Photo of Angela W Yeung, Psychologist in 10011, NY
Angela W Yeung
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
New York, NY 10011  (Online Only)
In my practice, I strive to create a safe and comfortable environment where a trusting therapeutic relationship can be built. This has been, in my 18+ years of experience, the most effective way to ensure we can do meaningful work to achieve your goals. In this therapy journey, I hope to support and challenge you along the way, working collaboratively to help you live a more fulfilling life. Through my gentle guidance, clients are encouraged to be more open and introspective by identifying goals, becoming more aware of their maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, and empowering them to work towards their needs and wants.
In my practice, I strive to create a safe and comfortable environment where a trusting therapeutic relationship can be built. This has been, in my 18+ years of experience, the most effective way to ensure we can do meaningful work to achieve your goals. In this therapy journey, I hope to support and challenge you along the way, working collaboratively to help you live a more fulfilling life. Through my gentle guidance, clients are encouraged to be more open and introspective by identifying goals, becoming more aware of their maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, and empowering them to work towards their needs and wants.
(646) 392-8176 View (646) 392-8176
Photo of Clorinda Bulfamante, Psychologist in 10011, NY
Clorinda Bulfamante
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
Within therapy, I am committed to developing a strong therapeutic relationship by creating a space that feels warm and supportive.
I am a clinical psychologist providing therapy and assessment services in Scarsdale and Greenwich. I treat various conditions, such as depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, social anxiety, and school/work issues. I also focus on life transitions, whether that be a recent move, transition from college, changes in family dynamics, or changes in significant relationships. Furthermore, I have extensive experience in conducting psychological assessments. Therapeutically, I focus on developing teens and adults, where as I provide assessments for all ages.
Within therapy, I am committed to developing a strong therapeutic relationship by creating a space that feels warm and supportive.
I am a clinical psychologist providing therapy and assessment services in Scarsdale and Greenwich. I treat various conditions, such as depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, social anxiety, and school/work issues. I also focus on life transitions, whether that be a recent move, transition from college, changes in family dynamics, or changes in significant relationships. Furthermore, I have extensive experience in conducting psychological assessments. Therapeutically, I focus on developing teens and adults, where as I provide assessments for all ages.
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Photo of Sandra Lugo Psychotherapy Services, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 10011, NY
Sandra Lugo Psychotherapy Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, MS, DCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10011
An essential feature of this approach is the development of a unique and trusting relationship between client and therapist.
Therapy shouldn't be an expensive luxury. I accept many commercial in-network insurances. More than ever, with the recovery from a pandemic, inflation, and lifestyle changes, there is an increase in anxiety, depressed mood, social fears and worry about the future and unknowns. Therefore, therapy is more of a necessity for many of us.
An essential feature of this approach is the development of a unique and trusting relationship between client and therapist.
Therapy shouldn't be an expensive luxury. I accept many commercial in-network insurances. More than ever, with the recovery from a pandemic, inflation, and lifestyle changes, there is an increase in anxiety, depressed mood, social fears and worry about the future and unknowns. Therefore, therapy is more of a necessity for many of us.
(718) 831-6567 View (718) 831-6567
Photo of Charity Eisenbach, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 10011, NY
Charity Eisenbach
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011  (Online Only)
My experience includes completing post-graduate training at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, 5 years experience working with individuals and families struggling with eating disorders, and current training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples.
We all have an idea of the life we want, joyful, meaningful, fulfilling and with healthy and loving relationships. Trying to create this life can be challenging and I believe that therapy can be a place where you feel safe to share your challenges, without worry or fear. My approach is collaborative, non judgmental, and patient. Together we will work together to explore what is getting in the way of you achieving the life you would like to have. In doing so, we will have opportunities to discuss your relation to self, others, work, and social justice issues.
My experience includes completing post-graduate training at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, 5 years experience working with individuals and families struggling with eating disorders, and current training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples.
We all have an idea of the life we want, joyful, meaningful, fulfilling and with healthy and loving relationships. Trying to create this life can be challenging and I believe that therapy can be a place where you feel safe to share your challenges, without worry or fear. My approach is collaborative, non judgmental, and patient. Together we will work together to explore what is getting in the way of you achieving the life you would like to have. In doing so, we will have opportunities to discuss your relation to self, others, work, and social justice issues.
