Photo of Teri Pokrajac, PsyD, MA, Psychologist
Teri Pokrajac
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I have extensive experience with relationship difficulties and provide couples and family therapy.
A compassionate, exceptionally skilled and caring psychologist with over 20 years of experience. I am focused on helping you deal with life's challenges. I work with clients seeking to improve their lives and assist them in healing from current and past trauma and stress, finding better tools to address problems, and improve your overall life satisfaction. An expert in the field of trauma and dissociative disorders including sexual trauma & abuse, traumatic accident or injury, difficult or abusive relationships, divorce and parent-child issues. I am an engaging therapist who listens, provides useful input, and meets you where you are.
I have extensive experience with relationship difficulties and provide couples and family therapy.
A compassionate, exceptionally skilled and caring psychologist with over 20 years of experience. I am focused on helping you deal with life's challenges. I work with clients seeking to improve their lives and assist them in healing from current and past trauma and stress, finding better tools to address problems, and improve your overall life satisfaction. An expert in the field of trauma and dissociative disorders including sexual trauma & abuse, traumatic accident or injury, difficult or abusive relationships, divorce and parent-child issues. I am an engaging therapist who listens, provides useful input, and meets you where you are.
(949) 287-8074 x2 View (949) 287-8074 x2
Photo of Olga Olivia Grant, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Olga Olivia Grant
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660  (Online Only)
I genuinely care about each of my clients, whether those who I am seeing for years, and those who are coming for my couples intensive.
I am a trauma-informed couple counselor, who provides couple therapy for the residents of California. Whether you are going through your happiest time and need pre-marital counseling, or through the most stressful time in your life thinking about divorce, I am here for you to provide a safe-space with evidence-based techniques to support you and your family. For couples, my practice is built with the belief that the authentic relationship in your life nurture and inspire purpose in our lives. I am trained in EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), and enjoy working with various types of relationships matters.
I genuinely care about each of my clients, whether those who I am seeing for years, and those who are coming for my couples intensive.
I am a trauma-informed couple counselor, who provides couple therapy for the residents of California. Whether you are going through your happiest time and need pre-marital counseling, or through the most stressful time in your life thinking about divorce, I am here for you to provide a safe-space with evidence-based techniques to support you and your family. For couples, my practice is built with the belief that the authentic relationship in your life nurture and inspire purpose in our lives. I am trained in EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), and enjoy working with various types of relationships matters.
(949) 799-1244 View (949) 799-1244
Photo of Courtney Collier - Courtney Collier, MA LMFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Courtney Collier, MA LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Within the frame of a safe, contemplative environment a therapeutic relationship can help in exploring deep life concerns and assist you in developing a greater sense of personal satisfaction in many areas of your life. As a therapist, I attempt to create a supportive setting where my clients explore a wide range of issues-emotional, interpersonal, psychological, spiritual, as well as exploring practical relationship tools for couples.
Within the frame of a safe, contemplative environment a therapeutic relationship can help in exploring deep life concerns and assist you in developing a greater sense of personal satisfaction in many areas of your life. As a therapist, I attempt to create a supportive setting where my clients explore a wide range of issues-emotional, interpersonal, psychological, spiritual, as well as exploring practical relationship tools for couples.
(628) 600-3418 View (628) 600-3418
Photo of Ipek Aykol, MS, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ipek Aykol
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I specialize in treating trauma (PTSD), mood disorders, drug and alcohol addiction relationship issues, family issues, life-transition problems in addition to supporting the loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction.
Are you waking up every day and realizing that your life is not where you want it to be? Are you feeling stuck in certain areas of your life and not able to find a solution? I am able to help you by providing you a safe environment where you can express yourself without feeling judged or criticized.  I have been helping people find peace, calm, and hope in their lives. 
I specialize in treating trauma (PTSD), mood disorders, drug and alcohol addiction relationship issues, family issues, life-transition problems in addition to supporting the loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction.
Are you waking up every day and realizing that your life is not where you want it to be? Are you feeling stuck in certain areas of your life and not able to find a solution? I am able to help you by providing you a safe environment where you can express yourself without feeling judged or criticized.  I have been helping people find peace, calm, and hope in their lives. 
(562) 275-3206 View (562) 275-3206
Photo of Jeanne Michele, PhD
Jeanne Michele
PhD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Relationship work is a collaborative and transformative process.
