Photo of Shabnam Janet Janani, Registered Social Worker in L4B, ON
Shabnam Janet Janani
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
This therapeutic relationship rewards both of us.
Are you experiencing burnout in your relationships? Do you feel overwhelmed with life's challenges? Let me help you. My therapeutic approach helps you to be more aware of your fears, resentments, anger, anxiety, negative thoughts, and undesirable habits. On the next step, I will assist you to overcome all these challenges. On every level, this process improves your relationships with family, partner, co-workers, friends, and more importantly with your own sense of self. During the course of therapy, I commit myself in providing a confidential, empathic, and collaborative approach to build an effective relationship with you.
This therapeutic relationship rewards both of us.
Are you experiencing burnout in your relationships? Do you feel overwhelmed with life's challenges? Let me help you. My therapeutic approach helps you to be more aware of your fears, resentments, anger, anxiety, negative thoughts, and undesirable habits. On the next step, I will assist you to overcome all these challenges. On every level, this process improves your relationships with family, partner, co-workers, friends, and more importantly with your own sense of self. During the course of therapy, I commit myself in providing a confidential, empathic, and collaborative approach to build an effective relationship with you.
(289) 807-1534 View (289) 807-1534
Photo of First Step Men's Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in L4B, ON
First Step Men's Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
We also offer couples counselling and therapy for partners looking for support.
Men often carry heavy burdens silently, feeling pressured to hide their struggles. But inside, they're hurting. They suffer with tough emotions like sadness, anxiety, addiction, and past traumas. Therapy is like a safe harbor in a storm. It's a place where guys can open up in a safe, non-judgemental space. It helps them untangle their feelings, heal old wounds, and discover their true selves. My role is to support men with the tools and insight to tackle life's hurdles with strength and confidence. Whether its your first time seeking help or you are looking for something new, we are here to support you. Book a free consult today!
We also offer couples counselling and therapy for partners looking for support.
Men often carry heavy burdens silently, feeling pressured to hide their struggles. But inside, they're hurting. They suffer with tough emotions like sadness, anxiety, addiction, and past traumas. Therapy is like a safe harbor in a storm. It's a place where guys can open up in a safe, non-judgemental space. It helps them untangle their feelings, heal old wounds, and discover their true selves. My role is to support men with the tools and insight to tackle life's hurdles with strength and confidence. Whether its your first time seeking help or you are looking for something new, we are here to support you. Book a free consult today!
(289) 903-0965 View (289) 903-0965
Photo of First Step Men's Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
First Step Men's Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
We also offer couples counselling and therapy for partners.
Stuck - broken - powerless - disconnected. Many men come to me seeking change. Perhaps you are feeling lost, broken, stuck, hopeless, disconnected or lacking purpose. I have always been drawn to people, and over time grown deep appreciation for the value of sharing and listening intentionally. You may feel you are alone in the world, and that nobody understands you. You may question whether you are a good partner, father, or son. Even worse, you may struggle with addiction, grief, anxiety, depression, or another mental health challenge. Ready to get started? Book a free 20-minute consultation - No waitlist - Click the "website" link
We also offer couples counselling and therapy for partners.
Stuck - broken - powerless - disconnected. Many men come to me seeking change. Perhaps you are feeling lost, broken, stuck, hopeless, disconnected or lacking purpose. I have always been drawn to people, and over time grown deep appreciation for the value of sharing and listening intentionally. You may feel you are alone in the world, and that nobody understands you. You may question whether you are a good partner, father, or son. Even worse, you may struggle with addiction, grief, anxiety, depression, or another mental health challenge. Ready to get started? Book a free 20-minute consultation - No waitlist - Click the "website" link
(343) 453-5084 View (343) 453-5084
Photo of About Fact Online Counselling .ca, Registered Social Worker in L4B, ON
About Fact Online Counselling .ca
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, BSW, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
I served in the Canadian Armed Forces. I counsel Veteran’s and Veteran Couples and I practice all over Ontario. I have worked for 15 years with soldiers and Veterans with mainly PTSD. I use C-CBT, CBT, Solution Focus Brief Therapy and Narrative therapy.
I served in the Canadian Armed Forces. I counsel Veteran’s and Veteran Couples and I practice all over Ontario. I have worked for 15 years with soldiers and Veterans with mainly PTSD. I use C-CBT, CBT, Solution Focus Brief Therapy and Narrative therapy.
(289) 270-6871 View (289) 270-6871
Photo of Stefan Milosevic, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Stefan Milosevic
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
