Couples Therapy & Coaching
with Dr. Nicole Parker, LMSW, LMFT
Bring back closeness, ease, and intimacy—even when life has left you feeling more like roommates than partners in 90 days.
About Me
Hi, I'm Nicole Parker
Before I became a parent, I thought we were ready. We had systems in place, took the classes, and read the books. But deep down, there was still that quiet feeling of, “we really have no idea what we’re stepping into.” And honestly? That turned out to be true
People say, “Parenthood changes everything”—and for us, it absolutely did. Not just in the sleepless nights or the endless logistics of managing small humans, but in the subtle ways it reshaped our marriage. Over time, between the meals, tantrums, work deadlines, and trying to keep up with a mountain of responsibilities, our ability to be kind with each other wore thin. Patience ran low. Misunderstandings grew. And the space between us started to feel bigger and harder to bridge.
I get it. I know how much you love your partner and how lonely it can feel in the thick of raising a family. You’re not broken—and your relationship isn’t beyond repair. You’re just in a season that most couples are never taught how to navigate.
And that’s where I come in. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy, both from Michigan State University. My approach draws from the research-based Gottman Method and the emotionally attuned practices of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). Together, we’ll focus on helping you restore trust, rebuild emotional and physical closeness, and feel like a team again—even in the messy, beautiful chaos of real life.
Maybe This Sounds Familiar
Lately, it feels like you’re on opposite sides—critiquing more than connecting, surviving more than relating.
When it comes to intimacy, there’s often a quiet tension: one of you feeling hurt or unwanted, the other feeling pressured or misunderstood. Neither of you wants it to feel this way—but it does.
You miss the closeness. The ease. The sense of being a couple, not just co-parents. But after so many missed cues and shut-down conversations, it starts to feel easier to avoid the topic altogether. For some couples, this distance passes. But for many, it settles in slowly—until the disconnection becomes the norm. That’s when resentment starts to take root. Loneliness sets in. And sometimes, even the hope that things can get better begins to fade.
How the Process Works
Over time, the demands of life—work, parenting, and constant decision-making—can slowly erode the connection between partners. When couples are stuck in this cycle, it’s easy to feel discouraged or unsure how to get back to the bond you once shared. You may still love each other deeply, but the closeness feels out of reach. The good news is, it doesn’t have to stay this way.
There is a way forward. With the right support, it’s possible to repair the trust that’s been strained, soften the sharp edges, and rebuild a relationship where you feel truly seen, supported, and safe with each other again—one intentional step at a time.
How the Process Works
Over time, the demands of life—work, parenting, and constant decision-making—can slowly erode the connection between partners. When couples are stuck in this cycle, it’s easy to feel discouraged or unsure how to get back to the bond you once shared. You may still love each other deeply, but the closeness feels out of reach. The good news is, it doesn’t have to stay this way.
There is a way forward. With the right support, it’s possible to repair the trust that’s been strained, soften the sharp edges, and rebuild a relationship where you feel truly seen, supported, and safe with each other again—one intentional step at a time.
Phase 1
Heal Your Conflicts
Step 1: Talk Through Issues Calmly Without Blame
Learn how to bring up problems without criticism or defensiveness, so even the hard conversations bring you closer instead of tearing you apart.
Step 2: Find Common Ground Within Repetitive Arguments
Break the cycle of going in circles by uncovering the deeper needs behind your recurring conflicts and discovering solutions you both can live with.
Step 3: Recover Quickly from Fights and Hurt Feelings
Learn how to repair after conflict so you can reconnect faster, let go of lingering resentment, and stop staying mad for days.
Phase 2
Reconnect As a Couple
Step 4: Catch the Small Moments That Keep You Drifting Apart
Recognize and respond to each other’s everyday bids for connection—so you feel seen, chosen, and emotionally close, even in the middle of real-life chaos.
Step 5: Appreciate Each Other Instead of Feeling Resentment
Shift out of silent scorekeeping by noticing what your partner does and expressing real gratitude—so you both feel valued, not taken for granted.
Step 6: Talk Like Friends Instead of Feeling Lonely
Bring back the ease and warmth in your conversations, so you can feel like teammates again—not just co-parents passing in the hallway.
Phase 3
Restore Your Sex Life
Step 7: Rediscover Playful, Pressure-Free Affection
Rebuild trust through light, low-stakes moments of touch and connection, so affection feels safe, mutual, and something you both actually look forward to.
Step 8: Transform Moments of Rejection into Intimate Connection
Turn emotional shut-downs and missed cues into honest conversations that build trust, so you feel close and wanted—even when intimacy feels hard to reach.
Step 9: Find Ways to Say “Yes” to Intimacy Within Your Daily Lives
Create small, meaningful rituals that keep physical and emotional closeness alive—so connection becomes part of your everyday, not just something that happens when everything else is done.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this process work?
This process is structured as regular couples sessions directly with me.
What issues are addressed?
The Roommates to Soulmates process is a 9-step journey designed to help couples in the parenthood phase rebuild emotional closeness, restore physical intimacy, and reconnect as friends and partners—not just co-parents. It’s packed with practical tools, conversation prompts, and rituals of connection tailored for the realities of busy family life. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to communicate to feel more deeply bonded—physically, emotionally, and relationally—even in the middle of stress, exhaustion, and never-ending to-do lists.
Who's this for? and not for?
This program is for couples in a committed, monogamous relationship who are raising their family together—whether you have a toddler or a teen. If you’re trying to juggle being partners and parents at the same time, and it feels like your connection is getting lost in the chaos, this program is for you. It’s not meant for couples who are unsure if they want to stay together or who are dealing with active addictions or abuse.
What's the difference between therapy and coaching?
Therapy often focuses on healing childhood wounds, processing trauma, or treating mental health concerns. Coaching, on the other hand, is forward-focused. It’s about helping you and your partner build new skills, strengthen connection, and create the relationship you want moving forward. While my background as a licensed therapist gives me a deep understanding of relationship dynamics, in coaching, we stay future-oriented—focusing on growth, communication, and intimacy without diagnosing or treating mental health conditions. It’s a supportive, guided process to help you reconnect and move toward the relationship you’re hoping for.
Do you see couples in person?
Yes, I have an office space to meet in person as well as the option to meet virtually. I hold all consultations virtually, but when you book your first appointment I will send you the details for in person meetings.
What if we need faster results now?
If you’re looking for a faster pace of change or feel like your relationship needs a more drastic reset, ask me about our private weekend intensives held in Rochester, MI—designed to help couples make powerful progress in just a few days— or mini marathon options.
How much does it cost to work with you?
Session costs range from $150 to $250 per session, depending on the length of time you choose. Some couples prefer shorter sessions to fit the realities of a busy life, while others appreciate having extra space to dive deeper into their work together. We’ll discuss what pace feels right for you, so you can move forward with clarity and ease.
What if I'm not sure about starting - or my partner isn't sure?
It’s completely normal to feel hesitant about starting something new, especially when your relationship feels strained or uncertain. That’s why we offer a free initial consultation—so you and your partner can get a feel for the process without any pressure. In that session, we’ll explore what’s been feeling hard, what you’re each hoping for, and start to identify what your unique “Mission Accomplished” as a couple might look like. It’s a space to ask questions, get clarity, and see if this approach is the right fit for where you are now.
Bring Back the Connection That Feels Out of Reach.
Reach out with the Contact form below or request and book a free consultation appointment—we’ll take the first step together.
You can’t quite remember the last time you had a meaningful conversation that wasn’t about the kids, the calendar, or what still needs to be done around the house.