Photo of Barclay Buss, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Barclay Buss
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vallejo, CA 94590  (Online Only)
It takes a strong person to realize when they have exhausted their own resources and need help. I applaud that courage and treat all clients with dignity and respect. I have known since age 14 that I wanted to be a therapist. I got my Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling in 1992 and have been licensed since 1999. I am passionate about providing professional therapy services and feel blessed that I get to do this everyday. 12 Step Friendly!
It takes a strong person to realize when they have exhausted their own resources and need help. I applaud that courage and treat all clients with dignity and respect. I have known since age 14 that I wanted to be a therapist. I got my Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling in 1992 and have been licensed since 1999. I am passionate about providing professional therapy services and feel blessed that I get to do this everyday. 12 Step Friendly!
(628) 259-8653 View (628) 259-8653
Photo of undefined - Gail Gall, MA, LMFT, BSN, RN, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gail Gall
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, BSN, RN
Verified Verified
Vacaville, CA 95688
Anger, Rage, Intense emotions can affect you and the people around you. When your anger turns to constant irritability and you start to 'act out' in unhealthy ways, it's time to get support. When ones sadness or loss becomes deeper and darker it could be depression. Most of these emotions are felt with such intensity that it's overwhelming. Sex and Porn Addiction along with Partner Trauma Betrayal is going to feel very intense and working with someone who has additional expertise in this area is going to be so important for your healing. Couples work with me because they feel safe and supported.
Anger, Rage, Intense emotions can affect you and the people around you. When your anger turns to constant irritability and you start to 'act out' in unhealthy ways, it's time to get support. When ones sadness or loss becomes deeper and darker it could be depression. Most of these emotions are felt with such intensity that it's overwhelming. Sex and Porn Addiction along with Partner Trauma Betrayal is going to feel very intense and working with someone who has additional expertise in this area is going to be so important for your healing. Couples work with me because they feel safe and supported.
(707) 785-4038 View (707) 785-4038
Photo of Vincenza Jamie Baldino, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Vincenza Jamie Baldino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Vallejo, CA 94590  (Online Only)
My work is guided by the tenet, Life is Relationship. If we can trust our stories to a therapist, that therapeutic relationship can transform us. Self-acceptance, and calm return. I listen compassionately to others to understand what is inhibiting their motivation and self-confidence. I consider lifestyle practices, relationships, use of substances; healthy and unhealthy habits, and one's sense of belonging. My clients and I together identify what helps them change. Some practices and tools I use to guide my work are: talk therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness and stress management practices derived from Yogic philosophy and practices.
My work is guided by the tenet, Life is Relationship. If we can trust our stories to a therapist, that therapeutic relationship can transform us. Self-acceptance, and calm return. I listen compassionately to others to understand what is inhibiting their motivation and self-confidence. I consider lifestyle practices, relationships, use of substances; healthy and unhealthy habits, and one's sense of belonging. My clients and I together identify what helps them change. Some practices and tools I use to guide my work are: talk therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness and stress management practices derived from Yogic philosophy and practices.
(510) 279-4427 View (510) 279-4427
Photo of Debra Milinsky, MSW, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Debra Milinsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Vallejo, CA 94589
Every journey.. your first thought to call a therapist when you need to talk to someone, begins with a single step. When anxiety, depression, stress, personal, family, work relationship problems lead you to reach out, I will listen and help you find the best way through. Experienced licensed psychotherapist, 40+ years in general psychotherapy practice, I provide a safe place to talk, explore, resolve, heal what is challenging or troubling. I bring compassion, perceptiveness combined with patience, curiosity and many years of knowledge and skill to our collaboration to help you find effective solutions and make better life choices.
Every journey.. your first thought to call a therapist when you need to talk to someone, begins with a single step. When anxiety, depression, stress, personal, family, work relationship problems lead you to reach out, I will listen and help you find the best way through. Experienced licensed psychotherapist, 40+ years in general psychotherapy practice, I provide a safe place to talk, explore, resolve, heal what is challenging or troubling. I bring compassion, perceptiveness combined with patience, curiosity and many years of knowledge and skill to our collaboration to help you find effective solutions and make better life choices.
(510) 761-5931 View (510) 761-5931
Photo of undefined - Davis Affordable Professional Counseling, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Davis Affordable Professional Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Dixon, CA 95620
Specialties: Couples counseling, Christian counseling, individual challenges, and parenting challenges. I have been in the mental health field since 2001. I help individuals and couples experiencing: feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, or depression; a sense of sadness or hopelessness; infidelity, feeling overwhelmed or stressed; difficulty with motivation; or concerns about relationships with friends, family. Including: co-dependency; adolescent behaviors and problems; communication skills; or, even just feeling that something is wrong and not being able to define it.
