Photo of Janine Darwin - Marina Counseling Center, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marina Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Couples counseling helps couples resolve conflicts and improve their relationships.
At times we all need help sorting out life's complexities. At the Marina Counseling Center we offer professional, skilled, affordable, psychotherapy to address the challanges that life can bring. The Marina Counseling Center is a non-profit community counseling center and training institute in the heart of San Francisco's Marina district. We provide counseling to adults, couples, and families on fees adjusted to client needs. These fees range from $35 and up, based on ability to pay.
Couples counseling helps couples resolve conflicts and improve their relationships.
At times we all need help sorting out life's complexities. At the Marina Counseling Center we offer professional, skilled, affordable, psychotherapy to address the challanges that life can bring. The Marina Counseling Center is a non-profit community counseling center and training institute in the heart of San Francisco's Marina district. We provide counseling to adults, couples, and families on fees adjusted to client needs. These fees range from $35 and up, based on ability to pay.
(415) 969-2090 View (415) 969-2090
Photo of Sharone Weltfreid, PhD, Psychologist
Sharone Weltfreid
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
For those seeking couples therapy, I will use evidenced-based methods to help you and your partner connect more deeply and communicate with love, respect, and understanding.
Welcome!  I provide individual and couples therapy online. If you are struggling with relationship issues (including breakups), stress, anxiety, unhappiness, a situation you would like perspective on, workplace issues, or finding meaning or direction, I can help.  My expertise in mindfulness and insight-oriented therapies can help us identify and target the source of your struggles for more lasting changes.   I am also solution-focused and incorporate coaching strategies and cognitive behavioral therapy to help you take action today.
For those seeking couples therapy, I will use evidenced-based methods to help you and your partner connect more deeply and communicate with love, respect, and understanding.
Welcome!  I provide individual and couples therapy online. If you are struggling with relationship issues (including breakups), stress, anxiety, unhappiness, a situation you would like perspective on, workplace issues, or finding meaning or direction, I can help.  My expertise in mindfulness and insight-oriented therapies can help us identify and target the source of your struggles for more lasting changes.   I am also solution-focused and incorporate coaching strategies and cognitive behavioral therapy to help you take action today.
(415) 594-4826 View (415) 594-4826
Photo of Jeff Wright, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jeff Wright
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
FREE 15min phone consultation. Over 20 years experience offering short-term solution focused therapy to individuals and couples. Real Help for Real People Living Real Lives. I offer tools you can use to improve the quality of your life and relationships. People who come to me want to be empowered to make real changes in their life. They’re looking for an engaged ally and a trusted guide and tangible results. Life is short. Time is passing. You’re not here in this life to suffer or waste time struggling with madness, fear and regret - confused, alone, anxious, depressed, defeated, unhappy and upset. You want a better life!
FREE 15min phone consultation. Over 20 years experience offering short-term solution focused therapy to individuals and couples. Real Help for Real People Living Real Lives. I offer tools you can use to improve the quality of your life and relationships. People who come to me want to be empowered to make real changes in their life. They’re looking for an engaged ally and a trusted guide and tangible results. Life is short. Time is passing. You’re not here in this life to suffer or waste time struggling with madness, fear and regret - confused, alone, anxious, depressed, defeated, unhappy and upset. You want a better life!
(415) 936-8250 x203 View (415) 936-8250 x203
Photo of Sherry Reyes Gillimore, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sherry Reyes Gillimore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Despite being in love, committed, loyal, and giving - life is hard and your relationship is full of broken promises, fighting, lack of connection, ruined holidays, and stressful vacations. Your constant concern for your loved one gets in the way of the life you want in so many ways. You feel guilty for being frustrated and drained. And you're worried that taking care of yourself is selfish and may lead to disaster. But you're running on empty, and you don't know how much more you can take.
Despite being in love, committed, loyal, and giving - life is hard and your relationship is full of broken promises, fighting, lack of connection, ruined holidays, and stressful vacations. Your constant concern for your loved one gets in the way of the life you want in so many ways. You feel guilty for being frustrated and drained. And you're worried that taking care of yourself is selfish and may lead to disaster. But you're running on empty, and you don't know how much more you can take.
