Marriage counselors with locations in Frisco and Richardson Texas

Back From The Brink

Marriage counseling helped Kelly and Grey pull their marriage from the brink of divorce – it can help you too

Kelly and Grey are proof that your marriage can be saved – even if you’re the only one willing to try? Watch their story below and then schedule your free, no-obligation call with our counselor coordinator to see if we’re a good match for you.

schedule free discovery call

Clicking the link will take you to a form to schedule a call with our counselor coordinator

3 Keys To Success

Since 2013 The Marriage Place has helped hundreds of couples in the Frisco and Richardson areas to deepen, strengthen, and save their marriages. From that experience, we can say with great confidence there are 3 keys to success – whether your goal is to strengthen your marriage or pull it out of a burning dumpster.

Be Pro-Marriage

Fun fact: Being happily married is hard work.

When you…

Begin to experience feelings of dissatisfaction
Feel hopeless about ever being happy in your marriage again
Get an “itch” for someone new

…It may seem easier to simply file for divorce, chalk it all up to experience, and try again with someone new. Sadly, many couples do just that.

Successful marriages require at least one of you to be “pro-marriage” – meaning you choose to fight for your marriage rather than just treat it like a disposable tissue.

We believe most marriages can be saved if you are willing to put in the work, and we can show you how.

As pro-marriage counselors we believe most marriages can be saved,

Believe In The Power of ONE

It’s sad but true…

Many marriage couselors will tell you if your spouse wants out, your marriage is over. Don’t believe it.

If your marriage is in jeopardy, and your spouse has checked out, it’s not too late, Your marriage can be saved.

When one person often gets angry at the other person, initiates arguments, and threatens to divorce – this is a sign they’re trying to change the other person. All you can do is control your reaction, and your behavior.

It takes just one person to change the dynamics of your relationship. And the best way to do that is by focusing on how you respond to your partner’s behavior, and their engagement or lack of.

Our marriage coaches are experts in ‘Marriage Rescue for One’. We will keep fighting for your marriage as long as ONE of you remains committed.

Kim Bowen, founder and CEO of The Marriage Place was ready to end her marriage – but then this happened…

Be Truthful

When emotions are raw, it’s easy to believe that you’re “right” and your partner is “wrong”. The truth is, no one person in a struggling relationship is without fault. But it can be hard to see truths – especially about ones own behavior – through the fog of anger, and resentment.

It’s important that you’re truthful about what you want from your relationship. It’s important that you’re truthful about how you’re making it hard for your partner to get what they want.

By being able to express your wants, and to listen to your partner’s wants, and needs without judgement, you take a giant leap forward towards rescuing your marriage.

More than anything, we want you to be successful in your relationship. One of the most important things we do is to facilitate the tough conversations required to help you achieve success.

Sometimes during those conversations, the marriage counselor needs to deliver the hardest of truths in a direct but compassionate way.

A good marriage counselor facilitates the tough discussions and can deliver the hardest of truths in a compassionate, and supportive way.

The True Cost of Marriage Counseling

Our rates for marriage counseling are:

$195 for 50-minutes
$315 for 80-minutes

The first session for a couple will be a 80-minute session.

Follow-up sessions may be scheduled for either 50 or 80-minutes.

Individual sessions are generally 50-minutes.

We also offer sessions with a LPC/LMFT Associates or Masters Level Interns at significantly reduced rates.

If cost is a concern, please reach out to discuss pricing in greater detail. We do our best to find an option that works for you.

We’re not going to lie…

Marriage counseling isn’t inexpensive. But consider this…

The average divorce in America costs $15,000 but can – and often does – cost MUCH more than that.

Add to that the cost of…

Moving out
Renting or buying a 2nd home
Buying new furniture for your new home
Buying a gym membership (it’s a fish eat fish dating world y’know)
Buying new clothes for all those dates you have to go on
Babysitting (someone has to watch the kids while you workout and go on dates)
Another wedding if/when you find someone new.

And that’s just the financial cost. What about the emotional cost? Hard to put a price on that, isn’t it?

The truth is, marriage counseling is by far the least expensive option you have right now.