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Photo of Dr. Fredrika Stjärne, Licensed Psychoanalyst in 10011, NY
Dr. Fredrika Stjärne
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PsyaD, LP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
I work with addiction, trauma, creative blocks, relationship issues and anxieties related to cultural dislocation.
Psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a unique practice of listening to the unconscious undertones of life: what one wants, and what gets in the way of achieve it. As a tool to understand what our bodies and minds are communicating through anxiety, addiction and repetitive patterns, talk therapy can build links and bring to the foreground what has been kept hidden or secret. By understanding the function and survival mechanism of our defenses, and by connecting free-associative speech to our desires, we are given a new choice as to what we want to hold on to, and what we can let go of.
I work with addiction, trauma, creative blocks, relationship issues and anxieties related to cultural dislocation.
Psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a unique practice of listening to the unconscious undertones of life: what one wants, and what gets in the way of achieve it. As a tool to understand what our bodies and minds are communicating through anxiety, addiction and repetitive patterns, talk therapy can build links and bring to the foreground what has been kept hidden or secret. By understanding the function and survival mechanism of our defenses, and by connecting free-associative speech to our desires, we are given a new choice as to what we want to hold on to, and what we can let go of.
(917) 688-4475 View (917) 688-4475
Photo of Marzieh Hadavi, Licensed Psychoanalyst in 10011, NY
Marzieh Hadavi
Licensed Psychoanalyst, LPsyA, LMSW, Faculty
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
I have worked on resolving relationship conflicts, eating disorders, infertility issues, adoption concerns, and on anxiety, insomnia, depression, and traumatic stresses.
I believe that we seek treatment when we feel dissatisfied in our relationships, careers, or with ourselves. We might not be aware that our emotional conflicts block us from achieving what we want. Change and flourishing of creativity can occur when the analyst creates an accepting and safe environment for expression and exploration of all dimensions of our experiences. I am an experienced analyst with over twenty years of practice working with children, adolescents, adults and couples in Manhattan and Great Neck.
I have worked on resolving relationship conflicts, eating disorders, infertility issues, adoption concerns, and on anxiety, insomnia, depression, and traumatic stresses.
I believe that we seek treatment when we feel dissatisfied in our relationships, careers, or with ourselves. We might not be aware that our emotional conflicts block us from achieving what we want. Change and flourishing of creativity can occur when the analyst creates an accepting and safe environment for expression and exploration of all dimensions of our experiences. I am an experienced analyst with over twenty years of practice working with children, adolescents, adults and couples in Manhattan and Great Neck.
(516) 690-6980 View (516) 690-6980
Photo of Josh Dodes, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 10011, NY
Josh Dodes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
New York, NY 10011  (Online Only)
I am very experienced in working with adults struggling with relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, loss, low self-esteem, addiction and a wide range of other concerns.
Deciding to begin psychotherapy is one of the kindest and most important choices you can make for yourself. It can be a turning point in your life, but it can also feel scary to talk to someone you don't know well. I work with individuals and couples, providing a warm, safe, confidential environment where I will listen carefully and where we will work together to understand and resolve the issues you are struggling with--both in terms of how they affect your current life and in terms of how they became issues in the first place.
I am very experienced in working with adults struggling with relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, loss, low self-esteem, addiction and a wide range of other concerns.
Deciding to begin psychotherapy is one of the kindest and most important choices you can make for yourself. It can be a turning point in your life, but it can also feel scary to talk to someone you don't know well. I work with individuals and couples, providing a warm, safe, confidential environment where I will listen carefully and where we will work together to understand and resolve the issues you are struggling with--both in terms of how they affect your current life and in terms of how they became issues in the first place.
(646) 495-9705 View (646) 495-9705
Photo of Danielle H Davis, Counselor in 10011, NY
Danielle H Davis
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011  (Online Only)
As your therapist I can provide couples and families with guidance to help navigate through their challenges and improve their relationships.
Clients struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and managing life stressors often have complex and unique needs. Their goals could involve learning coping skills and developing a better understanding of their underlying issues. Clients seeking couple counseling often have a variety of needs that they hope to address in therapy. These needs may include improving communications, rebuilding trust and intimacy, and navigating major life transitions together. Their goals for therapy could involve learning new skills for healthy communication, understanding and addressing underlying issues causing tension in the relationship.
As your therapist I can provide couples and families with guidance to help navigate through their challenges and improve their relationships.
