Photo of Sarah Malik, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 90274, CA
Sarah Malik
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274  (Online Only)
My goal as a therapist is to guide clients to a better understanding of themselves. I work with individuals, couples, & families and provide a safe, judgement free, welcoming space to help clients navigate the various challenges in life. I strive to create an empowering environment which helps clients build healthy coping skills, develop independence, and resolve past issues and trauma through identifying patterns by assigning homework designed specifically for the client’s needs
My goal as a therapist is to guide clients to a better understanding of themselves. I work with individuals, couples, & families and provide a safe, judgement free, welcoming space to help clients navigate the various challenges in life. I strive to create an empowering environment which helps clients build healthy coping skills, develop independence, and resolve past issues and trauma through identifying patterns by assigning homework designed specifically for the client’s needs
(310) 455-8815 View (310) 455-8815
Photo of Amir A Siddiqui, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in 90274, CA
Amir A Siddiqui
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Over 12 years of experience in providing individual,couples,and family therapy services. I believe one is the driver and they control how they want to live;however, I understand often times family, bullying, substances, depression, past trauma, anxiety, relationships, raising children, career/employment, financial, and personal struggles can be obstacles.My objective is to work with you in being aware and in creating solutions, which can counterattack these obstacles. Depending on your motivation this process can be short or long. It all depends on how much you want to live a productive Life. I also provide supervision to APCC's.
Over 12 years of experience in providing individual,couples,and family therapy services. I believe one is the driver and they control how they want to live;however, I understand often times family, bullying, substances, depression, past trauma, anxiety, relationships, raising children, career/employment, financial, and personal struggles can be obstacles.My objective is to work with you in being aware and in creating solutions, which can counterattack these obstacles. Depending on your motivation this process can be short or long. It all depends on how much you want to live a productive Life. I also provide supervision to APCC's.
(209) 314-5114 View (209) 314-5114
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.