Couples and Family Counseling |
Parenting Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

Couples and Family Counseling


Isenberg & Associates has its very roots in couples and family counseling. As a husband-wife counseling practice from its inception, from Shelly and Raye's early career experiences as marriage and family therapists to the associates we have chosen for the practice, Isenberg & Associates has had a reputation for helping people deal with the complex relationships of couple and family life over the developmental life cycle. Like our clients, we have gone through life's difficulties, from family issues through personal, cultural and spiritual transitions.

Our professional and personal experiences allow us to work with couples and families at a level that goes beyond simply learning better communications skills. We get to the heart of what is troubling the people who come to us so their problems can be resolved. Our associates have been brought into the practice because they have their own skills and expertise which make them particularly effective at helping couples, children, adolescents and families.

Marriage and Family counseling focuses on understanding clients' symptoms and the layers of interaction with family, friends and others that may contribute to problems. Our counseling approach is to do what works. Where will we get the best leverage for change? Often we will see a couple together and have family group sessions. Some situations may require individual sessions with a spouse, parent or child.

Among some couples and families, not all members are ready for change or see value in counseling. Not all family members have to take part in marriage and family counseling for it to be effective. Much can be accomplished when one family member is willing to work at changing their role in the complex relationship pattern of marriage and family life.

Couples and families may seek help for a variety of issues:
  • Persistent feelings of dissatisfaction
  • Problems with a child's behavior, school adjustment or performance.
  • Difficulties with anger, hostility or violence.
  • Sexual problems or concerns
  • Difficulties in talking with your fiancé, spouse, children, parents or other family members, friends or co-workers.
  • Feelings of loneliness, moodiness, depression, sadness, anger, failure, stress or anxiety.
  • Unexplainable fatigue or difficulty sleeping
  • The need for tranquilizers, energizers or sleeping aids.
  • Family stress due to chronic illnesses, or illnesses in which stress plays a major role.
  • Problems with drugs or alcohol
  • Frequent financial difficulties
  • Difficulty in setting or reaching goals
  • Drastic weight fluctuations or irregular eating patterns.
  • Work difficulties, frequent job changes problems with co-workers.
  • Step family difficulties including dealing with ex-spouses.


Marriage and Family counseling is not just about the big, life disrupting problems. All of us traverse a series of normal and expected developmental stages, each posing challenges and possible pitfalls. Life changes, stress and problems can be expected in any relationship and counseling can prevent small problems from becoming serious.

Couples need not be married to seek or benefit from marriage and family therapy. Premarital therapy and postmarital therapy are both increasingly popular. Divorced couples who share children, extended family, friends or property also may benefit from time with a therapist at Isenberg & Associates.

For more information on meeting times, fees and format please contact us by e-mail or phone at 630-355-8410.

Newsletter Articles of Interest:

Experiencing Change: Between Where We've Been And Where We're Going
Dealing With Differences
Marriage: Living Side by Side
How Can Couples Share
After An Affair
What It Takes To Keep A Marriage Going (PDF file)