Marriage Counselling in London

Photo of Dr Ally Tomlins, Psychologist in London, England
Dr Ally Tomlins
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London SW1W
Waitlist for new clients
Her areas of expertise are in assessing and treating the following issues: Anxiety, depression, stress, low self esteem, managing transitions in life (such as changes in the family, health related changes, job related changes, parenthood, marriage), bereavement, trauma and dementia.
Dr Tomlins is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. She has won numerous national awards for her work in creating innovative mental health services. She currently leads psychological care for urgent and acute mental health wards of an inner city London NHS Trust. Alongside this, she runs a thriving private practice London. She is a lecturer and Deputy Course Director at UCL for the Clinical Associate in Psychology MSC. Her work as a Clinical Supervisor for doctoral trainees at UCL, UEL, Royal Holloway and Surrey has nurtured the development of many currently practicing psychologists.
Her areas of expertise are in assessing and treating the following issues: Anxiety, depression, stress, low self esteem, managing transitions in life (such as changes in the family, health related changes, job related changes, parenthood, marriage), bereavement, trauma and dementia.
Dr Tomlins is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. She has won numerous national awards for her work in creating innovative mental health services. She currently leads psychological care for urgent and acute mental health wards of an inner city London NHS Trust. Alongside this, she runs a thriving private practice London. She is a lecturer and Deputy Course Director at UCL for the Clinical Associate in Psychology MSC. Her work as a Clinical Supervisor for doctoral trainees at UCL, UEL, Royal Holloway and Surrey has nurtured the development of many currently practicing psychologists.
020 3872 2711 View 020 3872 2711
Photo of Danielle Westcarr-Jourdan, Counsellor in London, England
Danielle Westcarr-Jourdan
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
London N1
I have explored a range of difficulties such as Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Racial Identity and Racial Trauma, Family Conflict, Marital breakdowns, relationship issues, and sexual abuse with a wide range of clients including those from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds and those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
I am passionate about supporting individuals with their psychological health and well-being. As a MBACP Integrative Counsellor & Therapist, I have experience of working with children, young people and adults in both educational and medical settings. I engage with individuals in a client-led way, face to face and through telephone communications, developing 1:1 relationships of trust and genuineness. Having experience of providing both short and long-term therapy, I offer a therapeutic space for self-discovery and growth, helping with the facilitation of individuals reconnecting with themselves, family members and society.
I have explored a range of difficulties such as Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Racial Identity and Racial Trauma, Family Conflict, Marital breakdowns, relationship issues, and sexual abuse with a wide range of clients including those from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds and those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
I am passionate about supporting individuals with their psychological health and well-being. As a MBACP Integrative Counsellor & Therapist, I have experience of working with children, young people and adults in both educational and medical settings. I engage with individuals in a client-led way, face to face and through telephone communications, developing 1:1 relationships of trust and genuineness. Having experience of providing both short and long-term therapy, I offer a therapeutic space for self-discovery and growth, helping with the facilitation of individuals reconnecting with themselves, family members and society.
020 4538 9452 View 020 4538 9452
Photo of Valerie Gage, Psychotherapist in London, England
Valerie Gage
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London E8
It can be hard to acknowledge that you are not feeling okay, and even harder pretending that you are. If you’re struggling to cope with something, or you feel lost, or stuck, if you’re unhappy in your relationship/marriage, or you feel numb or detached after experiencing something traumatic; I may be able to help. If you can find a quiet and private space, we can meet once a week in a secure virtual space where you are free to reflect and gently explore whatever you are experiencing. We can work together for an agreed period of time or we could leave it open-ended to explore at greater depth. You can decide what feels right for you!
It can be hard to acknowledge that you are not feeling okay, and even harder pretending that you are. If you’re struggling to cope with something, or you feel lost, or stuck, if you’re unhappy in your relationship/marriage, or you feel numb or detached after experiencing something traumatic; I may be able to help. If you can find a quiet and private space, we can meet once a week in a secure virtual space where you are free to reflect and gently explore whatever you are experiencing. We can work together for an agreed period of time or we could leave it open-ended to explore at greater depth. You can decide what feels right for you!