(415) 729-2487 View (415) 729-2487
Photo of Shira Appell, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shira Appell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
So much of our pain occurs in relationship to others, and I believe it can be helpful to find healing in relationship as well.
Do you feel like you aren't good enough? Do you struggle with issues of self esteem or self worth? Do you want to explore mind-body connection & the way stress or emotional pain lives in our bodies? If these are themes for you or in your relationships, then perhaps we might work well together. I center my work around self compassion. Only from a place of self kindness can we feel grounded within ourselves to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. I use mindfulness and somatic body oriented work in order to help us connect deeper with our self, our inner knowing and to be able to cultivate trust with ourselves.
So much of our pain occurs in relationship to others, and I believe it can be helpful to find healing in relationship as well.
Do you feel like you aren't good enough? Do you struggle with issues of self esteem or self worth? Do you want to explore mind-body connection & the way stress or emotional pain lives in our bodies? If these are themes for you or in your relationships, then perhaps we might work well together. I center my work around self compassion. Only from a place of self kindness can we feel grounded within ourselves to develop a compassionate relationship with others around us. I use mindfulness and somatic body oriented work in order to help us connect deeper with our self, our inner knowing and to be able to cultivate trust with ourselves.
(628) 229-2098 View (628) 229-2098
Photo of Deborah Caust - Deborah Caust, Ph.D., PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deborah Caust, Ph.D.
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
As a Board-Certified Clinical Sexologist and Licensed Marriage, Family Therapist, I have the expertise to provide effective treatment of all sexual and relationship concerns. Therapy is interactive: I will listen to you, provide feedback, help you to understand why you are having difficulty, and use therapeutic techniques to make lasting change. I believe that therapy should be straightforward, solution-focused, and short-term. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an appointment or to get more information.
As a Board-Certified Clinical Sexologist and Licensed Marriage, Family Therapist, I have the expertise to provide effective treatment of all sexual and relationship concerns. Therapy is interactive: I will listen to you, provide feedback, help you to understand why you are having difficulty, and use therapeutic techniques to make lasting change. I believe that therapy should be straightforward, solution-focused, and short-term. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an appointment or to get more information.
(415) 233-6236 View (415) 233-6236
Photo of Keith Sutton - Bay Area Center for ADD and ADHD, Psychologist
Bay Area Center for ADD and ADHD
Psychologist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
We provide coaching, medication management, educational counseling, therapy, couples and family therapy, and group support to help you develop the skills to manage ADHD/ADD and succeed.
At the Bay Area Center for ADD/ADHD we work collaboratively as a group to provide the most effective treatment possible. We have psychiatrists, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and an educational therapist to help develop the best treatment for you. Who provide up-to-date evidence-based, effective treatment.
We provide coaching, medication management, educational counseling, therapy, couples and family therapy, and group support to help you develop the skills to manage ADHD/ADD and succeed.
At the Bay Area Center for ADD/ADHD we work collaboratively as a group to provide the most effective treatment possible. We have psychiatrists, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and an educational therapist to help develop the best treatment for you. Who provide up-to-date evidence-based, effective treatment.
(415) 236-3165 View (415) 236-3165
Photo of Dr. Sanford Rosenberg, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Sanford Rosenberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I have expertise in individual, couples, and family therapies.
I work with you to help you identify your real issues, and honest feelings about yourself, your life, your loves, your work, your family. I'll help you create real goals unlock emotional skills and intelligence to accomplish them. If you want to find out how to get practical skills and solutions to your issues, call me and set up a meeting.
I have expertise in individual, couples, and family therapies.
I work with you to help you identify your real issues, and honest feelings about yourself, your life, your loves, your work, your family. I'll help you create real goals unlock emotional skills and intelligence to accomplish them. If you want to find out how to get practical skills and solutions to your issues, call me and set up a meeting.
