The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work program is based on the internationally acclaimed research of Dr. John Gottman as presented in his New York Times bestselling book—The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.
The next workshop will be held February 2023.
This educational workshop is designed to help couples improve their friendship and conflict management skills. The Seven Principles Program is facilitated by Amanda Hess, a Certified Gottman Therapist, and includes lectures as well as private couple exercises. Participants will NOT share their personal problems in front of others.
This workshop is suited for couples who are:
-Pre-engaged
-Premarital
-Everyone from newlyweds to seniors
-Those who wish to enhance a good relationship
-Those needing better conflict management tools
This workshop is NOT suited for couples who are experiencing:
-Severe relationship distress
-Struggles related to the use of technology
-A polyamorous relationship that is NOT the primary dyad
-Emotional abuse
-Domestic violence
-Active addictions, such as drugs & alcohol, sexual addiction, gambling, etc.
-Serious mental health problems in one/both partners
Email amanda@hisccs.com to request more information and/or to be added to our waitlist.
Accepted Insurance & Payment Options: We currently participate with the following health insurance organizations: AlohaCare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, HMAA, HMSA/Q, TriCare, and UHA. Out-of-pocket/private pay options are available:
Annual Salary (Combined Household)
Initial Session
Individual Counseling (50 min.)
Family Counseling (50 min.)
Family Counseling (110 min.)
Crisis (Total, per hour)
$40,000/ £28,000 or less
$150/ £100
$90/ £60
$100/ £70
$115/ £80
$100/ £70
$40,001 to $49,999 (£28,001 to £36,000)
$150/ £100
$100/ £70
$125/ £90
$150/ £100
$125/ £90
$50,000+ / £36,001+
$150/ £100
$125/ £90
$150/ £100
$175/ £125
$150/ £100
Second City Counseling Services Sliding Scale Fees
Hourly fees are listed above for clients paying out of pocket or who are not using health insurance. We accept cash, credit/debit, PayPal, and Western Union. Our PayPal store ishere. Personal check is accepted from US residents.
Separately, if you become involved in legal proceedings that require my participation, even if you are using health insurance, you will be expected to pay for my professional time even if I am called to testify by another party. Because of the difficulty of legal involvement, I charge $300.00/ £225 per hour for preparation and attendance at any legal proceeding.
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Workshop – The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
This program is based upon the New York Times best seller The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman, Ph.D. Straightforward in its approach yet profound in its effect, the principles outlined in this workshop teaches partners new and startling strategies for making their relationships work.
$375.00
Initial Session Evaluation with Psychotherapy
Flat-rate for private pay clients who are not using health insurance for the first session, which includes an evaluation with psychotherapy.
$150.00
Fee for “No-Show” and Same-day Cancellations
This fee must be paid prior to scheduling a follow-up appointment after a no-show or same-day cancellation.
$50.00
Individual Counseling – 50 min. Income is $40,000/ £28,000 or less
Individual Counseling for private pay clients – 50 min. session – Income is $40,000/ £28,000 or less annually
$90.00
Individual Counseling – 50 min. Income is $40,000/ £28,000 or less
Individual Counseling for private pay clients – 50 min. session – Income is $40,001 to $49,999 (£28,001 to £36,000) annually
$100.00
Individual Counseling – 50 min. Income is $50,000+ / £36,001+
Individual Counseling for private pay clients – 50 min. session. Income is $50,000+ / £36,001+ annually
$125.00
Family Counseling – 50 min. Income is $40,000/ £28,000 or less
Family Counseling for private pay clients – 50 min. session – Income is $40,000/ £28,000 or less annually
$100.00
Family Counseling – 50 min. Income is $40,001 to $49,999 (£28,001 to £36,000)
Family Counseling for private pay clients – 50 min. session – $40,001 to $49,999 (£28,001 to £36,000) annually
$125.00
Family Counseling – 50 min. Income is $50,000+ / £36,001+
Family Counseling for private pay clients – 50 min. session – Income is $50,000+ / £36,001+ annually
$150.00
Family Counseling – 110 min. Income is $40,000/ £28,000 or less
Family Counseling for private pay clients – 110 min. session – Income is $40,000/ £28,000 or less annually
$115.00
Family Counseling – 110 min. Income is $40,001 to $49,999 (£28,001 to £36,000)
Family Counseling for private pay clients – 110 min. session – Income is $40,001 to $49,999 (£28,001 to £36,000) annually
$150.00
Family Counseling for private pay clients – 110 min. session – Income is $50,000+ / £36,001+
Family Counseling for private pay clients – 110 min. session – Income is $50,000+ / £36,001+ annually
$175.00
Crisis Session -30 min.
Flat-rate for private pay clients who are not using health insurance for a crisis session, 30 min.
$75.00
BACP Initial Discount Rate £60
BACP Initial Discount Rate £60
£60.00
Concessionary Rate
Flat-rate for private pay clients who are not using health insurance and are currently enrolled in school.
911 Overwatch – First Responder Trauma Counselors provide specialized counseling for emergency services personnel and their family members, related to their work and home life and the variety of stressors in which affect them.
Anger and Irritability Management Skills – free online course (and app) that offers a wide range of practical skills and tools to manage anger and actions (Military & Vets)
Compassionate Friends – The Compassionate Friends-Honolulu Chapter is a part of a national nonprofit, self-help support organization which offers friendship and understanding to families who are grieving the loss of a child or sibling of any age, from any cause. There is no religious affiliation. There are no membership fees or dues, and all bereaved family members are welcome.
