Prosper Integrated Health Care
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Avondale, AZ 85392
(623) 286-2928 View (623) 286-2928

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Aubrey Hinton, Marriage & Family Therapist in Avondale, AZ
Aubrey Hinton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MAS-MFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Aubrey is a trained EMDR trauma therapist and a trained EFT couples therapist.
Aubrey utilizes a holistic view while embracing each persons unique experiences and individuality. Many of us feel overwhelmed, stuck, stressed, anxious, worried, angry, hopeless, or sad at times. Sometimes we struggle with changes like moving, having a baby, starting school, starting a new job, or losing a loved one (pets included). Some of us have had distressing experiences or something traumatic happen. Or perhaps we are having difficulty in a relationship with family, friends, dating, partner, or spouse. Aubrey works with you to find the most effective techniques and skills to support in facing challenges and finding relief.
Aubrey is a trained EMDR trauma therapist and a trained EFT couples therapist.
Aubrey utilizes a holistic view while embracing each persons unique experiences and individuality. Many of us feel overwhelmed, stuck, stressed, anxious, worried, angry, hopeless, or sad at times. Sometimes we struggle with changes like moving, having a baby, starting school, starting a new job, or losing a loved one (pets included). Some of us have had distressing experiences or something traumatic happen. Or perhaps we are having difficulty in a relationship with family, friends, dating, partner, or spouse. Aubrey works with you to find the most effective techniques and skills to support in facing challenges and finding relief.
(623) 235-8809 View (623) 235-8809
Photo of Rachael Miles, Marriage & Family Therapist in Avondale, AZ
Rachael Miles
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
I believe that the most important part of therapy is the relationship between the client and therapist. My goal as your therapist is to first and foremost build a relationship with you that allows you to feel safe and comfortable opening up about areas of life that can be difficult to talk about. My therapeutic approach encourages you to use your own strengths to help reach your goals, and to uncover your full potential. I believe that one of the biggest steps in the therapeutic process is just being willing to show up.
I believe that the most important part of therapy is the relationship between the client and therapist. My goal as your therapist is to first and foremost build a relationship with you that allows you to feel safe and comfortable opening up about areas of life that can be difficult to talk about. My therapeutic approach encourages you to use your own strengths to help reach your goals, and to uncover your full potential. I believe that one of the biggest steps in the therapeutic process is just being willing to show up.
(623) 264-8212 View (623) 264-8212
Photo of Awakening Mental Health, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Avondale, AZ
Awakening Mental Health, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC
Verified Verified
Scottsdale, AZ 85251  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have helped individuals work through concerns such as trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, body image issues, personality disorders, performance anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and couples counseling.
One of my goals is to provide a safe environment so you feel comfortable discussing difficult life challenges. I guide you throughout the therapeutic process to help ease any anxiety regarding therapy. I utilize a strength-based approach to help you find healing through adversity. My work is motivated by my humanistic philosophy that empowerment exists in striving to meet full personal potential. I am passionate about helping others find healing, improve their quality of life, and achieve their therapeutic goals. I am qualified to work with first responders, physicians, military members, and those experiencing complex trauma.
I have helped individuals work through concerns such as trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, body image issues, personality disorders, performance anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and couples counseling.
One of my goals is to provide a safe environment so you feel comfortable discussing difficult life challenges. I guide you throughout the therapeutic process to help ease any anxiety regarding therapy. I utilize a strength-based approach to help you find healing through adversity. My work is motivated by my humanistic philosophy that empowerment exists in striving to meet full personal potential. I am passionate about helping others find healing, improve their quality of life, and achieve their therapeutic goals. I am qualified to work with first responders, physicians, military members, and those experiencing complex trauma.
(480) 908-9280 View (480) 908-9280
Photo of Samantha Kingma, Marriage & Family Therapist in Avondale, AZ
Samantha Kingma
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Tempe, AZ 85281  (Online Only)
I help individuals and couples who are feeling stuck to find freedom.
On the outside, you’re the person everyone comes to when they need help - and you shine when you're supporting others. But on the inside you're feeling stuck in your head. You can't stop worrying about what might happen next and thinking about how to prepare for all possible worst-case scenarios. All the thinking makes it hard to fall asleep at night and difficult to enjoy the present moment. Maybe you know that you want to be present, calm, and confident, but you're struggling to get there on your own. You don't have to walk through this alone, and I'd love to talk to you about how you can begin to feel like yourself again.
I help individuals and couples who are feeling stuck to find freedom.
