Couples Therapy with a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist in Minneapolis: what it is - and what it isn't
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Maybe you've talked about it together. Maybe one of you has been thinking about it quietly for a while. The idea of reaching out for support is there - but so are the questions.
"Isn't therapy just for couples who are about to break up?" "Would going mean we've failed?" "What if the therapist takes sides?"
If any of that sounds familiar, this post is for you.
Myth 1: Couples therapy is only for relationships in crisis
Not true. Many people seek support to grow, improve communication, or navigate a life transition — not because things are at a breaking point.
Coming to therapy when things are "mostly okay" is actually one of the wisest decisions anyone can make. You don't have to wait for something to break before asking for help. Preventive care works the same way in relationships as it does in any other area of health.
We work with all kinds of relationships at all different points: those who are newly committed, those who have been together for years and want to reconnect, those navigating a big life change — a new baby, a loss, a job transition — and yes, those going through something really hard. Everyone is welcome.
Common reasons people seek support include: communication that keeps going in circles, feeling disconnected or like you're living parallel lives, rebuilding trust after something painful, parenting or financial differences, changes in intimacy, grief, life transitions, and wanting to strengthen what's already good before small tensions become bigger ones. If something in your relationship feels worth exploring, that's reason enough.
Myth 2: Seeking therapy means the relationship has failed
Asking for help isn't a sign of failure — it's a sign that your relationship matters enough to invest in. The strongest relationships aren't the ones that never struggle; they're the ones that learn to work through things.
In relationship therapy, the relationship itself is the focus — the patterns, the dynamics, what each person brings, and what shows up when you're together. That doesn't mean anyone is "the problem." It means your therapist is interested in the space between you: the conversations that don't get anywhere, the bids for connection that go unnoticed, the needs that rarely get said out loud.
The work may draw on approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method-informed skills, attachment-based exploration, and trauma-informed care when trauma is affecting intimacy or trust. You don't need to know the name of every modality to benefit — what matters is that the approach feels honest, useful, and like it actually fits your relationship.
Myth 3: The therapist will take sides
A good therapist doesn't come into the room with a verdict. Their job is to create a space where everyone can speak and feel heard — and to help you understand each other better. There are no winners or losers in the therapy room.
What a therapist does is help you notice the patterns that keep repeating, explore what's underneath the conflict, and guide conversations that usually end up in the same place when you try to have them on your own. The first session is usually about getting acquainted — your therapist will want to understand what's bringing you in, a bit about your relationship history, and what each person is hoping for. It's normal if it feels a little uncertain at first. A good therapist will move at a pace that feels manageable.
Myth 4: Finding a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist in Minneapolis is nearly impossible
We know. Finding someone who understands not just the language but also the culture, values, and lived experiences that shape how we relate to each other — that can feel like an endless search. That barrier is real, and it's worth naming.
MindBalance has a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist in Minneapolis, Beatriz Carrillo Herrera, LAMFT (she/her/hers), who offers couples therapy, with scheduling built around real life: in-person Saturday appointments and evening online sessions across Minnesota. You can work in whichever language feels most natural — Spanish, English, or both — without having to explain or justify it.
Who this therapy is for
When we say relationship therapy, we mean a space where every relationship is welcome. Two people, three people, romantic partners, close friends, co-parents, chosen family — if there's a relationship you care about and want to tend to, this work is for you. Your relationship doesn't have to fit a particular definition to get started.
MindBalance is an affirming practice for all gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship structures — including monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. Our practice is built on a foundation of cultural humility, anti-oppressive care, and affirming support for LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Whoever you are and however you love, you'll be met here with care and without judgment.
So what IS relationship therapy?
It's a space where the people involved can talk honestly, with support, without fear of judgment. It's a place where you work on the roots of conflict, not just the symptoms. It's an investment in the relationship you want to have — not an admission of what isn't working.
We don't know exactly what brought you here today. But if you've read this far, something in your relationship matters to you. That's already a good place to start.
If you've been thinking about taking that step, you don't have to have it all figured out before you reach out. We're in Minneapolis and online across Minnesota — in English and Spanish, in person on Saturdays and online in the evenings. The first step can simply be asking.
Further Reading and Resources
About the Author
Merrily Young-Hye Sadlovsky (she/her/hers), MSW, LICSW, LCSW, is a therapist, clinical supervisor, and co-owner of MindBalance Mental Health Care, an independent holistic mental health practice serving Minneapolis and individuals across Minnesota. She is an EMDRIA EMDR-Certified Therapist and teaches clinical courses as an adjunct faculty member in an MSW program in Minneapolis. Her work focuses on culturally responsive, trauma-informed therapy supporting adoptees, BIPOC, immigrant, and LGBTQ communities, and college and graduate students navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, disordered eating, and life transitions.
Educational Disclaimer
The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects our perspectives and understanding at the time of writing. It is not intended as medical, mental health, legal, or insurance advice, and should not be relied on as such. Reading this content does not create a therapeutic or professional relationship. For guidance specific to your situation, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional.
