiology, the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy, and other approaches. In integrative experiential couples therapy the goal is to help couples have new experiences of attunement, authenticity, and acceptance in their relationship that promote an increasingly secure attachment with their partner.
In order to assist clients with the ability to be vulnerable, take relational risks, and be present with emotional intensity, we build skills and awareness through psychoeducation and practicing tools. We work to help clients see and interrupt maladaptive relational patterns (cycles), to self-regulate when attachment fears are triggered, and to communicate congruently and effectively. Throughout the process, we bring attention to the individual experiences of each partner, and the relational dynamic (me, you, we) so that clients can be in touch with both their own needs and fears and those of their partner simultaneously. In this way, we help couples to spend more time in connection mode, instead of protection mode, which allows for a healing of past hurts, and deeper intimacy and attunement in the present and future.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
Many of our couples therapists have advanced training or certification in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). Founded by Dr. Sue Johnson and endorsed by the American Psychological Association as scientifically proven, EFT is the most successful approach to creating loving relationships.
Based on the neuroscience of attachment and emotion, EFT is an evidence-based, empirically validated approach to therapy that helps couples and families de-escalate patterns of conflict and restructure their relationships.
By focusing on the deeper emotional aspects of relationships and conflicts, EFT helps couples break out of toxic patterns and have new corrective emotional experiences.
According to The American Psychological Association, studies show that EFT helps 70 to 75% of couples move from distress to recovery, and approximately 90% of them show significant improvements.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Founded by Dr. Sue Johnson and endorsed by the American Psychological Association as scientifically proven, EFT is the most successful approach to creating loving relationships.
Based on the neuroscience of attachment and emotion, EFT is an evidence-based, empirically validated approach to therapy that helps couples and families de-escalate patterns of conflict and restructure their relationships.
By focusing on the deeper emotional aspects of relationships and conflicts, EFT helps couples break out of toxic patterns and have new corrective emotional experiences.
According to The American Psychological Association, studies show that EFT helps 70 to 75% of couples move from distress to recovery, and approximately 90% of them show significant improvements.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
All of our couples therapists have training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Combining the knowledge and wisdom of 40 years of research and clinical practice, Gottman Method Couples Therapy helps couples break through barriers to achieve greater understanding, connection, and intimacy in their relationships.
Through research-based interventions and exercises based on empirical data from Dr. John Gottman’s study of more than 3,000 couples, The Gottman Method is a structured, goal-oriented, and scientifically-based approach.
The Gottman Method is designed to support couples across all economic, racial, sexual orientation, and cultural sectors. Outcome research has shown Gottman Method Couples Therapy to be effective for treating same-sex relationships.
Some of the relationship issues that may be addressed in therapy include:
- Frequent conflict and arguments
- Poor communication
- Emotionally distanced couples on the verge of separation
- Specific problems such as sexual difficulties, infidelity, money, and parenting
Even couples with “normal” levels of conflict may benefit from the Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Gottman-trained therapists aim to help couples build stronger relationships overall and healthier ways to cope with issues as they arise in the future.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Combining the knowledge and wisdom of 40 years of research and clinical practice, Gottman Method Couples Therapy helps couples break through barriers to achieve greater understanding, connection, and intimacy in their relationships.
Through research-based interventions and exercises based on empirical data from Dr. John Gottman’s study of more than 3,000 couples, The Gottman Method is a structured, goal-oriented, and scientifically-based approach.
The Gottman Method is designed to support couples across all economic, racial, sexual orientation, and cultural sectors. Outcome research has shown Gottman Method Couples Therapy to be effective for treating same-sex relationships.
Some of the relationship issues that may be addressed in therapy include:
- Frequent conflict and arguments
- Poor communication
- Emotionally distanced couples on the verge of separation
- Specific problems such as sexual difficulties, infidelity, money, and parenting
Even couples with “normal” levels of conflict may benefit from the Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Gottman-trained therapists aim to help couples build stronger relationships overall and healthier ways to cope with issues as they arise in the future.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Combining the knowledge and wisdom of 40 years of research and clinical practice, Gottman Method Couples Therapy helps couples break through barriers to achieve greater understanding, connection, and intimacy in their relationships.