On the outside, you’re the person everyone comes to when they need help - and you shine when you're supporting others. But on the inside you're feeling stuck in your head. You can't stop worrying about what might happen next and thinking about how to prepare for all possible worst-case scenarios. All the thinking makes it hard to fall asleep at night and difficult to enjoy the present moment. Maybe you know that you want to be present, calm, and confident, but you're struggling to get there on your own. You don't have to walk through this alone, and I'd love to talk to you about how you can begin to feel like yourself again.
(520) 224-9545 View (520) 224-9545
Photo of Angie Hatch, Licensed Professional Counselor in Avondale, AZ
Angie Hatch
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAPC, LPC, CSAT, CDWF, ART
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Mesa, AZ 85210
I SEE you. I see you hustling to get more done—to be the perfect parent/spouse/employee/leader. I see that under your polished exterior, you are exhausted, stressed out, and ready for a change. I see you feel unappreciated, but left frustrated and guilty that you feel this way. I HEAR you. I hear your inner thoughts, “I’m working myself ragged, and I’m still not enough.” “If I could just (blank) then I will be happy.” “Why does it come easier for (blank)?" But I also hear the quiet whisper that says, “despite it all, I’m still trying.” I specialize in working with Betrayal Trauma, Sex Addiction, A.R.T. for Trauma, and Groups.
I SEE you. I see you hustling to get more done—to be the perfect parent/spouse/employee/leader. I see that under your polished exterior, you are exhausted, stressed out, and ready for a change. I see you feel unappreciated, but left frustrated and guilty that you feel this way. I HEAR you. I hear your inner thoughts, “I’m working myself ragged, and I’m still not enough.” “If I could just (blank) then I will be happy.” “Why does it come easier for (blank)?" But I also hear the quiet whisper that says, “despite it all, I’m still trying.” I specialize in working with Betrayal Trauma, Sex Addiction, A.R.T. for Trauma, and Groups.
(480) 568-3082 x1007 View (480) 568-3082 x1007
Photo of Alicia de la Vega, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Avondale, AZ
Alicia de la Vega
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
I have been practicing for over 10 years, treating couples and individuals with an array of issues including depression, relationship problems, trauma, and life transitions.
It's normal to feel anxious when going through big life transitions. Or perhaps you are feeling low because a new relationship has triggered an old wound. In either case, a safe space to process your pain points can help you heal. I am committed to providing a nonjudgemental environment for my clients, to foster growth. I work with both men and women, though I especially enjoy working with young women navigating transitions in adulthood. I am passionate about helping individuals and couples get "unstuck" and find connection and meaning in their lives. My ultimate goal is for you to gain confidence in your own decision-making.
I have been practicing for over 10 years, treating couples and individuals with an array of issues including depression, relationship problems, trauma, and life transitions.
It's normal to feel anxious when going through big life transitions. Or perhaps you are feeling low because a new relationship has triggered an old wound. In either case, a safe space to process your pain points can help you heal. I am committed to providing a nonjudgemental environment for my clients, to foster growth. I work with both men and women, though I especially enjoy working with young women navigating transitions in adulthood. I am passionate about helping individuals and couples get "unstuck" and find connection and meaning in their lives. My ultimate goal is for you to gain confidence in your own decision-making.
(480) 270-4822 View (480) 270-4822
Photo of Natasha Lopez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Avondale, AZ
Natasha Lopez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LCADC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Mesa, AZ 85207
Life can be difficult and at times overwhelming. Therapy provides a safe haven for individuals, couples, and families to express themselves without judgment. I believe that every person should be aware of his and her own strengths and weaknesses. Therapy can help to identify those characteristics, so as an individual, couple, or family unit your full potential can be reached.
Life can be difficult and at times overwhelming. Therapy provides a safe haven for individuals, couples, and families to express themselves without judgment. I believe that every person should be aware of his and her own strengths and weaknesses. Therapy can help to identify those characteristics, so as an individual, couple, or family unit your full potential can be reached.
(480) 908-9251 View (480) 908-9251
Photo of Elle Fultz, Licensed Professional Counselor in Avondale, AZ
Elle Fultz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mesa, AZ 85201  (Online Only)
Working with both individuals and couples, I can also help heal from infidelity, re-building trust, improve the quality of your relationships and help enhance intimacy and connection.
