Stepping Stones Counseling · Marriage, Couples & Premarital Counseling
Marriage counseling for couples who want to stop repeating the same fight.
When communication breaks down, couples get stuck in the same cycle: one pushes, the other shuts down, and the conversation ends with more distance than before. Counseling helps you slow that cycle down and find a safer way to talk.
Most major insurance plans accepted. Self-pay options available.
Communicate & feel heard
Say what is true and finally be understood.
Lower the conflict
Break the cycle that keeps pulling you into the same fight.
Rebuild trust
Repair after hurt and move forward together.
About Daniel
Practical, honest, and focused on what actually changes the relationship.
Based in Clarkesville, Daniel works with couples, marriages, and families across Habersham County and the broader North Georgia area — including Cleveland, Cornelia, Toccoa, Demorest, and Helen. His style is direct, calm, and practical. Rather than letting a session turn into a courtroom, he helps each partner slow down, see the pattern they keep falling into, own their part, and practice a better way to respond.
He also brings extensive experience with addiction, recovery, and accountability — which can help couples navigating trust damage, substance use, relapse concerns, or the long-term stress recovery can place on a relationship. When addiction is part of the picture, his addiction & recovery counseling can help too.
Daniel Shepherd, M.S., APC Pending
Relationship-focused counseling services through Stepping Stones Counseling under clinical supervision.
What couples work on
You do not have to wait until the relationship is falling apart.
Many couples come to counseling because they still care about each other, but they no longer know how to talk without hurting, defending, or withdrawing. Counseling helps you work on the patterns underneath the arguments, not just the argument of the week.
- Communication that helps both people feel heard
- Conflict without blame, shutdown, or emotional flooding
- Rebuilding trust after hurt or broken agreements
- Repairing after arguments instead of stacking up resentment
- Breaking the cycle that keeps pulling you into the same fight
- Premarital counseling for a stronger foundation
How the work helps
Better conversations, and fewer fights that go nowhere.
Communication
Good communication is not saying more words. It is learning to slow down, listen accurately, say what is true without attacking, and respond without immediately defending.
- Listening without interrupting
- Saying what you feel without blaming
- Recognizing defensiveness and shutdown
- Making repair attempts before conflict grows
Conflict
The goal is not to decide who wins. It is to understand the pattern. Couples fight about money, parenting, or schedules, but the deeper problem is often the conflict cycle itself.
Together you can learn to de-escalate, take a healthy pause, return to the conversation, make clear agreements, and repair when it did not go well.
Faith-based support
Faith is part of the work only when you want it to be.
Faith-based counseling is available upon request. When couples want it included, sessions can respectfully draw on Christian values, forgiveness, commitment, and reflection. It is never forced, and couples of all backgrounds are welcome.
Premarital counseling
Build the foundation before the pressure hits.
Premarital counseling gives couples a place to talk through what often becomes a stress point later: communication, money, family expectations, conflict style, faith, parenting, and long-term goals — so you enter marriage with honesty, clarity, and practical tools.
Why this work matters to me
I believe in this work because I live it.
I am happily married myself, and I know the steady, honest effort a strong marriage takes. I bring that same belief in commitment, repair, and showing up for each other into every session.
Safety comes first.
Couples counseling may not be the right first step when there is active violence, coercive control, ongoing intimidation, or immediate safety concerns. In those situations, individual support, safety planning, or crisis resources may be recommended first.
Scheduling and fees
A better conversation can start here.
Most major insurance plans are accepted. Self-pay couples sessions are $125 per clinical hour, and the office can help verify your coverage before the first appointment.
Secure card payment through Stripe — enter your session fee, copay, or balance.
Common questions
Answers before you call.
Do you take insurance?
Most major insurance plans are accepted, and the office can help verify your coverage before your first appointment. Self-pay couples sessions are $125 per clinical hour.
What does marriage counseling cost?
Self-pay marriage and couples sessions are $125 per clinical hour. Most major insurance is also accepted — the office can verify your coverage first.
Where are you located, and what areas do you serve?
The practice is based in Clarkesville, Georgia and serves Habersham County and the broader North Georgia area, including Cleveland, Cornelia, Toccoa, Demorest, and Helen.
Do you offer Christian or faith-based counseling?
Faith-based counseling is available upon request and is never forced. Couples of all backgrounds are welcome.
Do you offer premarital counseling?
Yes. Premarital counseling helps couples build a strong foundation and work through communication, money, family expectations, conflict style, and long-term goals before marriage.
How do we get started?
Call (706) 493-5925 to schedule or ask questions. Most major insurance is accepted, with self-pay options available.