Salish Sea Relationship Therapy

5.0
2 reviews from Google

Salish Sea Relationship Therapy offers compassionate couples counseling and relationship therapy in Seattle, WA. Led by Sara Whitney, we work with people in all relationship structures to foster growth, connection, and understanding. Whether you're seeking marriage counseling, navigating relationship challenges, or strengthening your bond, our practice provides a safe space for transformation. We help couples and individuals take responsibility for their desires and reignite connections. Services include couples therapy, relationship counseling, and individual therapy. In-person sessions in Seattle and telehealth throughout Washington and Idaho. Flexible session lengths available. Free initial consultation and sliding options available.

Call us! +1 206-351-4599
Cover photo of Salish Sea Relationship Therapy

Customer's reviews

I cannot say enough positive things about Sara and her therapy practice. My partner and I worked with Sara for roughly 4 years, and we both felt genuinely heard and supported by Sara, even during our darker moments. Sara is incredibly compassionate and insightful, and helped us to work through our ups and downs in a way that felt safe but also empowered us to do better ourselves. Sara asks great questions and provides meaningful perspective, and she truly gave us the right tools to start handling our disagreements on our own. Sara is an incredible choice for a therapist, and had a majorly positive impact on our relationship. I cannot say enough amazing things about Sara. ~ Trisha N
Sara is a passionate and skilled relationship and sex therapist. As a fellow therapist, I am very selective in referring clients out to ensure that clients receive the best possible support and guidance. I have no hesitation referring clients to Sara as she has both the clinical skills and relational skills necessary to help clients navigate the toughest of situations. ~ Bill A
Show more

Blog

Relationships don't come with instruction manuals—but that doesn't mean you have to figure it out alone. 💙 Relationship counseling isn't about fixin… Posted on: November 28, 2025
Is your relationship feeling distant? You're not alone—and there's a path forward. 💙 Couples counseling isn't about fixing what's broken. It's about… Posted on: November 23, 2025
Relationships thrive when both people feel truly seen, heard, and understood. That's the heart of relationship therapy. 💙 At Salish Sea Relationship… Posted on: November 19, 2025
Show more

Questions & Answers

What can couples therapy not fix?
Couples therapy is a powerful resource for improving communication and repairing trust, but it has limits. Deep personal trauma, untreated mental health conditions, or ongoing abuse require individual therapeutic work or specialized care. In situations where one partner is unwilling to participate honestly, or refuses to change destructive behaviors, therapy alone cannot shift the dynamic. At Salish Sea Relationship Therapy, we often emphasize that while relationships can be supportive spaces, they cannot replace the need for personal healing. Couples therapy works best when both individuals commit to growth—both as partners and as individuals.
How much does couples therapy cost in the US?
The cost of couples therapy in the United States typically ranges between $125 and $250 per 50-minute session, though rates can be higher in large metropolitan areas. In Seattle, where the cost of living is above the national average, fees may fall at the higher end of that range. Initial sessions sometimes cost more because they include assessment and goal setting, while community-based or training clinics may provide lower-cost alternatives. Because insurance coverage is inconsistent, many couples plan for therapy as part of their overall investment in relationship and mental health.
What is the failure rate of couples therapy?
Research shows that approximately 70 percent of couples benefit from counseling, according to the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. That means while many relationships see improvements in satisfaction and communication, some do not achieve the hoped-for results. In some cases, therapy helps partners recognize that separating may be the healthiest option. For couples in Seattle, engaging with a local therapist offers not only the chance to strengthen the relationship but also the clarity to make informed decisions about its future.
How long do most couples stay in couples therapy?
The length of couples therapy depends on the nature of the issues and the goals established. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, most couples attend around 12 sessions, with many completing their work within 20 sessions. At Salish Sea Relationship Therapy, some Seattle couples choose shorter-term therapy to address specific conflicts, while others continue longer to work through deep-rooted patterns. Regardless of duration, the emphasis is always on developing practical tools that can be applied outside the therapy room.
How do I know if my partner needs therapy?
Recognizing when your partner might benefit from therapy often involves noticing repeated patterns of emotional strain that affect the relationship. These might include constant unresolved arguments, emotional withdrawal, distrust, or a decline in intimacy. Pressures such as financial strain or career changes—common in fast-paced regions like Seattle’s tech-driven economy—can also place stress on relationships. When these signs emerge, seeking professional guidance through couples therapy can provide the perspective and tools needed to reestablish connection and balance.

Contact information

Phone +1 206-351-4599
Address
240 2nd Ave S 201F Seattle 98104-2617
Sunday Closed
Monday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed

Gallery

Show more