Currently accepting new clients! Love, self-care, healthy relationships, and communication are essential for people to thrive. We all struggle from time to time in life with relationships, personal growth, setting boundaries, managing stress and difficult emotions. I can help you navigate through each of these challenges. It can be difficult to ask for help, but in doing so you are taking the first step in creating a healthier and more fulfilling life. If what you have tried isn’t working, reach out and get the guidance that you have been searching for. I welcome all identities, orientations, and backgrounds.
Working with both individuals and couples, I can also help heal from infidelity, re-building trust, improve the quality of your relationships and help enhance intimacy and connection.
Currently accepting new clients! Love, self-care, healthy relationships, and communication are essential for people to thrive. We all struggle from time to time in life with relationships, personal growth, setting boundaries, managing stress and difficult emotions. I can help you navigate through each of these challenges. It can be difficult to ask for help, but in doing so you are taking the first step in creating a healthier and more fulfilling life. If what you have tried isn’t working, reach out and get the guidance that you have been searching for. I welcome all identities, orientations, and backgrounds.
(480) 210-7723 View (480) 210-7723
Photo of Dr. Randi Gray, Licensed Professional Counselor in Avondale, AZ
Dr. Randi Gray
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Mesa, AZ 85206
I help kids, teens, adults and couples feel healthy and whole.
I strongly believe that everyone has the ability to mend and heal the broken parts of their soul and find peace, happiness and contentment. I have experienced the power and effectiveness of embarking on the journey of healing through counseling and felt the positive influences in my own life. I assist others in overcoming depression, anxiety, addiction, broken relationships, past traumatic experiences, loss and low self-esteem. I have the privilege of walking the path of healing with my clients allowing them to become strong, resilient, happy and healthy individuals who enjoy life and all that it has to offer.
I help kids, teens, adults and couples feel healthy and whole.
I strongly believe that everyone has the ability to mend and heal the broken parts of their soul and find peace, happiness and contentment. I have experienced the power and effectiveness of embarking on the journey of healing through counseling and felt the positive influences in my own life. I assist others in overcoming depression, anxiety, addiction, broken relationships, past traumatic experiences, loss and low self-esteem. I have the privilege of walking the path of healing with my clients allowing them to become strong, resilient, happy and healthy individuals who enjoy life and all that it has to offer.
(480) 568-1134 View (480) 568-1134
Photo of Kelly Hurley, Licensed Professional Counselor in Avondale, AZ
Kelly Hurley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Then, we can schedule an appointment and begin building that trusting relationship.
Do you have anxiety that comes out of the blue to swamp you? Do you struggle to get out of bed most days? Have you tried to stop the worry thoughts, but they just multiply. Maybe you’ve tried so many things that the shame of nothing working weighs you down. These attacks feel like they will never end and you wish you could escape into sleep forever. Let me help you stop suffering and start living again. You can start creating that life you have been dreaming about!
Then, we can schedule an appointment and begin building that trusting relationship.
Do you have anxiety that comes out of the blue to swamp you? Do you struggle to get out of bed most days? Have you tried to stop the worry thoughts, but they just multiply. Maybe you’ve tried so many things that the shame of nothing working weighs you down. These attacks feel like they will never end and you wish you could escape into sleep forever. Let me help you stop suffering and start living again. You can start creating that life you have been dreaming about!
(480) 351-4773 View (480) 351-4773
Photo of Dr. Taylor Larsen, Licensed Professional Counselor in Avondale, AZ
Dr. Taylor Larsen
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Scottsdale, AZ 85251  (Online Only)
I have helped individuals work through concerns such as trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, body image issues, personality disorders, performance anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and couples counseling.
One of my goals is to provide a safe environment, so you feel comfortable discussing difficult life challenges. I guide you throughout the therapeutic process to help ease any anxiety regarding therapy. I utilize a strength-based approach to help you find healing through adversity. My work is motivated by my humanistic philosophy that there is empowerment in striving to meet full personal potential. I am passionate about helping others find healing, improve their quality of life, and achieve their therapeutic goals.
I have helped individuals work through concerns such as trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, body image issues, personality disorders, performance anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and couples counseling.
One of my goals is to provide a safe environment, so you feel comfortable discussing difficult life challenges. I guide you throughout the therapeutic process to help ease any anxiety regarding therapy. I utilize a strength-based approach to help you find healing through adversity. My work is motivated by my humanistic philosophy that there is empowerment in striving to meet full personal potential. I am passionate about helping others find healing, improve their quality of life, and achieve their therapeutic goals.
