Online Couples Therapy to Help You Feel Close Again
You can love each other and still feel far apart.Couples therapy can help you handle hard conversations differently, repair the hurt that has built up, and start feeling like partners again.
AVAILABLE IN CONNECTICUT AND MORE THAN 40 PSYPACT STATES
AVAILABLE IN CONNECTICUT AND MORE THAN 40 PSYPACT STATES
Online Couples Therapy to Help You Feel Close Again
You can love each other and still feel far apart.
Couples therapy can help you handle hard conversations differently, repair the hurt that has built up, and start feeling like partners again.
Complimentary and about 15 minutes
Complimentary and about 15 minutes
Your Relationship Doesn’t Have to Be Falling Apart
Your Relationship Doesn’t Have to Be Falling Apart
You may be getting through everyday life together, but more of your conversations seem to end in tension, silence, or another unresolved argument. After a while, it can be hard to know what to try next.
Maybe a small comment turns into a much bigger argument. One of you may get defensive while the other keeps trying to be heard or pulls away. Old hurts get pulled into new disagreements, and the real issue can get lost before either of you feels heard.
You don’t have to wait until your relationship is in crisis. If this keeps happening and you can’t seem to change it together, couples therapy can help you start doing something differently.
What Can Start to Change Between You
Everyone disagrees sometimes. What can change is how quickly you understand each other, reconnect after a hard conversation, and stay close even when you see things differently.
Over time, you may begin to:
- Catch the pattern sooner, before it turns into another fight
- Talk about what you need without the conversation escalating so quickly
- Build more open emotional communication around what you need, miss, or worry about
- Get better at conflict repair so you can find your way back to each other after a disagreement
Small changes in how you talk and reconnect can make daily life together feel less tense and more connected.
What Can Start to Change Between You
Everyone disagrees sometimes. What can change is how quickly you understand each other, reconnect after a hard conversation, and stay close even when you see things differently.
Over time, you may begin to:
- Catch the pattern sooner, before it turns into another fight
- Talk about what you need without the conversation escalating so quickly
- Build more open emotional communication around what you need, miss, or worry about
- Get better at conflict repair so you can find your way back to each other after a disagreement
Small changes in how you talk and reconnect can make daily life together feel less tense and more connected.
What Couples Therapy Is Like With Me
Couples therapy doesn’t have to turn into another argument or a place where either of you has to prove your point.
When we meet, I take an active role in the conversation. If you start getting pulled into the same argument, I’ll help slow things down so you can each say what you mean and have a better chance of hearing each other.
I listen carefully to both of you. I’ll help you understand what keeps happening between you and guide you toward healthier ways of responding to each other, especially when things get difficult.
We’ll also pay attention to what’s going better. Before we finish, we’ll decide what might be useful to notice or try during the week.
Christian-integrated therapy is available if you’d like your faith to be part of our work. I’ll only include it if you ask.
Christian-integrated therapy is available if you’d like your faith to be part of our work. I’ll only include it if you ask.
COMPLIMENTARY GUIDE
When Anxiety or Depression Starts to Affect Daily Life
A Guide to Self-Care and Knowing When to Seek Professional Support
You may still be getting through your day, but notice that anxiety, sadness, or stress is taking more out of you than it used to.
This guide includes practical ways to support yourself, along with signs that it may be time to talk with a therapist.
COMPLIMENTARY GUIDE
When Anxiety or Depression Starts to Affect Daily Life
A Guide to Self-Care and Knowing When to Seek Professional Support
You may still be getting through your day, but notice that anxiety, sadness, or stress is taking more out of you than it used to.
This guide includes practical ways to support yourself, along with signs that it may be time to talk with a therapist.
Meet Dr. Kristin Barnhart
Choosing a couples therapist can feel like a big decision. You want to know that both of you will be heard, that your relationship will be taken seriously, and that the person helping you knows how to work with couples.
I’m Dr. Kristin Barnhart, founder of Breakthrough Counseling, LLC. I’ve been licensed as a psychologist for more than 30 years, and couples have been an important part of my work from the beginning.
