Hi, I’m Dr. Nicole Parker

Couples Therapist in Michigan. Marriage Coach. Relationship Rebuilder.
I help couples bring back warmth, trust, and ease—especially when life has pulled you apart.

About Me (Personally)

Although I’m a couples therapist, I’m also a partner learning how to stay close through the chaos of real life. I know the research—but I also know how hard it is to stay connected when you’re juggling kids, work, responsibilities, and everything in between.

I’ve felt the distance that slowly creeps in, even in loving relationships. I’ve experienced the tension of craving closeness but not knowing how to reach for it. And I’ve seen how good relationships can get off track—not from lack of love, but from lack of tools.

That’s why I do this work.

Not because I have a perfect relationship (spoiler: no one does!), but because I believe every couple deserves support, not shame, as they find their way back to each other.

A little more about me: I’m from mid-Michigan and my first career was in education. These days, I’m a dance mom, a partner to my spouse, and someone who loves book club, a slow morning with my coffee, and spending time with my big extended family. I’m an aspiring golfer (very much still learning!), and friendship is one of my greatest treasures. I get what real life looks like—and I bring that grounded understanding into every session I lead.

My Training and Education

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LMSW). I hold a Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy and a Master’s degree in Social Work—both from Michigan State University.

Alongside my work with clients, I’ve spent years training future therapists. I’ve taught at the master’s level at Michigan State University and currently teach in the counseling program at Oakland University. Teaching keeps me connected to the research and deeply committed to this field.

My Approach

My work is rooted in two evidence-based methods:

  • The Gottman Method: Offers practical, research-backed tools for building strong relationships.
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Helps couples move out of reactive patterns and into safe, secure emotional connection

I specialize in helping couples with:

My style is warm, down-to-earth, and gently direct. I won’t just sit back and nod while you struggle—I’ll roll up my sleeves and walk with you into the hard stuff. You’ll get tools, structure, and space for real conversation.

I’ll help you:

This isn’t about quick fixes or fluffy advice. It’s about rebuilding something real.

This Is Brave Work

Seeking support doesn’t mean something is broken or that your marriage is hopeless. It means your relationship matters—and you’re ready to invest in it.

If you’re feeling disconnected, discouraged, or just unsure how to move forward, I’m here to help you take that first step with compassion, clarity, and hope.

Frequently Asked Questions

This process is structured as regular couples sessions directly with me.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.