Photo of Jennifer Hoffman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Auburn, CA
Jennifer Hoffman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95603
I love seeing people grow and overcome obstacles that previously seemed insurmountable! I work with couples and adult individuals. You may seek help with your partner when you feel like you're stuck in a loop where the harder you try to work things out, the more you wind up hurting each other. You may come on your own if you've hit a rough patch and need help regaining your equilibrium. My job, as I see it, is to join you and help you unpack your thoughts and feelings with an eye toward building a brighter future.
I love seeing people grow and overcome obstacles that previously seemed insurmountable! I work with couples and adult individuals. You may seek help with your partner when you feel like you're stuck in a loop where the harder you try to work things out, the more you wind up hurting each other. You may come on your own if you've hit a rough patch and need help regaining your equilibrium. My job, as I see it, is to join you and help you unpack your thoughts and feelings with an eye toward building a brighter future.
(530) 779-7684 View (530) 779-7684
Photo of Derek C. Becker LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Auburn, CA
Derek C. Becker LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95602
At this time, our practice is full. Please email or call to join the waitlist. Thank you. Are you struggling with parenting, connecting with your partner or building meaningful relationships? Or perhaps you want to better understand your spouse. We can often feel overwhelmed and unable to see our role in the problem. This tends to cause anxiety, depression, and can sometimes cause us to turn to substances to cope. Sometimes we just need a little guidance to get us to our goals.
At this time, our practice is full. Please email or call to join the waitlist. Thank you. Are you struggling with parenting, connecting with your partner or building meaningful relationships? Or perhaps you want to better understand your spouse. We can often feel overwhelmed and unable to see our role in the problem. This tends to cause anxiety, depression, and can sometimes cause us to turn to substances to cope. Sometimes we just need a little guidance to get us to our goals.
(530) 296-3234 View (530) 296-3234
Photo of Olesen & Associates, Marriage & Family Therapist in Auburn, CA
Olesen & Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, BCIA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Auburn, CA 95602
You are struggling. Your life isn’t what you want it to be. We can help! We specialize in anxiety, depression, couples issues, addictions, sleep problems, concussion, ADD, and trauma. We are friendly and goal oriented. I have 25 years experience with adults, teens, and children. And, if you wish, we can also use Neurofeedback training. I taught Neurofeedback at San Francisco State University. This modality teaches you to change brainwave patterns that keep you from being your best. I’ve written three books, including a new one on enhancing brain function.
You are struggling. Your life isn’t what you want it to be. We can help! We specialize in anxiety, depression, couples issues, addictions, sleep problems, concussion, ADD, and trauma. We are friendly and goal oriented. I have 25 years experience with adults, teens, and children. And, if you wish, we can also use Neurofeedback training. I taught Neurofeedback at San Francisco State University. This modality teaches you to change brainwave patterns that keep you from being your best. I’ve written three books, including a new one on enhancing brain function.
(530) 419-5319 View (530) 419-5319
Photo of Betty Readle, Marriage & Family Therapist in Auburn, CA
Betty Readle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95603
Treating individuals and couples with an emphasis on individual needs is my focus. Working together, we can identify patterns of communication that get in the way of a loving relationship. If you and your partner are feeling worlds apart, Emotion Focused Therapy can help bringing you closer together. EFT has a proven track record of helping couples like you enrich their relationships through the discovery and removal of these roadblocks to intimacy. Let me be your guide on this journey of discovery. Help is just a phone call away.
Treating individuals and couples with an emphasis on individual needs is my focus. Working together, we can identify patterns of communication that get in the way of a loving relationship. If you and your partner are feeling worlds apart, Emotion Focused Therapy can help bringing you closer together. EFT has a proven track record of helping couples like you enrich their relationships through the discovery and removal of these roadblocks to intimacy. Let me be your guide on this journey of discovery. Help is just a phone call away.
(530) 603-1937 View (530) 603-1937
Photo of Merrill Powers, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Auburn, CA
Merrill Powers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95603
Worried? Anxious? Blue? Feelings can be the result of your situation,or they can be triggered by deeper issues such as attachment, trauma, and unprocessed memories. EMDR "turbocharges" the processing of painful memories. Adults, teens, and children with a history of abuse, trauma, and loss can heal quickly. I also specialize in resolving relationship issues and helping families become stronger. Whether you need help to navigate life transitions or to realize your full potential for emotional growth, therapy is a highly interactive process. Together we develop a plan for treatment involving care and commitment. Feel better!
