Individuals have their own ways of functioning, belief systems, expectations, and communication patterns. When involved with another, these characteristics do not always fit well. Couples counseling at Braden Center focuses on identifying strengths and vulnerable patterns within the relationship. At BCC we work on practicing new skills of active listening, mindfulness, assertiveness training, rebuilding trust/intimacy, and attachment issues. There are also times that one or both individuals would benefit from working alone with a counselor, and we encourage this when it’s needed. This does not take the place of counseling for the couple and can continue during the process. Know when this occurs, boundaries are maintained for all involved to facilitate continued forward movement.

We often get calls from one person who wants to attend counseling with their partner, but their partner does not want to attend. We strongly encourage coming to counseling, even if your partner does not want to. There are changes you can make that help you function better. Very often these changes result in the relationship changing as well. Sometimes their partner comes in for treatment as well, and at others, they continue to refuse. Either way, you can be healthier because you worked to take care of yourself.

Below are some of the counseling services we offer for couples.

Marriage and Couples Counseling Services

It is a well-known fact that no two people are completely compatible with one another. Often each individual in a relationship has differing wants and needs that occasionally clash with the wants and needs of the person they are with. Unfortunately, sometimes these differences lead to catastrophic results. At Braden Counseling Center, we offer couples counseling services that are designed to educate both people involved to actively listen to one another and to be mindful of each other’s feelings. We also work to provide assertiveness training, how to rebuild trust and intimacy, and underlying attachment issues that may exist. Sometimes, it is beneficial for each person in the relationship to have individual therapy to go along with their couple’s counseling, and we encourage this when it is necessary. However, regardless of if it is through couple’s therapy, individual therapy, or both, we pledge to maintain boundaries, and help everyone move forward toward a brighter tomorrow.

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    Typically, the type of couple’s therapy that we see most often is marriage counseling. It is not uncommon for two people to begin to drift apart, no matter how many years they have been together. People change over the years, and it is not always easy for their partner to change with them, or to accept the changes that they are seeing. At BCC, our experienced counselors will listen to how you have drifted apart and offer solutions on how you can begin to come back together. Most importantly, we do not assign blame or make someone feel as everything is their fault. We are committed to assisting each individual in finding what they can improve on to begin recapturing the magic that first brought you two together.

    Domestic Violence Counseling

    Braden Counselling Center also specializes in domestic violence counseling, and helping individuals find a way to stop their aggressive behavior. Domestic violence can present itself a variety of ways, including physical abuse, repeated name-calling, isolation, intimidation, sexual abuse, and domination. It may happen all the time, every so often, or even once, but whatever the case, it is a complicated and learned behavior that needs to be addressed and treated immediately. Each team member that treats domestic violence has undergone 40 hours of domestic violence training, and 20 hours of partner abuse intervention program facilitator training, both of which are court approved.

    Counseling Services for Divorcing Couples with Children

    Sometimes marriages do not work out the way we want them to, and divorce becomes the only option. This process can become especially complicated when there are children involved. If this is the case, it is necessary for a custody evaluation to take place, in order to determine the best place for a child to live moving forward. At BCC, we take into account each child’s age, level of development, and which situation will provide the most stability in their lives. We understand that each parent is important for their kids, so we pledge to assume nothing going into the evaluation and provide honest and unbiased results. Furthermore, we can help each parent learn how to successfully parent their children, now that they no longer live with their partner. Children need structure and discipline, but also need room to explore and grow. If you are unaware of how to provide those needs, we can assist you.

    Substance Abuse Counseling for Couples

    Another problem that faces couples all over our country is substance abuse by one or both people in the relationship. Braden Counseling can provide you with a substance abuse counselor that understands the addiction you are facing and has been trained in how to help you begin the road to recovery, while still being a productive parent and spouse. Our counselors are highly trained, knowledgeable, and certified by the state of Illinois to ensure that you are receiving the best treatment to address your problem. Through communication and honesty, our experienced substance abuse counselors will formulate a treatment plan that works for you, so you can be the person you want to be.

    Alcohol Related Counseling Services

    Illegal drugs are not always the only problem when it comes to substance abuse, however. It is not uncommon for one or both members of a relationship to develop a dependency to alcohol. If you require alcohol counseling, contact us today and start the recovery process now. It is vital that you are honest with not only the counselor, but with yourself as well, because the only way you can begin to heal is through honesty and trust. The alcohol treatment program that we provide is very similar to the substance abuse program, and the goal is, of course, the same. We will help educate you on how to cope with your problem, quell your urges, and begin to become the person, parent, and spouse that you strive to be.

