Every relationship has its challenges—misunderstandings, stuck conversations, or times when the distance between you feels harder to cross. If you’re feeling disconnected from your partner, stuck in cycles you can’t seem to change, or just unsure how to move forward together, marriage counseling can help.

At Josh Colby Counseling, we provide couples therapy in Grand Rapids for those looking to strengthen their relationship, rebuild trust, or simply find a better way to communicate. Whether you’re married, dating, engaged, or navigating long-term commitment, this is a space where both of you can feel heard, understood, and supported.

Why Couples Seek Therapy

Couples often come to therapy when communication has broken down, or when they find themselves having the same argument over and over again. Others seek help navigating a life transition—like becoming parents, moving, or recovering from infidelity. And sometimes, things just feel distant, and you're not sure why.

The truth is, you don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many couples use this space to tune back in to each other and learn new ways to connect. If something in your relationship isn’t working the way it used to, therapy is a good place to begin.

What to Expect in a Session

Most couples feel a little nervous at first—that’s completely normal. In our first few sessions, we’ll get to know your relationship dynamic and what brings you in. From there, we’ll work together to explore what’s not working, practice new tools, and build a stronger foundation.

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. As a therapist serving the Grand Rapids community, my approach to couples counseling is grounded in creating a safe and supportive space where both partners feel heard, understood, and respected. I believe that with the right tools and guidance, couples can navigate their challenges and build a stronger, more fulfilling connection.

My approach is Gottman informed, drawing upon decades of research into what makes relationships thrive. This means we will pay close attention to patterns of interaction that can either strengthen or weaken your bond. We will work together to identify and address the "Four Horsemen" – Criticism, Defensiveness, Contempt, and Stonewalling – and learn strategies to replace these destructive patterns with more positive and constructive ways of relating.

In addition to this framework, I integrate elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This helps us explore how your thoughts and beliefs influence your feelings and behaviors within the relationship. By understanding these patterns, you can gain valuable insights and develop healthier ways of thinking and interacting.

In our sessions, you can expect a collaborative and active approach focused on achieving your relationship goals. Together, we will work on:

• Regulating Emotions: Learning practical skills to manage intense emotions during conflict and communicate more calmly and effectively.

• Reducing Conflict: Identifying the underlying issues that fuel disagreements and developing strategies for productive problem-solving.

• Eliminating Negative Communication Patterns: Actively working to reduce or eliminate criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling, replacing them with gentler and more respectful interactions.

• Increasing Positive Interactions: Intentionally cultivating more moments of connection, appreciation, and positive engagement in your daily lives.

• Accelerating Shared Interests: Identifying and nurturing common interests and activities that bring joy and connection to the relationship.

• Valuing Individual Independence: Recognizing and respecting the importance of each partner's individual needs, goals, and autonomy within the relationship.

• Enhancing Positive Sentiments: Focusing on building a foundation of positive feelings, including fondness, admiration, and love, that can help weather inevitable challenges.

Start Couples Therapy in Grand Rapids

If you're ready to reconnect and move forward together, we’re here to help. We offer marriage counseling in Grand Rapids for couples of all backgrounds and stages.

Schedule a free consultation to see if it’s a good fit. You’re not in this alone.