(415) 689-9734 View (415) 689-9734
Photo of Barbara Gabriel, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Barbara Gabriel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I am dedicated to helping people identify and work through symptoms, problems, and obstacles to true health and vitality in personal and professional relationships. I have over thirty years experience working as a therapist, teacher, consultant, coach. I am Certified as an EFT Therapist for couple's and individuals (ICEEFT.com). I am also a Certified EFT Supervisor. Currently I am helping several therapists become certified in EFT for Couples via Zoom or in person. I am Certified in Coherence Therapy (CoherenceTherapy.com). I am Certified and a trainer in Emotional Brain Training. (EBTconnect.net) www.LoveandMarriageWorks.com
I am dedicated to helping people identify and work through symptoms, problems, and obstacles to true health and vitality in personal and professional relationships. I have over thirty years experience working as a therapist, teacher, consultant, coach. I am Certified as an EFT Therapist for couple's and individuals (ICEEFT.com). I am also a Certified EFT Supervisor. Currently I am helping several therapists become certified in EFT for Couples via Zoom or in person. I am Certified in Coherence Therapy (CoherenceTherapy.com). I am Certified and a trainer in Emotional Brain Training. (EBTconnect.net) www.LoveandMarriageWorks.com
(707) 418-8978 View (707) 418-8978
Photo of Trudy McMahon, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Trudy McMahon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I Work with individuals/ couples. My background is in substance misuse counseling. I work with trauma, anxiety, depression, body image/ disordered eating. I work in a relational way, that invites the client into the therapeutic process, setting goals, assigning homework if appropriate, coming up with ways to better resource in times of stress/ emotional overwhelm. I enjoy working with people who view themselves as sensitive beings, intuitive /empaths. I am somatically trained, which means I invite the body into the therapy, offering interventions such as mindfulness. I offer EMDR and somatic touch work: Relational Somatic Healing.
I Work with individuals/ couples. My background is in substance misuse counseling. I work with trauma, anxiety, depression, body image/ disordered eating. I work in a relational way, that invites the client into the therapeutic process, setting goals, assigning homework if appropriate, coming up with ways to better resource in times of stress/ emotional overwhelm. I enjoy working with people who view themselves as sensitive beings, intuitive /empaths. I am somatically trained, which means I invite the body into the therapy, offering interventions such as mindfulness. I offer EMDR and somatic touch work: Relational Somatic Healing.
(415) 594-4409 View (415) 594-4409
Photo of Christina Cowger, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Cowger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
As the Clinical Director of a program focused on healthy boundaries, trauma, couples communication, and neurobiological/mind-body interventions paired with years of private practice experience, I have had the honor of supporting hundreds of individuals and couples in creating dynamic and lasting life changes.
Recognizing patterns and applying actionable techniques for change is the cornerstone of our work together. I customize an emotional insight approach, cognitive-behavior structure, and mind-body tools for each client. We can safely explore how trauma and family patterns may have seeded beliefs and feelings that no longer serve the life you are striving to live. My neurobehavioral training informs how I partner with you to shift thinking, feeling, and reactivity, positively impacting self-esteem and relationships. Between sessions, tools are offered for ongoing continuity.
As the Clinical Director of a program focused on healthy boundaries, trauma, couples communication, and neurobiological/mind-body interventions paired with years of private practice experience, I have had the honor of supporting hundreds of individuals and couples in creating dynamic and lasting life changes.
Recognizing patterns and applying actionable techniques for change is the cornerstone of our work together. I customize an emotional insight approach, cognitive-behavior structure, and mind-body tools for each client. We can safely explore how trauma and family patterns may have seeded beliefs and feelings that no longer serve the life you are striving to live. My neurobehavioral training informs how I partner with you to shift thinking, feeling, and reactivity, positively impacting self-esteem and relationships. Between sessions, tools are offered for ongoing continuity.
(415) 594-4976 View (415) 594-4976
Photo of Ashley Paul, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ashley Paul
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I work with adolescents, couples, individuals, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for self-exploration and personal development, especially regarding balancing the emotional and intellectual sides. Trust, authenticity, and validation are my most-used tools throughout my therapeutic process.
I work with adolescents, couples, individuals, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for self-exploration and personal development, especially regarding balancing the emotional and intellectual sides. Trust, authenticity, and validation are my most-used tools throughout my therapeutic process.
