Photo of Jessica Michaelson, Psychologist in 94523, CA
Jessica Michaelson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping high-achieving people who excel in all areas of life but struggle with anxiety, depression, confidence issues, or difficulty in relationships. I work with individuals and couples to transform old patterns and create a life full of joy and meaning.
I specialize in helping high-achieving people who excel in all areas of life but struggle with anxiety, depression, confidence issues, or difficulty in relationships. I work with individuals and couples to transform old patterns and create a life full of joy and meaning.
(415) 521-1835 View (415) 521-1835
Photo of Maya Attia, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94523, CA
Maya Attia
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I help adults and couples gain awareness and skills to cope with hardship.
Maya Attia, LMFT 139693, is a sex-positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, polyamory, kink, and BDSM-friendly therapist. She offers space to express, explore, and learn about your whole self to find ease and greater satisfaction in life. My approach is humanistic and tender. I facilitate conversations that inspire insight and change. I enjoy using the practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), and other modalities, but at my core, I am relational.
I help adults and couples gain awareness and skills to cope with hardship.
Maya Attia, LMFT 139693, is a sex-positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, polyamory, kink, and BDSM-friendly therapist. She offers space to express, explore, and learn about your whole self to find ease and greater satisfaction in life. My approach is humanistic and tender. I facilitate conversations that inspire insight and change. I enjoy using the practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), and other modalities, but at my core, I am relational.
(949) 806-3433 View (949) 806-3433
Photo of Annie Leah Lesny, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in 94523, CA
Annie Leah Lesny
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy for anxiety, depression, relational issues, childhood and lifespan trauma, and more. I understand that sometimes psychotherapy is sought out in a very challenging time of life, and I am here to offer support through that. I have specialized experience working with creatives of all kinds, in being a singer myself. With experience focusing on young adults as well, I offer guidance for the process of individuation that occurs during these formative years. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, gender identities, sexualities, and other intersectional identities.
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy for anxiety, depression, relational issues, childhood and lifespan trauma, and more. I understand that sometimes psychotherapy is sought out in a very challenging time of life, and I am here to offer support through that. I have specialized experience working with creatives of all kinds, in being a singer myself. With experience focusing on young adults as well, I offer guidance for the process of individuation that occurs during these formative years. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, gender identities, sexualities, and other intersectional identities.
(510) 296-3494 View (510) 296-3494
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.