Couples Counseling Therapists in 07090

Photo of Lisa R Grossi, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa R Grossi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090
I provide individual, group and couples counseling.
I have been in private practice in Westfield since 1995 with an emphasis on adolescents and adults in need of help coping with life's stressors. These stressors include, but are certainly not limited to depression and anxiety, developmental issues,school anxiety and school refusal, women's issues, parenting difficulties and social issues to name a few. Women in particular often cope with a great deal of stress related to work, family,loss and from time to time, serious illness. These strains can become overwhelming and coping may become difficult and sometimes impossible to do alone.
I provide individual, group and couples counseling.
I have been in private practice in Westfield since 1995 with an emphasis on adolescents and adults in need of help coping with life's stressors. These stressors include, but are certainly not limited to depression and anxiety, developmental issues,school anxiety and school refusal, women's issues, parenting difficulties and social issues to name a few. Women in particular often cope with a great deal of stress related to work, family,loss and from time to time, serious illness. These strains can become overwhelming and coping may become difficult and sometimes impossible to do alone.
(908) 349-1047 View (908) 349-1047
Photo of Shams Elbedeiwy, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shams Elbedeiwy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090
My ideal client is a young adult under the age of 35 who may have difficulty with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, adjusting to new circumstances, stress, family strain, relationship issues, and cultural stress.
My ideal client is a young adult under the age of 35 who may have difficulty with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, adjusting to new circumstances, stress, family strain, relationship issues, and cultural stress.
(908) 504-7835 View (908) 504-7835
Photo of Michele L. Cole, LCSW, NJ, NY, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michele L. Cole
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, NJ, NY
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090
I offer individual, couples and family therapy as well as support groups for prospective and current parents.
Welcome. I specialize in the treatment of a variety of family issues. I treat children and teens struggling with emotional and/or behavioral issues and parents coping with these challenges, infertility and family-building through assisted reproduction or adoption and grief counseling for miscarriage and pregnancy loss. I offer a safe and supportive space to explore the many and often difficult choices and feelings associated with family building options such as IVF, donor sperm/egg, gestational carrier and adoption. I can help you manage the stress inherent in the process and help you work through couples and parenting issues.
I offer individual, couples and family therapy as well as support groups for prospective and current parents.
Welcome. I specialize in the treatment of a variety of family issues. I treat children and teens struggling with emotional and/or behavioral issues and parents coping with these challenges, infertility and family-building through assisted reproduction or adoption and grief counseling for miscarriage and pregnancy loss. I offer a safe and supportive space to explore the many and often difficult choices and feelings associated with family building options such as IVF, donor sperm/egg, gestational carrier and adoption. I can help you manage the stress inherent in the process and help you work through couples and parenting issues.
(908) 867-0127 View (908) 867-0127
Photo of Niya Bush, MS, LAC, NCC, Counselor
Niya Bush
Counselor, MS, LAC, NCC
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090
I look forward to collaboratively working with you and would be honored to be a partner on your path toward change.
My ideal client would be a high-functioning, motivated individual eager to attain self-understanding and self-awareness and willing to explore underlying schemas that impact thought and behavior. This client would be open to discussing and working through 'false-self' states and their relationship to early life experiences. This process would lead the client to the expression and development of 'true self 'experiences and enhanced authenticity. Their issues may be anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, poor confidence, and low self-efficacy due to distorted thinking within the core belief system and identity.
I look forward to collaboratively working with you and would be honored to be a partner on your path toward change.
My ideal client would be a high-functioning, motivated individual eager to attain self-understanding and self-awareness and willing to explore underlying schemas that impact thought and behavior. This client would be open to discussing and working through 'false-self' states and their relationship to early life experiences. This process would lead the client to the expression and development of 'true self 'experiences and enhanced authenticity. Their issues may be anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, poor confidence, and low self-efficacy due to distorted thinking within the core belief system and identity.
(908) 829-6153 View (908) 829-6153
Photo of Michael Peral, LSW
Michael Peral
Licensed Social Worker , LSW
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090
Finding the right therapist can be quite stressful and exhausting. I’m dedicated to making my clients feel comfortable and understood from the start. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults from a variety of backgrounds to overcome many difficulties such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, relationship issues, and complex trauma. I see every potential client as unique with their own strengths and life story.
