Photo of Dr. Sandra Lee, Marriage & Family Therapist in Phoenix, AZ
Dr. Sandra Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Life prompts us toward growth and health, leading us to change thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or beliefs that keep us from peace and joy. Difficult childhood or adult experiences may disrupt our ability to connect well with our emotions and deepest heart's desires, making it challenging to have satisfying, healthy relationships. For over 20 years I have helped individuals and couples to heal old wounds and grow past outworn patterns into greater freedom and heart connections. Are you ready to answer life's call to grow? I offer myself as a trustworthy companion in the next phase of your life's journey.
Life prompts us toward growth and health, leading us to change thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or beliefs that keep us from peace and joy. Difficult childhood or adult experiences may disrupt our ability to connect well with our emotions and deepest heart's desires, making it challenging to have satisfying, healthy relationships. For over 20 years I have helped individuals and couples to heal old wounds and grow past outworn patterns into greater freedom and heart connections. Are you ready to answer life's call to grow? I offer myself as a trustworthy companion in the next phase of your life's journey.
(602) 207-8845 View (602) 207-8845
Photo of Brittany McCord, Marriage & Family Therapist in Phoenix, AZ
Brittany McCord
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Some areas of treatment focus are anxiety, emotion dysregulation, relationship issues, grief, spiritual/religious trauma & recovering from narcissistic abuse.
I believe that every person has a natural drive towards growth and healing. It's what brought you to this page! I’m passionate about helping people to understand their emotions and reconnect with and trust their bodies again. I believe that emotions are this incredible built-in compass to help us navigate life in a way that is meaningful and in alignment with our truest selves. However, we have learned to disconnect from our emotions due to trauma, various cultural and familial messages around emotions, and because some emotions are too overwhelming to do alone so we disconnect to survive. Wherever you are at, there is hope.
Some areas of treatment focus are anxiety, emotion dysregulation, relationship issues, grief, spiritual/religious trauma & recovering from narcissistic abuse.
I believe that every person has a natural drive towards growth and healing. It's what brought you to this page! I’m passionate about helping people to understand their emotions and reconnect with and trust their bodies again. I believe that emotions are this incredible built-in compass to help us navigate life in a way that is meaningful and in alignment with our truest selves. However, we have learned to disconnect from our emotions due to trauma, various cultural and familial messages around emotions, and because some emotions are too overwhelming to do alone so we disconnect to survive. Wherever you are at, there is hope.
(480) 568-3890 View (480) 568-3890
Photo of Julie Karnes, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Phoenix, AZ
Julie Karnes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Currently, I provide therapy to children, teens, adults, couples and families at Arcadia Counseling Center, where I am partner and part-owner.
I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and completed my undergraduate work at Arizona State University. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Family Resources and Human Development and a minor in Psychology. I then moved to Washington, where I practiced social work with at-risk preschoolers, teens and families for approximately three years prior to pursuing my Master's degree. I obtained my Master's in Social Work from Arizona State University with a specialization in Child Welfare and have been serving children and families since 1999. I am currently licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Arizona.
Currently, I provide therapy to children, teens, adults, couples and families at Arcadia Counseling Center, where I am partner and part-owner.
I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and completed my undergraduate work at Arizona State University. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Family Resources and Human Development and a minor in Psychology. I then moved to Washington, where I practiced social work with at-risk preschoolers, teens and families for approximately three years prior to pursuing my Master's degree. I obtained my Master's in Social Work from Arizona State University with a specialization in Child Welfare and have been serving children and families since 1999. I am currently licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Arizona.
(602) 497-3519 View (602) 497-3519
Photo of Diana E Rosen, Counselor in Phoenix, AZ
Diana E Rosen
Counselor, MS, LAC, IOPsych
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Diana is a holistic therapist assisting adults and couples to clear obstacles that interfere with being their and best self, increasing their resilience to the stresses of life and relationships.
Diana believes in a holistic, mind, body, spirit, model of therapy. My practice focuses on therapy for adults and couples. Diana is a bilingual Spanish/English counselor. Holistic counselors look at a client’s presenting symptoms and issues and evaluate how the physical body is involved and affected with the goal of facilitating a sense of mental and physical well-being. Assisting individuals to learn self-understanding and awareness.
Diana is a holistic therapist assisting adults and couples to clear obstacles that interfere with being their and best self, increasing their resilience to the stresses of life and relationships.