020 3962 1715 View 020 3962 1715
Photo of Patricia Sandford Therapy, Psychotherapist in London, England
Patricia Sandford Therapy
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
London W14
Waitlist for new clients
Feeling alone in your relationship? Can't figure out why your relationships aren't working out and you end up alone? You are not alone. If your relationships aren't working, are unhappy, are unsatisfying your quality of life isn't all it could be. It's sad. It's exhausting. It feels hopeless sometimes. You are already taking the first step looking for someone to help you. I hear from so many couples and individuals who felt ashamed or frustrated they couldn't figure it out for themselves. That it means their marriage must be over or somethings wrong with them if they need to see a relationship therapist. You are not alone.
Feeling alone in your relationship? Can't figure out why your relationships aren't working out and you end up alone? You are not alone. If your relationships aren't working, are unhappy, are unsatisfying your quality of life isn't all it could be. It's sad. It's exhausting. It feels hopeless sometimes. You are already taking the first step looking for someone to help you. I hear from so many couples and individuals who felt ashamed or frustrated they couldn't figure it out for themselves. That it means their marriage must be over or somethings wrong with them if they need to see a relationship therapist. You are not alone.
020 4538 2580 View 020 4538 2580
Photo of Lila Ramsahai, Psychotherapist in London, England
Lila Ramsahai
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
London W1G
I am a well-trained and experienced psychotherapist/life coach and can assist you with various issues regarding, relationships, career, dating, arranged marriage, wedding stress, purpose, career, family issues, parenting and more. I work with individuals, couples and families and my background is diverse, multicultural and international. If you want to improve your life and be more in charge of your overall wellbeing and happiness, reach out today. Apart from finding clarity, relief and understanding, we will also establish healthy coping mechanisms and techniques that will help you progress in life.
I am a well-trained and experienced psychotherapist/life coach and can assist you with various issues regarding, relationships, career, dating, arranged marriage, wedding stress, purpose, career, family issues, parenting and more. I work with individuals, couples and families and my background is diverse, multicultural and international. If you want to improve your life and be more in charge of your overall wellbeing and happiness, reach out today. Apart from finding clarity, relief and understanding, we will also establish healthy coping mechanisms and techniques that will help you progress in life.
020 4538 1624 View 020 4538 1624
Photo of Couple's Counsellor @The Practice, Angel Islington, Psychotherapist in London, England
Couple's Counsellor @The Practice, Angel Islington
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
London N1
Pre-marital work: I work with a number of clients who are about to get married or move in (other big changes) to work through any issues before this change take place.
Welcome to my page. If you have been stuck indoors with your partner and are now realising you have problems, please call me before calling it quits! I'm a couple’s psychotherapist whom having worked with Relate for a number of years now focuses solely on relationships. Whether your partner has had an affair, or you've realised that you no longer have a connection /intimacy, therapy can help. Maybe you're single and have been struggling to meet someone whom you can share your life with. Sometimes it's our families or friends we are struggling with. I am based near Angel Station and uses Online methods and I'm here to help.
Pre-marital work: I work with a number of clients who are about to get married or move in (other big changes) to work through any issues before this change take place.
Welcome to my page. If you have been stuck indoors with your partner and are now realising you have problems, please call me before calling it quits! I'm a couple’s psychotherapist whom having worked with Relate for a number of years now focuses solely on relationships. Whether your partner has had an affair, or you've realised that you no longer have a connection /intimacy, therapy can help. Maybe you're single and have been struggling to meet someone whom you can share your life with. Sometimes it's our families or friends we are struggling with. I am based near Angel Station and uses Online methods and I'm here to help.