With marriage counseling you invest some money now, but enjoy the benefits of a deeper, more satisfying relationship to the person you committed to love, and support.

meet Our Marriage Counselors

Jamie Blackburn

LPC
Learn more about Jamie

ELSA DAVIS

LMFT, LPC
Learn more about Else

LAUREN GUENTHER

LPC
Learn more about Lauren

SAM JOHN

LPC, CSAT
Learn more about Sam

BETTY MATZ GELSKY

LMHC, LPC
Learn more about Betty

Michelle Spence

LPC
Learn more about Michelle

JENNIFER STREET

LCSW-S
Learn more about Jennifer

ARMANDO TOVAR

LPC
Learn more about Armando

KERI HATCHER

LPC-ASSOCIATE
Learn more about Keri

JOHN BAUTISTA

MASTERS LEVEL INTERN
Learn more about John

ANGEL MATHIESON

COACH
Learn more about Angel

KATHY DAWSON FOWLER

CERTIFIED RELATIONSHIP COACH
Learn more about Kathy

CHARLES LINDSEY

CERTIFIED RELATIONSHIP COACH
Learn more about Charles

AMANDA RICHARDSON

CERTIFIED RELATIONSHIP COACH
Learn more about Amanda

BEKAH RUSS

CERTIFIED RELATIONSHIP COACH
Learn more about Bekah

SARA SNYDER

CERTIFIED RELATIONSHIP COACH
Learn more about Sara

SUSAN RICE

CERTIFIED RELATIONSHIP COACH
Learn more about Susan

Get Help Now – Here’s How It Works

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Click the button below to schedule a chat with our counselor coordinator – at a time that suits you.

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Our counselor coordinator will call you to ask you some preliminary questions.

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If you decide to proceed, our coordinator recommends a counselor for you and sets your first appointment.

Schedule your free discovery call

Clicking the link will take you to a form to schedule a call with our counselor coordinator

Elsa Davis

LMFT, LPC

Elsa is dually licensed as both a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. She is passionate about working with couples and advocating for marriage. Elsa enjoys working with couples in all stages of their relationship - from dating to the golden years, from the introduction of children to an empty nest. She is also motivated to help couples navigate difficult life events such as emotional disengagement and relationship traumas including infidelity or mental health disorders.

Elsa graduated with honors in her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy program and is now approaching nearly a decade in practice. She has been extensively trained in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), one modality designed to help couples heal from past or current distress. Elsa and her husband have been married for 12 years and have 4 children. She has learned not only through her training, but also through her own marriage, how both difficult and rewarding marriage can be, as they too have successfully weathered their fair share of marital ups and downs. Elsa is bilingual and offers therapy both in English and Spanish.

“Elsa has been absolutely fantastic to work with. My husband and I are happier and more connected than we ever have been. She has been a true blessing to both of us. We highly recommend her to anyone looking to refresh their marriage.”- KR

So glad I found this place! Elsa is the best!

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LAUREN GUENTHER

LPC

Lauren has a passion for helping couples as they navigate the hard parts of marriage. As the product of a broken family herself, she understands the pain and confusion divorce causes for each member of the family. As a result of her own parents’ split, she knew from a very early age that she would become an advocate for couples struggling in their relationships. Her goal is to help clients understand their own family of origin patterns and how early childhood experiences shape and influence how we show up with our partners. She also enjoys working with betrayed partners who are navigating the ups and downs of living with someone struggling with sexual addiction. She and her husband have been married for 11 years. They have two kids, two dogs and a cat. In her down time, she loves being with her family and spending time outdoors.

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Sam John

LPC, CSAT

Sam has a passion for marriage. He knows how it feels when one or both individuals want to walk away from a relationship because it seems hopeless. His passion is fueled from his personal struggles in the early years of his own marriage. When asked why he fights for marriages he stated “I understand the pain and disappointments that come when a couple’s expectations of their marriage aren’t being met. I also know, firsthand, how things can change for the better if you are willing to look at yourself in the mirror, own up to your own part in the marriage, and be willing to love your spouse and the marriage in a different way.”

Sam’s insight and passion motivated him to pursue his career in counseling. Whether you’re struggling to communicate your heart to your mate, considering divorce, constantly fighting and engaging in verbal warfare, falling out of love or just needing some guidance to make a good relationship a better one, Sam wants to be your advocate and guide for change. The possibilities for your relationship are endless if you decide to try something different. Are you ready to stop doing what is not working and find a way to transform your current situation to a new place of love, understanding and hope? Then Sam is your guy!

"My wife and I absolutely love Sam. He has done wonders for us as a couple and for me individually. He's a fantastic communicator, a gifted counselor, and a comforting presence to talk to and in front of. I cannot say enough good things about the work he has done with my wife and me." - R.B

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Michelle Spence

LPC

An elective psychology class in high school is what initially fueled Michelle's interest in counseling and eventually led her to pursue her chosen field as a therapist. Growing up in a chaotic home, Michelle learned firsthand how our early experiences impact us as adults and in our relationships. She’s also experienced the freedom that comes from tackling the past and recognizes how integral counseling was to her own personal journey of healing and self-awareness. Michelle has a passion for working with couples who want to build, or rebuild, their marriage and with individuals who are ready to experience personal freedom from the pain of their past. Additionally, Michelle is trained as an EMDR therapist, a technique that helps clients heal from symptoms and emotional distress caused by memories of painful events. Michelle has been married for almost 3 decades and is mom to 3 adult children. In her free time, she enjoys Broadway, gardening, baking, and reading.