Finding the right therapist can be quite stressful and exhausting. I’m dedicated to making my clients feel comfortable and understood from the start. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults from a variety of backgrounds to overcome many difficulties such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, relationship issues, and complex trauma. I see every potential client as unique with their own strengths and life story.
(908) 652-9788 View (908) 652-9788
Photo of Kevin Wittenberg - Kevin Wittenberg, Psychologist and Psychoanalyst, PhD, Psychologist
Kevin Wittenberg, Psychologist and Psychoanalyst
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090  (Online Only)
I especially pay attention to the relationship that develops over time between myself and clients as it can often provide a very rich growth experience.
Our capacity to connect, both with ourselves (i.e. our passions, feelings, and body) and with others, is crucial to our feelings of well-being. When we connect, we generally feel a sense of aliveness in ourselves and the world. When we can't connect, we feel anxious, isolated, empty, or depressed. I feel my job is to help clients to more fully connect to the range of their experiences. I help adults, adolescents, and couples explore why they lose connection. I help them identify, understand, and overcome the deep root of their disconnection. I help them find well-being, which gives me great joy.
I especially pay attention to the relationship that develops over time between myself and clients as it can often provide a very rich growth experience.
Our capacity to connect, both with ourselves (i.e. our passions, feelings, and body) and with others, is crucial to our feelings of well-being. When we connect, we generally feel a sense of aliveness in ourselves and the world. When we can't connect, we feel anxious, isolated, empty, or depressed. I feel my job is to help clients to more fully connect to the range of their experiences. I help adults, adolescents, and couples explore why they lose connection. I help them identify, understand, and overcome the deep root of their disconnection. I help them find well-being, which gives me great joy.
(908) 829-6698 View (908) 829-6698
Photo of Carol Hyman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carol Hyman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Westfield, NJ 07090  (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck in a relationship or job? Are you having difficulty making a decision in your life? Are you coping with a loss or unresolved trauma? Are you struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression or another mood disorder? Do you find it difficult to cope with stress in your life? For the past 19 years, as a clinician and supervisor, I have worked collaboratively with numerous clients to identify and resolve similar issues among others, enabling them to achieve their goals, maximize their potential, and lead more satisfying, joyful lives.
Do you feel stuck in a relationship or job? Are you having difficulty making a decision in your life? Are you coping with a loss or unresolved trauma? Are you struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression or another mood disorder? Do you find it difficult to cope with stress in your life? For the past 19 years, as a clinician and supervisor, I have worked collaboratively with numerous clients to identify and resolve similar issues among others, enabling them to achieve their goals, maximize their potential, and lead more satisfying, joyful lives.
(908) 379-3863 View (908) 379-3863
Photo of Nixzaliz Rojas Pridgen - StrongHearts Counseling, Nixzaliz Rojas Pridgen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
StrongHearts Counseling, Nixzaliz Rojas Pridgen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westfield, NJ 07090
If your passionate vision of a relationship has faded into feeling more like roommates in a daily routine, I'm here to create a safe and open space to reignite that.
You’ve been together for so long, yet lately it feels like you're drifting apart. The once familiar warmth and comfort have been replaced by an unsettling feeling of being strangers in your own home. Conversations that used to flow effortlessly now feel strained. The vibrant and passionate connection has faded, leaving you feeling disconnected and alone. Have you fallen into a monotonous routine, a cycle of rejection and emotional distance, and your communication has suffered? Do you want to feel that love and closeness you once had, and repair what you've lost to build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship together?
If your passionate vision of a relationship has faded into feeling more like roommates in a daily routine, I'm here to create a safe and open space to reignite that.
You’ve been together for so long, yet lately it feels like you're drifting apart. The once familiar warmth and comfort have been replaced by an unsettling feeling of being strangers in your own home. Conversations that used to flow effortlessly now feel strained. The vibrant and passionate connection has faded, leaving you feeling disconnected and alone. Have you fallen into a monotonous routine, a cycle of rejection and emotional distance, and your communication has suffered? Do you want to feel that love and closeness you once had, and repair what you've lost to build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship together?
