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Rated 5 out of 5 Stars

Gottman Couples Counseling

Garden Refuge Nonprofit and Counseling Center, Springfield, Illinois

A structured setting for couples who want to understand each other better and approach conflict with more clarity.

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Garden Refuge has wonderful counselors that are warm, compassionate, and caring. Would absolutely refer anyone seeking mental health services to GR!

Shanna Shrum

During my experience with Garden Refuge, I felt extremely welcomed and supported. counseling can feel intimidating, but they create a space where you feel comfortable opening up without any pressure or judgement. I always leave feeling a little more grounded and understood.

Emily Waldrop

Garden Refuge is a truly compassionate and thoughtfully run organization. The level of care they provide creates a safe, supportive space for clients and I would highly recommend them!

Annie Freeman

Garden Refuge Nonprofit has amazing workers. They have great sensitivity for cultural diversity and are accepting of learning from others, being challenged, and helping their clients to achieve their goals in life.

Trenise Scott

Garden Refuge Nonprofit and Counseling is great! With different workshops that help you better understand certain topics and provide resources, it is a great space to learn and grow!

Josie M

Top-Rated Therapy and Counseling in Springfield, Illinois

How We Work Together

Our Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists are dedicated to providing trauma-informed, unmatched understanding, compassion, and the personalized care you need to navigate through life’s challenges.

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Book An Appointment

Schedule a free consultation to share your goals and ask any questions you have about therapy.

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Match With A Therapist

We'll thoughtfully connect you with a licensed therapist who best fits your needs.

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Begin Counseling

Start your sessions and take the next step in your therapy journey with guidance and support from your therapist.

Therapists in Springfield, IL

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Dr. Katherine Segal

Ph.D, LCSW (telehealth)

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Araxie Jensen

Master's intern 

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Josh Eaves

LCSW

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Proudly Serving Illinois via Telehealth
And Springfield, Illinois in Person

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Trauma Support in Springfield, IL

Relationships are shaped by the pace of everyday life, and in a city like Springfield, Illinois, where more than 112,000 residents balance careers, parenting, and financial pressures, it is common for couples to experience periods of disconnection or conflict. Across Sangamon County’s nearly 194,000 residents, many couples face challenges such as communication breakdown, trust issues, or the strain that comes with major life transitions. Research shows that 69 percent of relationship conflict is rooted in ongoing, unresolved differences, which can create repeated tension if not addressed effectively. Couples counseling provides a structured space to work through those patterns, improve communication, and better understand each partner’s perspective without the conversation breaking down. At Garden Refuge Nonprofit and Counseling Center in Springfield, Illinois, couples counseling is designed to help partners reconnect, navigate conflict more productively, and build a stronger, more stable relationship, whether meeting in person or through telehealth.

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Couples Counseling Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Gottman Couples Counseling?

Gottman Couples Counseling is a research-based approach to relationship therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. At Garden Refuge Nonprofit and Counseling Center in Springfield, Illinois, this method focuses on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.


2. How is Gottman therapy different from other couples counseling methods?

Gottman therapy is based on decades of research studying real relationships. It uses structured techniques and proven strategies to address conflict, build friendship, and create lasting relationship stability.


3. What issues can Gottman Couples Counseling help with?

This approach can help with communication problems, recurring conflict, trust issues, infidelity recovery, emotional disconnection, and major life transitions affecting the relationship.


4. How does Gottman Couples Counseling work?

Therapy begins with an assessment of your relationship, followed by targeted interventions to improve communication, manage conflict, and increase emotional closeness. Sessions are practical and focused on real-life applications.


5. Is Gottman therapy effective for struggling relationships?


Yes. Gottman Couples Counseling is widely recognized as an effective, evidence-based approach for improving relationship satisfaction and reducing conflict when both partners are willing to engage in the process.


6. Do both partners need to attend every session?

Most sessions are attended together, but in some cases, individual sessions may be included to better understand each partner’s perspective and support overall progress.


7. How long does Gottman Couples Counseling take?

The timeline varies depending on the couple’s goals and challenges. Some couples see meaningful improvement in a few months, while others continue longer to strengthen their relationship further.


8. Can Gottman therapy help before marriage?

Yes. Gottman-based counseling is often used for premarital counseling to help couples build a strong foundation, improve communication, and address potential challenges early.


9. Is telehealth available for couples counseling in Illinois?

Yes. Garden Refuge Nonprofit and Counseling Center offers telehealth couples counseling across Illinois, allowing partners to attend sessions from a convenient and comfortable setting.

Our Other Counseling Services and Specialties

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Evidence-based CBT to change unhelpful thought patterns and build practical coping strategies.

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Family Therapy

Family therapy to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships at home.

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Forward Facing Trauma Therapy

Trauma therapy that helps you process the past while building stability and forward movement.

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Gottman Couples Counseling

Research-based couples counseling focused on communication, conflict, and rebuilding trust.

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Group Counseling

Therapist-led groups that offer support, skills, and connection with others facing similar challenges.

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Marriage Counseling

A skills-based treatment combining cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness.

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Mindfulness Coaching

Mindfulness coaching to reduce stress, build awareness, and strengthen daily coping skills.

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Motivational Interviewing

A collaborative, goal-focused style that strengthens motivation for change and follow-through.

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Trauma Informed Therapy

A trauma-informed approach that prioritizes safety, regulation, and steady healing at your pace.

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Illinois Telehealth

Evidence-based therapy that prioritizes healing at your pace from the comfort of your home.

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EMDR Therapy

A structured therapy approach that helps people work through difficult memories and experiences in a safe, guided setting.

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Teen Therapy

Therapy for Teens and Adolescents to help them work through the difficulties of growing up.

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Connect With Us

Build stronger communities by increasing self-reliance, and strengthening individuals and families through family history work, counseling, psychoeducation, and community-based activities.

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