Photo of Paula Massengill, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Paula Massengill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
We all sometimes face a challenge in life that we just can't seem to resolve on our own. It might be a new chapter in your life that brings unexpected trials: adulthood, marriage, parenting, step-parenting, divorce, children leaving home, caring for your aging parents, the loss of a loved one, or facing your own mortality. It might be a conflict in a relationship with a loved one or in your professional life. Or it might be more of an internal struggle, whether recent or long-standing, that is giving rise to anxiety, depression, struggles with food or alcohol, or other self-defeating behaviors.
We all sometimes face a challenge in life that we just can't seem to resolve on our own. It might be a new chapter in your life that brings unexpected trials: adulthood, marriage, parenting, step-parenting, divorce, children leaving home, caring for your aging parents, the loss of a loved one, or facing your own mortality. It might be a conflict in a relationship with a loved one or in your professional life. Or it might be more of an internal struggle, whether recent or long-standing, that is giving rise to anxiety, depression, struggles with food or alcohol, or other self-defeating behaviors.
(510) 746-8555 View (510) 746-8555
Photo of Tayina Fenelus, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Tayina Fenelus
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
Axis Mundi would like to present Tayina Fenelus: Tayina is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and is supervised weekly by Natalie Webster, LMFT 126065. You might be dealing with life's challenges, just like we all are, and are on the lookout for a space where you can truly be yourself and see a face that looks like yours. What you need is connection, healing, and a place where you won't feel judged. Your goal isn't just to tackle immediate issues, it's to create a cozy spot for self-discovery and growth. You're not after your typical therapy—you want something deeper, a mix of everyday life and something more profound.
Axis Mundi would like to present Tayina Fenelus: Tayina is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and is supervised weekly by Natalie Webster, LMFT 126065. You might be dealing with life's challenges, just like we all are, and are on the lookout for a space where you can truly be yourself and see a face that looks like yours. What you need is connection, healing, and a place where you won't feel judged. Your goal isn't just to tackle immediate issues, it's to create a cozy spot for self-discovery and growth. You're not after your typical therapy—you want something deeper, a mix of everyday life and something more profound.
(510) 319-1427 View (510) 319-1427
Photo of Stefanie Schlief, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Stefanie Schlief
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
I am an associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in sex therapy, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I am currently accepting both couples and individuals at my practice. My work is non-judgmental, client focused, sex positive, open to those practicing ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, kink-positive, and welcomes humans of all shapes, sizes, colors, and backgrounds. I love to help people navigate through their relationships, both casual and serious, and offer support and care in making tough changes or realizations. Together we can explore shame, identity, and what scares or challenges us.
I am an associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in sex therapy, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I am currently accepting both couples and individuals at my practice. My work is non-judgmental, client focused, sex positive, open to those practicing ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, kink-positive, and welcomes humans of all shapes, sizes, colors, and backgrounds. I love to help people navigate through their relationships, both casual and serious, and offer support and care in making tough changes or realizations. Together we can explore shame, identity, and what scares or challenges us.
(510) 288-6085 View (510) 288-6085
Photo of Nicole Kat Laby, MFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Kat Laby
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
For the past 30 years I've helped people navigate through depression, anxiety, marital/spousal problems, issues with intimacy, significant life transitions, trauma, artists with difficulty producing work, LGBTQ communities, substance abuse, chemical dependencies, eating disorders and infertility.
Sometimes the belief that you will find the right therapist and get through difficulties feels so far away. Depression and anxiety can complicate your efforts to reach out and begin the process of telling your story. I am here to listen to your story and collaborate with you to get past hardships and make realistic and sustainable changes. I have an interactive style which helps to draw out the difficult parts and ground you in your pursuit of a more fulfilling life. Thank you for visiting and please let me know if you’d like to talk for a bit first in order to see if I could be of help. For more info please visit NicoleLaby.com
For the past 30 years I've helped people navigate through depression, anxiety, marital/spousal problems, issues with intimacy, significant life transitions, trauma, artists with difficulty producing work, LGBTQ communities, substance abuse, chemical dependencies, eating disorders and infertility.
Sometimes the belief that you will find the right therapist and get through difficulties feels so far away. Depression and anxiety can complicate your efforts to reach out and begin the process of telling your story. I am here to listen to your story and collaborate with you to get past hardships and make realistic and sustainable changes. I have an interactive style which helps to draw out the difficult parts and ground you in your pursuit of a more fulfilling life. Thank you for visiting and please let me know if you’d like to talk for a bit first in order to see if I could be of help. For more info please visit NicoleLaby.com
(628) 333-2198 View (628) 333-2198
Photo of undefined - Happy Heart Therapy, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Happy Heart Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Hello all, I am an African-American marriage and family therapist who provides services in the Bay Area & So. Cal. I specialize in somatic therapy modalities that work well with individuals or couples who have experienced any trauma whether acute or developmental. I also work with client's experiencing grief, depression, and relational issues. My clients' find me easy to talk to and non-judgmental, this coupled with my life experience, creates a safe environment for healing to happen.