Worried? Anxious? Blue? Feelings can be the result of your situation,or they can be triggered by deeper issues such as attachment, trauma, and unprocessed memories. EMDR "turbocharges" the processing of painful memories. Adults, teens, and children with a history of abuse, trauma, and loss can heal quickly. I also specialize in resolving relationship issues and helping families become stronger. Whether you need help to navigate life transitions or to realize your full potential for emotional growth, therapy is a highly interactive process. Together we develop a plan for treatment involving care and commitment. Feel better!
(530) 616-8979 View (530) 616-8979
Photo of Christopher Dean Coble, Marriage & Family Therapist in Auburn, CA
Christopher Dean Coble
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Auburn, CA 95602  (Online Only)
I specialize in couples therapy, trauma, addictions, anxiety, and also work with individuals, families, and facilitate process groups.
Are you struggling to live the life you want and hope for? Are your relationships failing, or bringing you disappointment and pain? Are you feeling defeated, overwhelmed? I've walked alongside clients for over 19 years, and I know that by the time someone reaches out to a therapist, they really need help. I consider it a privilege and honor to work with clients and I do so in a collaborative, compassionate, educational and efficient manner. Therapy utilizes precious resources (time, money, energy) and I respect and honor clients through ethical, quality care that brings about healing and growth at the deepest levels.
I specialize in couples therapy, trauma, addictions, anxiety, and also work with individuals, families, and facilitate process groups.
Are you struggling to live the life you want and hope for? Are your relationships failing, or bringing you disappointment and pain? Are you feeling defeated, overwhelmed? I've walked alongside clients for over 19 years, and I know that by the time someone reaches out to a therapist, they really need help. I consider it a privilege and honor to work with clients and I do so in a collaborative, compassionate, educational and efficient manner. Therapy utilizes precious resources (time, money, energy) and I respect and honor clients through ethical, quality care that brings about healing and growth at the deepest levels.
(925) 438-6455 View (925) 438-6455
Photo of Emily White, Marriage & Family Therapist in Auburn, CA
Emily White
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95603
I am particularly passionate about working with couples who struggle with relationship issues and want to build a stronger connection, teens who are struggling with difficult emotions and behaviors and want to better understand themselves, and young adults who want to explore their past in order to have a better future than where they came from.
We all walk through valleys in our lives, my hope is that you don't walk it alone. There are sometimes scary parts of us, my hope is to help them become less scary. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I put my heart and soul into walking alongside my clients. I strive to have a safe and collaborative relationship in which we work together to find the answers and solutions you are in need of, striving to help you see yourself more fully, so that ultimately you feel deep healing and empowerment. We are all on a journey of becoming a better version of ourselves, it would be an honor to be a part of your journey.
I am particularly passionate about working with couples who struggle with relationship issues and want to build a stronger connection, teens who are struggling with difficult emotions and behaviors and want to better understand themselves, and young adults who want to explore their past in order to have a better future than where they came from.
We all walk through valleys in our lives, my hope is that you don't walk it alone. There are sometimes scary parts of us, my hope is to help them become less scary. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I put my heart and soul into walking alongside my clients. I strive to have a safe and collaborative relationship in which we work together to find the answers and solutions you are in need of, striving to help you see yourself more fully, so that ultimately you feel deep healing and empowerment. We are all on a journey of becoming a better version of ourselves, it would be an honor to be a part of your journey.
(530) 207-8715 View (530) 207-8715
Photo of Mary Lee Olesen in Auburn, CA
Mary Lee Olesen
BCIA, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Auburn, CA 95603
You are struggling. Your life isn't what you want it to be. We can help! We specialize in anxiety, depression, couples issues, addictions, sleep problems, concussion, ADD, and trauma. We are friendly and goal-oriented. I have 20 years experience working with adults, teens, and children. And, if you wish, we can also integrate neurofeedback training into our work together. Neurofeedback uses the EEG (which neurologists also use) to teach you to change brainwave patterns that keep you from being your best. I studied Neurofeedback at San Francisco State University, and am Board Certified in Biofeedback.
You are struggling. Your life isn't what you want it to be. We can help! We specialize in anxiety, depression, couples issues, addictions, sleep problems, concussion, ADD, and trauma. We are friendly and goal-oriented. I have 20 years experience working with adults, teens, and children. And, if you wish, we can also integrate neurofeedback training into our work together. Neurofeedback uses the EEG (which neurologists also use) to teach you to change brainwave patterns that keep you from being your best. I studied Neurofeedback at San Francisco State University, and am Board Certified in Biofeedback.