Diana believes in a holistic, mind, body, spirit, model of therapy. My practice focuses on therapy for adults and couples. Diana is a bilingual Spanish/English counselor. Holistic counselors look at a client’s presenting symptoms and issues and evaluate how the physical body is involved and affected with the goal of facilitating a sense of mental and physical well-being. Assisting individuals to learn self-understanding and awareness.
(480) 660-0239 View (480) 660-0239
Photo of Lilian Borges PLLC, Counselor in Phoenix, AZ
Lilian Borges PLLC
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85016
I offer PACT, Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy, Level 3 for couples issues, specially cross-cultural marriages.
After 30 years of experience doing therapy in the US and other countries, I have several tools in my toolbox. I use a variety of approaches and techniques such as hypnosis, cognitive therapy, PACT, emotionally focused therapy, mindfulness, among others. I have been very interested in how to help couples to have better relationships: how their past affect their relationship and how they can let go of their past and create the life, and relationship they want for themselves.
I offer PACT, Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy, Level 3 for couples issues, specially cross-cultural marriages.
After 30 years of experience doing therapy in the US and other countries, I have several tools in my toolbox. I use a variety of approaches and techniques such as hypnosis, cognitive therapy, PACT, emotionally focused therapy, mindfulness, among others. I have been very interested in how to help couples to have better relationships: how their past affect their relationship and how they can let go of their past and create the life, and relationship they want for themselves.
(480) 409-2407 View (480) 409-2407
Photo of Marlo Whitson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Phoenix, AZ
Marlo Whitson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85044
We all experience trauma and severe life stressors' that leave us feeling stuck and hopeless. Your crisis may be depression, relationship issues, anxiety, chronic illness, sport performance or something that is so overwhelming you are struggling with life. Often time we hold ourselves in bondage to the choices we have made. I believe some of life's most difficult experiences leads us to our greatest growth. I will give you the tools to move forward from past attachments that seem to keep you stagnate in your life.
We all experience trauma and severe life stressors' that leave us feeling stuck and hopeless. Your crisis may be depression, relationship issues, anxiety, chronic illness, sport performance or something that is so overwhelming you are struggling with life. Often time we hold ourselves in bondage to the choices we have made. I believe some of life's most difficult experiences leads us to our greatest growth. I will give you the tools to move forward from past attachments that seem to keep you stagnate in your life.
(602) 362-6683 View (602) 362-6683
Photo of Claudette Waite New Point Of View Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Phoenix, AZ
Claudette Waite New Point Of View Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, C-DBT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85048
I am trained in Emotional Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) CBT, REBT, SFBT.
"Shame cannot survive being spoken and being met with empathy" Brene Brown. My goal is to support your healing, to hold a sacred space that feels safe to you and where you no longer feel alone in your pain. I specialize in helping people with attachment / relationship wounding trauma , family disconnection/dysfunction, divorce, codependency, self-esteem, and relationship problems. If you struggle with fear of abandonment, unstable relationships and self-image I can help. If you struggle with not being good enough, chronic feelings of unworthiness, control, the need to be perfect and comparing yourself to others, then call me.
I am trained in Emotional Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) CBT, REBT, SFBT.
"Shame cannot survive being spoken and being met with empathy" Brene Brown. My goal is to support your healing, to hold a sacred space that feels safe to you and where you no longer feel alone in your pain. I specialize in helping people with attachment / relationship wounding trauma , family disconnection/dysfunction, divorce, codependency, self-esteem, and relationship problems. If you struggle with fear of abandonment, unstable relationships and self-image I can help. If you struggle with not being good enough, chronic feelings of unworthiness, control, the need to be perfect and comparing yourself to others, then call me.
(602) 783-8831 View (602) 783-8831
Photo of Allison Wilson, Counselor in Phoenix, AZ
Allison Wilson
Counselor, MAC, LAC, CCTP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85044
I’m passionate about working with people who have experienced trauma, abuse (including narcissistic, relational, and childhood), PTSD, neglect, betrayal, attachment wounds, and relationship issues.
Is there a time in your life when you've felt alone, betrayed, unhappy or lost? Difficulties often leave us feeling helpless, isolated, and overwhelmed. As we unpack the trauma, anger, pain, and loss, you will learn tools for living authentically, transforming the way you connect, and experience healing and growth. On this journey of emotional healing and recovery I love seeing the progression one experiences as they show up and commit to working through life’s difficulties. We will walk down this path together, at your pace, implementing various techniques and tools that work best for you.
I’m passionate about working with people who have experienced trauma, abuse (including narcissistic, relational, and childhood), PTSD, neglect, betrayal, attachment wounds, and relationship issues.