020 3962 0928 View 020 3962 0928
Photo of Sophie Elizabeth Haggard, Psychotherapist in London, England
Sophie Elizabeth Haggard
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
London SW6
These are tough times for coupledom. The modern companionate model of marriage is based on the idea that each partner look to the other to supply all their needs, and this new type of partnership has to last longer than ever before. Not surprisingly, perhaps, many long-term relationships flounder under the weight of such high expectations and when this happens couples feel bitter and blame each-other.
These are tough times for coupledom. The modern companionate model of marriage is based on the idea that each partner look to the other to supply all their needs, and this new type of partnership has to last longer than ever before. Not surprisingly, perhaps, many long-term relationships flounder under the weight of such high expectations and when this happens couples feel bitter and blame each-other.
020 3917 1490 View 020 3917 1490
Photo of Emily Halton, Counsellor in London, England
Emily Halton
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
London SW17
Adults and Couples Therapy. I’m practicing from a new private room in between Balham and Tooting and also online! I also practice from Harley st please get in touch for times and days. It’s never too late to look at those patterns that have been there for a lifetime. Maybe they are affecting your marriage? Creating barriers? Maybe you’d like to break free and learn how to cope better with them?
Adults and Couples Therapy. I’m practicing from a new private room in between Balham and Tooting and also online! I also practice from Harley st please get in touch for times and days. It’s never too late to look at those patterns that have been there for a lifetime. Maybe they are affecting your marriage? Creating barriers? Maybe you’d like to break free and learn how to cope better with them?
020 3838 0612 View 020 3838 0612
Photo of Jason Oddi, Psychotherapist in London, England
Jason Oddi
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, COSRT General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London NW1
As an Integrative Counsellor, Psychosexual & Relationship/Marriage therapist, I weave different therapies to support clients in their uniqueness to manage and heal from struggles that affect their emotional, and mental health & happiness. Ruptures in one's mental wellness can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, and sexual functioning/ identity concerns that hinder emotional self-esteem and ongoing happiness within and in our relationship with ourselves and others.
As an Integrative Counsellor, Psychosexual & Relationship/Marriage therapist, I weave different therapies to support clients in their uniqueness to manage and heal from struggles that affect their emotional, and mental health & happiness. Ruptures in one's mental wellness can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, and sexual functioning/ identity concerns that hinder emotional self-esteem and ongoing happiness within and in our relationship with ourselves and others.
020 8103 3827 View 020 8103 3827
Photo of Working Through, Counsellor in London, England
Working Through
Counsellor, MA, COSRT General
Verified Verified
London EC2M
I work with people who might be struggling with sexual or relationship difficulties such as erectile dysfunction, rapid or delayed ejaculation, anxiety around sex, relationships and intimacy issues, sexual abuse or assault, sexual health issues, compulsive sexual behaviours, vulval pain conditions, vaginismus, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), sexual orientation questions or insecurities, pornography issues, orgasmic or anorgasmic problems, sexual phobias or aversions, fears around lack of sexual experience, loss of desire, affairs, marital break ups, open relationships, kinks, bdsm, polyamory, addictions, codependency, trauma.
I work with people who might be struggling with sexual or relationship difficulties such as erectile dysfunction, rapid or delayed ejaculation, anxiety around sex, relationships and intimacy issues, sexual abuse or assault, sexual health issues, compulsive sexual behaviours, vulval pain conditions, vaginismus, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), sexual orientation questions or insecurities, pornography issues, orgasmic or anorgasmic problems, sexual phobias or aversions, fears around lack of sexual experience, loss of desire, affairs, marital break ups, open relationships, kinks, bdsm, polyamory, addictions, codependency, trauma.
020 8103 5619 View 020 8103 5619
Photo of Zara N, Counsellor in London, England
Zara N
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
London E10
I am a BACP qualified therapist who has worked extensively with a diverse range of clients and with highly regarded organisations for over a 13 years. I can help with an extensive range of issues including stress, loss, bereavement, anxiety, relationships, self harm, depression, marital issues, divorce, redundancy, mental health disorders, work related issues, abuse, identity, parenthood, menopause and life challenges. I provide an empathic, non judgemental and safe space for clients. I have an impressive professional and educational background. I provide online, telephone and mobile therapy as well as a face to face service.