Hello all, I am an African-American marriage and family therapist who provides services in the Bay Area & So. Cal. I specialize in somatic therapy modalities that work well with individuals or couples who have experienced any trauma whether acute or developmental. I also work with client's experiencing grief, depression, and relational issues. My clients' find me easy to talk to and non-judgmental, this coupled with my life experience, creates a safe environment for healing to happen.
(424) 354-2814 View (424) 354-2814
Photo of Lucia Grauman, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lucia Grauman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Awarded Oakland Magazine's "Best Therapist" 2018 & 2020, my specialties include: relationship issues (such as conflict resolution, dating, pre-marital counseling, divorce, blended families, infidelity); grief & loss; addiction, recovery & codependence; anxiety & depression. My approach is both warm and direct-- my clients experience me as accepting and empathic, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow and change. I am an integrative therapist, meaning I integrate more than one way/theory/model to view and treat psychological and/or relational concerns. See my website for education, experience and credentials.
Awarded Oakland Magazine's "Best Therapist" 2018 & 2020, my specialties include: relationship issues (such as conflict resolution, dating, pre-marital counseling, divorce, blended families, infidelity); grief & loss; addiction, recovery & codependence; anxiety & depression. My approach is both warm and direct-- my clients experience me as accepting and empathic, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow and change. I am an integrative therapist, meaning I integrate more than one way/theory/model to view and treat psychological and/or relational concerns. See my website for education, experience and credentials.
(415) 799-3799 View (415) 799-3799
Photo of Lucia Heye, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lucia Heye
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I strive to assist clients in reaching their emotional well-being by tapping into their inner strengths while building a strong sense of self and community.
I firmly believe that every client is entitled to an enriching life. My goal is to motivate clients in ascertaining their inner strengths, abilities, and inspirations. I have an extensive background in treating clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual abuse, unresolved childhood trauma, substance abuse, identity issues, along with several other life struggles. I provide short-term therapy, trauma-informed, solution-focused therapy, and addiction recovery.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I strive to assist clients in reaching their emotional well-being by tapping into their inner strengths while building a strong sense of self and community.
I firmly believe that every client is entitled to an enriching life. My goal is to motivate clients in ascertaining their inner strengths, abilities, and inspirations. I have an extensive background in treating clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual abuse, unresolved childhood trauma, substance abuse, identity issues, along with several other life struggles. I provide short-term therapy, trauma-informed, solution-focused therapy, and addiction recovery.
(510) 491-9805 View (510) 491-9805
Photo of Tricia Kim Walsh, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tricia Kim Walsh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel depleted from finding the "right fit" couples or individual therapist? Have you just entered into a new developmental life phase (relocation/college/graduation/job change/new relationship/engagement/marriage/separation, etc.). Or maybe your mood, anxiety, communication and/or relational problems have you so stuck, you can no longer can focus on what is most important in your life. I am an authentic and integrative therapist who is focused on helping you find your own solutions and voice. I specialize in work with individual adults, teens and families. Call or message me for a free 20 minute telephone consultation today.
Do you feel depleted from finding the "right fit" couples or individual therapist? Have you just entered into a new developmental life phase (relocation/college/graduation/job change/new relationship/engagement/marriage/separation, etc.). Or maybe your mood, anxiety, communication and/or relational problems have you so stuck, you can no longer can focus on what is most important in your life. I am an authentic and integrative therapist who is focused on helping you find your own solutions and voice. I specialize in work with individual adults, teens and families. Call or message me for a free 20 minute telephone consultation today.
(925) 392-0834 View (925) 392-0834
Photo of Elizabeth Preston, PhD, Psychologist
Elizabeth Preston
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94619
I treat relationship issues: marital conflict, parenting/step-parenting dilemmas, and life transition issues.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience treating children, adolescents, families and adults. I provide highly indiviudalized therapy to each and every client. I integrate techniques from several theoretical orientations, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, family systems theory, and psychodynamic theory, to formulate an indiviudalized treatment plan for each client. Within the session, I create a safe, compassionate and confidential setting for clients to address their core issues and to work out past and present difficulties.
I treat relationship issues: marital conflict, parenting/step-parenting dilemmas, and life transition issues.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience treating children, adolescents, families and adults. I provide highly indiviudalized therapy to each and every client. I integrate techniques from several theoretical orientations, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, family systems theory, and psychodynamic theory, to formulate an indiviudalized treatment plan for each client. Within the session, I create a safe, compassionate and confidential setting for clients to address their core issues and to work out past and present difficulties.
