FAQs about Marriage Counseling and Therapy in Birmingham, AL
Looking for marriage counseling in Birmingham, AL, can feel overwhelming. You’ve finally worked up the courage to reach out, and maybe you’ve even found a therapist who feels like a good fit, but now you’re full of questions.
That’s completely normal.
At Sparrow Counseling, we talk with couples every day who are trying to figure out if therapy is right for them, what to expect, and how this whole process works. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions couples ask when considering marriage therapy.
How can marriage counseling even help me?
Great question. We believe in the service we provide, deeply. Marriage counseling helps you recognize the relational patterns that keep repeating and gives you the tools to respond differently.
For example, let’s say one partner tends to withdraw and the other becomes anxious and pursues them. The more anxious one partner becomes, the more the other shuts down, and the cycle goes on. Counseling gives each partner language and strategies to shift those dynamics: how to manage anxiety, how to create emotional safety, and how to re-engage in healthy ways.
Sounds hard, right? It can be. But it’s worth it. And we’ll walk with you every step of the way.
We keep having the same arguments. How is therapy going to help?
It’s easy to get stuck in the same communication loop. A couples therapist can step in with a fresh, neutral perspective and help you try something different. Even something as simple as how you decide where to eat dinner can become a frustrating cycle!
We’ll help you name the pattern, interrupt it, and replace it with more intentional, respectful communication.
Why should we talk to a therapist instead of a friend or family member?
Friends and family usually come with their own opinions and emotions about your relationship. They may mean well, but they’re not neutral. A licensed marriage therapist is trained to hold space for both of you, without taking sides, and to help you make progress, together.
I don’t talk about my feelings much. Can therapy still help?
Yes. Not everyone grows up in a home where emotions are talked about or welcomed. That doesn’t mean you’re incapable; it just means you might need support learning a new skill. Our job isn’t to force emotion, but to help you connect to what’s already there and learn how to express it in safe and effective ways.
We’ve already tried marriage counseling. It didn’t work.
Sometimes the timing wasn’t right. Sometimes the therapist wasn’t the best fit. And sometimes, one or both partners weren’t ready to do the work. Whatever the case, it’s okay to try again with a fresh start and a new approach.
Why do you recommend weekly sessions?
Weekly sessions help build momentum. We don't want you in therapy forever, but we do want to walk with you through both the highs and the hard moments so we can go deeper. Research shows weekly therapy is more effective than sporadic visits, and we want your time and energy to pay off.
Why is marriage counseling so expensive?
Because the work we do matters. Our therapists have invested years into education, supervision, and ongoing training to provide high-quality, specialized care. We see marriage counseling as an investment in your relationship—and in your future together.
Do you take insurance?
We do not accept insurance for marriage counseling, and there’s a reason for that. Insurance requires a diagnosis, compromises your privacy, and limits session length and frequency. We want therapy to be confidential, tailored to you, and not dictated by a third party. We do accept HSA/FSA cards and can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
How long are sessions?
Standard sessions are 55 minutes. For first-time couples, we recommend a 2-hour initial session to allow time for a full intake, goal setting, and a deep dive into your concerns.
Can the same therapist see me individually and also see us as a couple?
We don’t recommend it. If you're working individually and as a couple, we suggest two different therapists, one for each setting. When a counselor sees both, it can create an imbalance in trust. At Sparrow Counseling, we prioritize clear boundaries so you both feel supported and understood.
What if I leave a session feeling frustrated or unheard?
That happens sometimes. Therapy can stir things up. But we believe one of the greatest things therapy teaches is how to have honest conversations. If something didn’t sit right with you, tell your therapist. It’s their job to listen, adjust, and collaborate with you. Feeling heard doesn’t always mean someone agrees, but it does mean they care enough to listen.
Ready to Take the First Step?
You don’t have to keep repeating the same patterns or wondering if things will ever change. If you’re ready for real support and a fresh path forward, we’re here to help.
Here’s how to get started:
Reach out to Sparrow Counseling for a free 15-minute consultation.
Learn more about our caring, experienced couples therapists.
Start healing your relationship, together.
Other Services Offered at Sparrow Counseling
At Sparrow Counseling we offer in-person and online therapy in the state of Alabama. In addition to couples retreats, our team specializes in pre-engagement and premarital counseling, couples intensives, teen counseling, family therapy, co-parenting counseling, blended family counseling, discernment counseling, and more in Birmingham, Alabama. Learn more by checking out our FAQs and Blog!
Written by Sara Hadgraft, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. Sara earned a master’s degree in Secondary Education and Counseling with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. Drawing from over 30 years of experience, she helps couples strengthen their relationships through empathy, effective communication, and evidence-based strategies for connection.
