Marriage Counseling in Tampa & St. Petersburg
Even the strongest marriages experience moments of distance, doubt, and disconnection that can leave you wondering if things can get better. Our licensed marriage counselors in Tampa and St. Petersburg provide the support and guidance to help you rebuild trust, reignite intimacy, and rediscover the connection you once shared.
Expert Marriage Counseling Services to Save and Strengthen Your Relationship
Marriage counseling isn’t only for couples in crisis — it’s for any partnership that feels distant, strained, or stuck. At It Begins Within Therapy, our licensed marriage and family therapists specialize in helping couples across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota navigate the most common challenges with clarity, compassion, and proven therapeutic approaches like Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Partners come to It Begins Within to work on:
How to communicate better in a relationship
Healing from trust issues, betrayal, or infidelity
Rebuilding intimacy and connection in sexless marriages
Coping with emotional distance and loneliness within the relationship
Navigating financial stress and disagreements around decision-making
Managing parenting conflicts and family dynamics
Adjusting to major life transitions (new parenthood, postpartum changes, menopause, job stress, or retirement)
We’ve Helped Heal Thousands of Marriages in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
Marriage Therapists in St. Petersburg, Tampa & Sarasota
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![Dr. Mary Perleoni, PhD, LMHC – Gottman Method marriage counselor in Tampa Florida specializing in couples therapy and emotional reconnection]()
Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC
Founder & Marriage Therapy Specialist – Gottman Method & EFT | Tampa
Dr. Mary Perleoni brings 15+ years of clinical experience and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education to her work with high-achieving couples in Tampa. As a Gottman Method-trained therapist and trauma specialist, she helps partners reconnect, improve communication, and rebuild trust—especially in the wake of long-standing resentment or disconnection.Credentials: Ph.D., LMHC, NCC, TF-CBT Certified, Gottman-trained
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![Kaitlyn Shelp, LMHC is a licensed therapist and specialist in affair recovery couples therapy in tampa, florida]()
Kaitlyn Shelp, MA, LMHC
Clinical Director – Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy | St. Petersburg, FL
Kaitlyn specializes in helping couples recover after betrayal, infidelity, or emotional disconnection. One of only two clinicians in Florida trained in Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy (SART), she brings clarity, structure, and momentum to couples ready to heal. Her practical approach also makes her a strong fit for entrepreneurs and dual-career couples seeking action-oriented guidance.Credentials: MA, LMHC‑QS, SART-certified, ART-trained, Clinical Supervisor
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![Melissa Zentner, LMHC – CBT and trauma-informed marriage counselor in Tampa and St. Pete supporting parenting and relationship challenges]()
Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC
Faith-Based & Trauma-Informed Marriage Counselor – Tampa & St. Pete
Melissa blends her clinical expertise in trauma recovery with a values-centered approach to help couples navigate relationship struggles through both evidence-based therapy and faith-aligned principles. Whether working through parenting stress, communication breakdown, or emotional wounds, she supports couples in reconnecting through CBT, Gottman Method, and faith-based insight for those who desire it.Credentials: MS, LMHC, TF-CBT certified
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![Paris McDonald, LMHC – Military-informed and intensive marriage therapist in Tampa Florida offering Gottman Method and EFT for couples therapy]()
Paris McDonald, MS, LMHC
Intensive Marriage Therapist – Gottman & EFT | Tampa, FL
Paris is a U.S. Army veteran and Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in helping couples reconnect through structured, high-impact therapy intensives. She works with military families, first responders, and professionals experiencing deep disconnection, unresolved trauma, or communication breakdown.Credentials: MS, LMHC, Military-Informed Therapist
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![Emma Groskind, LCSW – Trauma and relationship therapist for couples in Tampa and St. Petersburg trained in EMDR and EFT]()
Emma Groskind, MS, LCSW
Marriage & Trauma Recovery Therapist – EMDR & EFT | Tampa & St. Petersburg
Emma supports couples dealing with trauma, grief, and emotional numbing. Her gentle, structured style helps partners address the roots of pain through EMDR, TF-CBT, and EFT, while fostering secure emotional bonds in therapy.Credentials: MSW, LCSW, EMDR-trained,TF-CBT certified
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![Gottman Kelly LMFT - Method Marriage Therapy in South Tampa]()
Kelly Morrissey, MA, LMHC, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist | Tampa & St. Pete
Kelly blends Imago Relationship Therapy and Lifespan Integration to help couples identify the subconscious roots of relationship distress. With over 14 years of experience, she helps professionals and high-performing partners shift from reactive patterns to deep empathy and connection.Credentials: MA, LMFT, LMHC, QS, CAP, Lifespan Integration Certified
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![Marriage and family therapist specializing in discernment counseling and high-conflict relationships in St. Petersburg]()
Amanda Farris, MS, LCSW
Attachment & Conflict Resolution Therapist – EFT & DBT | Tampa & St. Pete
Amanda supports couples where conflict cycles stem from attachment wounds, intense emotional reactions, or unresolved trauma. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy, DBT, and CBT, she helps partners repair trust and regulate emotional responses in the moment.Credentials: MSW, LCSW, QS, EMDR-certified, DBT and ACT trained
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![Marriage therapist in St. Pete specializing in trauma, attachment wounds, and emotional repair]()
Tyler MacDonald, MA, LMHC
Men’s Marriage Counselor | Tampa & St. Petersburg
Tyler supports men and couples navigating emotional disconnection and difficulty communicating in marriage. Drawing from CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and holistic practices, he helps husbands, fathers, and high-performing professionals reconnect with their partners, express emotion safely, and shift from avoidance to engagement.Credentials: MS, LMHC, trained in CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy
What to Expect in Marriage Counseling
Curious about how marriage counseling can help save your relationship? As licensed therapists in Tampa, Sarasota and St. Petersburg with decades of experience, we guide couples through a structured, compassionate process tailored to challenges like infidelity or communication breakdowns. Drawing from evidence-based methods like the Gottman Approach, our clients report stronger bonds within just 6-12 sessions.
