Photo of Amy L W Scott, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94513, CA
Amy L W Scott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I offer both short-term therapy and longer insight-oriented work. I utilize my years of experience, intuition, compassion, and humor to support my clients in addressing the issues that brought them into therapy. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, anger, abuse/trauma, parenting/divorce/blended family issues, foster care, as well as other social, emotional, and behavioral issues. Through my dynamic approach, I provide a safe and nurturing environment to explore and resolve various issues. I draw from the following theories and techniques: psychodynamic, client-centered, humanistic, play therapy, mindfulness, and somatic psychology.
In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I offer both short-term therapy and longer insight-oriented work. I utilize my years of experience, intuition, compassion, and humor to support my clients in addressing the issues that brought them into therapy. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, anger, abuse/trauma, parenting/divorce/blended family issues, foster care, as well as other social, emotional, and behavioral issues. Through my dynamic approach, I provide a safe and nurturing environment to explore and resolve various issues. I draw from the following theories and techniques: psychodynamic, client-centered, humanistic, play therapy, mindfulness, and somatic psychology.
(925) 259-3954 View (925) 259-3954
Photo of Lauren Dummit, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94513, CA
Lauren Dummit
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-S, CST
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
I am a CSAT specializing in trauma and addiction as well as sexuality and intimacy issues. My unique style treats emotional discomfort and pain as avenues for self-discovery and personal growth. As a somatic therapist, I believe true healing comes from creating alignment between body, mind, and soul. As you more skilled at navigating your inner obstacles, you will rediscover your capacity to find balance and live a life that is healthy, joyful, and free. I emphasize insight, self-awareness, and empowerment to help you grow, learn about the meaning behind your symptoms, and lead a more gratifying life.
I am a CSAT specializing in trauma and addiction as well as sexuality and intimacy issues. My unique style treats emotional discomfort and pain as avenues for self-discovery and personal growth. As a somatic therapist, I believe true healing comes from creating alignment between body, mind, and soul. As you more skilled at navigating your inner obstacles, you will rediscover your capacity to find balance and live a life that is healthy, joyful, and free. I emphasize insight, self-awareness, and empowerment to help you grow, learn about the meaning behind your symptoms, and lead a more gratifying life.
(310) 895-9316 View (310) 895-9316
Photo of Pinnacle Mental Wellness Group, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94513, CA
Pinnacle Mental Wellness Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, PPS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
Pinnacle Mental Wellness Group is a counseling center where patients of all backgrounds, ages, orientations, genders, sizes, beliefs, and social status can come and feel accepted, without judgment or criticism. We have a number of caring and talented licensed therapists who will work with you to help you find your own unique path toward healing, hope and purpose. Please visit our website to read more about each therapist and choose one who is the best fit for you and your needs.
Pinnacle Mental Wellness Group is a counseling center where patients of all backgrounds, ages, orientations, genders, sizes, beliefs, and social status can come and feel accepted, without judgment or criticism. We have a number of caring and talented licensed therapists who will work with you to help you find your own unique path toward healing, hope and purpose. Please visit our website to read more about each therapist and choose one who is the best fit for you and your needs.
(925) 900-5586 View (925) 900-5586
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.