(908) 867-9186 View (908) 867-9186
Photo of Mary Giovinazzo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Giovinazzo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090
I have an interactive approach involving nonjudgmental listening and insightful feedback. I specialize in depressive, anxiety, trauma and stress disorders, as well as couples and family therapy. I work with adolescents (12-17), young and middle aged adults and seniors. I have clinical training and experience in CBT, DBT, psychodynamic and trauma-informed therapy; mindfulness training; bereavement, grief and loss; and families in transition. I utilize the Gottman Method for couples and help clients manage conflict, deepen friendship and intimacy, and develop tools to work through fights, prevent escalation and avoid relapse.
I have an interactive approach involving nonjudgmental listening and insightful feedback. I specialize in depressive, anxiety, trauma and stress disorders, as well as couples and family therapy. I work with adolescents (12-17), young and middle aged adults and seniors. I have clinical training and experience in CBT, DBT, psychodynamic and trauma-informed therapy; mindfulness training; bereavement, grief and loss; and families in transition. I utilize the Gottman Method for couples and help clients manage conflict, deepen friendship and intimacy, and develop tools to work through fights, prevent escalation and avoid relapse.
(908) 913-6195 View (908) 913-6195
Photo of Richard Smith, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Richard Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090
He has worked with adults, individuals, groups and couples and continues to provide psychotherapy with approaches including but not limited to Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Richard is licensed by the State of New Jersey as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and is a National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC). Richard has over eight years of experience working with a wide range of adults and families in the mental health field settings at the Outpatient, Intensive Outpatient, Residential, Intensive In-Community Settings. Richard has experience with various issues, including Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Grief, Stress, Substance Abuse, Peer Relationships, Anger Management, Men’s Issues, and Domestic Violence.
He has worked with adults, individuals, groups and couples and continues to provide psychotherapy with approaches including but not limited to Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Richard is licensed by the State of New Jersey as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and is a National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC). Richard has over eight years of experience working with a wide range of adults and families in the mental health field settings at the Outpatient, Intensive Outpatient, Residential, Intensive In-Community Settings. Richard has experience with various issues, including Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Grief, Stress, Substance Abuse, Peer Relationships, Anger Management, Men’s Issues, and Domestic Violence.
(908) 258-6462 View (908) 258-6462
Photo of David A Helfgott - Insight Psychological Group, PsyD, Psychologist
Insight Psychological Group
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westfield, NJ 07090
Couples and families are treated with a systems approach that aims to first identify and then adjust maladaptive patterns of communication and interaction.
Depression, anxiety and problems in relationships often cause deep anguish and pain - just getting by each day is tough. We often struggle alone believing things will never get better. Friends and family urge us to just get over it, but sometimes that makes it feel worse. You need someone to talk to. In the safety and privacy of our offices, you will have your therapist's unwavering attention, devoted to helping you untangle the mess that exists in your life. Together, we will help you change what you thought was unchangeable but also accept what you thought was unacceptable.
Couples and families are treated with a systems approach that aims to first identify and then adjust maladaptive patterns of communication and interaction.
Depression, anxiety and problems in relationships often cause deep anguish and pain - just getting by each day is tough. We often struggle alone believing things will never get better. Friends and family urge us to just get over it, but sometimes that makes it feel worse. You need someone to talk to. In the safety and privacy of our offices, you will have your therapist's unwavering attention, devoted to helping you untangle the mess that exists in your life. Together, we will help you change what you thought was unchangeable but also accept what you thought was unacceptable.
(908) 349-1114 View (908) 349-1114
Photo of Karen Altman Steinfield, PsyD, Psychologist
Karen Altman Steinfield
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090
Beginning therapy can be a difficult process, and selecting the “right” therapist is an important and positive first step. In a safe and supportive environment, I bring 30-plus years of experience and ongoing training in cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, parenting and family therapies. I work in a highly effective results-oriented manner with children (4 years and older), adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, developmental disorders, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges and performance-related stress in the workplace, classroom or home.