(510) 962-7931 View (510) 962-7931
Photo of Rachel Boyes, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Boyes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Hello, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist who supports my clients in discovering and achieving what they most want in life. As we begin to look more deeply at who we are, we can move toward a life that has increased balance and fulfillment. Many of us suffer in our relationships, careers and internal worlds due to a lack of awareness of the ways in which our past wounds impact current choices and ways of interacting with others. By taking a deeper look at these processes, problematic belief systems can begin to change.
Hello, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist who supports my clients in discovering and achieving what they most want in life. As we begin to look more deeply at who we are, we can move toward a life that has increased balance and fulfillment. Many of us suffer in our relationships, careers and internal worlds due to a lack of awareness of the ways in which our past wounds impact current choices and ways of interacting with others. By taking a deeper look at these processes, problematic belief systems can begin to change.
(510) 319-0136 View (510) 319-0136
Photo of Lindsay Conner, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lindsay Conner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have been working in this field since 2012, and I have expertise and experience treating depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, trauma, postpartum, marital issues including infidelity, and more. My clinical framework tends to be a Cognitive Behavioral approach as well as a solution focused approach. I believe that you are the driver of your life, and I am the passenger, providing direction, support and guidance.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have been working in this field since 2012, and I have expertise and experience treating depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, trauma, postpartum, marital issues including infidelity, and more. My clinical framework tends to be a Cognitive Behavioral approach as well as a solution focused approach. I believe that you are the driver of your life, and I am the passenger, providing direction, support and guidance.
(510) 851-8893 View (510) 851-8893
Photo of undefined - Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
We provide couples therapy (including pre-marital counseling), family therapy (both adult families and adult & child families), individual therapy, adolescent, child therapy and massage therapy.
Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates is a holistic and psychotherapy practice. You will find our practice to be a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our staff is well trained and effective proven strategies. We incorporate a multi ethnic as well as mind, body, and spiritual perspectives in addressing your concerns. We are committed to supporting you to recognize your dreams and living your life to the fullest. If you're feeling stuck or trapped in any way, we have expertise in assessing and helping you to identify what's contributing to you being stuck and offering coping strategies to help you becoming free.
We provide couples therapy (including pre-marital counseling), family therapy (both adult families and adult & child families), individual therapy, adolescent, child therapy and massage therapy.
Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates is a holistic and psychotherapy practice. You will find our practice to be a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our staff is well trained and effective proven strategies. We incorporate a multi ethnic as well as mind, body, and spiritual perspectives in addressing your concerns. We are committed to supporting you to recognize your dreams and living your life to the fullest. If you're feeling stuck or trapped in any way, we have expertise in assessing and helping you to identify what's contributing to you being stuck and offering coping strategies to help you becoming free.
(510) 808-6296 View (510) 808-6296
Photo of Jessica Knott, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica Knott
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Jessica Knott, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Client-Centered approaches. In sessions, my communication style is empathetic, supportive, and non-judgmental. I create a safe and open environment where clients feel heard and understood. Working with me is collaborative, focused on your unique needs, and aimed at fostering a sense of empowerment and positive change.
Jessica Knott, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Client-Centered approaches. In sessions, my communication style is empathetic, supportive, and non-judgmental. I create a safe and open environment where clients feel heard and understood. Working with me is collaborative, focused on your unique needs, and aimed at fostering a sense of empowerment and positive change.
(510) 345-0750 View (510) 345-0750
Photo of Mary Joye, LCPC
Mary Joye
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
Trauma, Anxiety, Codependency, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Couples and marriage counseling, Family counseling, Grief counseling , Highly sensitive person (empath), Personality disorders, Narcissistic abuse, Domestic violence recovery, Sexual abuse recovery, Career counseling, Divorce counseling, Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Hello, I'm Mary Joye, and I am here to help you listen to yourself from a new and nonjudgmental perspective. We will work together to make connections between the past and the present to help you enjoy a brighter and better future.
Trauma, Anxiety, Codependency, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Couples and marriage counseling, Family counseling, Grief counseling , Highly sensitive person (empath), Personality disorders, Narcissistic abuse, Domestic violence recovery, Sexual abuse recovery, Career counseling, Divorce counseling, Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Hello, I'm Mary Joye, and I am here to help you listen to yourself from a new and nonjudgmental perspective. We will work together to make connections between the past and the present to help you enjoy a brighter and better future.
(415) 993-3792 View (415) 993-3792
Photo of Michelle Grebe, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michelle Grebe
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94603
I'm dually licensed as a marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor.
Are you looking for a more joyous and purposeful life? I'm here to help! I believe you enter therapy already equipped for the transformation you seek.
I'm dually licensed as a marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor.
Are you looking for a more joyous and purposeful life? I'm here to help! I believe you enter therapy already equipped for the transformation you seek.