(480) 933-2566 View (480) 933-2566
Photo of Edward Callirgos, Marriage & Family Therapist in Avondale, AZ
Edward Callirgos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MAS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tempe, AZ 85282
My desire is for people of all walks of life to find strength and hope in the midst of their storms. I am here to help you and your relationship Heal, Restore, and Learn. We do things and say things when we are hurt that many times we regret. Sometimes, we have a hard time accepting that we are hurt or that we have hurt others. The truth is that as humans we do not like pain, especially emotional pain; and we seek to distract, avenge or numb that pain. These efforts can become patterns and habits and some of these are blatantly wrong, but others may be more difficult to recognize.
My desire is for people of all walks of life to find strength and hope in the midst of their storms. I am here to help you and your relationship Heal, Restore, and Learn. We do things and say things when we are hurt that many times we regret. Sometimes, we have a hard time accepting that we are hurt or that we have hurt others. The truth is that as humans we do not like pain, especially emotional pain; and we seek to distract, avenge or numb that pain. These efforts can become patterns and habits and some of these are blatantly wrong, but others may be more difficult to recognize.
(480) 428-2607 View (480) 428-2607
Photo of Summer Fletcher, Counselor in Avondale, AZ
Summer Fletcher
Counselor, MA, LPC, CIMHP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gilbert, AZ 85233
I consider it an honor to hear your unique story and to walk beside you during your tranformational journey. As a trauma informed attachment therapist, I desire to offer support to individuals, couples, families & children throughout the counseling process, creating safety both internally & externally. The field of psychology continues to expand with new scientific understandings regarding the body & the brain. This is such an exciting time to practice as a therapist! I hope to bring effective techniques, grace & understanding to the therapeutic process while helping clients feel more equipped to love and be loved well!
I consider it an honor to hear your unique story and to walk beside you during your tranformational journey. As a trauma informed attachment therapist, I desire to offer support to individuals, couples, families & children throughout the counseling process, creating safety both internally & externally. The field of psychology continues to expand with new scientific understandings regarding the body & the brain. This is such an exciting time to practice as a therapist! I hope to bring effective techniques, grace & understanding to the therapeutic process while helping clients feel more equipped to love and be loved well!
(480) 405-7334 View (480) 405-7334
Photo of Tiffany Williams-Jones, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Avondale, AZ
Tiffany Williams-Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Dr. Williams-Jones received her Masters degree in Social Work, and her Doctorate in Educational Psychology. Her practice is based on the belief that patients' needs are of the utmost importance. Dr. Williams-Jones offers comprehensive evaluation and therapy services for children, teens, adults and families. She works with couples and families to help restore and/or create relationships after a psychological crisis. Dr. Williams-Jones treats children who struggle with social emotional, and learning difficulties. She also works with individuals who are experiencing life changes and need guidance.
Dr. Williams-Jones received her Masters degree in Social Work, and her Doctorate in Educational Psychology. Her practice is based on the belief that patients' needs are of the utmost importance. Dr. Williams-Jones offers comprehensive evaluation and therapy services for children, teens, adults and families. She works with couples and families to help restore and/or create relationships after a psychological crisis. Dr. Williams-Jones treats children who struggle with social emotional, and learning difficulties. She also works with individuals who are experiencing life changes and need guidance.
(480) 605-1491 View (480) 605-1491
Photo of Joy L. Payne, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Avondale, AZ
Joy L. Payne
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MAS, LAMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mesa, AZ 85206
I am a licensed associate marriage and family therapist who has a passion for helping individuals, adolescents, couples and families navigate relationships where solutions for many of life’s problems seem difficult to find. I work with clients to process their past challenges and current life/relationship experiences, as well as helping clients recognize and build upon their own strengths and resiliency.
I am a licensed associate marriage and family therapist who has a passion for helping individuals, adolescents, couples and families navigate relationships where solutions for many of life’s problems seem difficult to find. I work with clients to process their past challenges and current life/relationship experiences, as well as helping clients recognize and build upon their own strengths and resiliency.
(480) 207-3541 View (480) 207-3541
Photo of Dr. Sharonah Magdalen Hanson in Avondale, AZ
Dr. Sharonah Magdalen Hanson
PMHNP, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
She enjoys working with all ages, as individuals, families or couples.
Do you want more love, joy, & success in your life? Are you a parent with a struggling child or teen? Dr. Sharonah helps people of all ages build the clarity, emotional intelligence, & ability to control what they can (& stop trying to control the impossible), so they can truly master their own abilities to feel good, love themselves & others, be who they were meant to be, & live the life they desire. She works with those who get in their own way, who are burdened by the past, who feel stuck or like they're going uphill, with parents who are uncertain how to best aid their children, & with children/teens experiencing difficulties.
