Therapists in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB

Photo of Pam Luckhurst, Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Pam Luckhurst
Psychologist, MEd, MSW, R Psych
Verified Verified
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2S
Through strong alliances with my clients I believe that helping them recognize their strengths and develop options is key to resuming personal competency and wellbeing in their lives and relationships. My skill in brief focused therapy enables resolution of most concerns within 3-7 sessions. I have developed expertise in organizing highly distressed individuals in crisis situations and in treating trauma. I have experience in successfully resolving symptoms by helping clients develop a positive connection to their emotional world. I have specialized training in the area of marriage and family therapy. I bring to my work passion, commitment, focused skill and professionalism.
Through strong alliances with my clients I believe that helping them recognize their strengths and develop options is key to resuming personal competency and wellbeing in their lives and relationships. My skill in brief focused therapy enables resolution of most concerns within 3-7 sessions. I have developed expertise in organizing highly distressed individuals in crisis situations and in treating trauma. I have experience in successfully resolving symptoms by helping clients develop a positive connection to their emotional world. I have specialized training in the area of marriage and family therapy. I bring to my work passion, commitment, focused skill and professionalism.
(403) 800-1151 View (403) 800-1151
Photo of Can't We Just Get Along Counselling Inc., Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Can't We Just Get Along Counselling Inc.
Psychologist, MSc, R, Psych, RMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2S
Obtaining my registration as a clinical psychologist and having a Master's of Science in Marital and Family Therapy has allowed me to acquire specialized knowledge.
Hello, my name is Melody Evans when problems occur in our lives it can cause extreme stress and disruption. Maybe you have had trouble sleeping, or are too distracted to go to work. Perhaps you are just overwhelmed with everyone and everything. My work as a psychologist enables me to provide a comfortable place where; through therapeutic conversations, people can discover solutions to their problems.
Obtaining my registration as a clinical psychologist and having a Master's of Science in Marital and Family Therapy has allowed me to acquire specialized knowledge.
Hello, my name is Melody Evans when problems occur in our lives it can cause extreme stress and disruption. Maybe you have had trouble sleeping, or are too distracted to go to work. Perhaps you are just overwhelmed with everyone and everything. My work as a psychologist enables me to provide a comfortable place where; through therapeutic conversations, people can discover solutions to their problems.
(587) 809-2472 View (587) 809-2472
Photo of Michelle Yvonne Buk, Marriage & Family Therapist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Michelle Yvonne Buk
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2T
My practice specializes in relationship therapy and is based in attachment theory. I have over 30 years experience in family and couple/marital therapy and advanced skills in pediatric mental health, child development and best practices in parenting theory. I have worked in hospital based in patient and out patient programs, community mental health and social services as well as university teaching and administration. Currently I am employed with Alberta Children’s Hospital as well as my own private practice.
My practice specializes in relationship therapy and is based in attachment theory. I have over 30 years experience in family and couple/marital therapy and advanced skills in pediatric mental health, child development and best practices in parenting theory. I have worked in hospital based in patient and out patient programs, community mental health and social services as well as university teaching and administration. Currently I am employed with Alberta Children’s Hospital as well as my own private practice.
(587) 606-0311 View (587) 606-0311
Photo of Innovative Counselling Solutions, Inc., Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Innovative Counselling Solutions, Inc.
Psychologist, PhD, RMFT-S, Prov, Psych, CSAT
Verified Verified
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2S
My areas of expertise include marriage/relationship enhancement, divorce prevention, Christian counselling, treatment for sex/porn addiction, trauma and individual and family therapy.
Are you in a long-term relationship marked with stress, anger and frustration, high conflict, difficult and disrespectful communication, sexual and intimacy problems, and ongoing emotional hurts? Are memory and attention difficulties affecting your current functioning? Perhaps you could benefit from having an expert who understand your needs and assist you in the process of changing old patterns and develop more helpful interpersonal relating skills and better cognitive health. For more than 25 years, I worked overseas and locally helping individuals and couples from different cultures solve their problems.
My areas of expertise include marriage/relationship enhancement, divorce prevention, Christian counselling, treatment for sex/porn addiction, trauma and individual and family therapy.
