Melissa Banther

My life's work is to help couples move beyond surface-level arguments or just feeling like roommates and instead transform their bond / covenant into a lasting source of safety, support, and love.

If a couple desires, I integrate faith with therapy (Biblical principles, Gottman Method, etc.), and use evidence-based systemic approaches to see relationship patterns and focus on helping couples build stronger, Christ-centered connections through coaching, counseling, workshops, and resources that address issues like communication, conflict, core values, connection / intimacy, infidelity recovery, and parenting and other life transitions.

I practice Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and also incorporate principles from the Gottman Method, two highly respected, research-backed approaches to relationship counseling. My approach is warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative, treating each couple as the expert of their own relationship journey.

EDUCATION and TRAINING

I hold a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Christian Counseling from Liberty University.

*Certificate of Completion: Caring For People God's Way - 2012

*Certificate of Completion: Marriage Works - 2013

*Certificate of Completion: Emotionally Focused Couples - 2016

*Certificate of Completion: Marriage Coaching - 2016

*Certified Facilitator: SYMBIS - Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts-February 19, 2016

*Certified Facilitator: Prepare and Enrich - 2019

*Gottman Method Couples Therapy- Level 1: Bridging the Couples Chasm Certified - 2016

*Gottman Method Couples Therapy- Level 2: Assessment, Intervention, and Co-Morbidities Certified - 2021

I work exclusively with couples facing a wide array of challenges, including:

• Dating / Pre-engaged and Pre-marital counseling.
• Improving overall communication, conflict, and connection skills.
• Breaking free from repetitive, hurtful conflict cycles.
• Rekindling emotional and physical intimacy.
• Managing life transitions such as parenting, career changes, empty nest, or retirement.
• Navigating the impact of infidelity or a breach of trust.
• Working with families navigating separation, divorce, remarriage, and blended family dynamics

I believe it takes faith, hope, love, and courage to address the challenges that prevent growth and change in a relationship. My goal is to create a safe space where both partners feel seen, heard, and understood, allowing them to explore unmet needs and learn more effective, safe, connecting ways of interacting. I believe that understanding how past relationship patterns shape current ones, can open up new, healthier ways of connecting in the present, and passing those healthy habits to the next generation. I believe that growing in our connection with God creates a stable foundation for couples and families to grow and thrive and live out their purpose.