Beginning therapy can be a difficult process, and selecting the “right” therapist is an important and positive first step. In a safe and supportive environment, I bring 30-plus years of experience and ongoing training in cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, parenting and family therapies. I work in a highly effective results-oriented manner with children (4 years and older), adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, developmental disorders, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges and performance-related stress in the workplace, classroom or home.
(908) 768-3942 View (908) 768-3942
Photo of Christopher Bober, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christopher Bober
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westfield, NJ 07090
I work with teenagers in addition to adult individuals and couples.
To teens and adults experiencing loneliness, anxiety, or distress from a relationship or loss, I work with you. If you keep getting bothered by unsettling thoughts or memories, I work with you too. I also work with new parents. I build trust and wellbeing, and I offer comfort, security, and space - all while you clarify what you want for yourself, or while you look to me for help. Through our work together, we will come away with a deeper understanding of you and your goals, and I expect you will feel more hopeful, more understood, and more optimistic than you were when you walked in.
I work with teenagers in addition to adult individuals and couples.
To teens and adults experiencing loneliness, anxiety, or distress from a relationship or loss, I work with you. If you keep getting bothered by unsettling thoughts or memories, I work with you too. I also work with new parents. I build trust and wellbeing, and I offer comfort, security, and space - all while you clarify what you want for yourself, or while you look to me for help. Through our work together, we will come away with a deeper understanding of you and your goals, and I expect you will feel more hopeful, more understood, and more optimistic than you were when you walked in.
(908) 913-7986 View (908) 913-7986
Photo of Kara Lea Fleming, MA, LPC, SAC, CPT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kara Lea Fleming
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SAC, CPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westfield, NJ 07090
I am passionate about helping people feel good about themselves and giving them the necessary tools to lead a happier, more fulfilling life. Through empathic listening, focusing on strengths, and facilitating behavior change, we will develop a plan to help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, and poor self-esteem, can worsen over time, and have a dramatic effect on your emotional wellness and physical health. These emotional experiences can impact our ability to achieve the goals of change we have set for ourselves.
I am passionate about helping people feel good about themselves and giving them the necessary tools to lead a happier, more fulfilling life. Through empathic listening, focusing on strengths, and facilitating behavior change, we will develop a plan to help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, and poor self-esteem, can worsen over time, and have a dramatic effect on your emotional wellness and physical health. These emotional experiences can impact our ability to achieve the goals of change we have set for ourselves.
(908) 503-5667 View (908) 503-5667
Photo of Allison Brooke Kanarek, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Allison Brooke Kanarek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090
I believe that one of the most important aspects of therapy is establishing a working therapeutic relationship with my clients.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience who graduated from New York University. My areas of expertise include working with children, adolescents, and families on a variety of issues, including: depression, anxiety, family conflicts/relational issues, as well as many other life stressors. I truly enjoy working with my clients, and want to help them to feel better about themselves and achieve their goals.
I believe that one of the most important aspects of therapy is establishing a working therapeutic relationship with my clients.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience who graduated from New York University. My areas of expertise include working with children, adolescents, and families on a variety of issues, including: depression, anxiety, family conflicts/relational issues, as well as many other life stressors. I truly enjoy working with my clients, and want to help them to feel better about themselves and achieve their goals.
(917) 818-1974 View (917) 818-1974
Photo of Steven Becker, MSW, LCSW, CHT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Steven Becker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CHT
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090
Although I practice traditional psychotherapy and enjoy doing couples therapy, I also offer life coaching.
I view good emotional and psychological health as boiling down to one word: perspective. With good perspective, we feel better; when we "lose perspective," we feel less well. With good perspective, we discover that our vulnerability and insecurities don't make us (or others) "weak." We accept that feeling insecure, confused, lost, scared and uncertain makes us human, not deficient. We can learn to embrace our vulnerability without shame, while addressing what impedes us from pursuing meaningful connections and goals.
Although I practice traditional psychotherapy and enjoy doing couples therapy, I also offer life coaching.