Are you in a long-term relationship marked with stress, anger and frustration, high conflict, difficult and disrespectful communication, sexual and intimacy problems, and ongoing emotional hurts? Are memory and attention difficulties affecting your current functioning? Perhaps you could benefit from having an expert who understand your needs and assist you in the process of changing old patterns and develop more helpful interpersonal relating skills and better cognitive health. For more than 25 years, I worked overseas and locally helping individuals and couples from different cultures solve their problems.
(866) 375-1305 View (866) 375-1305
Photo of Terry Singh, Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Terry Singh
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP, R, Psych
Verified Verified
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2P
I believe that psychology is a tool for solving problems and working through change. In my career, I have helped many people 'get unstuck', overcoming emotional difficulties and working through trauma, grief, and loss. I also regularly work with couples and families, helping with challenges including marital conflict and parenting difficulties. My approach is integrative, and tailored to each person that I meet. I draw upon a number of evidenced-based approaches, including emotion-focused therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, experiential therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.
I believe that psychology is a tool for solving problems and working through change. In my career, I have helped many people 'get unstuck', overcoming emotional difficulties and working through trauma, grief, and loss. I also regularly work with couples and families, helping with challenges including marital conflict and parenting difficulties. My approach is integrative, and tailored to each person that I meet. I draw upon a number of evidenced-based approaches, including emotion-focused therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, experiential therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.
(587) 207-4374 View (587) 207-4374
Photo of REAL Consulting Counselling & Mediation in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
REAL Consulting Counselling & Mediation
RFM, CCP
Verified Verified
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2T
Some of the specialized work I provide includes: court support (document review + coaching), expert & creative marriage work, & helping transform divorce into marriage rebuilding.
Many of us feel stressed and overwhelmed by the complex situations we face in our lives. Some of these situations might include communication challenges, work stress, marriage issues, complex relationships, difficulties in parenting, financial strain, life decisions, health issues, and grief or bereavement. I have been helping people with these types of challenges for over 30 years in both the public sector and in my private practice. I am passionate about helping you rebuild your relationships and find solutions for the challenges you are facing. I provide a safe and warm environment where every part of who you are is welcome.
Some of the specialized work I provide includes: court support (document review + coaching), expert & creative marriage work, & helping transform divorce into marriage rebuilding.
Many of us feel stressed and overwhelmed by the complex situations we face in our lives. Some of these situations might include communication challenges, work stress, marriage issues, complex relationships, difficulties in parenting, financial strain, life decisions, health issues, and grief or bereavement. I have been helping people with these types of challenges for over 30 years in both the public sector and in my private practice. I am passionate about helping you rebuild your relationships and find solutions for the challenges you are facing. I provide a safe and warm environment where every part of who you are is welcome.
(587) 905-9256 View (587) 905-9256
Photo of Kyle Dyck, Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Kyle Dyck
Psychologist, MA, BSc
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2P
Are you ready for a new chapter in your life? Let’s take the steps together. Whether you are experiencing overwhelming stress, feelings of anxiety or depression, grief and loss, or dealing with past or present trauma, we can all find ourselves feeling pushed to our limit, paralyzed with uncertainty, or simply lost. Whatever you are experiencing in your life right now, I am confident that there is hope and a way forward.
Are you ready for a new chapter in your life? Let’s take the steps together. Whether you are experiencing overwhelming stress, feelings of anxiety or depression, grief and loss, or dealing with past or present trauma, we can all find ourselves feeling pushed to our limit, paralyzed with uncertainty, or simply lost. Whatever you are experiencing in your life right now, I am confident that there is hope and a way forward.
(587) 805-0663 View (587) 805-0663
Photo of Steve Slopek, Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Steve Slopek
Psychologist, MSc, RPsych
Verified Verified
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2X
I specialize in treating a variety of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, behavioural concerns, substance use, and relational issues and family dynamics, using CBT, DBT, ABA, and EMDR. The type of therapy, or combination of types, that best supports your goals is chosen collaboratively, and can look different depending on what you want to achieve. I work with some populations that may require a more specialized approach, including individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, first responders or public safety personnel, and individuals with acquired brain injuries.