    Trauma and PTSD Counseling Services

    Couples Counseling Services

    Braden Counseling also has team members that have been trained in trauma counseling. Trauma is a complicated feeling, one that can affect both the person experiencing it, as well as the person in the relationship with them. Trauma informed therapy is a process that is based on listening to our clients, understanding what they are going through, and empathizing with their current situation. By doing this, it shows that we are not treating you as a statistic, but rather someone who needs to be heard. Our experienced trauma counselor will approach the treatment as something has happened to their client, not that something is wrong with them, or that they are a burden on the people that they love, including their spouse. Trauma focused therapy is a safe and therapeutic environment that is a perfect way for clients to begin recovering. Counselors will build a rapport with you, and through that connection, find the best way for you to heal.

    Couples counseling can be difficult, but it can also save your relationship. It is important that you learn to grow together, communicate with one another, and understand that you are both individuals as well, each with their own wants, needs, and desires. Contact one of our counselors to schedule an appointment and let us help you how to grow as an individual, a couple, and as a family.

    We offer couples counseling services in Bartlett, Sycamore, North Aurora, Elgin, Oregon and Rochelle

    What Our Clients are Saying....

    DuWayne is a very thoughtful and patient counselor. I look forward to my sessions and always leave with a sense of calm.
    Pamela Anne
    Pamela Anne
    01:51 22 Aug 24
    Honestly the 👌 best
    Courtney Worthington
    Courtney Worthington
    00:46 21 Aug 24
    Very professional experience. Informative, considerate and helpful. Thanks!
    Gabriel Othon
    Gabriel Othon
    17:28 16 Aug 24
    An excellent collection of very capable professionals who have helped me out extremely well.
    Harry Leffler
    Harry Leffler
    20:52 14 Aug 24
    I love my therapist here at Braden. Vickey is so caring and helpful. She is able to challenge me on hard topic in a supportive way. The staff are helpful and friendly.
    Jacquie Morrey
    Jacquie Morrey
    15:35 01 Aug 24
    I would rate as excellent the counselor with whom I've been working. She listens and offers very good suggestions for consideration and action.
    Harry Leffler
    Harry Leffler
    01:18 11 Apr 24
    My counselor Christine K. is very helpful, easy to talk to, makes me feel comfortable, gives great feedback!!!
    stacie dishman
    stacie dishman
    16:30 20 Feb 24
    Dwayne at Braden counseling goes above and beyond to help his clients. He is very professional and his priorities are all about his clients. I honestly, have to say that Dwayne is an amazing person, and I truly value our working relationships.
    Todd Friedewald
    Todd Friedewald
    00:31 12 Feb 24
    David was incredibly great. Most people would feel very closed out and possibly shy as a client. However, David made me feel very comfortable and was very helpful and detailed in conversation while being very professional. I left very satisfied and looking forward to his services!!! Thank you David keep being great !!!
    Natalie Hernandez
    Natalie Hernandez
    13:44 06 Feb 24
    Highly recommend!
    Joseph Dolcimascolo
    Joseph Dolcimascolo
    02:12 31 Jan 24
    Braden counseling is outstanding in the work they do Paul has changed my life and helped me so much in understand myself better and transforming me into a better person all around I recommend this center and Paul to anyone keep up the hard work and dedication!
    Antonio Diaz
    Antonio Diaz
    02:14 24 Jan 24
    I appreciate the open dialogue allowing attendees to share their thoughts, which enriches the learning experience, but also to have the focused guidance of a counselor to ensure the point of topic.
    Joe Freehill
    Joe Freehill
    15:18 23 Jan 24
    Dwayne is awesome and a pleasure to work with! I will request him every time! Thank you, Dwayne!
    Jen Rupp
    Jen Rupp
    20:06 15 Dec 23
    Dwayne Johnson is very professional and understanding.. Great counselor.. very satisfying
    Eva Thompson
    Eva Thompson
    01:25 30 Nov 23
