Marriage Counseling Marietta, GA | Advent Counseling
Is a marriage stuck in a pattern that's hard to break? Are the same arguments happening over and over, with no real resolution? Or have things gone quiet, not because everything is fine, but because both partners have stopped trying?
If this sounds familiar, many couples feel this way. Most couples who come to Advent Counseling for marriage counseling in Marietta have been struggling longer than they'd like to admit. Many wait years before reaching out. That's understandable, but the longer these patterns sit, the harder they are to shift.
The good news is that most marriages can improve significantly with the right, evidence-based support. That's exactly what Jim Ciraky, PhD, LPC, NCC, offers at Advent Counseling.
Start a free 15-minute consultation today.
Signs Your Marriage Could Benefit from Relationship Counseling in Marietta
Couples don't have to be in crisis to benefit from marriage therapy in Marietta. Many come in at different stages, some early on when things feel off, others after years of unresolved tension. Here are a few typical reasons people reach out:
Communication has broken down
Conversations turn into arguments, or one partner shuts down entirely. Either way, the conversations that matter most aren't happening.
They feel more like roommates than partners
The emotional connection has gone flat. There's distance between them, and neither is sure when or how it got there.
Trust has been broken
Whether it's infidelity, dishonesty, or repeated letdowns, rebuilding trust alone is difficult. Marriage counseling sessions in Marietta provide a structured environment to work through this honestly.
They're facing a major life transition
A new baby, job loss, a move, or health issues put real pressure on relationships. Couples who navigate these transitions together often come out stronger, but it takes intentional effort.
They keep having the same fight
Same topic, same outcome, same frustration. For couples who've been circling the same issue for months or years, a third perspective can help them finally get somewhere.
Talk to a certified therapist.
How Jim Approaches Marriage Counseling Services in Marietta
Jim's approach to relationship counseling in Marietta is direct and practical. Clients aren't asked to sit in silence and wait for insight to appear. He listens carefully, assesses what's actually happening between partners, and gets to work from the first session.
Jim uses evidence-based methods, primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a clinical framework supported by decades of published research and endorsed by organizations like the American Psychological Association, to help couples identify the patterns causing damage and replace them with healthier ways of relating.
CBT is particularly useful because it addresses not just what partners are doing but how they're thinking about each other and the relationship. Depending on the couple's needs, Jim also draws on the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to strengthen emotional connection and repair conflict patterns.
Jim has worked with couples at every stage, from early tension to long-standing disconnection. Instead of a generic checklist, marriage counseling services are tailored to each couple's unique history and objectives.
For couples whose faith matters to them, Jim also offers Christian marriage counseling in Marietta, GA. This brings biblical principles into the therapeutic process, not as a replacement for clinical work, but as a meaningful framework that reflects a couple's values and commitment to the relationship.
Whatever a couple's background or beliefs, marriage therapy programs are built around their specific situation. There is no one-size-fits-all approach here.
Meet Your Therapist
Marriage counseling in Marietta, GA, is led personally by Jim Ciraky, PhD, LPC, NCC, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia and a Nationally Certified Counselor since 1992. With 26 years in practice, Jim has spent decades helping couples move out of repeating conflict cycles and rebuild genuine connection, using structured, evidence-based methods rather than generic advice. He is a faculty member at Liberty University, and is a verified provider on Psychology Today.
Every client works directly with Jim. There are no interns, no rotating staff, and no hand-offs, so the person a couple meets in their first session is the same person guiding their care throughout.
Individual Counseling in Marietta
Sometimes one partner isn't ready to come in or isn't willing. If that's the situation, individual counseling in Marietta, GA, is a real option. A client can begin working on their own communication patterns, reactions, and approach to the marriage without waiting for their spouse to be on board.
Often, when one person starts doing the work, it shifts things at home. It's not guaranteed, but it's a better option than doing nothing.
If you're ready to get started, you can contact us today for a free consultation.
Marriage Counseling Fees
Advent Counseling keeps pricing simple and transparent, so cost is never a barrier to getting started.
● Session rate: $195 per session, for both individual and couples sessions
● Sliding scale: Available for qualifying clients
● In-network insurance accepted: Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare / UBH
● Out-of-network benefits: Honored, with a superbill provided upon request
● Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, HSA, FSA, and cash
● Free consultation: A 15-minute consultation is available before any session is booked
Marriage Counseling Serving Marietta and Surrounding Areas
Advent Counseling's in-person office serving Marietta is located at 2655 Dallas Hwy, Suite 310, Marietta, GA 30064. This location is convenient for clients throughout Marietta as well as nearby communities, including Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton, Cumberland, and the broader Cobb County area.
For clients who prefer or need to meet remotely, telehealth therapy is available to anyone located in Georgia through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. Jim is a certified member of the Online Therapy Directory, a credential confirming that his virtual sessions meet verified professional standards, so couples can expect the same clinical quality whether they meet in person or online.
Still have questions regarding marriage counseling sessions?Get in touch with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens during marriage counseling sessions in Marietta?
Marriage counseling starts with understanding the couple's concerns, relationship history, and goals. Jim then creates a treatment plan using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the Gottman Method, or Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Most sessions end with practical exercises couples can use between appointments.
2. How many marriage counseling sessions will we need?
The number of sessions depends on the couple's situation. Some couples notice improvement within 6 to 8 sessions, while others need more time to rebuild trust or work through long-term issues. Progress is reviewed regularly, and therapy continues only as long as it is helpful.
3. What if my spouse won't attend marriage counseling?
Marriage counseling can still begin with one partner. Individual relationship counseling helps improve communication, gain clarity, and develop healthier relationship habits. Many couples start this way before attending therapy together.
4. Is Christian marriage counseling different from regular couples therapy?
Yes. Christian marriage counseling uses the same evidence-based therapy techniques as traditional couples counseling but also includes biblical principles and a faith-based perspective when couples want that approach. If faith is not part of the couple's goals, therapy focuses only on clinical methods.
5. What therapy methods are used in marriage counseling?
Marriage counseling may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the Gottman Method, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). The approach is selected based on the couple's needs, relationship challenges, and treatment goals.
6. Is marriage counseling confidential?
Yes. Marriage counseling sessions are confidential and follow privacy laws for licensed mental health providers in Georgia. Both in-person and telehealth sessions are protected, and virtual appointments are held on a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.
7. Do you offer online marriage counseling in Marietta?
Yes. Telehealth marriage counseling is available for clients anywhere in Georgia, including Marietta. Couples can attend online using a secure platform, and many choose to combine virtual and in-person sessions.
8. Can marriage counseling help if we're unsure about staying together?
Yes. Marriage counseling helps couples explore their relationship in a safe and structured environment. Therapy can provide clarity, improve communication, and help couples make informed decisions without pressure to stay together or separate.
9. How much does marriage counseling cost in Marietta, GA?
At Advent Counseling, marriage counseling costs $195 per session for both couples and individuals. A sliding fee scale is available for eligible clients. A free 15-minute consultation is also offered before scheduling the first appointment.
10. Does insurance cover marriage counseling in Georgia?
Insurance coverage depends on the health plan. Advent Counseling accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, and UnitedHealthcare/UBH for eligible clients. Out-of-network clients can request a superbill to seek reimbursement. Contact the insurance provider to confirm mental health or couples counseling benefits.
