Question 1

Is therapy right for me as individual?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to be in couples therapy—or even in a relationship—to benefit.
It’s a good fit if you want to:
 • Understand recurring relationship patterns
 • Heal from past relationships, breakups, or divorce
 • Improve communication and boundaries
 • Work through attachment issues, trust, or jealousy
 • Prepare for a healthier future relationship
In individual relationship therapy, the focus is on your side of the dynamic—your needs, triggers, expectations, and emotional responses.

Question 2

Is relationship therapy right for my partner and I?

Accepted Answer

For couples, therapy provides a neutral, structured space to work on the relationship itself.
It can help couples:
 • Improve communication and reduce conflict
 • Rebuild trust after betrayal or disconnection
 • Navigate life transitions (marriage, parenting, illness, relocation)
 • Address intimacy or emotional distance
 • Decide how to move forward together (or apart) with clarity and respect
The therapist works with the relationship as the client, not just one person.

Question 3

Are there times when therapy is not applicable?

Accepted Answer

When There Is Immediate Danger or Crisis
Therapy is not a substitute for emergency care.
It’s not appropriate as the primary support when someone is:
 • At immediate risk of harming themselves or others
 • Experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency
 • In an actively unsafe situation
In these cases, emergency services, crisis hotlines, or inpatient care are the right first step.
When One or More People Are Being Abused
Relationship or couples therapy is not recommended when:
 • There is ongoing physical, sexual, or severe emotional abuse
 • One partner is afraid of the other
 • There is coercion, control, or intimidation
Therapy requires safety and honesty. In abusive dynamics, individual support and safety planning are more appropriate.
When Someone Is Forced or Unwilling
Therapy works best when there is at least some willingness to engage.
It may not be effective if:
 • Someone is attending only to appease another person
 • There is no openness to reflection or change
 • One partner uses therapy to “prove” the other is the problem
In couples work especially, therapy can’t succeed if one person refuses accountability.
When Expectations Are Unrealistic
Therapy is not applicable if someone expects it to:
 • “Fix” another person
 • Provide quick solutions without effort
 • Decide who is right or wrong
 • Guarantee reconciliation or specific outcomes
Therapy supports insight, growth, and decision-making—not control or certainty.
When a Different Type of Support Is Needed
Sometimes therapy isn’t the best first step.
Examples:
 • Medication management may be needed alongside therapy
 • Legal or financial issues may require professional advice outside therapy
 • Severe substance dependence may need specialized treatment programs
In these cases, therapy can still play a role—but often as part of a broader support plan.

Question 4

How long does therapy last?

Accepted Answer

Just like everyone is different, couples and relationships vary greatly too.

At RBM Marriage and Family Therapy, we do not believe in "Forever" therapy. We work together on most pressing issues. We believe skills learned in sessions can be applied to your every day life.

We value your time as much as you value our services. We hope therapy helped and you are better prepared to move on with your life.

Question 5

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Great question!

I accept most insurances.

If insurance is not an option, my fee is $185 per session. If that's too steep for you, let me know. I will work with you on a plan that works for you.

Lastly, from time to time I have interns completing their training with me. Their rate is $35 per session.

Rachel Chernyavskiy, MA, LMFT

475-255-6357

RBM Therapy in New York — Now With Insurance Coverage & Fast Matching

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