Photo of Debrah Anne Cohen, Pre-Licensed Professional in 19118, PA
Debrah Anne Cohen
Pre-Licensed Professional, MHL, MFT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19118  (Online Only)
Or maybe you're in a relationship where you're just not connecting.
Does this describe you? You're a people pleaser, wanting to make everyone happy but yourself. You feel the pain of break-ups and grief very intensely. You are fiercely independent and hate taking help from others. Being placed for adoption can reverberate through all aspects of your life. I help clients grieving the losses associated with adoption; transracial adoptees dealing with identity issues; and adoptees working through all of the complex emotions related to search and reunion. As an adoptee myself, I "get it". I also work with the other sides of the adoption triad: birthparents and adoptive parents.
Or maybe you're in a relationship where you're just not connecting.
Does this describe you? You're a people pleaser, wanting to make everyone happy but yourself. You feel the pain of break-ups and grief very intensely. You are fiercely independent and hate taking help from others. Being placed for adoption can reverberate through all aspects of your life. I help clients grieving the losses associated with adoption; transracial adoptees dealing with identity issues; and adoptees working through all of the complex emotions related to search and reunion. As an adoptee myself, I "get it". I also work with the other sides of the adoption triad: birthparents and adoptive parents.
(215) 544-2012 View (215) 544-2012
Photo of Rabia Khara, Marriage & Family Therapist in 19118, PA
Rabia Khara
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, MFT, PCC, RDT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19118
As a clinician, the therapeutic process is only meaningful and complete with the reciprocity and engagement of those I work with. Each individual is unique and their stories are interwoven with a rich tapestry of diverse emotions. By balancing the abstract, creative, philosophical, and introspective aspects of life with friendliness, compassion, empathy and care, I walk the path with you on your journey toward peace and happiness.
As a clinician, the therapeutic process is only meaningful and complete with the reciprocity and engagement of those I work with. Each individual is unique and their stories are interwoven with a rich tapestry of diverse emotions. By balancing the abstract, creative, philosophical, and introspective aspects of life with friendliness, compassion, empathy and care, I walk the path with you on your journey toward peace and happiness.
(215) 709-9225 View (215) 709-9225
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.