(530) 885-2673 x3 View (530) 885-2673 x3
Photo of Bonnie Wagner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Auburn, CA
Bonnie Wagner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95603
Hello, I'm Bonnie Wagner, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys working with individual adults, couples, children/teens (birth to 18 years) and families, for over 25 years. I have a great deal of experience as a therapist, helping people develop treatment goals which assist them in achieving the most optimal and positive outcomes for themselves.
Hello, I'm Bonnie Wagner, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys working with individual adults, couples, children/teens (birth to 18 years) and families, for over 25 years. I have a great deal of experience as a therapist, helping people develop treatment goals which assist them in achieving the most optimal and positive outcomes for themselves.
(916) 546-1504 View (916) 546-1504
Photo of Rob Steffke, Marriage & Family Therapist in Auburn, CA
Rob Steffke
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Auburn, CA 95604
My clients are people of all ages who find themselves ready to move into a way of being and relating that they know in their hearts is possible. Experience has shown me that a trusted relationship is medicine that catalyzes our ability to meet our pain, question our beliefs, refine our visions, celebrate our joy—all of which are part of becoming ourselves. Within many frames of psychology, I have seen how easy it can be to become locked into identity structures that reinforce limitation. Energy wants to move. Experiences want to be known. Visions want to be honed. These intensifying days call to us whispering- time to transform.
My clients are people of all ages who find themselves ready to move into a way of being and relating that they know in their hearts is possible. Experience has shown me that a trusted relationship is medicine that catalyzes our ability to meet our pain, question our beliefs, refine our visions, celebrate our joy—all of which are part of becoming ourselves. Within many frames of psychology, I have seen how easy it can be to become locked into identity structures that reinforce limitation. Energy wants to move. Experiences want to be known. Visions want to be honed. These intensifying days call to us whispering- time to transform.
(805) 978-5211 View (805) 978-5211
Photo of Lovie Bucknell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Auburn, CA
Lovie Bucknell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Auburn, CA 95602
I have experience working with children, teens, families, couples and elderly persons in our community from: Reach Counseling, Mountain Valley Children and Family Services, Nevada County Children's Behavioral Health and The Nevada County Crisis Stabilization Unit.
You don't have to go this alone! I approach my clients with authenticity, non-judgement, and compassion. The issues that I would be honored to support you with include: depression; anxiety; working through trauma; grief/loss; major life transitions; self-discovery; exploring/cultivating creativity; exploring cultural identities; creating satisfying relationships; and understanding and resolving conflicts in family relationships. I integrate various theories and approaches based on your particular goals. Our work together can be exploratory or action oriented: focusing on the past, the present or the future; long or short term.
I have experience working with children, teens, families, couples and elderly persons in our community from: Reach Counseling, Mountain Valley Children and Family Services, Nevada County Children's Behavioral Health and The Nevada County Crisis Stabilization Unit.
You don't have to go this alone! I approach my clients with authenticity, non-judgement, and compassion. The issues that I would be honored to support you with include: depression; anxiety; working through trauma; grief/loss; major life transitions; self-discovery; exploring/cultivating creativity; exploring cultural identities; creating satisfying relationships; and understanding and resolving conflicts in family relationships. I integrate various theories and approaches based on your particular goals. Our work together can be exploratory or action oriented: focusing on the past, the present or the future; long or short term.
(530) 797-4077 View (530) 797-4077
Photo of Sierra Therese Sparks, Marriage & Family Therapist in Auburn, CA
Sierra Therese Sparks
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95603
I specialize in: **IMAGO and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy **Depression/Anxiety/Panic **Children/Teens **Family Systems **Nurtured Heart Approach (children) **EMDR (certified for trauma recovery) **Parent Coaching **Couples communication and reconnection **Life transitions **LGBTQ.
The best project you will ever work on is YOU (or your relationships). There is HOPE and everyone has a story. I am here to hear yours, your families, relationships or child's. I will coach you through the challenges you face with compassion and trust. I am a psychotherapist and the owner/director of Sierra Family Therapy Centers in Nevada County. I work with couples, individuals and troubled teens/children. My approach is strength-based, providing support and feedback to my clients in order to help gain insight towards improving your life.
I specialize in: **IMAGO and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy **Depression/Anxiety/Panic **Children/Teens **Family Systems **Nurtured Heart Approach (children) **EMDR (certified for trauma recovery) **Parent Coaching **Couples communication and reconnection **Life transitions **LGBTQ.
The best project you will ever work on is YOU (or your relationships). There is HOPE and everyone has a story. I am here to hear yours, your families, relationships or child's. I will coach you through the challenges you face with compassion and trust. I am a psychotherapist and the owner/director of Sierra Family Therapy Centers in Nevada County. I work with couples, individuals and troubled teens/children. My approach is strength-based, providing support and feedback to my clients in order to help gain insight towards improving your life.