Clients struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and managing life stressors often have complex and unique needs. Their goals could involve learning coping skills and developing a better understanding of their underlying issues. Clients seeking couple counseling often have a variety of needs that they hope to address in therapy. These needs may include improving communications, rebuilding trust and intimacy, and navigating major life transitions together. Their goals for therapy could involve learning new skills for healthy communication, understanding and addressing underlying issues causing tension in the relationship.
(332) 264-0962 View (332) 264-0962
Photo of Naomi Ina Arbit, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 10011, NY
Naomi Ina Arbit
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MA, MS, LMSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011  (Online Only)
I partner with clients to create a customized approach, drawing on training and experience in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Mindful Self Compassion, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
I work as a psychotherapist and coach in New York, using a relational and solution-focused approach to support clients in living out their values, improving their health and functioning, and deepening their sense of meaning, purpose and wellbeing. My work is influenced by mind-body and compassion-focused therapies, positive psychology, attachment theory, dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. My work is heavily informed by the years I spent as a behavioral scientist and researcher exploring meaning and mindfulness-based approaches to behavior change and optimal functioning.
I partner with clients to create a customized approach, drawing on training and experience in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Mindful Self Compassion, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
I work as a psychotherapist and coach in New York, using a relational and solution-focused approach to support clients in living out their values, improving their health and functioning, and deepening their sense of meaning, purpose and wellbeing. My work is influenced by mind-body and compassion-focused therapies, positive psychology, attachment theory, dialectical behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. My work is heavily informed by the years I spent as a behavioral scientist and researcher exploring meaning and mindfulness-based approaches to behavior change and optimal functioning.
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Photo of Anneka Gavrin, Counselor in 10011, NY
Anneka Gavrin
Counselor, LMHC
Not Verified Not Verified
New York, NY 10011  (Online Only)
From the outside looking in you’ve got it all together. Yes, you are juggling a lot- you are a parent, partner, friend. But everyone’s busy, right? On the inside, though, you are really struggling. You know the kind of person you want to be, but you don’t know how to be that person. You don’t trust your instincts and you second-guess your decisions. You feel reactive, impatient, or emotionally shut down in your relationships. You recognize that old, deep wounds are saying hello, but you don’t know how to manage everything and still give yourself the compassion you need to stay afloat.
From the outside looking in you’ve got it all together. Yes, you are juggling a lot- you are a parent, partner, friend. But everyone’s busy, right? On the inside, though, you are really struggling. You know the kind of person you want to be, but you don’t know how to be that person. You don’t trust your instincts and you second-guess your decisions. You feel reactive, impatient, or emotionally shut down in your relationships. You recognize that old, deep wounds are saying hello, but you don’t know how to manage everything and still give yourself the compassion you need to stay afloat.
(718) 690-7087 View (718) 690-7087
Photo of Matthew Briggs, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 10011, NY
Matthew Briggs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
A strong, positive therapeutic relationship is our starting point. Your wellness and growth in self-understanding and self-acceptance are our guiding priorities. I provide a safe, judgment-free environment in which we explore, together, how best to alleviate the suffering, distress, obstacles, and blockages that bring you to therapy. Beyond just reducing symptoms, we identify underlying issues/patterns to heal their emotional origins. Each session is responsive to your current needs. Sometimes this means focusing on deeper insights; at other times, we may work on more immediate strategies for coping with especially difficult or painful moments in your life.
A strong, positive therapeutic relationship is our starting point. Your wellness and growth in self-understanding and self-acceptance are our guiding priorities. I provide a safe, judgment-free environment in which we explore, together, how best to alleviate the suffering, distress, obstacles, and blockages that bring you to therapy. Beyond just reducing symptoms, we identify underlying issues/patterns to heal their emotional origins. Each session is responsive to your current needs. Sometimes this means focusing on deeper insights; at other times, we may work on more immediate strategies for coping with especially difficult or painful moments in your life.
(646) 783-1293 View (646) 783-1293
Photo of Melissa R Giuttari, Counselor in 10011, NY
Melissa R Giuttari
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10011
I treat individuals of all ages, and have expertise with issues of depression, anxiety, and relationship issues.
"Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit." ~B.K.S. Iyengar * * * A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body and a healthy soul. My goal is to partner with you in looking at your life-story, and identifying and overcoming the blockages to a peaceful way of being. Psychotherapy is a wonderful opportunity to find balance and restore a sense of wholeness and perspective on our purpose in life. I provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space in my practice for this to occur.