What I still enjoy most are the moments when something shifts. An argument slows down. One of you hears something differently. You begin to see what’s been happening between you and where there may be room to do something new.
I bring a lot of experience into the room, but I don’t assume I already know your unique relationship. I’ll stay curious about the two of you, be active in our sessions, and help you pay attention to what’s hurting, what’s still working, and what can begin to change.
Meet Dr. Kristin Barnhart
What Couples Therapy Is Like With Me
I’m not there to decide who’s right or take one person’s side. Sometimes you both come into a conversation wanting to be understood, and somehow you end up feeling even farther apart. I’ll help slow those moments down so each of you has room to say what you mean and a better chance of hearing what your partner is trying to say.
You won’t be left to have the same argument in my office that you’ve already had at home. If the conversation starts heading in that direction, I may pause you, help one of you say something differently, or check that what was meant is actually what was heard. Sometimes that small shift can make it easier to stay in the conversation instead of getting defensive, shutting down, or giving up.
At the beginning of many sessions, I’ll ask, “What’s been better since we last met?” I ask because I want us to notice the moments when something went a little differently. Maybe you got through a hard conversation without it turning into a fight. Maybe one of you handled something in a way the other appreciated. Those small changes matter, and they give us something to build on.
We’ll also talk about what feels most important to work on that day. It may be something that happened during the week, a conversation you keep avoiding, hurt that hasn’t quite been repaired, or a pattern that keeps showing up between you. Sometimes we’ll also look at how the families you grew up in shaped the way you learned to handle conflict, closeness, or difficult emotions.
I’ll be active in the process. I’ll ask questions, tell you what I’m noticing, help you practice new ways of communicating, and give you practical things to try between sessions when that would be useful.
I don’t use the same formula with every couple. Some couples want practical communication tools right away. Others need more time to understand why certain conversations become so difficult or why the same hurt keeps resurfacing. I draw from Gottman-informed strategies, solution-focused therapy, family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT-informed skills, and strengths-based approaches, depending on what fits the two of you.
Throughout our work, I’ll explain what we’re doing and why. I want therapy to make sense to you and to stay connected to what the two of you came in hoping would be different.
Choosing a couples therapist can feel like a big decision. You want to know that both of you will be heard, that your relationship will be taken seriously, and that the person helping you knows how to work with couples.
I’m Dr. Kristin Barnhart, founder of Breakthrough Counseling, LLC. I’ve been licensed as a psychologist for more than 30 years, and couples have been an important part of my work from the beginning.
What I still enjoy most are the moments when something shifts. An argument slows down. One of you hears something differently. You begin to see what’s been happening between you and where there may be room to do something new.
I bring a lot of experience into the room, but I don’t assume I already know your unique relationship. I’ll stay curious about the two of you, be active in our sessions, and help you pay attention to what’s hurting, what’s still working, and what can begin to change.
Public Reviews for Breakthrough Counseling
People who have left public Google reviews describe me as compassionate, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to.
I highly recommend Dr. Kristin Barnhart in Connecticut. She’s so warm and inviting. She has such a kind empathetic manner to her. You’ll feel very at ease in her presence. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You’re in superb hands.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
BRITTANY
Public Reviews for Breakthrough Counseling
People who have left public Google reviews describe me as compassionate, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to.
I highly recommend Dr. Kristin Barnhart in Connecticut. She’s so warm and inviting. She has such a kind empathetic manner to her. You’ll feel very at ease in her presence. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You’re in superb hands.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
BRITTANY
How I Can Help
How I Can Help
Most of my work is with couples, including premarital counseling. I also offer individual therapy for adults.
Most of my work is with couples, including premarital counseling. I also offer individual therapy for adults.
Online Couples Therapy
A good fit if the same fights keep coming back, trust has been hurt, or you feel farther apart than you used to and want help getting out of the pattern, repairing the hurt, and feeling close again.
Premarital Counseling
Premarital counseling gives you space to talk openly about the things that can shape a life together, including communication, conflict, money, intimacy, faith, family boundaries, and expectations.