I have immediate availability to see clients that are struggling with various issues which include relationship problems, trauma, addictions, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, and self esteem. My clients generally want to improve their quality of life by having better relationships with themselves and others as well as improving moods.
I have immediate availability to see clients that are struggling with various issues which include relationship problems, trauma, addictions, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, and self esteem. My clients generally want to improve their quality of life by having better relationships with themselves and others as well as improving moods.
(289) 212-6361 View (289) 212-6361
Photo of Holding Hearts Psychotherapy and Counselling, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Holding Hearts Psychotherapy and Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CAMFT, MDiv, DCPprog, CCPA
Verified Verified
Our professional background spans from being teachers; directors and facilitators of programs; psychotherapists, counsellors, and coaches who work with couples, families, and individuals from children to seniors.
Finding the right therapist is as important as getting the right help. In the process of seeking who you would prefer to work with, we offer a free 15 minute consultation over the phone. If you decide to make an appointment, the first session has no strings attached. We will go through what the concerns are, some goals, and expectations (if any), and you can decide whether you are ready for us to continue with further sessions. Collaboration is essential in this process of finding a path to your healing. Take the next step and give us a call to see if we can work together. Our office hours are M-F 9am-8pm and Saturdays 10am-5pm.
Our professional background spans from being teachers; directors and facilitators of programs; psychotherapists, counsellors, and coaches who work with couples, families, and individuals from children to seniors.
Finding the right therapist is as important as getting the right help. In the process of seeking who you would prefer to work with, we offer a free 15 minute consultation over the phone. If you decide to make an appointment, the first session has no strings attached. We will go through what the concerns are, some goals, and expectations (if any), and you can decide whether you are ready for us to continue with further sessions. Collaboration is essential in this process of finding a path to your healing. Take the next step and give us a call to see if we can work together. Our office hours are M-F 9am-8pm and Saturdays 10am-5pm.
(647) 691-0498 View (647) 691-0498
Photo of Marcus Chow, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Marcus Chow
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv, RP, CCFT, RMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
I work with clients in the areas of: depression & anxiety, grief & loss, trauma & abuse, anger management, self-esteem issues, boundaries, communication skills, life transitions, premarital counselling, marital relationship & family issues.
My passion is to walk along side with people during their journey towards healing and growth. I value each client as a unique individual, who deserves to be treated with compassion and respect. I believe that developing emotional maturity and gaining self-understanding are essential steps towards personal growth.Over the course of our lives, we all inevitably experienced some emotional wounds, which hinder us from personal growth. Counselling serves as a process to help us uncover those wounds and heal, and in the process, gain self-understanding and self-awareness, and be empowered to make changes towards holistic growth.
I work with clients in the areas of: depression & anxiety, grief & loss, trauma & abuse, anger management, self-esteem issues, boundaries, communication skills, life transitions, premarital counselling, marital relationship & family issues.
My passion is to walk along side with people during their journey towards healing and growth. I value each client as a unique individual, who deserves to be treated with compassion and respect. I believe that developing emotional maturity and gaining self-understanding are essential steps towards personal growth.Over the course of our lives, we all inevitably experienced some emotional wounds, which hinder us from personal growth. Counselling serves as a process to help us uncover those wounds and heal, and in the process, gain self-understanding and self-awareness, and be empowered to make changes towards holistic growth.
(855) 956-1329 View (855) 956-1329
Photo of Affordable online counselling / Yalda Sharif, Counsellor in L4B, ON
Affordable online counselling / Yalda Sharif
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
If you feel anxiety within your inner and outer life, relationship problems, feel depressed or have obsessive thoughts or behaviors, I am here to help you find the path through a better life and resolve your problems.
Life is blended with different stages and we are made to challenge life in different ways. Never give up! I have been accompanying my clients through their life transformations. Therapeutic sessions are such mutual teamwork. I hope to be the one who creates a miracle in your life. Every range of individuals from 12 are offered mental health services at Universal Counseling. I will help you even if you are in financial difficulties, just come before its too late! (Most insurances are covered by us). Book your first session at: https://www.universalcounseling.org/
If you feel anxiety within your inner and outer life, relationship problems, feel depressed or have obsessive thoughts or behaviors, I am here to help you find the path through a better life and resolve your problems.