I treat individuals of all ages, and have expertise with issues of depression, anxiety, and relationship issues.
"Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit." ~B.K.S. Iyengar * * * A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body and a healthy soul. My goal is to partner with you in looking at your life-story, and identifying and overcoming the blockages to a peaceful way of being. Psychotherapy is a wonderful opportunity to find balance and restore a sense of wholeness and perspective on our purpose in life. I provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space in my practice for this to occur.
(718) 569-8239 View (718) 569-8239
Photo of Randy P. Nolte, Psychologist in 10011, NY
Randy P. Nolte
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
I am a licensed clinical psychologist seeing clients at my private practice in Manhattan. For the past 14 years, I have worked with individuals and couples unsatisfied with their current situation and wanting more from life - more happiness, connection, and success. Though I am trained in providing long-term psychotherapy, I have adapted my techniques to maximize the results of shorter-term treatment. While many clients want the intensive experience of longer-term treatment, I recognize that this is not always possible due to the constraints of time and money.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist seeing clients at my private practice in Manhattan. For the past 14 years, I have worked with individuals and couples unsatisfied with their current situation and wanting more from life - more happiness, connection, and success. Though I am trained in providing long-term psychotherapy, I have adapted my techniques to maximize the results of shorter-term treatment. While many clients want the intensive experience of longer-term treatment, I recognize that this is not always possible due to the constraints of time and money.
(212) 256-1659 View (212) 256-1659
Photo of Vanessa LaBode-Richman, Psychologist in 10011, NY
Vanessa LaBode-Richman
Psychologist, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
New York, NY 10011
LaBode-Richman works regularly with teens, adults, couples, and families.
Dr. LaBode-Richman is dually trained and specialized in psychotherapy treatment and neuropsychological assessment. She enjoys working with clients across the lifespan and is able to offer state-of-the-art services in both English and Spanish.
LaBode-Richman works regularly with teens, adults, couples, and families.
Dr. LaBode-Richman is dually trained and specialized in psychotherapy treatment and neuropsychological assessment. She enjoys working with clients across the lifespan and is able to offer state-of-the-art services in both English and Spanish.
(551) 231-7893 View (551) 231-7893
Photo of Carlin De La Rosa, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 10011, NY
Carlin De La Rosa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011  (Online Only)
Have you felt so overwhelmed by your emotions that you are unsure whether you control your emotions or they control you? Do you feel hopeless, anxious, sad, irritable, or at a loss? Maybe you have found yourself engaging in unhealthy behaviors or old patterns. Life can throw us off balance because of relationship issues, the need to set boundaries, depression, anxiety or just because life is… life.
Have you felt so overwhelmed by your emotions that you are unsure whether you control your emotions or they control you? Do you feel hopeless, anxious, sad, irritable, or at a loss? Maybe you have found yourself engaging in unhealthy behaviors or old patterns. Life can throw us off balance because of relationship issues, the need to set boundaries, depression, anxiety or just because life is… life.
(929) 534-2621 View (929) 534-2621
Photo of Colin Lentz in 10011, NY
Colin Lentz
LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New York, NY 10011
To me, the heart of this endeavor is the relationship between client and therapist.
I believe that human beings are, above all, adaptive. We develop powerful and unique ways to survive and succeed under conditions that are insensitive, unforgiving, and overwhelming. As a therapist, my approach builds upon the strength of this adaptive ability while remaining responsive to the anger, fear, and shame that can accompany it. I work with you to foster deeper self-compassion in the face of broader social circumstances that often encourage the opposite.
To me, the heart of this endeavor is the relationship between client and therapist.
I believe that human beings are, above all, adaptive. We develop powerful and unique ways to survive and succeed under conditions that are insensitive, unforgiving, and overwhelming. As a therapist, my approach builds upon the strength of this adaptive ability while remaining responsive to the anger, fear, and shame that can accompany it. I work with you to foster deeper self-compassion in the face of broader social circumstances that often encourage the opposite.
(347) 757-4631 View (347) 757-4631
Photo of Dr. Angela Kang, Psychologist in 10011, NY
Dr. Angela Kang
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011  (Online Only)
I draw from a psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, and emotion-focused framework, but overall value the therapeutic relationship, characterized by non-judgment and genuineness, as a source of healing.