    I called so many other counseling office first, either no one answer the call or no confirmed days for class, with Braden, right away, walk me through the process, fees and needed information, able to set up appointment next day to do the testing and schedule me the class right way. very helpful, not like some other place asked me to fill out so many medical forms although just 10 hours DUI Risk Education.I am really happy with them, they are also not charge as much as other company.
    Lan Hankes
    Lan Hankes
    22:56 03 Oct 23
    Everyone was very professional and kind!
    Cody Neuschwanger
    Cody Neuschwanger
    16:49 18 Sep 23
    Worked with Dwayne Thomas at the North Aurora location and couldn't be more satisfied with the respect and understanding he operated with. Really knows how to connect and convey the right message.
    Bret Van Gampler
    Bret Van Gampler
    23:30 05 Sep 23
    Very friendly and did a great job.
    Matthew Quirk
    Matthew Quirk
    21:41 18 Aug 23
    I see Amanda Cimaglia and she is by far the most compassionate, respecting and caring counselor I've had. With all the craziness I'm going through she really keeps me grounded. Always listens to me and never ever rushes me but gives me time for her positive feedback.I've always had trouble trusting someone with my issues because I'd find out that the counselor did not go according to her perfession but listen to others to get something out of me. I never had once had that once with Amanda Cimaglia and she let's me work through things I need to at my own pace. And for that I thank her 😊 . She has my mental health at her best interest. Wish there was more counselors out there like her so others can have a safe spot to speak without judgment like I do.From the very bottom of my heart, thank you Amanada Cimaglia and Braden Counseling for having her on board. I'm sure all your staff and team members are just as compassionate ❤️
    Maggie Opiola
    Maggie Opiola
    19:52 26 Jun 23
    David Jones is an outstanding counselor. I feel very fortunate to have him as our Lead on Saturday Morning group sessions.
    John Boehm
    John Boehm
    06:31 24 May 23
    Staff was amazing. Everything was explained and all questions answered.
    Wanda Sutton
    Wanda Sutton
    23:21 21 Apr 23
    understanding compassionate reflextive knowledged tool based
    happy holiday
    happy holiday
    20:10 09 Dec 22
    Braden Counseling is a clinic we frequently refer to because of the clinical quality and comprehensive services. All interactions we have had with Braden have been very positive and helpful; excellent coordination of care.
    Maggie Miilano
    Maggie Miilano
    16:57 02 Dec 22
    Braden counseling is very good at what they do. They do great things. I’ve been through there system more then once, I recommend them all day every day. Take your pick. I’d say choose one these guys. Very friendly, never mess up and very interactive. If you need anything they are there. I have met a lot of the staff and they all are true and gifted. Thank you Braden counseling for your great works!
    Cody Bell
    Cody Bell
    23:02 21 Sep 22
    Dr.Braden is an incredible, sweet and motivating leader! I’m so blessed to have found her center to successfully get me through 10 years of care. Everyone should know if I overcame my many obstacles they can too! Work hard and put up a fight!
    Lisa Tegeler
    Lisa Tegeler
    00:19 29 Jul 22
    As an attorney, finding the right treatment center for my clients is critical to their success. I have been referring my clients to Braden Counseling for years. They are always hard working, professional, and accomodating.
    Brian Mirandola
    Brian Mirandola
    16:59 26 May 22
    I love my therapist at Braden, I always feel listened to and I look forward to my visits. All of the staff I've interacted with has been super friendly and helpful, and the environment is very calming. Best therapy center I have been to.
    Devon Buza
    Devon Buza
    15:25 25 Jun 21
    Very professional and they were extremely nice, I'm happy with my choice of going threw Braden counseling center for my classes!
    gage butts
    gage butts
    19:43 07 Feb 21
    Amazing place
    Ralph Burton
    Ralph Burton
    16:30 30 Jan 21
    Braden Counseling’s staff is outstanding! The counselor conducted herself in a very friendly, courteous, and professional manner. I was treated with dignity and respect. I was put at ease and the evaluation went smoothly, and efficiently. I would definitely recommend Braden Counseling for all of your personal needs.😊
    Gregory Link
    Gregory Link
    17:16 21 Jan 21
    Excellent first visit with Dr. Braden.
    Gary Duffett
    Gary Duffett
    21:18 19 Dec 20
    My son liked his first visit and is open to going back again.