Specialties: Couples counseling, Christian counseling, individual challenges, and parenting challenges. I have been in the mental health field since 2001. I help individuals and couples experiencing: feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, or depression; a sense of sadness or hopelessness; infidelity, feeling overwhelmed or stressed; difficulty with motivation; or concerns about relationships with friends, family. Including: co-dependency; adolescent behaviors and problems; communication skills; or, even just feeling that something is wrong and not being able to define it.
(530) 848-1561 View (530) 848-1561
Photo of Diane Harnish, MS, PhD, Psychologist
Diane Harnish
Psychologist, MS, PhD
Verified Verified
Vacaville, CA 95687  (Online Only)
I now offer a limited number of sessions in person in my Novato office; most sessions are via telehealth. Either way, we will explore your issues via talk and somatic work. I will help you gain insight as to how your character style inhibits healthy coping. COVID isolation is a good time to do your inner work and liberate your true Self as you envision moving forward. Please call for a 1/2 hour consultation to discuss how I work and see if we are a good fit!
I now offer a limited number of sessions in person in my Novato office; most sessions are via telehealth. Either way, we will explore your issues via talk and somatic work. I will help you gain insight as to how your character style inhibits healthy coping. COVID isolation is a good time to do your inner work and liberate your true Self as you envision moving forward. Please call for a 1/2 hour consultation to discuss how I work and see if we are a good fit!
(415) 944-3110 View (415) 944-3110
Photo of Debi Deutsch-Rios, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debi Deutsch-Rios
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Fairfield, CA 94533
Therapy is effective when individuals, couples, and families can be seen in the environment where they feel most comfortable. I provide high quality and individualized therapy at an affordable cost in a safe environment, either by video, phone, in person, or home visits if required. I have over 30 years of experience and have specialized training in couples and family therapy as well adults with trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. I have practiced as a therapist in the US, Europe and Asia. Together, we will work together to achieve your personalized highlighting your strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.
Therapy is effective when individuals, couples, and families can be seen in the environment where they feel most comfortable. I provide high quality and individualized therapy at an affordable cost in a safe environment, either by video, phone, in person, or home visits if required. I have over 30 years of experience and have specialized training in couples and family therapy as well adults with trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. I have practiced as a therapist in the US, Europe and Asia. Together, we will work together to achieve your personalized highlighting your strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.
(925) 378-4769 View (925) 378-4769
Photo of Loveta Smith Head, LMFT, CCPT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Loveta Smith Head
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCPT
Verified Verified
Vallejo, CA 94590  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Areas of emphasis include PTSD, Grief and Loss, ADHD, Chronic Pain, Relationships, Conflict Resolution, Life Transitions, Personality Disorders, Sexual Abuse, Divorce, Elderly Parent Caregiver Support, Pre- Marital Counseling.
I provide therapy in a comfortable and welcoming space to help develop insight, stability and hope for the future. Whether, you are dealing with a challenging situation, a sudden life transition, a recent crisis or past trauma, it can be worked through in a safe and patient environment. I have over 30 years of experience in working with children, individuals and families. I am an EMDR trained therapist and licensed in the States of California and Nevada. You may be new to therapy, but it can be life changing!
Areas of emphasis include PTSD, Grief and Loss, ADHD, Chronic Pain, Relationships, Conflict Resolution, Life Transitions, Personality Disorders, Sexual Abuse, Divorce, Elderly Parent Caregiver Support, Pre- Marital Counseling.
I provide therapy in a comfortable and welcoming space to help develop insight, stability and hope for the future. Whether, you are dealing with a challenging situation, a sudden life transition, a recent crisis or past trauma, it can be worked through in a safe and patient environment. I have over 30 years of experience in working with children, individuals and families. I am an EMDR trained therapist and licensed in the States of California and Nevada. You may be new to therapy, but it can be life changing!
(510) 755-9662 View (510) 755-9662

Online Therapists

Photo of undefined - Gaslighting; Narcissist Abuse; Toxic Bonding, MSW, LCSW, CPD-TS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gaslighting; Narcissist Abuse; Toxic Bonding
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CPD-TS
Verified Verified
Roseville, CA 95678  (Online Only)
Inner pain can be an opportunity for deep learning & growing bc it serves to expose the real issues that have gone unresolved within yourself and in your relationship/marriage for way too long.
