Photo of Edward Elder, MDiv, LMHC, LMFT, Counselor
Edward Elder
Counselor, MDiv, LMHC, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
New York, NY 10010
I use a psychodynamic approach which integrates spirituality and psychotherapy, helping people who struggle with depression, loneliness, sexual abuse, drug addiction. I help couples and families learn to communicate their needs and feelings effectively. I work with gay men and lesbians seeking to integrate their sexual identity, as well as those working to enhance their relationships. I work extensively with people suffering from chronic illnesses (e.g. AIDS) and those who care for them. I am a Member of AAMFT, ACPE, and EGPS and have certificates in Pastoral Psychotherapy, Marriage and Family Therapy and Group Psychotherapy.
I use a psychodynamic approach which integrates spirituality and psychotherapy, helping people who struggle with depression, loneliness, sexual abuse, drug addiction. I help couples and families learn to communicate their needs and feelings effectively. I work with gay men and lesbians seeking to integrate their sexual identity, as well as those working to enhance their relationships. I work extensively with people suffering from chronic illnesses (e.g. AIDS) and those who care for them. I am a Member of AAMFT, ACPE, and EGPS and have certificates in Pastoral Psychotherapy, Marriage and Family Therapy and Group Psychotherapy.
(646) 760-8396 View (646) 760-8396
Photo of Icaro Nogueira, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Icaro Nogueira
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10010  (Online Only)
Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up and ask for help. Individual and couple/partner(s) therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and relationships, and develop the skills and insights you need to lead a more fulfilling life. I have extensive experience working with clients facing a variety of challenges related to relationships, sex/intimacy, personal growth, self-esteem, life changes, and stress management. I received my training at New York University, and I have a passion for helping clients achieve happiness and connectedness in their lives.
Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up and ask for help. Individual and couple/partner(s) therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and relationships, and develop the skills and insights you need to lead a more fulfilling life. I have extensive experience working with clients facing a variety of challenges related to relationships, sex/intimacy, personal growth, self-esteem, life changes, and stress management. I received my training at New York University, and I have a passion for helping clients achieve happiness and connectedness in their lives.
(332) 241-5173 View (332) 241-5173
Marriage Counseling Therapists

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.