Are you and your partner struggling to communicate effectively? Feeling disconnected or stuck in a repetitive cycle? Have you found yourself facing a period of personal or relational uncertainty? Maybe you are facing a crisis like infidelity, midlife uncertainties, or career changes or perhaps wondering what's next. If you find yourself feeling discontent in life and/or love, it would be my honor to help you find your way back to yourself and those you love. You can't heal what you don't talk about, but figuring out the best ways to communicate can be challenging, particularly when your communication styles differ.
Relationship work is a collaborative and transformative process.
Are you and your partner struggling to communicate effectively? Feeling disconnected or stuck in a repetitive cycle? Have you found yourself facing a period of personal or relational uncertainty? Maybe you are facing a crisis like infidelity, midlife uncertainties, or career changes or perhaps wondering what's next. If you find yourself feeling discontent in life and/or love, it would be my honor to help you find your way back to yourself and those you love. You can't heal what you don't talk about, but figuring out the best ways to communicate can be challenging, particularly when your communication styles differ.
(949) 531-7680 View (949) 531-7680
Photo of Relationship Therapist Lisa Casey, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Relationship Therapist Lisa Casey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Are you struggling to get what you want in your relationship with your significant other, partner, family member, co-worker, or friend? For most of us, connecting with others is the most important aspect in life. My therapeutic goal is to help loved ones develop the skills and capacity to think relationally instead of individually. I provide education and new strategies for relating and communicating, so you can have deeper connection with both yourself and others.. I help you see your pattern, help you understand where it came from, and teach you REAL skills so that your relationship can be more honest, loving, and fulfilling.
Are you struggling to get what you want in your relationship with your significant other, partner, family member, co-worker, or friend? For most of us, connecting with others is the most important aspect in life. My therapeutic goal is to help loved ones develop the skills and capacity to think relationally instead of individually. I provide education and new strategies for relating and communicating, so you can have deeper connection with both yourself and others.. I help you see your pattern, help you understand where it came from, and teach you REAL skills so that your relationship can be more honest, loving, and fulfilling.
(949) 844-6559 View (949) 844-6559
Photo of Ann Kirlin - Dr Ann Kirlin, PsyD- ETT (Color/Light Therapy), PsyD, MA, MPC, Psychologist
Dr Ann Kirlin, PsyD- ETT (Color/Light Therapy)
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, MPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Establishing a solid therapeutic relationship includes safety, confidentiality, respect, validation, support, patience,hope and a clear focus of therapy goals. I am interactive and collaborative in therapy sessions, helping individuals explore unhelpful coping strategies, heal attachment disorders, & explore the psychodynamics of what is really causing trouble below the surface. I employ both experimental and empirically validated methods that have been developed from the studies of the neurobiology of attachment, trauma, consciousness and mindfulness, as well as complementary traditions of mind-body healing. Partnering with my patients in the transformational process produces resilency that is needed for substantial change.
Establishing a solid therapeutic relationship includes safety, confidentiality, respect, validation, support, patience,hope and a clear focus of therapy goals. I am interactive and collaborative in therapy sessions, helping individuals explore unhelpful coping strategies, heal attachment disorders, & explore the psychodynamics of what is really causing trouble below the surface. I employ both experimental and empirically validated methods that have been developed from the studies of the neurobiology of attachment, trauma, consciousness and mindfulness, as well as complementary traditions of mind-body healing. Partnering with my patients in the transformational process produces resilency that is needed for substantial change.
(714) 594-5203 View (714) 594-5203
Photo of Megan Montague - Burney Therapy Group, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Burney Therapy Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Whether you're seeking individual therapy, family therapy, or couples therapy, Megan can provide you with the support and comprehensive care you need in order to achieve your goals.
Megan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in working with all eating disorders, body image struggles, depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, chemical dependency, LGBTQ concerns, domestic violence, and identity/self-esteem struggles. She enjoys working with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. She has worked at various levels of care—from residential to outpatient treatment. In session, Megan has a warm, caring, non-judgmental, explorative, and honest approach. She utilizes CBT, DBT, ACT and various other evidence-based practices, tailoring each intervention to suit your unique needs.
Whether you're seeking individual therapy, family therapy, or couples therapy, Megan can provide you with the support and comprehensive care you need in order to achieve your goals.