"Regardless of the situation, whether it be infidelity, betrayal, or years of a sexless marriage…through the thousands of couples I've supported, the one common denominator of success in marriage counseling is a desire from both parties to want to fix things. With that, we can reignite the fire, heal past trauma, and discover a new passion together."
— Dr. Mary Perleoni, LMHC, Top-Rated Tampa Marriage Therapist & Founder of IBW
What to expect in our first marriage counseling session
Your first session is a safe, judgment-free space to share your story—whether it’s rebuilding trust after infidelity or addressing financial stress. We’ll assess your needs, set goals, and outline a plan. Learn more details about how we can support you in your journey to healing your marriage with us in Tampa.
Key Elements of Our marriage Therapy Sessions
Understanding Relationship History
Explore the dynamics, events, and pain points that led you hereCollaborative Goal Setting
Identify shared priorities like rebuilding trust, learning how to improve communication in marriage, and establishing a deeper connectionAssessments & Ground Rules
Ground the work in clarity, fairness, and mutual respectBetween-Session Practice
Reflection tools and exercises to support growth at home
How to Save Your Marriage: Proven Strategies from Our Therapists
In Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota, our marriage counselors use a variety of evidence-based approaches tailored to the needs of each couple. These methods are delivered by licensed, specialized and experienced marital therapists.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
A structured, research-based approach focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening connection, widely used by our Tampa marriage counselors.
“The Gottman Method is one of the most effective frameworks we use to help married couples in tampa rebuild connection, learn to communicate with respect, and navigate conflict without getting stuck in blame.”
— Dr. Mary Perleoni, LMHC, Founder of It Begins Within – Tampa, Florida
Learn more about Gottman Method in Tampa
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Helps couples in St. Petersburg and Tampa explore deep emotional patterns and reduce conflict while building secure bonds.
Expert EFT in St. Petersburg & Tampa
Narrative Therapy
Empowers couples to rewrite negative stories about their relationship and create more compassionate, constructive narratives.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Practical and goal-oriented, ideal for couples in Tampa looking to make rapid progress on specific challenges.
“For high-achieving couples or entrepreneurs, solution-focused therapy gives them structure, clarity, and action.”
— Kaitlyn Shelp, MA, LMHC, Clinical Director – St. Petersburg
Imago Relationship Therapy
Reveals how childhood wounds impact adult relationships. Helps partners heal and respond to each other with empathy.
Discernment Counseling
Offered in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota, this short-term approach supports couples considering separation but unsure of next steps.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for couples
Useful for couples managing anxiety, depression, or trauma. CBT helps shift negative thought patterns and improve emotional resilience.
Used by our licensed CBT-certified therapists in both Tampa and St. Pete to support couples facing emotional overwhelm.
SYSTEMATIC AFFAIR RECOVERY THERAPY
A phase-based, systematic approach to infidelity marriage therapy that helps couples heal after an affair by addressing the trauma of betrayal, rebuilding emotional safety, and guiding partners toward long-term relational recovery and trust.
At It Begins Within we specialize in marriage intensive counseling across Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota, Florida. We recognize that for many relationships, weekly one-hour sessions aren’t enough to repair deep wounds. That’s where intensive marriage counseling comes in. We offer private programs that allow couples to dedicate 3–5 hours per day, twice a week, with options for weekend scheduling and retreat-style experiences.
This format is ideal for couples who:
Are facing a major crisis, such as infidelity or separation.
Feel stuck in repeating conflicts that weekly therapy hasn’t resolved.
Want to accelerate the healing process and see meaningful progress quickly.
Prefer a private, focused environment without the distractions of daily life.
Related Therapy Approaches
While your marriage challenges be front and center, many of our Tampa and St. Petersburg clients come to a realization that their relationship challenges are actually just a symptom of an underlying issue that remains unresolved. If you feel like that may resonate with your situation, we invite you to explore our additional therapeutic approaches.