    Veris Nicole
    Veris Nicole
    22:36 12 Oct 20
    Very friendly and welcoming staff. Highly recommend
    Jennifer Rosales
    Jennifer Rosales
    21:50 29 Jul 20
    I could not be more satisfied with braden counseling with thier help. Very patient with clients in crisis and need of thier help.
    randall nuckles
    randall nuckles
    15:12 09 Jul 20
    I truly got the help I needed here and I appreciate all the staff member for making it a comfortable environment to feel free to talk about what's on your mind and making sure you get the proper help you need.
    Majah’s Mayhem
    Majah’s Mayhem
    19:30 20 May 20
    Love the staff .. came here for help and they definitely made a point to take care of all my paper work I needed .. would highly recommend them mostly Nikki shes a great help with anything .. always so cheerfull here 🙂
    miguel tovar
    miguel tovar
    00:58 17 Dec 19
    All staff very nice, respectful, caring, patientWould definitely recommend
    Zack Newby
    Zack Newby
    01:23 18 Nov 19
    One word....AMAZING !Very Comprehensive and Professional service. I would Highly Recommend to any one in need.
    Joseph Perry
    Joseph Perry
    16:58 10 Jul 19
    Dr. Jane Braden was absolutely wonderful and help me though my whole dui process, made it easy and help me understand.thank you some much DR. Branden for everything, your the best !!!😜
    Sean Battersby
    Sean Battersby
    18:46 12 Mar 19
    Friendly staff, very professional and results driven
    Jeffrey Kerner
    Jeffrey Kerner
    13:53 01 Aug 17
    Caring staff. Dr Braden was extremely compassionate and supportive during a difficult time. Recommend to anyone!
    T Anderson
    T Anderson
    21:54 06 Apr 16
    Braden Counseling center has the finest professionals around. I'd highly recommend their services should a need arise.
    Ndisox
    Ndisox
    03:03 29 Mar 16
    Braden Counseling is amazing! Very kind, very friendly staff. Treated me as though I'd been family. I'd recommend them to anyone!
    Jessica jorgensen
    Jessica jorgensen
    22:34 24 Mar 16
    They have amazing staff. They listen and help out so much I would recommend them to anyone .
    Brad Jorgensen
    Brad Jorgensen
    22:33 24 Mar 16
    The staff is very welcoming and friendly and professional when you walk through the door!! I had been dealing with some anxiety for some time.... I am so glad I went to Braden counseling my first visit there I felt a sense of being welcomed and actually listened to!! Needless to say when I walked out the door I felt a weight off my shoulders I haven't felt in sometime!! So thank you to your wonderful staff!! I would highly recommend Braden counseling to anyone who is looking for a great counselor to talk with and help with your mental health!!
    Deborah Mccoy
    Deborah Mccoy
    19:00 24 Mar 16
    I was an emotional wreck when I first went. I was nervous and probably not making a lot of sense. The staff seemed to understand and immediately put me at ease. By the time I left, life just didn’t seem so bad. Thank you Braden Center for being there.
    Pam Pascolini
    Pam Pascolini
    15:57 24 Mar 16
    The staff is friendly and courteous. I was amazed at how helpful they were. These people are top notch and very professional. I would highly recommend this office.
    Tricia Hernandez
    Tricia Hernandez
    15:45 24 Mar 16
    Braden Counseling Center has always been wonderful. Their front staff is very kind and helpful and Dr. Braden is nothing but professional during all encounters I have had with her. Their facility and staff care about providing quality services to their clients. I highly recommend them.
    Amanda Poturalski
    Amanda Poturalski
    13:56 24 Mar 16
    Would give this place more then 5 stars if I could. I Highly recommend them. Staff is amazing there and so helpful .
    Master Shake
    Master Shake
    21:57 23 Mar 16
    I highly recommend Braden Counseling. All the staff there is amazing and very sweet 🙂
    Melissa Stathis
    Melissa Stathis
    21:48 23 Mar 16
    Highly recommend this place. Very helpful and always courteous. Ms. Rogers is the best and has excellent skills with people to help them through a multitude of problems.
    Sarah Schuyler
    Sarah Schuyler
    20:37 23 Mar 16
    Amazing place! The counselors have helped me through some of my lowest points & the girl at the front desk, Cindy, is always super helpful, kind & courteous. Highly recommend!!!
    Jennifer Alexander
    Jennifer Alexander
    19:54 23 Mar 16