Copline– a not-for-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to serving active and retired law enforcement officers and their loved ones by providing CONFIDENTIAL 24/7 trained retired officers for callers that are dealing with various stressors law enforcement careers encounter both on and off the job
Mental Health Facilitator Program – basic mental health skills training and education for paraprofessionals, laypeople, and professionals outside of the mental health field
Parenting Course – free online course provides parents with tools that strengthen parenting skills and helps them reconnect with their children (Military & Vets)
ResponderStrong – ResponderStrong’s mission is to improve mental health support for emergency responders and our families through joint focus on intervention and prevention.
Dr. Rodney Yamaki (Aiea Adult, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry)
Sex Worker Outreach Project – HI Chapter – Sex Workers Outreach Project-USA is a national grassroots social justice network dedicated to the fundamental human rights of sex workers and their communities, focusing on ending violence and stigma through education, community building, and advocacy.
Breathing Space Helpline (Scotland) – 0800 83 85 87 – Open Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am and Weekends: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am – All calls are confidential.
getselfhelp.co.uk – This website provides self-help and therapy resources, including worksheets and information sheets, plus videos and self help mp3s.
Guideposts: 0800 048 7035 – provides support, information and a listening ear to people who are struggling with a range of unhelpful feelings and problems to navigate their options, connect with others, and overcome feelings of stress and anxiety.
Hands On Scotland – advice for parents regarding young people’s mental health
Papyrus: Providing advice and information to young people experiencing suicidal thoughts HOPEline: 0800 068 4141 -(Mon-Fri 10am – 5pm & 7pm – 10pm; Weekends 2pm-5pm)
Reading Well helps people understand and manage health and wellbeing using helpful reading.
Refuge – The freephone, 24-hour UK National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
Samaritans 116 123 – Mental Health 24-hr. Help Line
SANEline: If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm–10:30pm everyday)
SCCS is a counseling service– we are not IT specialists. We encourage clients and potential clients to protect themselves and their computers by having adequate virus/malware software protection, researching any suspicious links or apps, and by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), to name a few suggestions.
By downloading any of the following apps or clicking on any of our forms or links, you accept the associated risks, (and benefits!) that come with utilizing online tools and services.
Forms:.
***In Hawai’i, effective March 25, 2022, the COVID-19 emergency proclamation expired. Clients will need to send their intake paperwork via fax (number 1-808-376-0731) or snail mail: Second City Counseling Services ATTN: Amanda Hess – PO Box 700024 – Kapolei, HI USA 96709-0024.
***UK clients, please talk with us about alternatives for sending your intake paperwork.
Kami offers a free Google Chrome extension to sign PDFs digitally, if needed.
Depends. Often used for Gottman Method Couples Counseling or Theraplay. Please feel free to ask if you’re not sure in our first session.
Apps We Love:
COVID Coach by US Dept of Veterans Affairs – COVID-19-specific mental wellbeing support
Couples Coach by US Dept of Veterans Affairs – Relationship support
Gottman Card Decks by the Gottman Institute – Relationship support
Insight Timer by Insight Network – Guided meditations and meditation timer
Mindfulness Bell by HL Apps – A bell that periodically sounds to remind you to be mindful throughout the day
The Love Nudge by Moody Publishers – A fun, habit-forming app that helps you intentionally express love in ways that are most meaningful to your partner.
What’s Up by Jackson Tempra – mental wellbeing support and mood tracker
The mission of Second City Counseling Services (SCCS) is to foster therapeutic connections that cultivate a healthier lifestyle for clients and in turn, strengthen their relationships, families, and communities.
The vision of SCCS is to provide quality counseling services to individuals, couples, and families, including low- or no-income clients who may have difficulty obtaining counseling services.
Owner: Amanda L. Hess, MSc, LMFT, LMHC, MBACP
Ms. Hess has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, which includes working in a psychiatric hospital, a substance abuse treatment facility, the Child Welfare Services system, the military community, and an outpatient grief support program. She currently volunteers with O’ahu Medical Reserve Corps and O’ahu Search and Rescue.
Ms. Hess has written for the Hawaiian Islands Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and Context, the magazine for family therapy and systemic practice in the UK. She has also been featured on Hawai’i’s KUMU 94.7FM. She is a Certified Gottman Therapist and is trained in Culture-Centered Disaster Mental Health Counseling. She is a participating provider with the Give an Hour program and the Theraplay Institute.
Education
High School
San Dimas High School
San Dimas, CA / 1999
College
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI
AA, Liberal Arts / 2006
BA, Magna Cum Laude, Psychology / 2007
Graduate School
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI
Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage & Family / 2012
Licenses & Certifications
Licensed Mental Health Counselor / 2014
National Certified Counselor / 2014
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist / 2017
Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy / 2018
Certified Disaster Mental Health Counselor / 2020
Adult & Youth Mental Health First Aid / 2021
Mental Health Wilderness First Aid / 2021
Certified Gottman Therapist / 2022
Professional Affiliations
American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy; (American) National Board for Certified Counselors; British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy; Hawaiian Islands Association for Marriage & Family Therapy; International Association for Counselling
We’re excited to announce that Amanda has completed all the requirements to become a Certified Gottman Therapist. Contact us to find out more about Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
***In Hawai’i, effective March 25, 2022, the COVID-19 emergency proclamation expired. Clients will need to send their intake paperwork via fax (number 1-808-376-0731) or snail mail: Second City Counseling Services ATTN: Amanda Hess – PO Box 700024 – Kapolei, HI USA 96709-0024. UK clients, please talk with us about alternatives for sending your intake paperwork.
Here’s a video with Amanda talking about the Multicultural Trauma training hosted by the Integrative Trauma Treatment Center held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Online Counseling Serving Hawai'i & the United Kingdom 