She enjoys working with all ages, as individuals, families or couples.
Do you want more love, joy, & success in your life? Are you a parent with a struggling child or teen? Dr. Sharonah helps people of all ages build the clarity, emotional intelligence, & ability to control what they can (& stop trying to control the impossible), so they can truly master their own abilities to feel good, love themselves & others, be who they were meant to be, & live the life they desire. She works with those who get in their own way, who are burdened by the past, who feel stuck or like they're going uphill, with parents who are uncertain how to best aid their children, & with children/teens experiencing difficulties.
(602) 560-7279 View (602) 560-7279
Photo of Roxanna Teeling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Avondale, AZ
Roxanna Teeling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MAS, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Gilbert, AZ 85233
Roxanna also works with couples and enjoys helping to create stronger connections.
Roxanna Teeling has over a decade of experience with dual master's degrees. She uses trauma informed methods such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, Sand Tray, and Psychoanalysis. Specializing in individual, couples, women's issues, depression, and anxiety. Roxanna offers psychotherapy with compassion and care In order to create a more happy, fulfilling life. Working with people to overcome unnecessary attachments, change neural networks, and cope with daily symptoms experienced as feelings of depression, anxiety, and other disorders is her passion. She also has a women's group, a men's group, and an Eckhart Tolle group, both in person and online.
Roxanna also works with couples and enjoys helping to create stronger connections.
Roxanna Teeling has over a decade of experience with dual master's degrees. She uses trauma informed methods such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, Sand Tray, and Psychoanalysis. Specializing in individual, couples, women's issues, depression, and anxiety. Roxanna offers psychotherapy with compassion and care In order to create a more happy, fulfilling life. Working with people to overcome unnecessary attachments, change neural networks, and cope with daily symptoms experienced as feelings of depression, anxiety, and other disorders is her passion. She also has a women's group, a men's group, and an Eckhart Tolle group, both in person and online.
(480) 568-2494 View (480) 568-2494
Photo of John R Kowite, Counselor in Avondale, AZ
John R Kowite
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Scottsdale, AZ 85266  (Online Only)
You sit on your bed – heart pounding, face flushed, muscles tensed – still seething after the fight you just had with your partner. “This is it,” you tell yourself. “I can’t take anymore.” The arguments are becoming more frequent and hostile by the day. You remember when you loved being together. You used to look on with pity and bemusement at those married couples who always seemed to be in a state of continual conflict. But now you’re one of those couples. It’s painful and embarrassing to realize how fractured this once seemingly-unbreakable bond has become. You know that something has to change, but you just do not know how.
You sit on your bed – heart pounding, face flushed, muscles tensed – still seething after the fight you just had with your partner. “This is it,” you tell yourself. “I can’t take anymore.” The arguments are becoming more frequent and hostile by the day. You remember when you loved being together. You used to look on with pity and bemusement at those married couples who always seemed to be in a state of continual conflict. But now you’re one of those couples. It’s painful and embarrassing to realize how fractured this once seemingly-unbreakable bond has become. You know that something has to change, but you just do not know how.
(480) 382-0875 View (480) 382-0875
Photo of Tino Silva, Marriage & Family Therapist in Avondale, AZ
Tino Silva
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Gilbert, AZ 85296
The wide range of issues and concerns I have experience with includes: couples and marital conflict, grief, mood and anxiety disorders, self-esteem, stress and sports mental training.
My passion is to help clients become their "best self". This starts with what we tell ourselves everyday. We are what we think! Therapy is a process in which we can begin to feel relief from that negative self talk and move towards wholeness and connection. Evidence shows that therapy can help to bring about more peace, joy, and functioning to your life. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I can help you feel less alone and start thinking differently about the issues that have been holding you back. I want to know how you arrived at this place in your life. I want to help you find your way back to peace and happiness.
The wide range of issues and concerns I have experience with includes: couples and marital conflict, grief, mood and anxiety disorders, self-esteem, stress and sports mental training.
My passion is to help clients become their "best self". This starts with what we tell ourselves everyday. We are what we think! Therapy is a process in which we can begin to feel relief from that negative self talk and move towards wholeness and connection. Evidence shows that therapy can help to bring about more peace, joy, and functioning to your life. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I can help you feel less alone and start thinking differently about the issues that have been holding you back. I want to know how you arrived at this place in your life. I want to help you find your way back to peace and happiness.
(480) 573-6019 View (480) 573-6019

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.