Through research-based interventions and exercises based on empirical data from Dr. John Gottman’s study of more than 3,000 couples, The Gottman Method is a structured, goal-oriented, and scientifically-based approach.
The Gottman Method is designed to support couples across all economic, racial, sexual orientation, and cultural sectors. Outcome research has shown Gottman Method Couples Therapy to be effective for treating same-sex relationships.
Some of the relationship issues that may be addressed in therapy include:
- Frequent conflict and arguments
- Poor communication
- Emotionally distanced couples on the verge of separation
- Specific problems such as sexual difficulties, infidelity, money, and parenting
Even couples with “normal” levels of conflict may benefit from the Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Gottman-trained therapists aim to help couples build stronger relationships overall and healthier ways to cope with issues as they arise in the future.
Hello!
I'm Heather Varnau, LMHC and founder at Inside Passage Relationship Counseling.
You deserve the best chance at success. At Inside Passage, I hand-select, vet and endorse each and every therapist on our team, so you can feel confident that you will receive the best possible therapeutic experience.
Our couples therapists are carefully chosen to meet high standards in the following areas:
- Competency- advanced training, demonstrated skill, and a commitment to the art and science of therapy, including ongoing learning and development.
- Character- embodying qualities such as compassion, curiosity, courage, clarity, trustworthiness, transparency, diligence, and adherence to ethical guidelines.
- Client Care- exhibiting excellence in customer service, providing a seamless therapeutic experience for each and every client.
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion- a dedication to improving the lives of all individuals, and meeting each person right where they are, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or relationship configuration.
Our online couples therapists receive up to 5 hours of supervision and training weekly by Laura Gambrel, PhD, LMHC, and Heather Varnau, MA, LMHC to ensure that these standards are met.
Meghan, Chris and Molly: our extraordinary scheduling team.
Call
Today
Our professional client care team will answer your questions and help you find the right therapist.
Initial Session
We’ll schedule an initial session with your therapist so you can discuss your goals and how the therapist can help.
Recurring Sessions
If it’s a good fit, we’ll schedule recurring sessions weekly or biweekly to help you meet your goals.
"Bridget had been wonderful and has helped us in our sessions. Thank you for your assistance in getting us matched with a therapist who was a great fit for our needs."
Frequently Asked Questions
During Covid, our therapists gained extensive experience and training in specialized techniques for guiding couples therapy online.
Our office team is standing by to help you feel confident when signing onto your session. Each week you will receive a new link and reminder of your scheduled session, making it easy to sign on.
Yes! All our platforms are HIPAA compliant. In fact, online couples counseling preserves your privacy even more than in-person therapy because there is no waiting room.
You can be anywhere there is a stable internet connection, allowing for you and your partner to sign on from wherever you are, even when you are in two different places.
Why Inside Passage?
When you choose Inside Passage Relationship Counseling, you’re choosing more than just therapy services – you’re choosing a partner on your path to healing and wholeness.
- Expertise: Our therapists are highly trained professionals specializing in relationship counseling to help individuals, couples and families overcome obstacles and thrive.
- Compassion: We approach each client with empathy, understanding and non-judgement, creating a safe space for healing and growth.
- Personalization: We recognize that every individual is unique, which is why we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs and goals.
- Customer Service: We pride ourselves in providing the highest quality of customer service every step of the way.
- Results: 90% of couples who work with us report more happiness in their marriage, stronger connection and overall better communication.
Rates and Insurance
The fees for 50-minute sessions range from $160-$225, depending on the service type and therapist. We are not contracted with health insurance companies and do not bill health insurance directly. We’re sorry, but we cannot provide insurance receipts for couples therapy.
Investing in your relationship is a gift that keeps on giving.
If you are ready to improve your emotional well-being and quality of life, contact Inside Passage Counseling today.