Business Details
Expert Couples Therapy in Raleigh, NC
Shelly Hummel, LMFT, is a dedicated Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of experience specializing in couples therapy. As a Certified Gottman Therapist and Workshop Leader, I combine evidence-based methodologies like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with practical insights to help couples rebuild intimacy and resolve conflicts. My practice, founded in 1998, focuses exclusively on strengthening relationships through weekly counseling, accelerated therapy retreats, and educational workshops. I hold a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northern Illinois University and have been recognized with awards such as the NCAMFT David and Vera Mace Award for contributions to marriage and family therapy.My approach prioritizes creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where couples can explore challenges and develop tools for lasting connection. I also provide therapist consultation and have co-founded Couples Workshops of North Carolina to expand access to Gottman Method training. With offices in Raleigh and Wake Forest, I serve couples seeking to transform their relationships through personalized, research-backed care.
Services
Couples Counseling
Accelerated Therapy
Weekend Retreats
Gottman Check-up
Therapist Consultation
Highlights and features
- Specialized exclusively in couples therapy for 25+ years
- Certified Gottman Therapist with advanced EFT training
- Offers research-backed weekend retreats and intensive sessions
- Recognized with state-level awards for therapeutic contributions
- Founder of local couples workshops and therapist consultation programs
Associations and certifications
- Gottman Institute
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Services
Couples Counseling
Weekly therapy sessions for couples facing communication issues, trust breakdowns, or emotional distance. Utilizes Gottman Method and EFT techniques to foster connection. Ideal for partners seeking gradual, sustainable improvements in their relationship dynamics.
Accelerated Therapy
1-3 day consecutive therapy sessions for couples in distress. Combines deep-dive analysis with actionable solutions to overcome impasses. Research shows this format accelerates progress compared to traditional weekly sessions, providing clarity and direction.
Weekend Retreats
Educational workshops based on 40+ years of Gottman research. Teaches conflict management, intimacy-building, and friendship skills. Designed for couples wanting to strengthen their bond through structured learning and interactive exercises.
Gottman Check-up
HIPAA-compliant evaluation of relationship strengths and challenges. Analyzes 480+ questions across trust, conflict, and values domains. Generates personalized treatment plans using Gottman Institute algorithms to guide targeted therapy interventions.
Therapist Consultation
Mentorship for therapists working with couples. Focuses on case reviews, technique refinement, and Gottman Method implementation. Supports practitioners in improving client outcomes through evidence-based therapeutic strategies.
People
Shelly Hummel
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Certified Gottman Therapist with 25+ years of experience in couples therapy. Holds a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northern Illinois University. Founder of The Align Center for Couples and Couples Workshops of North Carolina.
Questions
What types of couples therapy do you offer?
I provide weekly counseling, 1-3 day accelerated retreats, and Gottman Method weekend workshops. Each approach addresses different needs, from ongoing support to intensive skill-building for relationship improvement.
Are you currently accepting new clients?
I am not accepting new weekly therapy clients but have availability for couples intensives. You can join the waitlist or contact me directly to discuss intensive therapy options.
What makes your approach different from other therapists?
My practice focuses exclusively on couples, combining Gottman Method research with Emotionally Focused Therapy. This specialization allows me to address relationship dynamics with targeted, evidence-based interventions developed through 25+ years of experience.
What certifications do you hold?
I am a Certified Gottman Therapist and trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). My credentials include a North Carolina LMFT license (#861) and completion of Gottman Institute externships and core skills training.
Reviews (6)
Janet Kazmer
Nov 29, 2018
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As a fellow therapist, I trust Shelly Hummels skills. She is genuinely caring and compassionate; an excellent couples therapist. In addition, her marriage workshops are a great way to connect with your spouse and strengthen your relationship.
Adam Mathews
Jul 17, 2018
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I would and have recommend Shelly to my friends and family. Everyone I have sent her way comes back with glowing reports. Her warmth and care for her clients is evident and she knows how to help them get to where they want to go.
Erin Brovet
Dec 01, 2017
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As an individual psychotherapist, i refer with utter confidence to Shelly Hummel for her couples therapy work. She is very well trained and has a deliberate approach to working with couples. It is a further asset that couples can fast track their work by attending her weekend workshops or opt for half or full day private intensives. Each couple I have sent her way has been pleased with her work.
Laurie W.
Sep 17, 2017
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Shelly is one of the wisest Gottman-trained and EFT therapist with clear boundaries and empathic technique. I feel listened to and helped every time I talk with her!
Paul Kazmer
Sep 07, 2017
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A highly skilled, caring and effective therapist. The skills Shelly Hummel teaches will make your marriage stronger.
Carole Cullen Lmft
Aug 31, 2017
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Shelly Hummel is my most trusted resource when it comes to expertise with working with couples. She has extensive training in research based therapies such as the Gottman Method and Emotion Focused Couples Therapy that give her the tools she needs to be extremely effective in her work. In addition, her personal style is genuine and compassionate which makes her clients feel safe and secure in the therapeutic process.