Megan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in working with all eating disorders, body image struggles, depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, chemical dependency, LGBTQ concerns, domestic violence, and identity/self-esteem struggles. She enjoys working with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. She has worked at various levels of care—from residential to outpatient treatment. In session, Megan has a warm, caring, non-judgmental, explorative, and honest approach. She utilizes CBT, DBT, ACT and various other evidence-based practices, tailoring each intervention to suit your unique needs.
(562) 554-4048 View (562) 554-4048
Photo of Cindy May, PhD, Psychologist
Cindy May
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
May specializes in the evaluation and treatment of adolescents, adults and couples experiencing emotional, behavioral, and relationship difficulties.
Dr. May has over 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist, researcher, educator, and supervisor in the field of mental health. She has had the privilege of training at UCLA with leading experts in the field of psychiatry and psychology and conducted clinical research at the UCLA Medical Center for several years. Dr. May has helped countless adolescents, adults, families, and couples overcome their personal obstacles to live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.
May specializes in the evaluation and treatment of adolescents, adults and couples experiencing emotional, behavioral, and relationship difficulties.
Dr. May has over 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist, researcher, educator, and supervisor in the field of mental health. She has had the privilege of training at UCLA with leading experts in the field of psychiatry and psychology and conducted clinical research at the UCLA Medical Center for several years. Dr. May has helped countless adolescents, adults, families, and couples overcome their personal obstacles to live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.
(949) 531-7247 View (949) 531-7247
Photo of Barbara Allen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Barbara Allen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I have over twenty years of experience working with couples, individuals and adolescents. Psychotherapy is a process of changing your thoughts, feelings and behaviors to lead you towards a life worth living. I use a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) informed approach as well as mindfulness techniques to help you change how you behave in your relationships. If you are ready to break your unwanted patterns then I am here to help.
I have over twenty years of experience working with couples, individuals and adolescents. Psychotherapy is a process of changing your thoughts, feelings and behaviors to lead you towards a life worth living. I use a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) informed approach as well as mindfulness techniques to help you change how you behave in your relationships. If you are ready to break your unwanted patterns then I am here to help.
(562) 454-0203 View (562) 454-0203
Photo of Golshid 'Goldie' Fadakar, MS, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Golshid 'Goldie' Fadakar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660  (Online Only)
As a therapist, I believe the therapeutic relationship is one of the fundamental factors in the process.
Welcome! My passion lies in working with individuals desiring to achieve more independence for themselves, working through uncomfortable feelings, establishing better boundaries, improving relationships, and increasing self-esteem and self-worth. Ask yourself the following, what areas in your life are you avoiding? Where are you feeling stuck? It takes courage to seek help and desire to work through your issues. Through therapy, we can address how your struggles are impacting you. We will work on ways to help you feel safe, empowered, and to have the skills to manage stressors.
As a therapist, I believe the therapeutic relationship is one of the fundamental factors in the process.
Welcome! My passion lies in working with individuals desiring to achieve more independence for themselves, working through uncomfortable feelings, establishing better boundaries, improving relationships, and increasing self-esteem and self-worth. Ask yourself the following, what areas in your life are you avoiding? Where are you feeling stuck? It takes courage to seek help and desire to work through your issues. Through therapy, we can address how your struggles are impacting you. We will work on ways to help you feel safe, empowered, and to have the skills to manage stressors.
(949) 229-1043 View (949) 229-1043
Photo of Lesa S Vander Bie, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lesa S Vander Bie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
The benefit of working together is having a supportive relationship in which to feel understood, deepen your insights, make healthy changes and relationships.
I provide a collaborative, safe space for my clients to feel heard and supported as we work through overwhelming feeling states and life challenges. I have a great deal of experience helping individuals deal with mental health such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, grief, loss, illness and life transitions. Young adults often need support with anxiety, self-worth, relationships and becoming equipped to achieve life goals. I help couples feel understood, resolve conflicts, and re-ignite intimacy. I offer personal therapy to masters level Psychology students (Vanguard University, Brandman/Chapman, Concordia).
The benefit of working together is having a supportive relationship in which to feel understood, deepen your insights, make healthy changes and relationships.