I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to engage in self-reflection at some moment in their lives, whether they are transitioning through a phase or struggling with the daily stressors of everyday life that impact well-being. I envision therapy as a collaborative process between therapist and client in which individuals, through guidance and introspection, can reach the best versions of themselves and develop meaningful relationships, self-fulfillment, and mastery over past and present challenges. I hold a multicultural lens with all clients I encounter and recognize the impact of race, ethnicity, and social context.
I draw from a psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, and emotion-focused framework, but overall value the therapeutic relationship, characterized by non-judgment and genuineness, as a source of healing.
I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to engage in self-reflection at some moment in their lives, whether they are transitioning through a phase or struggling with the daily stressors of everyday life that impact well-being. I envision therapy as a collaborative process between therapist and client in which individuals, through guidance and introspection, can reach the best versions of themselves and develop meaningful relationships, self-fulfillment, and mastery over past and present challenges. I hold a multicultural lens with all clients I encounter and recognize the impact of race, ethnicity, and social context.
(914) 354-3147 View (914) 354-3147
Robert Osman
Licensed Psychoanalyst
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
I try to help patients discover those aspects of themselves, their partner, or relationship, enabling them to address their issue, moving to the next phase more satisfyingly. I do not bring any prior ideas or thoughts about the best outcome, but let my patient(s) guide the treatment. Working with someone means being available to the sort of dialogue that will be helpful. Some want to discuss a specific issue; with others, a larger pattern is revealed through our interactions. My adapting to the relationship, with the client not having to fit my style, is a particular strength of mine.
I try to help patients discover those aspects of themselves, their partner, or relationship, enabling them to address their issue, moving to the next phase more satisfyingly. I do not bring any prior ideas or thoughts about the best outcome, but let my patient(s) guide the treatment. Working with someone means being available to the sort of dialogue that will be helpful. Some want to discuss a specific issue; with others, a larger pattern is revealed through our interactions. My adapting to the relationship, with the client not having to fit my style, is a particular strength of mine.
(646) 351-1837 View (646) 351-1837
Photo of Rosalind Lloyd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 10011, NY
Rosalind Lloyd
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10011  (Online Only)
Individuals and Couples are my primary focus.
Are you living a meaningful life? Are there moments when you feel overwhelmed, misunderstood and invalidated? Struggling with life's obstacles can feel daunting and overwhelming. I would love to help you on your journey to healing and self discovery. By utilizing a holistic approach, together we can explore the relationship between mind, body and spirit while focusing on trauma, grief, anxiety, identity, relationship conflict, major life changes and other challenges that may have become barriers to you becoming your authentic self, living your best life.
Individuals and Couples are my primary focus.
Are you living a meaningful life? Are there moments when you feel overwhelmed, misunderstood and invalidated? Struggling with life's obstacles can feel daunting and overwhelming. I would love to help you on your journey to healing and self discovery. By utilizing a holistic approach, together we can explore the relationship between mind, body and spirit while focusing on trauma, grief, anxiety, identity, relationship conflict, major life changes and other challenges that may have become barriers to you becoming your authentic self, living your best life.
(646) 374-2045 View (646) 374-2045
Photo of Alan Shanel Psychotherapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 10011, NY
Alan Shanel Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, GCP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
Drawing on over four decades of experience, I provide insight-oriented psychotherapy for individuals, couples and groups. My therapy style focuses on past and present issues with an eye toward helping my patients lead freer, more fulfilled lives. My approach to treatment includes empirically validated, theoretically grounded approaches, with an emphasis on exploring the underlying emotions that fuel behaviors. My aim is to help my patients navigate their inner worlds, improve emotional well-being and develop the capacity to engage in healthy relationships. By empowering patients to better understand themselves, patients develop tools to live authentic and satisfying lives.
Drawing on over four decades of experience, I provide insight-oriented psychotherapy for individuals, couples and groups. My therapy style focuses on past and present issues with an eye toward helping my patients lead freer, more fulfilled lives. My approach to treatment includes empirically validated, theoretically grounded approaches, with an emphasis on exploring the underlying emotions that fuel behaviors. My aim is to help my patients navigate their inner worlds, improve emotional well-being and develop the capacity to engage in healthy relationships. By empowering patients to better understand themselves, patients develop tools to live authentic and satisfying lives.
(646) 461-4017 View (646) 461-4017
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.