What to Expect From Relationship Counseling
As Florida’s premier relationship counselor, Dr. Valentina is dedicated to guiding couples and individuals toward deeper connection, clarity, and meaningful change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about relationship-focused therapy in Florida and online.
Your journey begins with your participation. In sessions, we’ll equip you with new ways of relating, communicating, and connecting, but the real growth happens when you act on what you’ve learned outside of our time together. Your willingness and commitment to show up emotionally and mentally determine how deeply you’ll benefit.
Medication can help manage symptoms such as anxiety or depression, but it cannot repair relational patterns or transform how you connect with your partner. As Florida’s premier relationship specialist, I focus on the roots of relational challenges, helping you explore behavior, communication, and emotional patterns that lead to lasting change.
Not at all. Recognizing that you need support is a sign of strength. It’s courageous and wise to seek expert relationship counseling rather than going it alone. You already have the resilience; now we bring that into your healing and connection work.
Because every relationship and personal story is unique, our work together will be tailored to your specific situation and goals. What matters most is your emotional, mental, and physical presence. When you engage honestly, permit yourself to be vulnerable, and actively participate, we’ll move more deeply and effectively toward the changes you want.
A trusted friend or loved one cares deeply for you. A trained relationship counselor brings structured, research-backed frameworks and a safe, confidential space for genuine change. I listen without judgment, guide without taking sides, and help you discover new ways to relate that go beyond what you’ve tried before.
Each person and couple is different. Your goals, history, and readiness all influence progress. On average, clients begin to see meaningful shifts within 12–16 weeks when they engage consistently. As Florida’s premier relationship counselor, I ensure our work is focused, structured, and aligned with your desired outcome.
$250 per 50-min Session
$375 for 90-min Initial Consultation
New Leaf Therapy does not accept insurance.
If you would still like to work with your insurance, your insurance company may provide some reimbursement. To help with that, I can provide a monthly superbill that you may submit to your insurance for reimbursement. This superbill contains the information needed that, when presented to your insurance company, could result in their reimbursing you for a portion of the psychotherapy fees. Please know that:
- Some clients do not receive reimbursement, others receive full reimbursement.
- Depending on the coverage plan, clients can expect 40-60% reimbursement of total fee.
To cancel a scheduled session, we require at least 24 hours notice. Otherwise, clients are charged the full session fee.
We accept credit cards, debit cards, and health savings plan cards.
At New Leaf Therapy, we don't believe in "quick fixes" for complex connections. We believe in intentional, deep work that creates lasting change. To give your relationship the space and focus it deserves, all of our Couples Therapy journeys begin with an intensive 90-minute initial consultation. Why 90 minutes? A standard 50-minute hour often barely scratches the surface. This extended intake allows us to:
- Ensure both partners feel fully heard and understood.
- Identify the core patterns that are keeping you "stuck."
- Create a customized, intentional roadmap for your healing.
Our Initial Conversation
The first time we meet will follow a familiar flow, no matter which format we use.
As Florida’s premier relationship counselor, my goal is to help you feel grounded, understood, and supported from the very beginning.
After introductions, we’ll walk through some foundational questions that help us understand your past experiences, your current concerns, and your hopes for the work we’ll do together. This first conversation is your opportunity to ask anything that comes to mind, and I will take my time answering with as much clarity and comfort as possible.
From there, we’ll identify your immediate goals so our work stays focused on what matters most to you right now.
Your initial consultation will not feel overwhelming or heavy unless you want to go deeper. We will move at a pace that feels safe, comfortable, and aligned with what you need. At the end of the session, we’ll decide together how often we should meet and choose a time for our next appointment.
Most clients benefit from weekly support initially, but I will assess this based on what emerges during our conversation.
I tailor every therapeutic relationship to fit your needs as precisely as possible.
Take Your Time to Heal. You Deserve It.
There is no pressure to decide how long therapy will last or how often we will meet. Healing is not a race. We will adjust your goals and timing as needed to align with your emotional readiness and capacity.
You never need to worry about “finishing” therapy in three, six, or nine months. While these milestones can be helpful moments for reflection, they are not deadlines. They simply help us evaluate what is working well and where we may want to shift our approach.
Your therapy plan will be structured, intentional, and tailored to how you grow over time. Although healing does not follow a fixed timeline, your commitment to yourself is essential.
Meaningful change happens when you show up with honesty, curiosity, and a willingness to be vulnerable.
Digging deep can feel uncomfortable, especially at first. But the more open you can be in this space, the more powerful and lasting your progress will be.
I bring years of expertise to our work, but the catalyst for healing will always be your courage and your willingness to look inward.
If speaking openly feels unfamiliar or difficult, that’s completely normal. Many clients begin therapy unsure of how to express everything they feel internally. Together, we will find the communication style that feels most natural and supportive for you — whether that’s through words, reflection, or simply allowing space for emotion.
You do not have to figure it out alone.
As Florida’s premier relationship counselor, I’m here to guide you with compassion, skill, and an unwavering belief in your capacity to heal.
It’s okay to feel nervous before starting something new.
Florida Online Therapy
If you’re unsure about meeting online or wondering whether virtual sessions can feel personal and supportive, let me reassure you. As Florida’s premier relationship counselor, I offer telehealth sessions that are just as grounded, effective, and emotionally meaningful as in-office work.
Meeting Virtually Offers Unique Benefits
Online relationship counseling allows you to receive expert support no matter where you live in Florida. Sessions take place through secure video or voice-only teleconference, and we devote the same focused, dedicated time we would in an office as we work on your healing and growth.
Virtual appointments are especially helpful if you have a busy schedule, caregiving responsibilities, limited access to in-person services, or if you feel more at ease opening up from the comfort of your own environment. Many clients find that a bit of physical space actually helps them access deeper emotions with more clarity and confidence.
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In Online Therapy With Me, You Can Expect
- To feel fully heard and understood
- A commitment to the work from both of us
- Big emotions as well as quieter moments of clarity
- Breakthroughs, and sometimes setbacks, as part of the process
- Honesty and straightforward feedback from me
- My undivided presence and focus during every session
- A steady, supportive space to explore what you’re feeling
Whether we meet online or in person, you’ll receive the same high-level relationship guidance, emotional safety, and dedicated care.