(415) 801-3848 View (415) 801-3848
Photo of Kyle Corsiglia, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kyle Corsiglia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
Feeling anxious and unsettled? Feeling like an imposter at work? Relationship struggles?Tired of being single? Not sleeping? Feeling cut off from your joy? You’re not alone. Now is a good time to reach out for help. Working together will help you gain clarity, let go of the past, develop practical coping strategies, increase your Emotional Intelligence and enjoy more happiness and success in all areas of your life, personal and professional. I hold our work together in the highest regard. Having an ally to help you navigate life's challenges is invaluable.
Feeling anxious and unsettled? Feeling like an imposter at work? Relationship struggles?Tired of being single? Not sleeping? Feeling cut off from your joy? You’re not alone. Now is a good time to reach out for help. Working together will help you gain clarity, let go of the past, develop practical coping strategies, increase your Emotional Intelligence and enjoy more happiness and success in all areas of your life, personal and professional. I hold our work together in the highest regard. Having an ally to help you navigate life's challenges is invaluable.
(415) 787-2986 View (415) 787-2986
Photo of Cecilia Corwin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cecilia Corwin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Are you looking for a change, support, or guidance? Are you ready to move forward and focus on a healthier version of yourself? I am here to help you take the next step to address any life stressors that may be causing you to need additional support. Everyone is on their journey, and therapy is a great way to help navigate and create your path to wellness. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I have been practicing for 7+ years in the state of California. I am here to assist you in managing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse, or any other mental health disorder you may be dealing with at the time.
Are you looking for a change, support, or guidance? Are you ready to move forward and focus on a healthier version of yourself? I am here to help you take the next step to address any life stressors that may be causing you to need additional support. Everyone is on their journey, and therapy is a great way to help navigate and create your path to wellness. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I have been practicing for 7+ years in the state of California. I am here to assist you in managing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse, or any other mental health disorder you may be dealing with at the time.
(707) 985-0410 View (707) 985-0410
Photo of Kellie Brown (Kellie Dianne Brown), MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kellie Brown (Kellie Dianne Brown)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
Are you in a relationship? The answer is "yes, of course".
My mission is to walk alongside individuals and families as they strive toward connection. I believe that connection comes from finding hope, from authentic communication, and from learning to trust one's self. Humans are wired for connection. Connection leads to lower anxiety and depression, higher trust and empathy, and consequently, higher intimacy. Lack of connection is the source of pain that can cause addiction, infidelity, depression, anxiety, and a host of mental disorders. Connection has even been proven to improve physical symptoms. I can't wait to explore with you and to see what connection can do for your life!
Are you in a relationship? The answer is "yes, of course".
My mission is to walk alongside individuals and families as they strive toward connection. I believe that connection comes from finding hope, from authentic communication, and from learning to trust one's self. Humans are wired for connection. Connection leads to lower anxiety and depression, higher trust and empathy, and consequently, higher intimacy. Lack of connection is the source of pain that can cause addiction, infidelity, depression, anxiety, and a host of mental disorders. Connection has even been proven to improve physical symptoms. I can't wait to explore with you and to see what connection can do for your life!
(415) 671-5932 View (415) 671-5932
Photo of Erika Boissiere - The Relationship Therapy Group, LMFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
The Relationship Therapy Group
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
The Relationship Institute of San Francisco (www.trisf.com) specializes in couples counseling, individual and family therapy, based out of San Francisco, California. We treat a wide variety of clients, all with unique stories and situations. We are a team of psychotherapists specifically trained to provide couples and relational counseling. Our psychotherapists have a few things in common: we teach skills, provide feedback, and are directive therapists. Our goal is short-term, evidence-based couples and relational counseling. We utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modalities, as well as a range of widely accepted approaches.
The Relationship Institute of San Francisco (www.trisf.com) specializes in couples counseling, individual and family therapy, based out of San Francisco, California. We treat a wide variety of clients, all with unique stories and situations. We are a team of psychotherapists specifically trained to provide couples and relational counseling. Our psychotherapists have a few things in common: we teach skills, provide feedback, and are directive therapists. Our goal is short-term, evidence-based couples and relational counseling. We utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modalities, as well as a range of widely accepted approaches.
(415) 689-1003 View (415) 689-1003
Photo of W Keith Sutton, PsyD, Psychologist
W Keith Sutton
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
2) Couples - I am one of the few EFT Certified Couples Therapists in the Bay Area.