I am a BACP qualified therapist who has worked extensively with a diverse range of clients and with highly regarded organisations for over a 13 years. I can help with an extensive range of issues including stress, loss, bereavement, anxiety, relationships, self harm, depression, marital issues, divorce, redundancy, mental health disorders, work related issues, abuse, identity, parenthood, menopause and life challenges. I provide an empathic, non judgemental and safe space for clients. I have an impressive professional and educational background. I provide online, telephone and mobile therapy as well as a face to face service.
07400 346099 View 07400 346099
Photo of Matt Davies, Psychotherapist in London, England
Matt Davies
Psychotherapist, MSc, COSRT Accred
Verified Verified
London W1G
I never thought I would need therapy. My relationship with my wife was great. I was the managing director of a successful company. Then life got tough and we found ourselves in crisis. Going to couple therapy together saved our marriage! We’ve been back to therapy many times to keep our relationship on course. What I learned from our couple therapy and my years of one-to-one psychotherapy transformed my marriage and my life. The results of the therapy impressed me so much I decided to change career. I wanted to offer the valuable insights and knowledge I had learned to other individuals and couples in distress.
I never thought I would need therapy. My relationship with my wife was great. I was the managing director of a successful company. Then life got tough and we found ourselves in crisis. Going to couple therapy together saved our marriage! We’ve been back to therapy many times to keep our relationship on course. What I learned from our couple therapy and my years of one-to-one psychotherapy transformed my marriage and my life. The results of the therapy impressed me so much I decided to change career. I wanted to offer the valuable insights and knowledge I had learned to other individuals and couples in distress.
020 8106 2463 View 020 8106 2463
Photo of Ruthie Portnoy, Psychotherapist in London, England
Ruthie Portnoy
Psychotherapist, COSRT General
Verified Verified
London NW4  (Online Only)
I work with couples enabling and empowering them to experience renewed passion and connectivity. I also work with individuals using EFT empowering them to heal themselves. Couples may be searching for love and passion perhaps after empty nest, affairs emotional or physical. At the other end of the scale I help younger couples who are unsure whether to commit to a particular relationship and want guidance, and coaching. I offer tools and insights how to make marriage work better than the models they may have had. Age range of clients is from 18-80 to date.I am passionate about helping people live a rich and meaningful life.
I work with couples enabling and empowering them to experience renewed passion and connectivity. I also work with individuals using EFT empowering them to heal themselves. Couples may be searching for love and passion perhaps after empty nest, affairs emotional or physical. At the other end of the scale I help younger couples who are unsure whether to commit to a particular relationship and want guidance, and coaching. I offer tools and insights how to make marriage work better than the models they may have had. Age range of clients is from 18-80 to date.I am passionate about helping people live a rich and meaningful life.
0161 509 6460 View 0161 509 6460
Photo of Naomi Segal - Couples Counselling Online, Psychotherapist in London, England
Naomi Segal - Couples Counselling Online
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
London W1W
Get support with managing arguments better, trust issues, communication difficulties, cross-cultural differences, getting over an affair, separation & divorce, parenting differences, preparing for marriage, maintaining a healthy work/life balance, managing finances together, difficulties with your sexual relationship & more.
SPECIALIST ONLINE COUPLES COUNSELLING HELPING YOU CREATE THE RELATIONSHIP YOU WANT “How do we communicate better?”, “ How do we stop arguing?”, “We’re not getting on and I don’t know why”, “She/he won’t listen to me”, “I can’t get past her/his affair”, “Things changed after we had kids”, “I think I want to separate”... Sound familiar? Many people wait until their relationship problems seem unbearable before they decide to reach out for help. If tension is starting to develop in your relationship, don’t wait until it’s too late to ask for help.
Get support with managing arguments better, trust issues, communication difficulties, cross-cultural differences, getting over an affair, separation & divorce, parenting differences, preparing for marriage, maintaining a healthy work/life balance, managing finances together, difficulties with your sexual relationship & more.