GASLIGHTING; NARCISSIST ABUSE; CODEPENDENCY; TOXIC ATTACHMENT; HI-CONFLICT RELATIONSHIP: Gaslighting is a form of psychological/emotional abuse where the abuser manipulates situations repeatedly to trick the victim into doubting his/her own memory, perception & sanity. You're accused of doing something that you know you didn't do or say. Often belittled, demeaned, and raged upon. You walk on eggshells & constantly need to watch what you say for fear your partner might blow up. You often feel confused & now distrust yourself; have trouble making decisions & feel like you lost yourself or don't know the person you used to be.
Inner pain can be an opportunity for deep learning & growing bc it serves to expose the real issues that have gone unresolved within yourself and in your relationship/marriage for way too long.
GASLIGHTING; NARCISSIST ABUSE; CODEPENDENCY; TOXIC ATTACHMENT; HI-CONFLICT RELATIONSHIP: Gaslighting is a form of psychological/emotional abuse where the abuser manipulates situations repeatedly to trick the victim into doubting his/her own memory, perception & sanity. You're accused of doing something that you know you didn't do or say. Often belittled, demeaned, and raged upon. You walk on eggshells & constantly need to watch what you say for fear your partner might blow up. You often feel confused & now distrust yourself; have trouble making decisions & feel like you lost yourself or don't know the person you used to be.
(424) 397-1831 View (424) 397-1831
Photo of Regina Isabel K'burg, PsyD, Psychologist
Regina Isabel K'burg
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Elk Grove, CA 95624
In addition to being a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she is also a Licensed Clinical Psychology, and is the Executive Director at Hope for Healthy Families Counseling Center, the founder of The Center for Integrative Healing.
As a therapist, Isabel is proactive, transparent, and honest. Currently, she is working towards certification in sex therapy and has completed her certification as a sex addiction therapist. She utilizes an integrative approach tailored to individual client’s needs. Her reflective therapeutic style emphasizes the unique strengths of individuals and their ability to create change. In Isabel’s career, she has experience working in inpatient, forensic, school based, and community outpatient settings. Isabel’s work also includes the supervision and training of MA and doctorate level clinicians. She is a CAMFT certified supervisor.
In addition to being a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she is also a Licensed Clinical Psychology, and is the Executive Director at Hope for Healthy Families Counseling Center, the founder of The Center for Integrative Healing.
As a therapist, Isabel is proactive, transparent, and honest. Currently, she is working towards certification in sex therapy and has completed her certification as a sex addiction therapist. She utilizes an integrative approach tailored to individual client’s needs. Her reflective therapeutic style emphasizes the unique strengths of individuals and their ability to create change. In Isabel’s career, she has experience working in inpatient, forensic, school based, and community outpatient settings. Isabel’s work also includes the supervision and training of MA and doctorate level clinicians. She is a CAMFT certified supervisor.
(916) 435-6087 View (916) 435-6087
Photo of Allison Konefal, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Allison Konefal
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Modesto, CA 95350
Is your marriage struggling and hanging on by a thread? Do you find yourself trying to work through your marriage struggles but it continuously leaves you feeling frustrated or hopeless? Are you trying to leave an abusive relationship and need someone to guide you through the process of leaving? I am a Christian based therapist that dedicates my life to helping couples work through their marital difficulties through the help of biblical principles. There is no need to struggle in silence! I am here to guide and support you through this journey! I am currently accepting new clients in person.
Is your marriage struggling and hanging on by a thread? Do you find yourself trying to work through your marriage struggles but it continuously leaves you feeling frustrated or hopeless? Are you trying to leave an abusive relationship and need someone to guide you through the process of leaving? I am a Christian based therapist that dedicates my life to helping couples work through their marital difficulties through the help of biblical principles. There is no need to struggle in silence! I am here to guide and support you through this journey! I am currently accepting new clients in person.
(209) 497-5760 View (209) 497-5760
Photo of Diane DuBois, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Diane DuBois
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Sonoma, CA 95476
Stressed? Unhappy? Do you need help as a couple, or in a relationship? Even if you are unsure about counseling you may be surprised by how comfortable it can be. If you'd like to do therapy with someone who not only listens, but will make suggestions at times and work collaboratively with you, please contact me. If you want easier, more satisfying and loving relationships, I am here to help. Are you unhappy in your relationship? Do you need help with your marriage? I specialize in working with couples.