Everyone needs help in life now and then. I work collaboratively with children, teens, adults, couples, and families, to identify and solve the difficulties they are facing. I am direct, compassionate, and use my sense of humor in helping people to make changes in their life. In our work together, we can get you back on track to accomplishing your goals. I have experience and success in treating: anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship problems, trauma, drug and/or alcohol abuse, anger problems, bipolar disorder, self-harming, diverse clients, and academic problems. I use evidence based, effective approaches such as CBT, EFT, Family Systems, and EMDR.
2) Couples - I am one of the few EFT Certified Couples Therapists in the Bay Area.
Everyone needs help in life now and then. I work collaboratively with children, teens, adults, couples, and families, to identify and solve the difficulties they are facing. I am direct, compassionate, and use my sense of humor in helping people to make changes in their life. In our work together, we can get you back on track to accomplishing your goals. I have experience and success in treating: anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship problems, trauma, drug and/or alcohol abuse, anger problems, bipolar disorder, self-harming, diverse clients, and academic problems. I use evidence based, effective approaches such as CBT, EFT, Family Systems, and EMDR.
(415) 799-8098 View (415) 799-8098
Photo of Geraldine Alpert, PhD, Psychologist
Geraldine Alpert
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
Through many years of teaching and practicing Brief Psychotherapy, I have learned the value of a highly active, focused and interactive approach-- both for long term and brief psychotherapy. Whether the patient is an individual or a couple, I view my task as helping to define appropriate goals and keeping the therapy on track. While the purpose of the therapeutic journey is mutually decided and the patient is an active partner in evaluating the route, I particularly direct the journey when it turns to the past. While history is invariably interesting, therapeutic efficiency requires exploring only what's potentially most useful.
Through many years of teaching and practicing Brief Psychotherapy, I have learned the value of a highly active, focused and interactive approach-- both for long term and brief psychotherapy. Whether the patient is an individual or a couple, I view my task as helping to define appropriate goals and keeping the therapy on track. While the purpose of the therapeutic journey is mutually decided and the patient is an active partner in evaluating the route, I particularly direct the journey when it turns to the past. While history is invariably interesting, therapeutic efficiency requires exploring only what's potentially most useful.
(415) 226-6780 View (415) 226-6780
Photo of Carla Silberstein Buchanan, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carla Silberstein Buchanan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
I work with couples, families, individual adults and adolescents, addressing a range of clinical issues which include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, childhood sexual abuse, parenting and relational problems. My clinical approach is eclectic, tailored to suit the individual needs of my clients; I draw on family systems, cognitive behavioral and humanistic/existential models and am particularly interested in assisting individuals and families as they negotiate the inevitable developmental stages and transitions that are a part of every human life. I am a proactive therapist who works with clients in an interactive, goal- oriented and collaborative fashion.
I work with couples, families, individual adults and adolescents, addressing a range of clinical issues which include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, childhood sexual abuse, parenting and relational problems. My clinical approach is eclectic, tailored to suit the individual needs of my clients; I draw on family systems, cognitive behavioral and humanistic/existential models and am particularly interested in assisting individuals and families as they negotiate the inevitable developmental stages and transitions that are a part of every human life. I am a proactive therapist who works with clients in an interactive, goal- oriented and collaborative fashion.
(415) 789-3728 View (415) 789-3728
Photo of Brittany Olsen, MFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brittany Olsen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I also counsel couples in all phases of the relationship - from pre-marital counseling to relational challenges to the uncoupling process.
I am a seasoned licensed psychotherapist practicing for over 15 years in downtown San Francisco. I provide counseling and therapy for adult individuals, couples, and older adolescents with an expertise in mood disorders (anxiety, depression, OCD), relationships, and the general difficulties that one may experience from major and minor life transitions.
I also counsel couples in all phases of the relationship - from pre-marital counseling to relational challenges to the uncoupling process.
I am a seasoned licensed psychotherapist practicing for over 15 years in downtown San Francisco. I provide counseling and therapy for adult individuals, couples, and older adolescents with an expertise in mood disorders (anxiety, depression, OCD), relationships, and the general difficulties that one may experience from major and minor life transitions.
(415) 799-8100 View (415) 799-8100
Couples Counseling Therapists

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.