SPECIALIST ONLINE COUPLES COUNSELLING HELPING YOU CREATE THE RELATIONSHIP YOU WANT “How do we communicate better?”, “ How do we stop arguing?”, “We’re not getting on and I don’t know why”, “She/he won’t listen to me”, “I can’t get past her/his affair”, “Things changed after we had kids”, “I think I want to separate”... Sound familiar? Many people wait until their relationship problems seem unbearable before they decide to reach out for help. If tension is starting to develop in your relationship, don’t wait until it’s too late to ask for help.
020 3984 9676 View 020 3984 9676
Photo of Tara Gallagher. Individual And Couples Therapy, Counsellor in London, England
Tara Gallagher. Individual And Couples Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London SW7
Since 2009, I've been committed to supporting clients in their healing journey by offering talking therapy and conducting over 4000 successful EMDR sessions. Specialised training with Esther Perel enriches my marriage counselling approach, exploring issues like freedom versus security, struggles with intimacy and connection, emotional shutdowns, conflicts over finances and recurring arguments. In therapy, we start by understanding your story's narrative. We unravel underlying beliefs like "I'm not good enough," "It's my fault," and "I'm unsafe." Together, we collaborate to establish secure attachment and facilitate repair.
Since 2009, I've been committed to supporting clients in their healing journey by offering talking therapy and conducting over 4000 successful EMDR sessions. Specialised training with Esther Perel enriches my marriage counselling approach, exploring issues like freedom versus security, struggles with intimacy and connection, emotional shutdowns, conflicts over finances and recurring arguments. In therapy, we start by understanding your story's narrative. We unravel underlying beliefs like "I'm not good enough," "It's my fault," and "I'm unsafe." Together, we collaborate to establish secure attachment and facilitate repair.
020 4538 7154 View 020 4538 7154
Photo of Lina Helena Milner, Psychotherapist in London, England
Lina Helena Milner
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
London W1W
Relational problems that we can work on are: conflict and re-current arguments, loss of trust, affairs, dealing with the end of the relationship, adapting to change (immigration, buying property, having children); sexual difficulties: loss of desire, sexual pain, problems with erection/ejaculation, difficulty in reaching orgasm, unconsummated marriage.
My specialism is relationship and sex therapy for couples and individuals. Every relationship has a challenge, but if you feel that the problem has persisted for too long and caused a lot of distress for you, do contact me and we can have a conversation about the type of counselling that will suit your needs. I also work with individuals who and trying get over break up or have difficulties in forming or ending relationships. I offer an empathetic, safe, and professional environment within which we can work together to facilitate the potential for change in the relationship and work towards sexual health, happiness and well-being.
Relational problems that we can work on are: conflict and re-current arguments, loss of trust, affairs, dealing with the end of the relationship, adapting to change (immigration, buying property, having children); sexual difficulties: loss of desire, sexual pain, problems with erection/ejaculation, difficulty in reaching orgasm, unconsummated marriage.
My specialism is relationship and sex therapy for couples and individuals. Every relationship has a challenge, but if you feel that the problem has persisted for too long and caused a lot of distress for you, do contact me and we can have a conversation about the type of counselling that will suit your needs. I also work with individuals who and trying get over break up or have difficulties in forming or ending relationships. I offer an empathetic, safe, and professional environment within which we can work together to facilitate the potential for change in the relationship and work towards sexual health, happiness and well-being.
07723 456237 View 07723 456237
Photo of Sophie Singh, Counsellor in London, England
Sophie Singh
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
London E18
I work with a variety of issues including self-esteem, anxiety, depression, marital/relationship problems, stress, work related issues, addictions, teen problems and many more.
We all need help from time to time, and you shouldn't be embarrassed for asking for it. I am a down to earth and compassionate person, who understands what it is like to need a boost. In my years I have truly heard it all, and my biggest goal is to empower rather than judge my clients. One of my favourite quotes comes from Marisa Peer who explains that “to be happy you have to make peace with your past, love the present and feel so excited about the future”. No problem is too big to solve and I have witnessed counselling change the lives of so many people and I know I can help change yours too.