Life is blended with different stages and we are made to challenge life in different ways. Never give up! I have been accompanying my clients through their life transformations. Therapeutic sessions are such mutual teamwork. I hope to be the one who creates a miracle in your life. Every range of individuals from 12 are offered mental health services at Universal Counseling. I will help you even if you are in financial difficulties, just come before its too late! (Most insurances are covered by us). Book your first session at: https://www.universalcounseling.org/
(365) 298-0225 View (365) 298-0225
Photo of Sigrun Sigurjonsdottir Couples Counselor, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Sigrun Sigurjonsdottir Couples Counselor
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RMFT, ITCA, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Specializing in sex counseling. Occasionally all relationships experience a period of stress. That can feel threatening and overwhelming. Whether you feel disconnected, have communication difficulties or have a reason to think your relationship may be over, I can assist you navigate your way back to safety and comfort. I offer a complete array of services to manage your relationships. Among those Premarital Counseling, Marital Counseling, Sex Therapy and Family Mediation Services. My approach tends to be direct, making the most out of each session. I only use methods that have been shown to be effective.
Specializing in sex counseling. Occasionally all relationships experience a period of stress. That can feel threatening and overwhelming. Whether you feel disconnected, have communication difficulties or have a reason to think your relationship may be over, I can assist you navigate your way back to safety and comfort. I offer a complete array of services to manage your relationships. Among those Premarital Counseling, Marital Counseling, Sex Therapy and Family Mediation Services. My approach tends to be direct, making the most out of each session. I only use methods that have been shown to be effective.
(289) 807-3459 View (289) 807-3459
Photo of Elle Norine Bradley, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Elle Norine Bradley
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
Elle is committed to helping clients heal. She works from various modalities to help integrate various aspects of the personality to overcome a variety of issues such as addiction, anxiety, depression, personality issues, relationship issues and chronic pain. Elle's ultimate goal is to assist others to use their inner wisdom to make changes that promote lasting happiness and authentic power.
Elle is committed to helping clients heal. She works from various modalities to help integrate various aspects of the personality to overcome a variety of issues such as addiction, anxiety, depression, personality issues, relationship issues and chronic pain. Elle's ultimate goal is to assist others to use their inner wisdom to make changes that promote lasting happiness and authentic power.
(855) 981-6190 View (855) 981-6190
Photo of Thomas S. Li, Psychologist in L4B, ON
Thomas S. Li
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In my private practice, I regularly conduct psychological assessments, and provide counselling services for adults, couples, and families.
In my clinical work, I conduct focused, short-term psychotherapy that are customized for each individual client's needs. Client-therapist collaboration is emphasized and a supportive therapeutic environment is provided. I favour the use of approaches which help clients to understand, control and integrate their own thoughts, feelings and behaviours. In my forensic work, I adopt a combined approach in which both clinical and actuarial methods are used for achieving accurate and thorough evaluation. Every attempt is made to integrate scientific findings with professional judgement in addressing psycho-legal issues.
In my private practice, I regularly conduct psychological assessments, and provide counselling services for adults, couples, and families.
In my clinical work, I conduct focused, short-term psychotherapy that are customized for each individual client's needs. Client-therapist collaboration is emphasized and a supportive therapeutic environment is provided. I favour the use of approaches which help clients to understand, control and integrate their own thoughts, feelings and behaviours. In my forensic work, I adopt a combined approach in which both clinical and actuarial methods are used for achieving accurate and thorough evaluation. Every attempt is made to integrate scientific findings with professional judgement in addressing psycho-legal issues.
(855) 979-9133 View (855) 979-9133
Photo of Christie Onumejor, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Christie Onumejor
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv,, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
There are times in life’s journey when we feel overwhelmed by situations and events, and navigation appears difficult, and we feel stuck. Those are the times we need a professional to help us. So, if you are worried your relationship has reached a point of no return. If worry, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, or poor boundaries is taking over your life or chipping away at your ability to cope. If anger is turning you into that person you do not recognize anymore. If you having difficulty regulating your emotions or struggling with keeping everyone happy, you do not have to do it alone, I can help