(530) 419-5818 View (530) 419-5818
Photo of Heartstrings Counseling, Inc., Marriage & Family Therapist in Auburn, CA
Heartstrings Counseling, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95603
We provide a wide variety of counseling services for Individuals, couples, families, teens and adolescents, children and groups.
Heartstrings Counseling was established as a Non-Profit Corporation in 2013. Our counselors are highly trained and supervised, with compassionate hearts, whose desire is to walk alongside you in your life-journey on a path to more peace, love, joy and hope We would love to talk further with you about our services. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
We provide a wide variety of counseling services for Individuals, couples, families, teens and adolescents, children and groups.
Heartstrings Counseling was established as a Non-Profit Corporation in 2013. Our counselors are highly trained and supervised, with compassionate hearts, whose desire is to walk alongside you in your life-journey on a path to more peace, love, joy and hope We would love to talk further with you about our services. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
(916) 710-8563 View (916) 710-8563
Photo of Center for Transformational Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Auburn, CA
Center for Transformational Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, AMFT
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95603
We offer therapy for individuals, couples, and families, as well as group therapy and trauma-focused treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
At Center for Transformational Psychotherapy we are committed to the real possibility of happiness for every human being, regardless of individual background and circumstance. We work from a shared perspective that transformation occurs by developing a relationship with awareness, which includes and ultimately goes beyond the limitations of conventional ego psychology. Within this shared perspective we offer a wide range of therapeutic techniques and will work with you to find the therapist who best meets your needs.
We offer therapy for individuals, couples, and families, as well as group therapy and trauma-focused treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
At Center for Transformational Psychotherapy we are committed to the real possibility of happiness for every human being, regardless of individual background and circumstance. We work from a shared perspective that transformation occurs by developing a relationship with awareness, which includes and ultimately goes beyond the limitations of conventional ego psychology. Within this shared perspective we offer a wide range of therapeutic techniques and will work with you to find the therapist who best meets your needs.
(530) 771-6845 View (530) 771-6845
Photo of Carey Laine, Psychologist in Auburn, CA
Carey Laine
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95602
He works with individuals, couples, families and adolescents.
Psychotherapy is one way to promote change which examines attitude, feelings, emotions and motivation when the individual, couple or family experience is less than funtional. The work is mainly to encourage the patient to talk and explore their feelings, beliefs, and thoughts which develops integrated mindful awareness. In other words emotional growth. Additionally, this is a process which seeks to help gain an increased capacity for choice, through which the patient becomes more autonomous,functional and self-determined. Dr. Laine strongly believes that this challenging work is best accomplished in an atmosphere of safety, caring, support and is dedicated to providing this for all patients.
He works with individuals, couples, families and adolescents.
Psychotherapy is one way to promote change which examines attitude, feelings, emotions and motivation when the individual, couple or family experience is less than funtional. The work is mainly to encourage the patient to talk and explore their feelings, beliefs, and thoughts which develops integrated mindful awareness. In other words emotional growth. Additionally, this is a process which seeks to help gain an increased capacity for choice, through which the patient becomes more autonomous,functional and self-determined. Dr. Laine strongly believes that this challenging work is best accomplished in an atmosphere of safety, caring, support and is dedicated to providing this for all patients.
(530) 924-0868 View (530) 924-0868
Photo of Lorene Noack, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Auburn, CA
Lorene Noack, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95602  (Online Only)
I come from a Cognitive Behavioral, strengths-based perspective in a supportive environment to help you or you and your partner/family work through whatever it is that is impacting your emotional health.
Whether you are seeking counseling services for yourself, your child or your family, please know that there is hope. Choosing this step in your life takes courage and strength. I will support and guide you to reach your goals. I am semi-retired, so I can only accept a few clients at a time. I offer telehealth exclusively through ZOOM, which allows us to work together in the comfort of your home or office. I am licensed in both Utah and California.
I come from a Cognitive Behavioral, strengths-based perspective in a supportive environment to help you or you and your partner/family work through whatever it is that is impacting your emotional health.
Whether you are seeking counseling services for yourself, your child or your family, please know that there is hope. Choosing this step in your life takes courage and strength. I will support and guide you to reach your goals. I am semi-retired, so I can only accept a few clients at a time. I offer telehealth exclusively through ZOOM, which allows us to work together in the comfort of your home or office. I am licensed in both Utah and California.
(530) 419-6103 View (530) 419-6103
Photo of James Brunet MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Auburn, CA
James Brunet MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95603
I work with men, women, couples and teens to help them develop tools to re-author their lives in a way that is meaningful, integrated and whole for themselves and their relationships.