I work with a variety of issues including self-esteem, anxiety, depression, marital/relationship problems, stress, work related issues, addictions, teen problems and many more.
We all need help from time to time, and you shouldn't be embarrassed for asking for it. I am a down to earth and compassionate person, who understands what it is like to need a boost. In my years I have truly heard it all, and my biggest goal is to empower rather than judge my clients. One of my favourite quotes comes from Marisa Peer who explains that “to be happy you have to make peace with your past, love the present and feel so excited about the future”. No problem is too big to solve and I have witnessed counselling change the lives of so many people and I know I can help change yours too.
020 4538 2847 View 020 4538 2847
Photo of Imma Sorrentino Ricciardi, Counsellor in London, England
Imma Sorrentino Ricciardi
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
London W5
Maybe you are struggling with an addiction and feeling trapped, and would like to find a way out. Or maybe you are in a relationship that isn’t good for you. You would like to be more assertive. You might be feeling depressed or anxious and would like to experience more joy in life. Perhaps, you are at a difficult place with your marriage, fighting all the time and would like to feel connected again. Maybe you have everything in life nevertheless you aren't happy. Or you might feel affected by the pandemic, and you realised there is something that needs to be addressed. I would love to help you!
Maybe you are struggling with an addiction and feeling trapped, and would like to find a way out. Or maybe you are in a relationship that isn’t good for you. You would like to be more assertive. You might be feeling depressed or anxious and would like to experience more joy in life. Perhaps, you are at a difficult place with your marriage, fighting all the time and would like to feel connected again. Maybe you have everything in life nevertheless you aren't happy. Or you might feel affected by the pandemic, and you realised there is something that needs to be addressed. I would love to help you!
07403 936980 View 07403 936980
Photo of Olga Salodini, Psychotherapist in London, England
Olga Salodini
Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
London SW3  (Online Only)
I am a fully qualified Integrative Sex & Relationship therapist, Couples therapist, Marriage counsellor, providing therapy to individuals and couples. After completing a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, I trained at the London Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy, accredited by Middlesex University in London. With a postgraduate training in Advanced Diploma in Couples Therapy and Diploma in Compulsive Sexual Behaviour, I bring a depth of knowledge and expertise to my therapeutic work.
I am a fully qualified Integrative Sex & Relationship therapist, Couples therapist, Marriage counsellor, providing therapy to individuals and couples. After completing a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, I trained at the London Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy, accredited by Middlesex University in London. With a postgraduate training in Advanced Diploma in Couples Therapy and Diploma in Compulsive Sexual Behaviour, I bring a depth of knowledge and expertise to my therapeutic work.
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Photo of Dr Tej ., Psychologist in London, England
Dr Tej .
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London WC1B
Dr Tej is Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 25 years clinical experience across Infant, Child and Adult mental health services. In her clinical practice with adults, her expertise is in helping identify and work through intergenerational cycles of trauma – or trauma with a small ‘t’, such as complex developmental trauma/family trauma/narcissistic abuse, scapegoating, chronic shame, feeling stuck not knowing how to break relational patterns. Clients she has worked with report these difficulties in the context of bullying at work, couple /marital/relationship difficulties and attachment/parenting and birth trauma/difficulties.
Dr Tej is Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 25 years clinical experience across Infant, Child and Adult mental health services. In her clinical practice with adults, her expertise is in helping identify and work through intergenerational cycles of trauma – or trauma with a small ‘t’, such as complex developmental trauma/family trauma/narcissistic abuse, scapegoating, chronic shame, feeling stuck not knowing how to break relational patterns. Clients she has worked with report these difficulties in the context of bullying at work, couple /marital/relationship difficulties and attachment/parenting and birth trauma/difficulties.
020 3870 3028 View 020 3870 3028

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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.