Is there a time in your life when you've felt alone, betrayed, unhappy or lost? Difficulties often leave us feeling helpless, isolated, and overwhelmed. As we unpack the trauma, anger, pain, and loss, you will learn tools for living authentically, transforming the way you connect, and experience healing and growth. On this journey of emotional healing and recovery I love seeing the progression one experiences as they show up and commit to working through life’s difficulties. We will walk down this path together, at your pace, implementing various techniques and tools that work best for you.
(928) 267-0966 View (928) 267-0966
Photo of Cheryl L Wheeler in Phoenix, AZ
Cheryl L Wheeler
MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85044  (Online Only)
Accepting NEW Clients: Online Sessions. Trained as a psychotherapist, I believe Quantum Psychology Life Coaching to be a step beyond traditional psychotherapy to a higher level of functioning! Quantum Psychology Life Coaching is a process of implementing critical thinking into action, by testing hypotheses and applying analytical thinking. Together we develop a working relationship "creating a future", rather than "getting over" the past. Coaching is NOT suitable for SMI clients.
Accepting NEW Clients: Online Sessions. Trained as a psychotherapist, I believe Quantum Psychology Life Coaching to be a step beyond traditional psychotherapy to a higher level of functioning! Quantum Psychology Life Coaching is a process of implementing critical thinking into action, by testing hypotheses and applying analytical thinking. Together we develop a working relationship "creating a future", rather than "getting over" the past. Coaching is NOT suitable for SMI clients.
(520) 595-4339 View (520) 595-4339
Photo of Jeff Skeens, Marriage & Family Therapist in Phoenix, AZ
Jeff Skeens
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MMFT , CCTP, MDiv
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85016
I have over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families.
Unresolved relational issues. Past trauma that has begun affecting your normal routine. Marriage is going through a hard time. Family life is full of stress and conflict. Anxiety keeps growing and becoming more intense. These are all part of being human and being in relationship, and it’s OK to ask for help in the midst of them.
I have over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families.
Unresolved relational issues. Past trauma that has begun affecting your normal routine. Marriage is going through a hard time. Family life is full of stress and conflict. Anxiety keeps growing and becoming more intense. These are all part of being human and being in relationship, and it’s OK to ask for help in the midst of them.
(602) 584-7670 View (602) 584-7670
Photo of Debra Goldfine, Psychologist in Phoenix, AZ
Debra Goldfine
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85013  (Online Only)
Goldfine works with a broad range of issues with adults across the lifespan and provides individual, couples, career and group counseling.
Dr. Debra C. Goldfine is a Licensed Counseling Psychologist. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1994 and completed her clinical residency at Washington State University’s Counseling Services and Orofino State Hospital. As a tenured Associate Professor in the Adult, Technology, and Counselor Education Department at the University of Idaho, she taught graduate level counseling courses and practicums as well as undergraduate courses in psychology. She was a Faculty Fellow in Service Learning. As an Associate Professor she conducted peer reviewed research and presented her work nationally
Goldfine works with a broad range of issues with adults across the lifespan and provides individual, couples, career and group counseling.
Dr. Debra C. Goldfine is a Licensed Counseling Psychologist. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1994 and completed her clinical residency at Washington State University’s Counseling Services and Orofino State Hospital. As a tenured Associate Professor in the Adult, Technology, and Counselor Education Department at the University of Idaho, she taught graduate level counseling courses and practicums as well as undergraduate courses in psychology. She was a Faculty Fellow in Service Learning. As an Associate Professor she conducted peer reviewed research and presented her work nationally
(623) 281-3750 View (623) 281-3750
Photo of Sigal (Sigalit) Attias, Licensed Professional Counselor in Phoenix, AZ
Sigal (Sigalit) Attias
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LAMFT
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85028
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Associate Marriage Therapist (LAMFT), I help my clients identify triggers affecting their happiness and life satisfaction. I help clients reduce their mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, attention deficits, and maladaptive personality habits. I specialize in Couples and Relationship Therapy. I am passionate about helping my clients create a secure and satisfying connection with their loved ones. Together with my clients, we identify their strengths, implement coping skills, and increase awareness to overcome their present life challenges.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Associate Marriage Therapist (LAMFT), I help my clients identify triggers affecting their happiness and life satisfaction. I help clients reduce their mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, attention deficits, and maladaptive personality habits. I specialize in Couples and Relationship Therapy. I am passionate about helping my clients create a secure and satisfying connection with their loved ones. Together with my clients, we identify their strengths, implement coping skills, and increase awareness to overcome their present life challenges.
