.png){kind=small}
.webp)
Relationship & Marriage Counseling at Better Life Solutions
Relationships are the foundation of our lives, but they can also be one of our greatest challenges. Even strong, committed couples sometimes struggle with communication breakdowns, conflict, or emotional distance. When issues go unresolved, it can leave partners feeling disconnected, unheard, or unsure of how to move forward. Marriage and relationship counseling provides a safe space to work through these challenges and rediscover connection.
​
At Better Life Solutions, Mary Collins offers compassionate, professional counseling for couples throughout the Greater Syracuse area. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in social work and counseling, Mary helps partners identify the roots of conflict, strengthen communication, and create healthier ways of relating. Whether you’re facing recurring arguments, trust issues, or simply want to deepen intimacy, Better Life Solutions provides guidance and tools to help your relationship grow stronger.
What Is Marriage / Couples Counseling?
Marriage or relationship counseling (also called couples therapy) is a collaborative process where both partners work with a qualified counselor to:
-
uncover the root causes of conflict and emotional hurt,
-
improve listening and communication skills,
-
heal past wounds,
-
rebuild trust and emotional safety, and
-
develop behaviors that support closeness, respect, and empathy.
Sessions often span multiple meetings, allowing space for gradual growth, honest conversation, and practical implementation of new skills. Your counselor helps guide, but does not take sides—every voice is respected.
Who Can Benefit?
Relationship counseling can help couples in many different situations, including but not limited to:
-
Frequent misunderstandings or breakdowns in communication
-
Emotional disconnection or loss of intimacy
-
Trust issues, betrayal, or past hurt
-
Conflict around parenting, finances, household roles, or life transitions
-
Coping with external stresses: job loss, illness, grief, or mental health challenges
-
Couples wanting to strengthen their foundation even if things feel “good enough”—prevention and growth are valid goals.
What Is Marriage / Couples Counseling?
Marriage or relationship counseling (also called couples therapy) is a collaborative process where both partners work with a qualified counselor to:
-
uncover the root causes of conflict and emotional hurt,
-
improve listening and communication skills,
-
heal past wounds,
-
rebuild trust and emotional safety, and
-
develop behaviors that support closeness, respect, and empathy.
Sessions often span multiple meetings, allowing space for gradual growth, honest conversation, and practical implementation of new skills. Your counselor helps guide, but does not take sides—every voice is respected.
Who Can Benefit?
Relationship counseling can help couples in many different situations, including but not limited to:
-
Frequent misunderstandings or breakdowns in communication
-
Emotional disconnection or loss of intimacy
-
Trust issues, betrayal, or past hurt
-
Conflict around parenting, finances, household roles, or life transitions
-
Coping with external stresses: job loss, illness, grief, or mental health challenges
-
Couples wanting to strengthen their foundation even if things feel “good enough”—prevention and growth are valid goals.
Is Counseling Right for You?
Counseling works best when:
-
Both partners are willing to participate and be open to feedback.
-
You are ready to look not just at “what’s wrong” but at how you engage, communicate, and contribute to the dynamic.
-
You are comfortable with vulnerability: sharing honest feelings, admitting fears, acknowledging past pain.
-
You want more than just short-term fixes; you are willing to do practice and integrate changes over time.