Stressed? Unhappy? Do you need help as a couple, or in a relationship? Even if you are unsure about counseling you may be surprised by how comfortable it can be. If you'd like to do therapy with someone who not only listens, but will make suggestions at times and work collaboratively with you, please contact me. If you want easier, more satisfying and loving relationships, I am here to help. Are you unhappy in your relationship? Do you need help with your marriage? I specialize in working with couples.
(415) 938-3862 x707934 View (415) 938-3862 x707934
Photo of undefined - Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld PHD, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Ayelet Hirshfeld PHD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032
In my practice I cognize that choosing a psychologist & treatment modality can be difficult and confusing & that suffering experienced in relation to burnout, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, developmental difficulties, marital distress, parenting, illness, & other experiences can result in debilitating distress. I also have served as a founder of companies including Tech & understand the incredible toll & joy startup life takes. I specialize in psychotherapy for children, adults, couples & families; trauma, burnout & secondary stress; psychoanalysis; consultation to clinicians, teachers, executives & institutions.
In my practice I cognize that choosing a psychologist & treatment modality can be difficult and confusing & that suffering experienced in relation to burnout, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, developmental difficulties, marital distress, parenting, illness, & other experiences can result in debilitating distress. I also have served as a founder of companies including Tech & understand the incredible toll & joy startup life takes. I specialize in psychotherapy for children, adults, couples & families; trauma, burnout & secondary stress; psychoanalysis; consultation to clinicians, teachers, executives & institutions.
(408) 637-7869 View (408) 637-7869
Photo of undefined - Mary Ellen Lemieux, JD, LCSW, JD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Ellen Lemieux, JD, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Palo Alto, CA 94301
I enjoy working with adults and families who desire change, but aren't sure how to make it happen. For some, it means a change in relationship dynamics or parenting style. For others, it means collaborating on complicated life issues, such as difficult teenagers, substance abuse, or co-parenting. If you are looking to leave a long marriage, I can help you navigate that process. I also enjoy working with individuals in their 20's and 30's trying to figure out this thing called adulting. I split my time between Steamboat Springs,CO and northern California, and am licensed to see clients in California, Colorado and Utah.
I enjoy working with adults and families who desire change, but aren't sure how to make it happen. For some, it means a change in relationship dynamics or parenting style. For others, it means collaborating on complicated life issues, such as difficult teenagers, substance abuse, or co-parenting. If you are looking to leave a long marriage, I can help you navigate that process. I also enjoy working with individuals in their 20's and 30's trying to figure out this thing called adulting. I split my time between Steamboat Springs,CO and northern California, and am licensed to see clients in California, Colorado and Utah.
(650) 346-7698 View (650) 346-7698
Photo of Holly Naus, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Holly Naus
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lodi, CA 95240
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist and passionate about helping others, regardless of their background, gender, race, sexuality, or religion. ”I am passionate about bringing awareness to mental health and help individuals and their families to understand why people act and behave in certain ways". As a Therapist and Health Education Instructor, it is important for you to be in an environment where you feel safe without judgement, and can heal by understanding and recognizing your strengths and problem solving challenges.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist and passionate about helping others, regardless of their background, gender, race, sexuality, or religion. ”I am passionate about bringing awareness to mental health and help individuals and their families to understand why people act and behave in certain ways". As a Therapist and Health Education Instructor, it is important for you to be in an environment where you feel safe without judgement, and can heal by understanding and recognizing your strengths and problem solving challenges.
(209) 885-8158 View (209) 885-8158
Photo of undefined - Ashley Baca (Deep Wellness Center), AMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Ashley Baca (Deep Wellness Center)
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Modesto, CA 95356
Hello! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping individuals learn lifelong skills to better their mental health. I believe in a strength-based approach and want to empower my clients to know they have the tools to be their best selves. I am experienced in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship distress, parenting issues, behavioral issues in children, low self-esteem/self-worth, grief/loss, and general dissatisfaction with life.
Hello! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping individuals learn lifelong skills to better their mental health. I believe in a strength-based approach and want to empower my clients to know they have the tools to be their best selves. I am experienced in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship distress, parenting issues, behavioral issues in children, low self-esteem/self-worth, grief/loss, and general dissatisfaction with life.
(209) 219-3936 View (209) 219-3936
Photo of Beatrice Chorinsky, MA, PsyD, Psychologist
Beatrice Chorinsky
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Mill Valley, CA 94941
My specialities include: Anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic disorder and PTSD, mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, impulsivity, early trauma and abuse, marital problems and relationship issues, parenting issues, divorce and co-parenting, grief and loss, as well as identity and self image issues.