There are times in life’s journey when we feel overwhelmed by situations and events, and navigation appears difficult, and we feel stuck. Those are the times we need a professional to help us. So, if you are worried your relationship has reached a point of no return. If worry, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, or poor boundaries is taking over your life or chipping away at your ability to cope. If anger is turning you into that person you do not recognize anymore. If you having difficulty regulating your emotions or struggling with keeping everyone happy, you do not have to do it alone, I can help
(289) 207-7917 View (289) 207-7917
Photo of Chapters Counselling Services Inc, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Chapters Counselling Services Inc
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
I can work with you to reduce the frequency of the fights in your relationship, rekindle romance, intimacy and rebuild friendship.
If anxiety, worry or depression is chipping away at your ability to function. If you are struggling with controlling Intense emotions. If you are tired of having so many fights with your partner. If thoughts of separation are beginning to cross your mind because it feels like your relationship has reached a point of no return. If anger is turning you into someone you do not recognize anymore or you wake up every day feeling demotivated to do the things you used to love. If you want to gain the insight needed to change your current situation. You are in the right place!
I can work with you to reduce the frequency of the fights in your relationship, rekindle romance, intimacy and rebuild friendship.
If anxiety, worry or depression is chipping away at your ability to function. If you are struggling with controlling Intense emotions. If you are tired of having so many fights with your partner. If thoughts of separation are beginning to cross your mind because it feels like your relationship has reached a point of no return. If anger is turning you into someone you do not recognize anymore or you wake up every day feeling demotivated to do the things you used to love. If you want to gain the insight needed to change your current situation. You are in the right place!
(289) 677-5506 View (289) 677-5506
Photo of Mehran Seyed Mansoori, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Mehran Seyed Mansoori
Registered Psychotherapist, MPsych, MPS
Verified Verified
The alliance between a client and therapist is the keystone of treatment success. The best alliance is marked by the relationship quality (feeling understood and validated), a shared perspective/goals, and agreement on the means for change. The decision of who to entrust with your therapeutic needs is your greatest consideration when embarking on this journey. It's my responsibility to tailor an approach best suited to you individually.
The alliance between a client and therapist is the keystone of treatment success. The best alliance is marked by the relationship quality (feeling understood and validated), a shared perspective/goals, and agreement on the means for change. The decision of who to entrust with your therapeutic needs is your greatest consideration when embarking on this journey. It's my responsibility to tailor an approach best suited to you individually.
(365) 661-4403 View (365) 661-4403
Photo of Diane Brown - Bri Counselling, Registered Social Worker in L4B, ON
Diane Brown - Bri Counselling
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
I am a warm, accepting, and interactive therapist and Masters level social worker with over 20 years of valuable experience and a deep passion for supporting couples and families through significant life changes and transitions. I am dedicated to building successful therapeutic relationships that include authenticity, trust and freedom that helps to produce positive outcomes. By offering immediate feedback, tasks, and tools I help people to develop more successful coping skills. My approach helps clients feel better and stronger about themselves as I support them in their journey to greater strength, resilience, and wellness.
I am a warm, accepting, and interactive therapist and Masters level social worker with over 20 years of valuable experience and a deep passion for supporting couples and families through significant life changes and transitions. I am dedicated to building successful therapeutic relationships that include authenticity, trust and freedom that helps to produce positive outcomes. By offering immediate feedback, tasks, and tools I help people to develop more successful coping skills. My approach helps clients feel better and stronger about themselves as I support them in their journey to greater strength, resilience, and wellness.
(289) 273-7868 View (289) 273-7868
Photo of Anujah Posarajah, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Anujah Posarajah
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc
Verified Verified
Anujah is a Registered Psychotherapist, who has worked with children, adolescents aged 13 -19 & adults of various ages, and cultures in different settings, including: hospitals, non-profit organizations, private practice, and schools. She holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has been practicing for 7 years in the province of Ontario. Over the years Anujah has worked closely with clients struggling with addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, anger management, life transitions, marital counselling, relationship navigation, parental guidance, and childhood trauma.
Anujah is a Registered Psychotherapist, who has worked with children, adolescents aged 13 -19 & adults of various ages, and cultures in different settings, including: hospitals, non-profit organizations, private practice, and schools. She holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has been practicing for 7 years in the province of Ontario. Over the years Anujah has worked closely with clients struggling with addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, anger management, life transitions, marital counselling, relationship navigation, parental guidance, and childhood trauma.