I specialize in treating a variety of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, behavioural concerns, substance use, and relational issues and family dynamics, using CBT, DBT, ABA, and EMDR. The type of therapy, or combination of types, that best supports your goals is chosen collaboratively, and can look different depending on what you want to achieve. I work with some populations that may require a more specialized approach, including individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, first responders or public safety personnel, and individuals with acquired brain injuries.
(587) 742-0289 View (587) 742-0289
Photo of Paloma Scott, Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Paloma Scott
Psychologist, MA, in, Psych
Verified Verified
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2H
Mrs. Scott has twenty three years of experience in providing psychotherapy to children, teens, adults, couples and families from different backgrounds with Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tic Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disorder, giftedness. Mrs. Scott helps clients with emotional self-regulation, anger management, social skills, defiance, social anxiety, separation, grieving, and parenting skills. Her goal is to genuinely support people to develop skills, build resilience and excel their lives towards growth, healing, plenitude and success.
Mrs. Scott has twenty three years of experience in providing psychotherapy to children, teens, adults, couples and families from different backgrounds with Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tic Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disorder, giftedness. Mrs. Scott helps clients with emotional self-regulation, anger management, social skills, defiance, social anxiety, separation, grieving, and parenting skills. Her goal is to genuinely support people to develop skills, build resilience and excel their lives towards growth, healing, plenitude and success.
(587) 844-0549 View (587) 844-0549
Photo of Agnieszka Witkowska, Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Agnieszka Witkowska
Psychologist, RPsych, MC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2Y
I am a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in counselling. I specialize in clinical psychology. I work with individuals: adults and adolescents, and with couples. I can help you to feel better, to increase your self-esteem and to heal from past experiences. If you experienced trauma, abuse, if you have been struggling with depression, anxiety for a long time call me to schedule an appointment. I will help you to experience well-being, to learn and implement new skills and to see your life differently. I offer different approaches to therapy such as: ACT, CBT-Mindfilness, Psychodynamic, Gottman, Emotion-Focused.
I am a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in counselling. I specialize in clinical psychology. I work with individuals: adults and adolescents, and with couples. I can help you to feel better, to increase your self-esteem and to heal from past experiences. If you experienced trauma, abuse, if you have been struggling with depression, anxiety for a long time call me to schedule an appointment. I will help you to experience well-being, to learn and implement new skills and to see your life differently. I offer different approaches to therapy such as: ACT, CBT-Mindfilness, Psychodynamic, Gottman, Emotion-Focused.
(866) 316-6703 View (866) 316-6703
Photo of Strength Counselling Services, Registered Psychotherapist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Strength Counselling Services
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2P  (Online Only)
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
(587) 847-2885 View (587) 847-2885
Photo of Emily Jackson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Emily Jackson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T3C
My therapeutic approach is one of collaboration - I am here to support you as you navigate through a difficult time in your life. I will provide a safe, non-judgemental environment that will encourage and empower you to heal and grow. Counselling sessions will focus on recognizing the abilities, strengths, and resources, within the client.
My therapeutic approach is one of collaboration - I am here to support you as you navigate through a difficult time in your life. I will provide a safe, non-judgemental environment that will encourage and empower you to heal and grow. Counselling sessions will focus on recognizing the abilities, strengths, and resources, within the client.
(587) 906-3459 View (587) 906-3459
Photo of Insight Psychological - Calgary, Registered Provisional Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Insight Psychological - Calgary
Registered Provisional Psychologist
Verified Verified
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2T
At Insight, our intake team will help you to choose the right therapist based on their areas of specialty, personality, availability and therapy methods. Your therapist will work in partnership with you to determine the most effective method of therapy, and depending on your concern, together you’ll come up with a plan that makes sense for you. If you’re a very solution focused problem solver, then you might be happy with a short-term goal for therapy. If you like to talk more and really investigate your problems, then a more traditional therapeutic approach may be the best fit.