(480) 553-8326 View (480) 553-8326
Photo of Suzanne Berndt, Licensed Professional Counselor in Phoenix, AZ
Suzanne Berndt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC, MHSA, SEP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Humans are by nature social animals and yet many of us have lost connection within ourselves and our community. I believe this is due, in part, to a frantic world that has led to relational trauma, a poor sense of self, health challenges, addiction, loss and isolation. Feeling relevant, finding meaning, having a mission, knowing joy and learning emotional regulation/tolerance/resiliency are ways in which we can heal ourselves and the world at large. I work with individuals (adults only) and couples.
Humans are by nature social animals and yet many of us have lost connection within ourselves and our community. I believe this is due, in part, to a frantic world that has led to relational trauma, a poor sense of self, health challenges, addiction, loss and isolation. Feeling relevant, finding meaning, having a mission, knowing joy and learning emotional regulation/tolerance/resiliency are ways in which we can heal ourselves and the world at large. I work with individuals (adults only) and couples.
(480) 442-9918 View (480) 442-9918
Photo of Arizona Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic, Marriage & Family Therapist in Phoenix, AZ
Arizona Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85014
I am passionate about providing encouragement and guidance to individuals, couples, and families seeking to create change and heal in a safe space. I work from a systemic perspective, which considers how all aspects of your life may influence current challenges and well-being. I strive to help my clients explore personal experiences, family history, culture and values, life stages, relationship patterns, and strengths to transform the way they navigate life and take the desired steps toward change. Together, we can collaborate to create sustainable change with clear goals and outcomes for the therapy process.
I am passionate about providing encouragement and guidance to individuals, couples, and families seeking to create change and heal in a safe space. I work from a systemic perspective, which considers how all aspects of your life may influence current challenges and well-being. I strive to help my clients explore personal experiences, family history, culture and values, life stages, relationship patterns, and strengths to transform the way they navigate life and take the desired steps toward change. Together, we can collaborate to create sustainable change with clear goals and outcomes for the therapy process.
(520) 231-7164 View (520) 231-7164
Photo of Bevin Stockett, Counselor in Phoenix, AZ
Bevin Stockett
Counselor, MA, LAC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85048
By creating a safe, non-judgemental, open therapeutic relationship, my goal is to utilize your own strengths and values as a guide to establish the best ways to help you.
“The more you understand how worthy you are, the more likely you’ll find your strength again.” - Tabitha Brown. It is essential to understand our own worth and to learn who we are as individuals. Unfortunately through various life events, we may lose sight of who we are or never learn who we are at all. When we don’t have an understanding of our own worth, it is difficult to find our inner strength and to understand what we deserve out of life and relationships. Due to feelings of unworthiness and/or low self-esteem, we may end up making decisions, choosing relationships, and reacting to life in ways that do not serve us well.
By creating a safe, non-judgemental, open therapeutic relationship, my goal is to utilize your own strengths and values as a guide to establish the best ways to help you.
“The more you understand how worthy you are, the more likely you’ll find your strength again.” - Tabitha Brown. It is essential to understand our own worth and to learn who we are as individuals. Unfortunately through various life events, we may lose sight of who we are or never learn who we are at all. When we don’t have an understanding of our own worth, it is difficult to find our inner strength and to understand what we deserve out of life and relationships. Due to feelings of unworthiness and/or low self-esteem, we may end up making decisions, choosing relationships, and reacting to life in ways that do not serve us well.
(520) 987-9029 View (520) 987-9029
Photo of Alexandra Mackey, Counselor in Phoenix, AZ
Alexandra Mackey
Counselor, Alexandra Daem, MA, LPC-S, NCC, BHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85020
I am Clinical Mental Health Psychotherapist that specializes in working with adults struggling from behavioral & emotional issues including; mood challenges, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, & trauma. I am an Advanced EMDRIA trained, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) provider. I enjoy working with individuals who want to improve their communication, self-worth, self-esteem, & rid behavior patterns that no longer serve them. I believe that every individual is entitled to deep emotional connections with self & others, & I enjoy fostering individuals in achieving their full potential.
I am Clinical Mental Health Psychotherapist that specializes in working with adults struggling from behavioral & emotional issues including; mood challenges, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, & trauma. I am an Advanced EMDRIA trained, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) provider. I enjoy working with individuals who want to improve their communication, self-worth, self-esteem, & rid behavior patterns that no longer serve them. I believe that every individual is entitled to deep emotional connections with self & others, & I enjoy fostering individuals in achieving their full potential.
