Common questions about working with Sara Freed.

Are you a therapist?

My current private work is relationship coaching. It is informed by Gottman Method principles, Imago Dialogue, and CBT.

I am also currently completing my Master of Social Work, expected in 2027. Therapy services will be presented separately when professionally appropriate and available. Coaching and the self-guided app are not substitutes for psychotherapy or crisis care.

Do you work with one spouse or both?

Both arrangements can work. When the work is focused on the marriage, the strongest progress often happens when both partners are willing to look at the relationship pattern together. Some clients begin alone when a spouse is not ready yet, and individual work can still create meaningful shifts.

How do sessions work?

Virtual sessions are available. Core couples sessions are 90 minutes and core individual coaching sessions are 60 minutes. Sessions make room to understand your experience, clarify goals, and practice communication and repair skills. Discuss your location and preferred format during the consultation.

What does relationship coaching cost?

Private coaching is offered through structured packages. During the consultation, Sara can explain the appropriate options, fees, and payment arrangements before you decide to begin. An introductory option may be available if you would like to experience the work before choosing a longer package. The consultation itself is free.

Do you work with all types of couples?

I work with couples and individuals from many backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and levels of observance or religious affiliation. The tools are applied with respect for the values and life of the people in the room.

What if we are not in crisis?

Coaching is not only for couples who feel like they are falling apart. It can also be used to strengthen communication, repair, friendship, emotional connection, and intentionality before resentment becomes deeply entrenched.

What if we keep having the same fight?

Usually the problem is not only the topic. It is also the pattern underneath it: who pursues, who withdraws, who feels criticized, who feels unheard, and how the conversation keeps spiraling. The work slows the cycle down so you can recognize it and practice a different way through.

Will we get exercises between sessions?

You may receive worksheets, reflection prompts, or practical exercises based on what comes up in the work. The purpose is to help communication, repair, listening, emotional safety, and connection take root in real life.

What is the Sara Freed app?

The Emotional Marriage Method app is now available as a self-guided coaching and relationship-education experience. It offers smaller, repeatable practices and practical tools for communication, emotional safety, conflict repair, reflection, and connection. Open The Emotional Marriage Method →

What approaches inform Sara’s work?

The three primary approaches are CBT, Imago Dialogue, and the Gottman Method, including principles from the Sound Relationship House framework. These are used as informing frameworks rather than presented as proprietary material created by Sara.

Do you specialize in Orthodox Jewish marriage coaching?

Yes. Sara’s practice is based in Monsey, New York, with particular understanding of Orthodox Jewish marriage and family life, including shalom bayis, shidduchim, family expectations, remarriage, and blended families. Clients from all backgrounds are welcome. Explore this specialty →

What happens during the free consultation?

The consultation is a free 15-minute phone call. Briefly share what is happening, ask questions, and discuss whether coaching fits. You may take the call alone, and you do not need to commit to a package.

What happens in the first couples session?

Sara makes room for each partner’s perspective: what brings you in, what feels painful or stuck, and what you hope will change. Together, you begin understanding the interaction between you and identifying useful communication and repair skills. Learn about couples coaching →

Can you help us prepare for remarriage?

Yes. Coaching can help you discuss expectations, children, co-parenting, family roles, and boundaries before or during a second marriage. Explore remarriage and blended-family coaching →