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Kathy Dawson Fowler

Certified Relationship Coach

Kathy has an innate ability to meet people where they are and help them see their full potential. She is a teacher at heart and has spent over 35 years helping each individual she works with grow toward their best self. After more than 3 decades of marriage, she understands first-hand the ups and downs that occur in marriages over time, as well as the joy that can be found or rediscovered along the way through hard work and self-improvement. Herself a widow, after losing her husband of 32 years to cancer, Kathy has a passion for helping others deal with grief caused by relationships or loss, and will walk through the journey with them. Kathy has 2 adult sons with families of their own, who have given her 6 amazing grandchildren. She enjoys volunteering for nonprofits in her community as well as traveling as much as possible.

Kathy Dawson Fowler has been a Godsend. She has helped me in more ways than I could ever put in a google review. I highly recommend the marriage place and- more than anything, I recommend you don't give up on the marriage God has for you until you have no other choice. The marriage place will give you the strength and the tools to do what it takes to fight for your marriage and rebuild it better than ever (even if you're fighting for it alone) IF you are brave enough to start with working on yourself. I could not be more thankful for Kathy. She has led me spiritually, professionally and personally. I couldn't ask for more.

Be brave, call them (and I'm probably biased but I say ask for Kathy)

Susan Rice

LPC-ASSOCIATE
SUPERVISED BY KIM BOWEN, LPC-S

Susan believes in the sanctity of marriage which, for her, means treating your spouse and relationship with the utmost respect and having the willingness to work both individually, and as a team, to keep your marriage on track. She recognizes the vital importance of focusing on your own role in the relationship, understanding it is the only thing actually within your control. Lovingly given the nickname of 'Emotional Ninja' by clients, Susan is passionate about building relationships with her clients and in turn, helping her clients foster, rebuild and restore relationships with their loved ones.

With The Marriage Place since 2019, Susan is a warm and empathetic listener who brings to her clients more than 25 years of diverse experience working with both families and children. Susan has been married to her husband and best friend for more than two decades and they are the parents of two teen-aged children. She's served on the Board of Directors of Hope International since 2005.

"Many thanks to Susan. She and this program have been a life saver for us!" - J.B

"Susan will be so good at just helping us figure it out, understand. 'Emotional Ninja' - that's what we call her!" - K.P

It was absolutely amazing! I feel so much hope for the first time in a long time. Sooo happy to find Susan & The Marriage Place!

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Jamie Blackburn

LPC

Licensed since 2006, Jamie has a broad therapy background working with both individuals and couples with additional emphasis on depression, anxiety, and trauma-related therapy. She is particularly passionate about working with women and mothers who are trying to prioritize their mental and emotional health while balancing families and careers. Jamie is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy which helps clients rapidly move beyond trauma. Jamie's heart is to meet her clients where they are and journey with them as they find inner healing and freedom. For clients who desire faith-based counseling, Jamie is also trained in Heart Sync Ministry which helps clients heal dividedness so they can enjoy more whole-hearted living and loving. Regardless of where you are starting from, Jamie believes there is more for you and is honored to help you go after it! Jamie and her husband, Jay, have 4 children and live a very full life, running from one sporting event to the next and engaging in their community. Free time is scarce but in her spare moments you are likely to find her tucked away with a book or spending time with the people she loves.

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Betty Matz Gelsky

LMHC, LPC

A Florida native, Betty has over 30 years of experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in relationships and intimacy. She uses Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) to help couples transform their challenges into opportunities for healing and growth. Betty believes great relationships are consciously designed and she is passionate about working with couples in all stages of life who are motivated and oriented towards both personal and relational growth. Betty has extensive experience helping couples address the unique challenges of marriage, remarriage, blending families and empty nesting.

As the oldest of four, Betty was fortunate to have witnessed the 55 years of love her parents nurtured. Her first marriage blessed her with four adored children and in 2016, she married her soulmate. They now have a beautiful blended family of nine adult children and a golden retriever! They humbly walk the talk and practice what they preach by making it a daily practice to nourish their love and create safety for their relationship and those with their family. Betty is bilingual and offers therapy services in both Spanish and English.

Betty has been a bright beacon of hope in our marriage. After lackluster therapists, we were referred by psychologist friend to Marriage Place. We were matched with Betty and could not believe the juxtaposition in therapy interventions with someone that has actual marriage specialty training! She has a keen ability to engage both individuals while being tender yet direct. She is pragmatic because ultimately she genuinely cares about the health of our relationship- and that has made all the difference.