I provide a collaborative, safe space for my clients to feel heard and supported as we work through overwhelming feeling states and life challenges. I have a great deal of experience helping individuals deal with mental health such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, grief, loss, illness and life transitions. Young adults often need support with anxiety, self-worth, relationships and becoming equipped to achieve life goals. I help couples feel understood, resolve conflicts, and re-ignite intimacy. I offer personal therapy to masters level Psychology students (Vanguard University, Brandman/Chapman, Concordia).
(949) 288-8972 View (949) 288-8972
Photo of Niva Berman, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Niva Berman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Feeling overwhelmed or looking for a change? You're not alone, and seeking help is a courageous first step. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I partner with individuals, couples, and families, providing empathetic and personalized support as they navigate life's challenges. My holistic approach is tailored to each person’s unique experiences and aspirations, empowering them to discover their strengths and transform their relationships.
Feeling overwhelmed or looking for a change? You're not alone, and seeking help is a courageous first step. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I partner with individuals, couples, and families, providing empathetic and personalized support as they navigate life's challenges. My holistic approach is tailored to each person’s unique experiences and aspirations, empowering them to discover their strengths and transform their relationships.
(949) 676-5812 View (949) 676-5812
Photo of Dr. Taryn Neal, BA , MA, EdD, Psychologist
Dr. Taryn Neal
Psychologist, BA , MA, EdD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
My specialties are with stress related issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship issues and conflict, PTSD, and substance abuse issues.
I believe therapy is a process of self-discovery and achieving a fulfilling lifestyle. When our lives are out of balance, it impacts our relationships and health. Therapy can restore that balance. You will receive individualized therapy with integrative treatment approaches to help you, improve your relationships, and your surroundings. I believe every person can meet their fullest potential through awareness, insight, making necessary changes, healing and growth. I provide a safe, comfortable, and trusting environment to explore your thoughts and feelings. Together we can heal your past, live in the present and plan your future.
My specialties are with stress related issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship issues and conflict, PTSD, and substance abuse issues.
I believe therapy is a process of self-discovery and achieving a fulfilling lifestyle. When our lives are out of balance, it impacts our relationships and health. Therapy can restore that balance. You will receive individualized therapy with integrative treatment approaches to help you, improve your relationships, and your surroundings. I believe every person can meet their fullest potential through awareness, insight, making necessary changes, healing and growth. I provide a safe, comfortable, and trusting environment to explore your thoughts and feelings. Together we can heal your past, live in the present and plan your future.
(425) 321-5383 View (425) 321-5383
Photo of Denise Bonner, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Denise Bonner
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Welcome my name is Denise Bonner, I am licensed therapist, working with individuals and couples for over 20 years. My purpose and intention is to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients within a framework of non judgement and complete acceptance. This enables my clients to feel safe and comfortable to reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings.
Welcome my name is Denise Bonner, I am licensed therapist, working with individuals and couples for over 20 years. My purpose and intention is to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients within a framework of non judgement and complete acceptance. This enables my clients to feel safe and comfortable to reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings.
(949) 682-3581 View (949) 682-3581
Photo of Monica Garcia, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Monica Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Relationships surround us - we are all in relationship with others and with ourselves. At times these relationships can be overwhelming; impacted by the tangible and intangible parts of living. Contact me, it's my honor to enter the sacred space that feels tender, unknown, disorganized, overwhelmed, and at times, even hopeless. My hope is to host a space where clients are freely able to share and explore their complexities in their unique experiences, values, and hopes.
Relationships surround us - we are all in relationship with others and with ourselves. At times these relationships can be overwhelming; impacted by the tangible and intangible parts of living. Contact me, it's my honor to enter the sacred space that feels tender, unknown, disorganized, overwhelmed, and at times, even hopeless. My hope is to host a space where clients are freely able to share and explore their complexities in their unique experiences, values, and hopes.
(714) 942-2743 View (714) 942-2743
Photo of Samira Vafadar, PsyD, Psychologist
Samira Vafadar
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
My training includes children, teenagers, adults, elderly, couples in the areas of chronic pain, addictions, depression, anxiety & cultural/ethnic.
Would you like a full assessment including psychological testing? Perhaps for ADHD? Is stress or anxiety impacting your sleep, work, health & your relationships? Perhaps you're wondering if it's ever going to get better. You may fear that you are "going crazy." You've tried to do it on your own with different coping skills but it does not seem to work. You are not alone! Anxiety and depression is a brain disease and it is quite common, but there is hope! There are many successful and evidence-based ways I can help you experience a sense of peace and get back to doing the things you want to do!