Marriage Counseling Success & Research
Choosing the Right Marriage Counselor
When making a decision on marriage counseling, choosing the right therapist is essential for the success of your therapy. Research indicates that the therapeutic relationship, where both partners feel understood and supported by the therapist, is one of the most significant factors in achieving success.
With so many therapists in Florida, it’s critical to choose a marriage counselor with the right combination of training, experience, and skill to truly help heal your most important relationship. At It Begins Within, our mission is to set that standard—ensuring you work only with the best marriage counselors in Tampa and St. Petersburg. This commitment is rooted in the vision of our founder, Dr. Mary Perleoni, a PhD Counselor Educator, whose mission has always been to elevate the quality of care and ensure every therapist is equipped to provide transformative, research-based treatment.
Therapies such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, and Solution-Focused Therapy have shown high success rates, with EFT achieving therapy goals in about 70-73% of cases. Ensuring that the therapist has a good understanding of your unique needs and challenges is also vital. Open communication and commitment to the therapeutic process are key factors that influence the success of marriage counseling.
A therapist who can foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment will help you and your partner feel more comfortable and engaged in the therapy process.
Is Marriage Counseling Worth the Money?
The question of whether marriage counseling is worth the investment is often a significant consideration for couples. The data answers this question clearly, marriage counseling is highly effective and can significantly improve relationship satisfaction.
Studies show that approximately 70% of couples report improved relationship satisfaction after attending therapy, and nearly 90% of clients report improved emotional wellness. Additionally, couples who attend therapy are 30% more likely to stay together long-term compared to those who do not. While the average cost for a session in Florida ranges from $150 to $250, the long-term benefits of a healthier, more fulfilling relationship far outweigh the costs.
Commonly Asked Questions About Relationship Counseling
What can we expect during the first session of marriage counseling?
During the first session of marriage counseling, you and your partner will meet with the therapist to discuss the history of your relationship distress, identify key problems, and set goals for therapy. The therapist may also conduct an intake, ask introductory questions, and establish ground rules for communication. Individual sessions might follow to gather separate backgrounds.
The primary aim of this session is to build trust, lay the foundation for the therapeutic relationship, and outline expectations for future sessions.
How do marriage counselors typically assess the strengths and weaknesses of our relationship?
Marriage counselors typically use structured assessment tools to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a relationship. These tools include interviews, workbooks such as the Self-Assessment Workbook, and specific measures like the Gottman Relationship Checkup, the CARE (which assesses seven elements of relationship functioning), and the Personal Traits in Relationships Measure.
What if my partner is unwilling to attend marriage counseling sessions?
If your partner is unwilling to attend marriage counseling, it’s important to accept that you cannot control their decision. Start by discussing their reasons for refusing and actively listen to their concerns.
Focus on improving your own communication skills and consider individual therapy to work on your role in the relationship. You can also explore alternative options such as couples workshops or self-help books.
How long does marriage counseling usually last, and what is the recommended commitment?
Marriage counseling typically lasts between 12 to 25 sessions, spread over several months. Sessions at IBW are typically 60 minutes long and initially scheduled weekly, then bi-weekly, and eventually monthly. The frequency and duration are adjusted based on the couple's progress and schedules.
What are the signs of a broken marriage?
A broken marriage often shows up in patterns of disconnection, ongoing conflict, or loss of intimacy. Common signs include constant arguments without resolution, avoidance of meaningful conversation, lack of trust, emotional or physical distance, and feeling more like roommates than partners. Some couples also notice resentment building, withdrawal from shared activities, or difficulty making future plans together.
If you find yourself asking “how to save my marriage”, these signs may be your relationship’s way of signaling that it needs intentional care. The good news is that therapy — especially intensive marriage counseling — can help you rebuild communication, restore trust, and reconnect with your partner.
Marriage Counseling Near Me in Florida
marriage counseling in st. petersburg, fl
Our St. Petersburg office proudly serves couples across Pinellas County, including Clearwater, Largo, Gulfport, Seminole, Feather Sound, and Treasure Island. Whether you're facing communication challenges, infidelity recovery, or emotional disconnect, our experienced marriage counselors offer in-person and virtual therapy tailored to your needs.
marriage counseling in tampa, fl
Located near Westshore and South Tampa, our Tampa therapists support couples across Hillsborough County and beyond—including Hyde Park, Carrollwood, Brandon, Riverview, and Apollo Beach. We specialize in Gottman Method, EFT, and trauma-informed therapy for busy professionals and families navigating complex relational stress.
marriage counseling in sarasota, fl
Our Sarasota location welcomes couples from across the Suncoast region, including Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Venice, Siesta Key, and Palmer Ranch. Whether you're in crisis or simply looking to deepen your connection, we offer personalized therapy with evidence-based tools to help your relationship thrive.
Expert Insights from Our Marital Counselors
Schedule a Free Marital Therapy Consultation
It Begins Within is a leader in relationship counseling across Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota, FL. If you are struggling in your relationship and looking for marital counseling near me, we invite you to schedule a free consultation call with our expert marriage and couples therapists.