(623) 244-8337 View (623) 244-8337
Photo of Jacqueline Alejandra Muñoz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Phoenix, AZ
Jacqueline Alejandra Muñoz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85085  (Online Only)
I also work with families and couples.
I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Texas and Arizona. I have been a social worker for the past 16 years, practicing in mental health for the past 11 years. My experience includes working with diverse populations including geriatric, adults, and adolescents in various settings. I have worked in foster care/adoptions, a shelter for unaccompanied minors, skilled nursing, and as the Director for inpatient and outpatient services in a psychiatric hospital setting.
I also work with families and couples.
I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Texas and Arizona. I have been a social worker for the past 16 years, practicing in mental health for the past 11 years. My experience includes working with diverse populations including geriatric, adults, and adolescents in various settings. I have worked in foster care/adoptions, a shelter for unaccompanied minors, skilled nursing, and as the Director for inpatient and outpatient services in a psychiatric hospital setting.
(928) 382-3802 View (928) 382-3802
Photo of Integrative Psychotherapy and Assessment Services, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Phoenix, AZ
Integrative Psychotherapy and Assessment Services
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, PsyD
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85015
You are strong, you are resilient, and it is okay to need help! Life can often become extremely difficult. I am here to help. I will come alongside you in your journey as a trusted partner, teammate, and counselor. Someone to always be in your corner. I will help you be accountable for your life and I will be privileged to assist you in your time of need for any and all substance abuse related needs. Schedule with John Fleming (LISAC), Shaun Oldridge (LASAC), Janice Fairbank (LISAC), or Mike Larose LASAC.
You are strong, you are resilient, and it is okay to need help! Life can often become extremely difficult. I am here to help. I will come alongside you in your journey as a trusted partner, teammate, and counselor. Someone to always be in your corner. I will help you be accountable for your life and I will be privileged to assist you in your time of need for any and all substance abuse related needs. Schedule with John Fleming (LISAC), Shaun Oldridge (LASAC), Janice Fairbank (LISAC), or Mike Larose LASAC.
(520) 231-8420 View (520) 231-8420
Photo of Allison Westmoore, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Phoenix, AZ
Allison Westmoore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85003  (Online Only)
Welcome! I specialize in family/relationship dynamics, LQBTQIA+ experiences, substance abuse disorders, everyday life transitions, and varying mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Not only do I pull from my clinical training in these topics, but also from my lived experiences and how they have affected not only me, but my relationships and family. These include being queer, a parent, a transplant from the midwest, and experiencing childhood trauma. I use my clinical expertise and lived experiences to create judgment free and individualized mental health care, which is at the core of how I practice.
Welcome! I specialize in family/relationship dynamics, LQBTQIA+ experiences, substance abuse disorders, everyday life transitions, and varying mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Not only do I pull from my clinical training in these topics, but also from my lived experiences and how they have affected not only me, but my relationships and family. These include being queer, a parent, a transplant from the midwest, and experiencing childhood trauma. I use my clinical expertise and lived experiences to create judgment free and individualized mental health care, which is at the core of how I practice.
(602) 875-0658 View (602) 875-0658
Photo of Cayla Gensler, Licensed Professional Counselor in Phoenix, AZ
Cayla Gensler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSc, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85028
Waitlist for new clients
As a relationship therapist, I see my clients in the context of where they are in their relationships.
“It’s just not working. Maybe we aren’t meant to be. It shouldn’t be this hard. I just need my space. Nothing I do is ever good enough. I feel like we’re just roommates." These are some of the statements that bring us to our knees in relationships, and hopefully get us in the door to therapy. As humans, we are biologically wired to connect with others. Since conception, we have some level of dependency that our society just expects us to “grow out of” as we age. While in reality, we need a secure relationship with another to feel comfortable enough to take necessary risks in our individual lives.
As a relationship therapist, I see my clients in the context of where they are in their relationships.
“It’s just not working. Maybe we aren’t meant to be. It shouldn’t be this hard. I just need my space. Nothing I do is ever good enough. I feel like we’re just roommates." These are some of the statements that bring us to our knees in relationships, and hopefully get us in the door to therapy. As humans, we are biologically wired to connect with others. Since conception, we have some level of dependency that our society just expects us to “grow out of” as we age. While in reality, we need a secure relationship with another to feel comfortable enough to take necessary risks in our individual lives.
(928) 756-0151 View (928) 756-0151

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.