My training includes children, teenagers, adults, elderly, couples in the areas of chronic pain, addictions, depression, anxiety & cultural/ethnic.
Would you like a full assessment including psychological testing? Perhaps for ADHD? Is stress or anxiety impacting your sleep, work, health & your relationships? Perhaps you're wondering if it's ever going to get better. You may fear that you are "going crazy." You've tried to do it on your own with different coping skills but it does not seem to work. You are not alone! Anxiety and depression is a brain disease and it is quite common, but there is hope! There are many successful and evidence-based ways I can help you experience a sense of peace and get back to doing the things you want to do!
(949) 835-4916 View (949) 835-4916
Photo of Yulia Stepanova, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Yulia Stepanova
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Using a client centered approach, I facilitate the growth, flexibility, and resilience for families, couples, and adults.
I provide in person and online therapeutic services to individuals throughout the lifespan. I have over a decade of experience working with individuals experiencing symptoms associated with depression, generalized and social anxiety, stress, grief and loss, self-esteem concerns, difficulties with life and social skills, life changes, re-discovering self, postpartum and peripartum depression, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar depression, borderline personality disorder, obsessive compulsive personality disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Using a client centered approach, I facilitate the growth, flexibility, and resilience for families, couples, and adults.
I provide in person and online therapeutic services to individuals throughout the lifespan. I have over a decade of experience working with individuals experiencing symptoms associated with depression, generalized and social anxiety, stress, grief and loss, self-esteem concerns, difficulties with life and social skills, life changes, re-discovering self, postpartum and peripartum depression, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar depression, borderline personality disorder, obsessive compulsive personality disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
(714) 485-6222 View (714) 485-6222
Photo of Maria Darcy, PhD, Psychologist
Maria Darcy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
My particular strengths are working with: Depression, Anxiety, Relationship and Intimacy Issues, LGBT issues, Trauma, Family Dynamics, Sexual Concerns, Sexual Dysfunction.
Hello, I'm Dr. Maria Darcy, Licensed Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist. I have recently relocated my practice to Newport Beach and Irvine California. I have worked with individuals and couples in the United States and Europe for the past 15+ years. My therapeutic approach is integrative with a strong emphasis on relational factors. Ultimately I tailor my approach to each individual client and their situation. I incorporate a multicultural understanding into my approach by paying attention to social and cultural factors (e.g., gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation etc.) that impact individuals' experiences and their choices.
My particular strengths are working with: Depression, Anxiety, Relationship and Intimacy Issues, LGBT issues, Trauma, Family Dynamics, Sexual Concerns, Sexual Dysfunction.
Hello, I'm Dr. Maria Darcy, Licensed Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist. I have recently relocated my practice to Newport Beach and Irvine California. I have worked with individuals and couples in the United States and Europe for the past 15+ years. My therapeutic approach is integrative with a strong emphasis on relational factors. Ultimately I tailor my approach to each individual client and their situation. I incorporate a multicultural understanding into my approach by paying attention to social and cultural factors (e.g., gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation etc.) that impact individuals' experiences and their choices.
(949) 424-8972 View (949) 424-8972
Photo of Emily Winslow, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Emily Winslow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I know that choosing to enter therapy is a difficult decision. Sometimes it's the result of painful life events. Other times it arises out of a growing sense of unhappiness individually or in a relationship. Whatever the cause, I am committed to making your first steps as comfortable as possible because your ability to be yourself is essential to the process. So that you know to expect, the process begins by setting up an initial appointment. There we'll discuss what brings you to therapy. Together we'll discern if we have the possibility of a good therapeutic relationship.
I know that choosing to enter therapy is a difficult decision. Sometimes it's the result of painful life events. Other times it arises out of a growing sense of unhappiness individually or in a relationship. Whatever the cause, I am committed to making your first steps as comfortable as possible because your ability to be yourself is essential to the process. So that you know to expect, the process begins by setting up an initial appointment. There we'll discuss what brings you to therapy. Together we'll discern if we have the possibility of a good therapeutic relationship.
(949) 416-2297 View (949) 416-2297

See more therapy options for Newport Beach

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.