At Insight, our intake team will help you to choose the right therapist based on their areas of specialty, personality, availability and therapy methods. Your therapist will work in partnership with you to determine the most effective method of therapy, and depending on your concern, together you’ll come up with a plan that makes sense for you. If you’re a very solution focused problem solver, then you might be happy with a short-term goal for therapy. If you like to talk more and really investigate your problems, then a more traditional therapeutic approach may be the best fit.
(403) 252-1716 View (403) 252-1716
Photo of Anu Sharma-Niwa, Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Anu Sharma-Niwa
Psychologist, MA, RPsych
Verified Verified
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2S
My work has been to learn and share how to be able to talk confidently to yourself and others in order to have the kind of life and relationship that you desire. As a psychologist, I love being able to hep you to discover how you can recognize your strengths, view yourself as a person of worth, and support you in your process of managing your mood, anxiety and stressors. I am passionate about being neurodivergent affirming while helping you in your discovery of deepening your understanding how your brain works, optimizing your mental health, and how to have a deep, meaningful and healthy relationships with yourself and others.
My work has been to learn and share how to be able to talk confidently to yourself and others in order to have the kind of life and relationship that you desire. As a psychologist, I love being able to hep you to discover how you can recognize your strengths, view yourself as a person of worth, and support you in your process of managing your mood, anxiety and stressors. I am passionate about being neurodivergent affirming while helping you in your discovery of deepening your understanding how your brain works, optimizing your mental health, and how to have a deep, meaningful and healthy relationships with yourself and others.
(587) 852-0437 View (587) 852-0437
Photo of Katie Pelletier, Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Katie Pelletier
Psychologist, MC, RPsych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N
I believe that all people are capable of positive change, of overcoming challenges, of finding compassion, and of becoming the best that they can be. As a Registered Psychologist, I work alongside my clients to help them create meaningful and sustainable change in their lives and relationships. I have extensive experience in community and mental health settings and offer therapeutic services in both English and Spanish. I work with individuals, couples, and families to identify their counselling goals and help them achieve those goals in a strengths-based, non-judgmental and empathetic manner.
I believe that all people are capable of positive change, of overcoming challenges, of finding compassion, and of becoming the best that they can be. As a Registered Psychologist, I work alongside my clients to help them create meaningful and sustainable change in their lives and relationships. I have extensive experience in community and mental health settings and offer therapeutic services in both English and Spanish. I work with individuals, couples, and families to identify their counselling goals and help them achieve those goals in a strengths-based, non-judgmental and empathetic manner.
(587) 805-3983 View (587) 805-3983
Photo of Jessica Dawson, Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Jessica Dawson
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T3E
Thinking about making a change? The first step can feel like a lot. I am so happy to see you here! I help children, teens, and adults facing a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, OCD, self-esteem issues, emotional regulation challenges, ADHD, autism. I also support interpersonal issues including couples counselling, parenting support, peer challenges, and social skills development. I like working as a team and actively seek and incorporate client feedback as an integral part of sessions. I aim to provide a warm and safe space for clients.
Thinking about making a change? The first step can feel like a lot. I am so happy to see you here! I help children, teens, and adults facing a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, OCD, self-esteem issues, emotional regulation challenges, ADHD, autism. I also support interpersonal issues including couples counselling, parenting support, peer challenges, and social skills development. I like working as a team and actively seek and incorporate client feedback as an integral part of sessions. I aim to provide a warm and safe space for clients.
(825) 250-3436 View (825) 250-3436
Photo of Aiofe Freeman-Cruz, Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Aiofe Freeman-Cruz
Psychologist, MSc, PhD
Verified Verified
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2V
We all have experiences that turn our world upside down. These experiences can be anything, but when it happens, we can feel confused, lost, or stuck while struggling to adjust to our new reality. I aim to support clients so that they gain self-knowledge, build resilience, and feel capable in their "new normal." As a Registered Psychologist, I work with individuals (adult and teens), couples, and families to help them achieve and maintain mental wellness while going through experiences that challenge them. I believe all challenges occur within a context, so I include social and cultural factors into my work with all clients.