(341) 758-5197 View (341) 758-5197
Photo of Adriana Gonzalez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Adriana Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
Hi, I'm Adriana! My name is Adriana Gonzalez and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Riverside, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I am dedicated to serving adolescents and their families and specialize in treating anxiety, stress, and behavioral health disorders using solution-focused and family-centered treatment to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I work to help my clients navigate these transition periods and to build the necessary skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life.
Hi, I'm Adriana! My name is Adriana Gonzalez and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Riverside, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I am dedicated to serving adolescents and their families and specialize in treating anxiety, stress, and behavioral health disorders using solution-focused and family-centered treatment to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I work to help my clients navigate these transition periods and to build the necessary skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life.
(510) 680-2302 View (510) 680-2302
Photo of Christine Woods, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Christine Woods
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and I specialize in working with individuals/couples in recovery from sex addiction, pornography addiction, and/or love addiction. I support betrayed partners who are struggling to make sense of how best to move forward in the wake of traumatic discovery. In my work with couples impacted by sexual addiction, betrayal, or infidelity, I emphasize the relationship repair process through therapy sessions designed to provide immediate structure and tools. These sessions aim to facilitate authentic communication skills and rebuild trust and connection. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and I specialize in working with individuals/couples in recovery from sex addiction, pornography addiction, and/or love addiction. I support betrayed partners who are struggling to make sense of how best to move forward in the wake of traumatic discovery. In my work with couples impacted by sexual addiction, betrayal, or infidelity, I emphasize the relationship repair process through therapy sessions designed to provide immediate structure and tools. These sessions aim to facilitate authentic communication skills and rebuild trust and connection. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
(510) 892-5137 x17 View (510) 892-5137 x17
Photo of Cindi Rivera, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cindi Rivera
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602
Also offering Couples Therapy Intensives to create an oasis for your marriage where you can improve intimacy & communication, reconnect, deal with the discovery of an affair, stop repeating negative relational patterns onto your kids, reduce arguments or distancing, & make lasting change in 2 days, without months of couples therapy, and without interruption.
I am a bilingual bicultural psychotherapist working with adults and couples who are having problems in their relationships and/or who feel badly about themselves or their life situation. The in-depth work I do focuses on one's feelings and significant relationships - past and present. With compassion and deep personal respect, I help my clients to deal with the painful issues, losses and complex struggles of living. I work well with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting issues, inter-racial couples, life transitions, loss, and trauma; toward repairing the relationships that are inevitably affected by these problems.
Also offering Couples Therapy Intensives to create an oasis for your marriage where you can improve intimacy & communication, reconnect, deal with the discovery of an affair, stop repeating negative relational patterns onto your kids, reduce arguments or distancing, & make lasting change in 2 days, without months of couples therapy, and without interruption.
I am a bilingual bicultural psychotherapist working with adults and couples who are having problems in their relationships and/or who feel badly about themselves or their life situation. The in-depth work I do focuses on one's feelings and significant relationships - past and present. With compassion and deep personal respect, I help my clients to deal with the painful issues, losses and complex struggles of living. I work well with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting issues, inter-racial couples, life transitions, loss, and trauma; toward repairing the relationships that are inevitably affected by these problems.
(510) 470-7374 View (510) 470-7374
Photo of Marissza Cavin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marissza Cavin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I work with those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, and relational issues. I use a variety of approaches to build understanding of your inner dialogue, your values, and how to create more fulfillment in your life. While working with couples, I support building trust through assertion practice, role playing, shifting toward appreciation, and improving communication techniques especially when in conflict.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I work with those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, and relational issues. I use a variety of approaches to build understanding of your inner dialogue, your values, and how to create more fulfillment in your life. While working with couples, I support building trust through assertion practice, role playing, shifting toward appreciation, and improving communication techniques especially when in conflict.
(510) 480-3987 View (510) 480-3987
Photo of Alissa Benporat, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Alissa Benporat
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I believe that healing happens in relationship, and offer warmth and curiosity to help you explore and name the truth of your experience in order to heal from anxiety, relational trauma, and embrace life's challenges. I work with individuals & couples who want to improve boundaries and communication, create meaningful connection, and align their choices with their values. I support you through circumstances life throws at you - affairs, loss, aging, marriage, divorce, raising kids, job stress. I am keen to explore issues related to gender, culture, health, spirituality, sexuality, monogamy, polyamory, and psychedelic integration.
I believe that healing happens in relationship, and offer warmth and curiosity to help you explore and name the truth of your experience in order to heal from anxiety, relational trauma, and embrace life's challenges. I work with individuals & couples who want to improve boundaries and communication, create meaningful connection, and align their choices with their values. I support you through circumstances life throws at you - affairs, loss, aging, marriage, divorce, raising kids, job stress. I am keen to explore issues related to gender, culture, health, spirituality, sexuality, monogamy, polyamory, and psychedelic integration.
(510) 330-1145 View (510) 330-1145
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.