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Armando Tovar

Ph.D., LPC

Armando has an easy going nature and a dry sense of humor. His approach to counseling is to help his clients develop self-compassion while encouraging them to navigate through their struggles. He works particularly well with individuals who are seeking change and are open to directed treatment.nOne of his areas of specialty is trauma. He helps his clients re-discover hope, build resilience, and improve self-worth by empowering the survivor with self-management skills. Armando employs an integrated approach through cognitive behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and mindfulness. He also provides practical solutions for developing self-care skills. He is certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy which can help clients more quickly process trauma and promote healing. As a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Armando understands the unique pressures associated with serving in the military and is particularly passionate about helping other veterans and first responders. He is service-oriented and truly cherishes his time spent facilitating the healing process. Armando is a Ph.D. candidate in Counselor’s Education and Supervision and is slated to graduate in 2022. He and his wife are soon to be the proud parents of a baby girl. In his spare time, Armando enjoys fishing and video games.

"Armando is incredible and I'm grateful."

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Charles Lindsey

Certified Relationship Coach

Charles believes in laughing until it hurts, crying when we need to, and having grace for the long haul. He operates with the assumption that relationship coaching should be safe, confidential, and provide practical, real-world help for ‘relational-travelers’ navigating difficult circumstances. His bias is that the coaching should be as brief as possible to meet the current needs of his client but sufficient enough to bring about the desired long-term change. When life has you stuck, Charles will meet you where you are, help you breathe, gain both your composure and perspective - and then equip you to take the steps towards wholeness, solutions, and relationship satisfaction. Charles spent the first half of his career working as a Licensed Professional Counselor. He enjoys spending life outside of the office with his most important relationships - his bride of five decades, their kids and grandchildren.

""Charles was so helpful, I really appreciate him going above and beyond for me. He was amazing."

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Amanda Richardson

CERTIFIED RELATIONSHIP COACH, TEAM LEAD

Amanda is a self-proclaimed Enneagram enthusiast, embracing her Type 2 personality to compassionately guide others along their own personal journey of growth and self-reflection. She specializes in helping clients repair and rescue their relationship, and is particularly passionate about working with clients whose spouses want out. Amanda and her husband have been married for more than a decade, during which time they have grown through and explored the entire "Marriage Map". They are also the proud parents of two wild and wonderful boys. Amanda is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University and a Certified Relationship Coach. In her free time Amanda loves being outside, reading and spending time with her family.

“I highly recommend Amanda for relationship coaching! She's positive and insightful and has amazing tools to practically help your relationship right away. - A.H.

I highly recommend Amanda for relationship coaching! She's positive and insightful and has amazing tools to practically help your relationship right away. I have seen multiple therapists and Amanda has been by far the best coach. My journey over the last 14 months has been a struggle but I have been so fortunate to have her help me through this and guide me to be the best person i can possibly be ...I have grown so much and I owe it all to her!

I saw Amanda Richardson at The Marriage Place, and she was PHENOMENAL! Right away, I felt very comfortable with her. She is a VERY caring counselor/coach, and it shows. - J.C.

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Back From The Brink

Marriage counseling helped Kelly and Grey pull their marriage from the brink of divorce – it can help you too

3 Keys To Success

Be Pro-Marriage

Believe In The Power of ONE

Be Truthful

The True Cost of Marriage Counseling

meet Our Marriage Counselors

Jamie Blackburn

ELSA DAVIS

LAUREN GUENTHER

SAM JOHN

BETTY MATZ GELSKY

Michelle Spence

JENNIFER STREET

ARMANDO TOVAR

KERI HATCHER

JOHN BAUTISTA

ANGEL MATHIESON

KATHY DAWSON FOWLER

CHARLES LINDSEY

AMANDA RICHARDSON

BEKAH RUSS

SARA SNYDER

SUSAN RICE

Get Help Now – Here’s How It Works

Elsa Davis

LMFT, LPC

LAUREN GUENTHER

LPC

Sam John

LPC, CSAT

Michelle Spence

LPC

Kathy Dawson Fowler

Certified Relationship Coach

Susan Rice

LPC-ASSOCIATESUPERVISED BY KIM BOWEN, LPC-S

Jamie Blackburn

LPC

Betty Matz Gelsky

LMHC, LPC

Armando Tovar

Ph.D., LPC

Charles Lindsey

Certified Relationship Coach

Amanda Richardson

CERTIFIED RELATIONSHIP COACH, TEAM LEAD

LPC-ASSOCIATE
SUPERVISED BY KIM BOWEN, LPC-S