We all have experiences that turn our world upside down. These experiences can be anything, but when it happens, we can feel confused, lost, or stuck while struggling to adjust to our new reality. I aim to support clients so that they gain self-knowledge, build resilience, and feel capable in their "new normal." As a Registered Psychologist, I work with individuals (adult and teens), couples, and families to help them achieve and maintain mental wellness while going through experiences that challenge them. I believe all challenges occur within a context, so I include social and cultural factors into my work with all clients.
(825) 502-5500 View (825) 502-5500
Photo of Meg Lindemulder, Counsellor in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Meg Lindemulder
Counsellor, MC, BEd, CCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2R
Life can be a beautiful mess and a heartbreaking gift, often at the same time. My aim is to provide the connection and support you need to navigate the challenges you are currently facing. I will remind you of your innate strengths and values and encourage you to listen to and trust yourself. I will seek to help you recognize the patterns of thinking and behaviour that might be holding you back, as well as invite you to consider how various influences in your life impact your functioning. I believe the body-mind connection is essential for health and wellbeing and I will work to help you strengthen that bond within yourself.
Life can be a beautiful mess and a heartbreaking gift, often at the same time. My aim is to provide the connection and support you need to navigate the challenges you are currently facing. I will remind you of your innate strengths and values and encourage you to listen to and trust yourself. I will seek to help you recognize the patterns of thinking and behaviour that might be holding you back, as well as invite you to consider how various influences in your life impact your functioning. I believe the body-mind connection is essential for health and wellbeing and I will work to help you strengthen that bond within yourself.
(587) 206-3535 View (587) 206-3535
Photo of Iain Dolan, Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Iain Dolan
Psychologist, MC
Verified Verified
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2G  (Online Only)
Looking for an adult autism assessment with a neurodivergent psychologist? Feeling dismissed by people who don’t understand medical trauma or how hard it is to stop masking? You have the right to feel accepted, heard, and believed—even during an assessment! I was “late-diagnosed” and understand how relieving a diagnosis can be after decades of feeling misunderstood and exhausted. My assessments are thorough and the options were entirely designed by autistic people, who I routinely work with to refine things. You can do the entire assessment from home and take the time you need. Do a FREE self-screen on my site here: www.ndpsych.com
Looking for an adult autism assessment with a neurodivergent psychologist? Feeling dismissed by people who don’t understand medical trauma or how hard it is to stop masking? You have the right to feel accepted, heard, and believed—even during an assessment! I was “late-diagnosed” and understand how relieving a diagnosis can be after decades of feeling misunderstood and exhausted. My assessments are thorough and the options were entirely designed by autistic people, who I routinely work with to refine things. You can do the entire assessment from home and take the time you need. Do a FREE self-screen on my site here: www.ndpsych.com
(403) 912-5924 View (403) 912-5924
Photo of Jason Bauche, Psychologist in Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB
Jason Bauche
Psychologist, MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southwest Calgary, Calgary, AB T2T
Our journey in life is filled with obstacles, twists, and turns that can feel overwhelming. Some of the barriers we face are the result of outside forces: events in our lives, identities we had no influence over, social structures we cannot dismantle on our own. Others we unwittingly create ourselves. Most of us need some help along the way - a navigator for our journey. I admire the courage it takes to seek this help and I’m confident that I can effectively guide you toward improved mental health and wellbeing. Often, mental health concerns are not so much the result of distorted views of the world; the views are merely incomplete.
Our journey in life is filled with obstacles, twists, and turns that can feel overwhelming. Some of the barriers we face are the result of outside forces: events in our lives, identities we had no influence over, social structures we cannot dismantle on our own. Others we unwittingly create ourselves. Most of us need some help along the way - a navigator for our journey. I admire the courage it takes to seek this help and I’m confident that I can effectively guide you toward improved mental health and wellbeing. Often, mental health concerns are not so much the result of distorted views of the world; the views are merely incomplete.
(825) 608-5261 View (825) 608-5261

See more therapy options for Southwest Calgary, Calgary


Marriage Counselling

How does marriage counseling work?

Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.

How long does marriage counseling typically last?

Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.

Is marriage counseling effective?

Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.

Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?

Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.