We are defined by our stories. Working from a Narrative Therapy perspective helps me to support clients in a way that is unique and different from most traditional therapy perspectives. YOU are not the problem, the PROBLEM is the problem, and it may be time to develop new tools and skills to develop a different story for your life, one that you authored and can live by. Lets work together on helping you to develop the new story that will empower you to live the life you want!
I work with men, women, couples and teens to help them develop tools to re-author their lives in a way that is meaningful, integrated and whole for themselves and their relationships.
We are defined by our stories. Working from a Narrative Therapy perspective helps me to support clients in a way that is unique and different from most traditional therapy perspectives. YOU are not the problem, the PROBLEM is the problem, and it may be time to develop new tools and skills to develop a different story for your life, one that you authored and can live by. Lets work together on helping you to develop the new story that will empower you to live the life you want!
(530) 402-8591 View (530) 402-8591
Photo of Algiu Mihai, Marriage & Family Therapist in Auburn, CA
Algiu Mihai
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95602
Besides individual sessions, couples work sessions and Group Work, I also train clinicians in awareness based somatic psychotherapy. I also, hold two types of weekly groups that are ongoing, although they are open to new people from time time. Check my website and youtube channel (Circle of Being Somatic Shadow Work) to understand more about my work and different modules I have available. Before booking sessions with me, please watch the video called 'Watch this video before booking 1:1 sessions with Mihai Intro to somatic therapy vs talk therapy' (cannot insert this video here but you can find on my above mentioned youtube channel)
Besides individual sessions, couples work sessions and Group Work, I also train clinicians in awareness based somatic psychotherapy. I also, hold two types of weekly groups that are ongoing, although they are open to new people from time time. Check my website and youtube channel (Circle of Being Somatic Shadow Work) to understand more about my work and different modules I have available. Before booking sessions with me, please watch the video called 'Watch this video before booking 1:1 sessions with Mihai Intro to somatic therapy vs talk therapy' (cannot insert this video here but you can find on my above mentioned youtube channel)
(530) 287-4537 View (530) 287-4537
Photo of Stephanie Layton, Marriage & Family Therapist in Auburn, CA
Stephanie Layton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Auburn, CA 95603
As a trauma therapist, I lean into the darkness that usually makes others uncomfortable & I help you navigate through it, not alone & isolated, but in a supportive & trusting relationship.
There is no time like the present. If you’ve found yourself here on my page, you have done what most can only dream of. You have taken the next step, one giant leap of courage, to do this work that you’ve been called to do. This work is not always easy, in fact it can be downright hard & uncomfortable, but it is necessary & rewarding. And with my guidance, hopefully the process can be more than just barrable, maybe even inspiring. It is scary to look into the abyss of uncertainty, but often my client’s find it was not nearly as bad as those nagging thoughts inside their head said it would be & many wish they had started sooner.
As a trauma therapist, I lean into the darkness that usually makes others uncomfortable & I help you navigate through it, not alone & isolated, but in a supportive & trusting relationship.
There is no time like the present. If you’ve found yourself here on my page, you have done what most can only dream of. You have taken the next step, one giant leap of courage, to do this work that you’ve been called to do. This work is not always easy, in fact it can be downright hard & uncomfortable, but it is necessary & rewarding. And with my guidance, hopefully the process can be more than just barrable, maybe even inspiring. It is scary to look into the abyss of uncertainty, but often my client’s find it was not nearly as bad as those nagging thoughts inside their head said it would be & many wish they had started sooner.
(916) 527-9376 View (916) 527-9376
Photo of Tami Louis-Olesen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Auburn, CA
Tami Louis-Olesen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Auburn, CA 95602
Voted Best Therapist for 7 years! Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Are you unsure how to get the life you want? Sometimes negative thinking, anxious thoughts, unhealthy relationship patterns, previous traumas, (or something else) holds us back from reaching our true potential. It's during these times, that it's difficult to see your value and the strengths you bring to yourself and others. It doesn't have to stay this way. Therapy is an opportunity to work with someone to get the life and relationships you have always wanted - and to feel good again.
Voted Best Therapist for 7 years! Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Are you unsure how to get the life you want? Sometimes negative thinking, anxious thoughts, unhealthy relationship patterns, previous traumas, (or something else) holds us back from reaching our true potential. It's during these times, that it's difficult to see your value and the strengths you bring to yourself and others. It doesn't have to stay this way. Therapy is an opportunity to work with someone to get the life and relationships you have always wanted - and to feel good again.
(530) 564-1757 View (530) 564-1757
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.