Melissa Banther
Marriage and Premarital Counselor, MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist)
About
Are you and your partner feeling more like roommates than teammates? Maybe the same arguments keep repeating, trust feels fragile, or emotional and physical closeness has faded. You may still love each other—but feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. I believe every couple has the capacity to build a relationship marked by safety, friendship, passion, and lasting connection — even when things feel broken or distant.
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For couples who desire it, I intentionally integrate Christian faith into therapy, viewing marriage as a covenant designed by God for connection, growth, healing, and purpose. I believe that growing closer to God creates a stable foundation for couples and families to build on, whether you are dating, engaged, estranged, or married. Then, couples and families can thrive and pass on healthier relationship patterns to the next generation.
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I specialize exclusively in working with couples, including:
• Christian couples seeking faith-integrated counseling
• Dating, engaged, and premarital couples
• Married couples facing conflict, disconnection, or life transitions
• Couples recovering from infidelity or breaches of trust
• Families going through separation or divorce
• Blended families navigating complex dynamics
If you’re motivated to grow, heal, and strengthen your relationship, we may be a good fit.
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My approach is warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental. In our sessions, we’ll move beyond surface-level arguments and identify the deeper patterns that keep you stuck. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, along with Biblical principles, I help couples:
• Break painful conflict cycles
• Improve communication and emotional safety
• Build or repair trust and intimacy
• Strengthen friendship, teamwork, and shared values
You don’t need to have the right words—we’ll slow things down and work at a pace that feels safe for both partners.
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About Me
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Christian Counseling from Liberty University.
I am trained in:
• Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) – 2016
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Levels 1 & 2) – 2016, 2021
• SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) – 2016
• Prepare/Enrich – 2019
• Marriage Coaching – 2016
• Christian Counseling – 2012
I work exclusively with couples because I believe focused, specialized care leads to deeper and more lasting change.
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Want to know more, Check out these links:
https://concordiacounseling.org/request-an-appointment
Want to know more about dating / premarital counseling :
https://www.prepare-enrich.com/couples/facilitator-map/ (Zip Code : 55901)
https://www.symbis.com/facilitator-map/ (Zip Code : 55901)
Provider details
Website
Clinician's Sex/Gender
Handicap Accessible
Cities
- Minneapolis
- New Ulm
- Mankato
- Lakeville
- Saint Paul
Counties
- Hennepin County
- Ramsey County
- Redwood
- Lyon
- Saint Johns County
ZIPs
- 55450
- 55419
- 55423
- 55101
- 55103
Teleheath
Psychosocial Evaluations (Non-psychologist psychotherapists)
- 75-90 min
Individual Sessions
- 50-60 min
Other Sessions
- Couples Sessions
- Telehealth
Psychological Testing
Ages
- Adult (18-70)
Special Populations
- Pastors/Missionaries and their spouse/children
- Ministry Leaders
- Vets
- Pregnant
- Other
Talk Therapies
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Relational
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Strengths
- Marriage Issues
- Women’s issues
- Divorce
- Infidelity
Agree with the AACC Doctrinal Statement
Do you agree with the AACC Ethical Position
Biblical Integration – Verbally integrating Biblical principles, passages, doctrines, stories, and information into your treatment session
Do you utilize homework’s assignments for patients to do in between sessions?
What type of treatment approach do you utilize most frequently?
- Solution focused approach
How direct is your approach with patients?
- I share my insights, opinions, views and expertise with the patient
Cost Per Session
90 min Varies
50-60 min Varies
50-60 min Varies
Payment Methods Accepted
- Other
- Venmo
Accepted Insurance Plans
- Anthem
- Cigna
- Aetna
- Other
- Blue Cross
Do you accept payment plans
Do you provide or work with an organization that provides loans for treatment
Educational History
- School:Liberty University
- Degree:Undergrad
- School:Liberty University
- Degree:Masters Degree
Years In Practice
License Numbers
- Name:State License
- Number:4573
- State:
- MN
- Name:State License
- Number:35002562A
- State:
- IN
Professional Associations
- AACC
Which state(s) do you offer Telehealth
- MN
- IN