(289) 806-5246 View (289) 806-5246
Photo of Leila Abbaszadeh, Registered Social Worker in L4B, ON
Leila Abbaszadeh
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Leila Abbaszadeh, MSW, RSW, RP is clinical Registered Social Worker and a Registered Psychotherapist. She is a mental health professional licensed to practice by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) as well as being a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She is an individual, couple and family therapist. She also administers psychosocial assessments for motor vehicle accident clients. She provides solution-focused and strengths-based treatment for individuals and couples.
Leila Abbaszadeh, MSW, RSW, RP is clinical Registered Social Worker and a Registered Psychotherapist. She is a mental health professional licensed to practice by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) as well as being a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She is an individual, couple and family therapist. She also administers psychosocial assessments for motor vehicle accident clients. She provides solution-focused and strengths-based treatment for individuals and couples.
(888) 539-9221 View (888) 539-9221
Photo of Online Therapy Centre , Psychologist in L4B, ON
Online Therapy Centre
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
IN-PERSON or ONLINE sessions! OTC is home to a skilled team of psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers dedicated to providing psychological assessments/evaluations and counselling treatments in a convenient and accessible online format. Our goal is to help children, individuals, couples and families improve their mental health and well-being through support from our experienced team. OTC offers a range of therapies to address a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, addiction, anger management, emotion regulation, mood/behavioural disorders and more.
IN-PERSON or ONLINE sessions! OTC is home to a skilled team of psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers dedicated to providing psychological assessments/evaluations and counselling treatments in a convenient and accessible online format. Our goal is to help children, individuals, couples and families improve their mental health and well-being through support from our experienced team. OTC offers a range of therapies to address a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, addiction, anger management, emotion regulation, mood/behavioural disorders and more.
(289) 723-1654 View (289) 723-1654
Photo of Nikki Sedaghat, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
Nikki Sedaghat
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4B  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My work involves collaborating with you to cultivate deeper awareness, meaning, connection, and fulfillment in your life and relationships. I can support you through issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, perfectionism, self-criticism, sex and sexuality, conflict and communication, and relationship concerns. I bring in a non-judgmental, anti-oppressive, and compassionate stance to therapy, to build a therapeutic relationship with you where you feel safe, connected, and supported in your journey towards positive change.
My work involves collaborating with you to cultivate deeper awareness, meaning, connection, and fulfillment in your life and relationships. I can support you through issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, perfectionism, self-criticism, sex and sexuality, conflict and communication, and relationship concerns. I bring in a non-judgmental, anti-oppressive, and compassionate stance to therapy, to build a therapeutic relationship with you where you feel safe, connected, and supported in your journey towards positive change.
(833) 483-0911 View (833) 483-0911
Photo of GTA Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist in L4B, ON
GTA Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hello, and Welcome to our page! Our practice specializes in Addiction, Anxiety, Stabilizing emotions, Depression, Sexual and Physical Abuse, Family/Relationships problems, and self-esteem. Not only can we assist you by giving you tools that you can use to cope with your day-to-day mental health struggles, but we can help you find the root of the cause. We are a team of Psychotherapists and Social Workers combined we have over 25+years of experience working with clients that have challenges with their past trauma that comes up and their overall mental health that is affecting their quality of life.
Hello, and Welcome to our page! Our practice specializes in Addiction, Anxiety, Stabilizing emotions, Depression, Sexual and Physical Abuse, Family/Relationships problems, and self-esteem. Not only can we assist you by giving you tools that you can use to cope with your day-to-day mental health struggles, but we can help you find the root of the cause. We are a team of Psychotherapists and Social Workers combined we have over 25+years of experience working with clients that have challenges with their past trauma that comes up and their overall mental health that is affecting their quality of life.
(289) 217-3608 View (289) 217-3608

See more therapy options for L4B

Couples Counselling

Does couples counseling work?

Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.

When should a couple seek counseling?

Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.

How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?

The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.

How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?

The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.