Individual Therapy
Sometimes you need a place of your own to sort through what’s been weighing on you, especially if anxiety, depression, grief, a relationship, or an empty nest is making it harder to feel like yourself.
Looking for a speaker? I also speak to groups and organizations about relationships, communication, and mental health.
Looking for a speaker? I also speak to groups and organizations about relationships, communication, and mental health.
Online Therapy in Connecticut and Participating PSYPACT States
Online Therapy in Connecticut and Participating PSYPACT States
We’ll meet through a secure video platform, so you can join from a private space at home and skip the commute.
I’m licensed in Connecticut and hold PSYPACT authorization to provide online therapy in over 40 participating states.
We’ll meet through a secure video platform, so you can join from a private space at home and skip the commute.
I’m licensed in Connecticut and hold PSYPACT authorization to provide online therapy in over 40 participating states.
Common Questions About Getting Started
Common Questions About Getting Started
What Happens During the Complimentary Introductory Call?
You can briefly tell me what’s been happening, ask your questions, and get a feel for whether working together might be a good fit. The call lasts about 15 minutes, and there’s no pressure to schedule therapy.
How Much Does Therapy Cost?
Couples therapy and individual therapy sessions are $175 for 45 minutes. Payment is due on the day of your session.
If you need services outside of a scheduled therapy session, there may be an additional fee. We can talk about that during the introductory call, and all fees are explained in the intake paperwork
Can I Use Insurance for Therapy?
I’m an out-of-network provider and don’t bill insurance directly. Depending on your plan, you may be able to receive partial reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits.
I’ve partnered with Mentaya to help you check your benefits and make submitting claims easier. Reimbursement depends on your individual plan and can’t be guaranteed.
What If My Partner Isn’t Sure About Couples Therapy?
That’s very common. You can use the introductory call to ask questions and learn more before deciding whether couples therapy feels like the right next step.
You may also find this complimentary guide helpful: How to Bring Up Couples Therapy Without Starting Another Fight
What Happens During the Complimentary Introductory Call?
You can briefly tell me what’s been happening, ask your questions, and get a feel for whether working together might be a good fit. The call lasts about 15 minutes, and there’s no pressure to schedule therapy.
How Much Does Therapy Cost?
Couples therapy and individual therapy sessions are $175 for 45 minutes. Payment is due on the day of your session.
If you need services outside of a scheduled therapy session, there may be an additional fee. We can talk about that during the introductory call, and all fees are explained in the intake paperwork
Can I Use Insurance for Therapy?
I’m an out-of-network provider and don’t bill insurance directly. Depending on your plan, you may be able to receive partial reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits.
I’ve partnered with Mentaya to help you check your benefits and make submitting claims easier. Reimbursement depends on your individual plan and can’t be guaranteed.
What If My Partner Isn’t Sure About Couples Therapy?
That’s very common. You can use the introductory call to ask questions and learn more before deciding whether couples therapy feels like the right next step.
You may also find this complimentary guide helpful: How to Bring Up Couples Therapy Without Starting Another Fight
Keep Exploring
You may be looking for help with one specific part of your relationship. These articles are a good place to start.
How to Help Your Partner When They’re Feeling Anxious
The Couple’s Guide to Setting Boundaries
Struggling as Newlyweds? Do This During the First 6 Months of Marriage
Let’s Start With a Conversation
You don’t have to have everything figured out before you reach out. During a complimentary introductory call, you can share a little about what’s been happening, ask your questions, and see whether working together feels like a good fit for you and your partner.
Complimentary and about 15 minute
Prefer to contact me directly? Call 860-333-8773 or text 860-333-8773
Let’s Start With a Conversation
You don’t have to have everything figured out before you reach out. During a complimentary introductory call, you can share a little about what’s been happening, ask your questions, and see whether working together feels like a good fit for you and your partner.
Complimentary and about 15 minutes
Prefer to contact me directly? Call 860-333-8773 or text 860-333-8773