I am a licensed psychologist providing individual, couple and family therapy for a wide range of difficulties. My style is warm, compassionate, personable and directed. I take a collaborative, strengths-based approach that emphasizes acceptance of the self in finding one’s own way forward. I not only assist my clients to explore and resolve issues from the past but help them to develop practical and creative solutions to life problems. I employ treatment modalities such as EMDR, DBT and CBT along with an attachment based foundation as important tools in assisting my clients to realize a fuller life experience.
My specialities include: Anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic disorder and PTSD, mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, impulsivity, early trauma and abuse, marital problems and relationship issues, parenting issues, divorce and co-parenting, grief and loss, as well as identity and self image issues.
I am a licensed psychologist providing individual, couple and family therapy for a wide range of difficulties. My style is warm, compassionate, personable and directed. I take a collaborative, strengths-based approach that emphasizes acceptance of the self in finding one’s own way forward. I not only assist my clients to explore and resolve issues from the past but help them to develop practical and creative solutions to life problems. I employ treatment modalities such as EMDR, DBT and CBT along with an attachment based foundation as important tools in assisting my clients to realize a fuller life experience.
(415) 650-4958 View (415) 650-4958
Photo of Candice Simpson-Lentz, MBA, MPsych, PA, Psychological Associate
Candice Simpson-Lentz
Psychological Associate, MBA, MPsych, PA
Verified Verified
Gold River, CA 95670  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Candice, and I am a supervised therapist. I pride myself on empowering people to become their best in life. Suppose you are an adult facing challenging life issues, marital problems or complex past traumas. Maybe you are a minor having a hard time adjusting to life due to divorce, mental illness, or low self-esteem, or an older adult dealing with a change of life. I will highlight your strengths to equip you to deal with whatever life throws at you.
Hello, my name is Candice, and I am a supervised therapist. I pride myself on empowering people to become their best in life. Suppose you are an adult facing challenging life issues, marital problems or complex past traumas. Maybe you are a minor having a hard time adjusting to life due to divorce, mental illness, or low self-esteem, or an older adult dealing with a change of life. I will highlight your strengths to equip you to deal with whatever life throws at you.
(916) 237-1402 View (916) 237-1402
Photo of Gretchen Kishbaugh, PhD, Psychologist
Gretchen Kishbaugh
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Petaluma, CA 94952
I'm a licensed psychologist as well as a licensed marriage & family therapist and have been in practice in Sonoma and Marin Counties for over twenty years.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing individual, couples, and family therapy, play therapy, and parenting consultation. If you're looking for a safe and supportive place in which to explore your concerns, I offer careful listening and collaborative engagement in the service of working toward your goals. People seek psychotherapy for many reasons. Some want help with specific problems such as depression, relationship conflict, or concern about a child. Others feel stuck in problematic patterns that cause emotional distress, interfere with their ability to connect with others, or hinder their ability to find fulfillment in life.
I'm a licensed psychologist as well as a licensed marriage & family therapist and have been in practice in Sonoma and Marin Counties for over twenty years.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, providing individual, couples, and family therapy, play therapy, and parenting consultation. If you're looking for a safe and supportive place in which to explore your concerns, I offer careful listening and collaborative engagement in the service of working toward your goals. People seek psychotherapy for many reasons. Some want help with specific problems such as depression, relationship conflict, or concern about a child. Others feel stuck in problematic patterns that cause emotional distress, interfere with their ability to connect with others, or hinder their ability to find fulfillment in life.
(707) 518-6142 View (707) 518-6142
Photo of Jane Yi, PhD, Psychologist
Jane Yi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience in working with couples, adults and adolescents for a variety of issues including marital and relationship problems, anxiety, depression, career change, chronic illness, post traumatic stress disorder, grief, stress, and phase of life transitions.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in San Francisco. I work with couples and individuals. I have been seeing clients for over a decade and deeply enjoy working with each of my unique patients. I provide a safe and nurturing environment to foster greater insight, understanding and resilience in order to enhance ones life both professionally and personally.
I have extensive experience in working with couples, adults and adolescents for a variety of issues including marital and relationship problems, anxiety, depression, career change, chronic illness, post traumatic stress disorder, grief, stress, and phase of life transitions.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in San Francisco. I work with couples and individuals. I have been seeing clients for over a decade and deeply enjoy working with each of my unique patients. I provide a safe and nurturing environment to foster greater insight, understanding and resilience in order to enhance ones life both professionally and personally.
(415) 630-2207 View (415) 630-2207

See more therapy options for Solano County

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.