I view good emotional and psychological health as boiling down to one word: perspective. With good perspective, we feel better; when we "lose perspective," we feel less well. With good perspective, we discover that our vulnerability and insecurities don't make us (or others) "weak." We accept that feeling insecure, confused, lost, scared and uncertain makes us human, not deficient. We can learn to embrace our vulnerability without shame, while addressing what impedes us from pursuing meaningful connections and goals.
(908) 977-6206 View (908) 977-6206
Photo of Philip Christopher Morse - Philip C Morse, PhD, PhD, Psychologist
Philip C Morse, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, and supervise at The William Alanson White Institute. I work intensively with individuals, couples, families, and groups. For the past 25 years I have specialized in mindfulness and health psychology.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, and supervise at The William Alanson White Institute. I work intensively with individuals, couples, families, and groups. For the past 25 years I have specialized in mindfulness and health psychology.
(908) 293-7506 View (908) 293-7506
Photo of Melissa Seifer Cohen, LCSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Seifer Cohen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westfield, NJ 07090
In addition to my private practice, I have created The Relationship Roadmap, an innovative coaching program to help couples strengthen their relationship as they navigate the journey of parenthood together.
I believe that psychotherapy and coaching are gifts you give yourself. For the past 25 years, I have helped countless competent, well-educated people whose lives, while "good on paper," are unsatisfying. They feel empty despite successes and have difficulties maintaining healthy relationships with loved ones. My clients feel stuck in their lives and want to make productive changes. I help them examine the ways they repeat the patterns which only lead us to disappointment. I can help you identify these roadblocks to happiness and guide you to create the life you want and deserve.
In addition to my private practice, I have created The Relationship Roadmap, an innovative coaching program to help couples strengthen their relationship as they navigate the journey of parenthood together.
I believe that psychotherapy and coaching are gifts you give yourself. For the past 25 years, I have helped countless competent, well-educated people whose lives, while "good on paper," are unsatisfying. They feel empty despite successes and have difficulties maintaining healthy relationships with loved ones. My clients feel stuck in their lives and want to make productive changes. I help them examine the ways they repeat the patterns which only lead us to disappointment. I can help you identify these roadblocks to happiness and guide you to create the life you want and deserve.
(908) 442-8943 View (908) 442-8943
Photo of Chelsea L Sharkey, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chelsea L Sharkey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westfield, NJ 07090
We need two things when engaging in therapy: trust and respect. In order to create a positive therapeutic relationship, we need to feel connected with our therapist and be provided with a safe space to explore our inner world. Honoring and respecting those two factors are the most important interventions that can be used. Whether seeking improvements in behavior, increased emotion regulation, managing anxiety or depression, or seeking to understand past experiences; we will talk, we will play, we will laugh, we will grow- that goes for little ones, teens and grown ups.
We need two things when engaging in therapy: trust and respect. In order to create a positive therapeutic relationship, we need to feel connected with our therapist and be provided with a safe space to explore our inner world. Honoring and respecting those two factors are the most important interventions that can be used. Whether seeking improvements in behavior, increased emotion regulation, managing anxiety or depression, or seeking to understand past experiences; we will talk, we will play, we will laugh, we will grow- that goes for little ones, teens and grown ups.
Photo of Zoe Childs, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Zoe Childs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090
I strive to build a strong relationship with my clients to empower them to overcome obstacles and live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
My ideal client is someone motivated to improve their life & well-being. They would be open to exploring various therapeutic techniques and strategies to better help them understand their issues, whether it be communication, relationships, anxiety, or depression. My clients will want to cultivate skills to help them navigate their challenges and take more control over their lives. Additionally, my clients will value a therapist who provides support and a nonjudgmental environment but also challenges them.
I strive to build a strong relationship with my clients to empower them to overcome obstacles and live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
My ideal client is someone motivated to improve their life & well-being. They would be open to exploring various therapeutic techniques and strategies to better help them understand their issues, whether it be communication, relationships, anxiety, or depression. My clients will want to cultivate skills to help them navigate their challenges and take more control over their lives. Additionally, my clients will value a therapist who provides support and a nonjudgmental environment but also challenges them.
(908) 212-9922 View (908) 212-9922
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.