Premarital, Relationship Maintenance, and Couples Counseling Programs in Grand Rapids, MI with Brittani Decess, LLPC [Episode 126]

Brittani Decess, LLPC speaks with Paul Krauss MA LPC about the importance of relationship counseling programs in the lives of those involved in a relationship as well as the community that surrounds them. Brittani and Paul discuss the current offerings of a Premarital Counseling Program and a Relationship Maintenance Counseling Program (for those who have been together for a time).  Also discussed: What each program entails, why they can be effective, the research surrounding couples therapy, why health insurance doesn't cover traditional couples counseling, Drs. Julie and John Gottman's love lab, existential couples therapy, solution-focused couples therapy, and more.

• All Relationship Programs at Health for Life Counseling in Grand Rapids, MI are listed here.

• How many adults out there wish that their parents had enrolled in a relationship counseling program?
• For instance, many people have a “great relationship” on the surface–Bill and Suzy….always out….always having fun….holding hands….but at home…Bill lives in the garage and continues to work on the dead car… and Suzy is secretly drinking because of her resentment toward Bill and reading romance books. 
• Relationships affect how you feel inside with yourself and others.

Brittani Decess, LLPC is a mental health therapist at Health For Life Counseling and has been practicing since September 2021.  Brittani identifies as a queer cis-gendered white female and uses she/her pronouns . Brittani has worked with a variety of individuals and families across the life span using talk and creative therapies to aid clients in healing and processing. Brittani holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy and a Master’s Degree in Counseling with a focus on Marriage, Couples, and Families. Brittani is also continuing training in EMDR techniques and Couples Therapy Modalities. Brittani has several years of trauma-informed work including facilitating a Cognitive-Behavoral-Therapy curriculum to youth in court system, being a public speaker and educator on topics related to sexual assault and domestic violence, and counseling children, teens, and caregivers moving through the adoption and foster care system before coming to Health for Life Counseling- Ada, MI. Brittani specializes in topics and issues related to lifespan changes/transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics (couples, families, and other relationship groupings), attachment, communication, self-esteem, LGBTQ+ experiences , sexuality and intimacy, and impacts of unhelpful social narratives. Brittani approaches therapy by working towards processing the meaning of experiences by exploring the intersectionality of cultural identities and how connections to people, places, and events have impacted the client(s) mental health and other areas most important to them.

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Paul Krauss MA LPC is the Clinical Director of Health for Life Counseling Grand Rapids, home of The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Paul is also a Private Practice Psychotherapist, an Approved EMDRIA Consultant , host of the Intentional Clinician podcast, Behavioral Health Consultant, Clinical Trainer, and Counseling Supervisor. Paul is now offering consulting for a few individuals and organizations. Paul is the creator of the National Violence Prevention Hotline (in progress) as well as the Intentional Clinician Training Program for Counselors. Paul has been quoted in the Washington Post, NBC News, Wired Magazine, and Counseling Today. Questions? Call the office at 616-200-4433. 

If you are looking for EMDRIA consulting groups, Paul Krauss MA LPC is now hosting weekly online and in-person groups.  For details, click here.

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 Original Music:

”Alright" from the forthcoming album Mystic by PAWL (Spotify)

"Unforgettable" from Unforgettable by Nat King Cole (Spotify)

"I'm Glad There is You" from When You're Away by Carmen McRae (Spotify)