The Nest

Faith-informed, trauma-aware counseling for foster and adoptive parents who feel exhausted, discouraged, or alone.

Counseling designed for Parents
of Foster and Adoptive Kids

Building the Nest—or simply The Nest—is a service of Building Intimate Marriages (BIM) created to strengthen foster and adoptive families, as well as any parents or marriages navigating the challenges of loving and guiding children from hard places.

Rooted in the belief that “God sets the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6), The Nest offers faith-informed, trauma-aware counseling for caregivers who have opened their hearts and homes. Our mission is to care for those who care for others—helping families grow stronger, more connected, and grounded in hope.

experience peace in your home
and rediscover joy in your relationships

Adoptive parents receiving trauma-informed counseling through The Nest at Building Intimate Marriages

Parenting children from hard places can feel overwhelming at times and can take a toll on a marriage, the foundation of a family. The Nest is here to walk beside you.

We serve:

Foster and adoptive parents seeking support and healing
Couples or individuals navigating stress, disconnection, communication issues or burnout
Families longing to rebuild trust, safety, and connection
Caregivers who desire faith-based guidance and emotional growth

Our goal is to help you experience peace in your home and rediscover joy in your relationships.

Ready to Talk?

If you’re a foster or adoptive parent in the Atlanta area and you’re not sure where to start, a Nest intake session can help you sort through what you’re facing and what support you need.

Schedule Now

What Services Does The Nest Offer?

Individual, Couple, and Family Counseling
Personalized sessions to process pain, strengthen connection, and nurture resilience.

Trauma-Informed Marriage & Parenting Groups
Group experiences that combine clinical insight with biblical wisdom, equipping caregivers for lasting emotional health and relational stability.

How Much Does The Nest Counseling Cost?

To make care accessible, The Nest is currently supported by a charitable grant.

Qualifying clients pay $40 per session for their first ten sessions.
Afterward, families are invited to join our “Pay It Forward” model—giving $40 per month for one year to help fund care for future families.

With this approach, each family both receives and gives the gift of healing.

If you believe in the value of this work, we invite you to contribute to The Nest. Learn more about donating to BIM here.

Donate Now

Who leads The Nest ?

Foster parent and Adoptive parent counseling expert

The Nest is led by Martha Cook under the authority of the Building Intimate Marriages Board of Directors. Martha is a compassionate and experienced counselor whose personal journey deeply informs her work with families.

Martha and her husband have been married for 25 years and are the parents of 10 children—seven of whom are adopted. Her experience as an adoptive mom gives her a heartfelt understanding of both the joys and the challenges that come with opening your home to children who have faced hardship.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Washington and Lee University and her Master’s in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Her experience includes working with anger, anxiety, depression, addictions, parenting challenges, marital struggles, sexual trauma, and attachment issues.

Known for her warm, inviting, and faith-grounded style, Martha helps individuals and couples uncover the roots of their struggles and develop new ways of relating that foster intimacy, trust, and resilience.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions about The Nest

Can we do sessions online or only in person?

In-person is preferred, but online is an option, especially after the first couple of sessions.

What if my spouse isn’t ready for counseling? Can I come alone?

Yes, you are welcome to come alone.

Schedule a Session Today

If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing and connection, we’d love to talk with you.

Contact Jaque, our Client Care Coordinator, who is looking forward to answering your questions and getting you set up.

Or learn more about Building Intimate Marriages and how faith-informed counseling can strengthen your relationships.

Other Therapy Services at Building Intimate Marriages

Our counseling practice based in Atlanta, GA serves to help couples throughout their relationship journeys. This can include premarital counseling or other issues. These include discernment counseling, affair recovery, and divorce counseling. Our marriage counselors have the experience and skills to help with many relationship struggles. Likewise, we help couples in marriage counseling and sex therapy, too. We also have workshops and relationship building exercises for additional support. Whatever your relationship is going through, our team can assist with gentleness and direction.