Photo of Christina Ching, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brea, CA
Christina Ching
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92821
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in helping clients who struggle with complex trauma (childhood, intergenerational, intimate partner violence), identity exploration, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, and grief and loss.
Navigating therapy can often feel intimidating and confusing. Taking up space and speaking your truth is challenging, especially when problems and experiences that may be distressing or painful are involved. But this process isn’t one that has to be tackled alone nor are you meant to. My approach is empowering and encouraging, and I strive to provide a warm, safe, and judgment-free space that allows us to collaboratively uncover your inherent strengths and build the life you envision for yourself.
I specialize in helping clients who struggle with complex trauma (childhood, intergenerational, intimate partner violence), identity exploration, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, and grief and loss.
Navigating therapy can often feel intimidating and confusing. Taking up space and speaking your truth is challenging, especially when problems and experiences that may be distressing or painful are involved. But this process isn’t one that has to be tackled alone nor are you meant to. My approach is empowering and encouraging, and I strive to provide a warm, safe, and judgment-free space that allows us to collaboratively uncover your inherent strengths and build the life you envision for yourself.
(626) 316-6659 View (626) 316-6659
Photo of Theresa Tapia, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brea, CA
Theresa Tapia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92821  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Unfortunately, life has many obstacles and challenges leading to feelings of sadness, pain, confusion, and anger. Often individuals and couples feel stuck and don't know how to move forward. This time can feel very lonely and scary. My role as a therapist is to provide you with a safe, nonjudgmental environment to process thoughts and feelings, as well as guide you in developing insight and identifying skills to help you live a happier and healthier life. I am committed in helping you heal and grow.
Unfortunately, life has many obstacles and challenges leading to feelings of sadness, pain, confusion, and anger. Often individuals and couples feel stuck and don't know how to move forward. This time can feel very lonely and scary. My role as a therapist is to provide you with a safe, nonjudgmental environment to process thoughts and feelings, as well as guide you in developing insight and identifying skills to help you live a happier and healthier life. I am committed in helping you heal and grow.
(657) 213-3049 View (657) 213-3049
Photo of Cheryl D Casey, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brea, CA
Cheryl D Casey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Brea, CA 92821  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working with children, teens, and adults providing individual, couples, group, and family therapy to those that are dealing with depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, PTSD, grief, divorce, identity issues, parenting, workplace challenges, and many other social and emotional challenges.
The journey of life can be a challenging one. We are often faced with situations and events that challenge us. Sometimes we feel alone, confused, uncertain, or afraid. We seek comfort and understanding. We want change, but are not sure how or what steps to take. We seek safety, security, and purpose. I will help you navigate through life challenges and help you gently face your deepest struggles.
I have extensive experience working with children, teens, and adults providing individual, couples, group, and family therapy to those that are dealing with depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, PTSD, grief, divorce, identity issues, parenting, workplace challenges, and many other social and emotional challenges.
The journey of life can be a challenging one. We are often faced with situations and events that challenge us. Sometimes we feel alone, confused, uncertain, or afraid. We seek comfort and understanding. We want change, but are not sure how or what steps to take. We seek safety, security, and purpose. I will help you navigate through life challenges and help you gently face your deepest struggles.
(714) 627-4897 View (714) 627-4897
Photo of Valerie Russell, Psychologist in Brea, CA
Valerie Russell
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Brea, CA 92821
My clients come from many walks of life but have one thing in common - they would like to improve their overall quality of life. Perhaps the wounds from their past or stressors from their present are adversely impacting their lives. My goal is to work collaboratively with my clients to improve their current level of functioning. My practice includes working with adults, college students, adolescents, couples, and families. I also co-lead groups with my husband who is also a psychotherapist, and I work with master's level and doctorate interns who are completing their therapy/supervison hours for licensing.
My clients come from many walks of life but have one thing in common - they would like to improve their overall quality of life. Perhaps the wounds from their past or stressors from their present are adversely impacting their lives. My goal is to work collaboratively with my clients to improve their current level of functioning. My practice includes working with adults, college students, adolescents, couples, and families. I also co-lead groups with my husband who is also a psychotherapist, and I work with master's level and doctorate interns who are completing their therapy/supervison hours for licensing.
(714) 497-0344 View (714) 497-0344
Photo of W. Michael Organistko, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brea, CA
W. Michael Organistko
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brea, CA 92821
I strive to bring a sense of acceptance, compassion, insight and challenge to the therapeutic relationship.
Starting now, you can begin a new journey toward a brighter path for yourself – one filled with acceptance, growth, empowerment and well-being. I am inspired by the courage it takes to make a step toward bettering your life. You are already on your way to uncovering your potential and creating the life you want for yourself. Whatever obstacles and struggles someone may be going through in life, I consider it a privilege to help them deal with them. I understand that the clients I see are entrusting me to give them the right resources to guide them down a new path, with a new perspective, so they can achieve their own goals.
I strive to bring a sense of acceptance, compassion, insight and challenge to the therapeutic relationship.
Starting now, you can begin a new journey toward a brighter path for yourself – one filled with acceptance, growth, empowerment and well-being. I am inspired by the courage it takes to make a step toward bettering your life. You are already on your way to uncovering your potential and creating the life you want for yourself. Whatever obstacles and struggles someone may be going through in life, I consider it a privilege to help them deal with them. I understand that the clients I see are entrusting me to give them the right resources to guide them down a new path, with a new perspective, so they can achieve their own goals.
(657) 298-4534 View (657) 298-4534
Photo of Jessica Cho, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brea, CA
Jessica Cho
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92821  (Online Only)
I work with couples seeking pre-marital/marital counseling who desire a healthier relationship road.
I am grateful you are here; seeking counseling is a brave and intentional next step. Getting through this season, may require self examination in order to figure out alternate routes. I can help you discover and resolve barriers that impede on that path. Through support, empathy, partnership, and evidenced based practices we can work through this; it does get better.
I work with couples seeking pre-marital/marital counseling who desire a healthier relationship road.
I am grateful you are here; seeking counseling is a brave and intentional next step. Getting through this season, may require self examination in order to figure out alternate routes. I can help you discover and resolve barriers that impede on that path. Through support, empathy, partnership, and evidenced based practices we can work through this; it does get better.
(714) 831-3194 View (714) 831-3194
Photo of Mariam Holt, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brea, CA
Mariam Holt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92821
As humans, we seek love and acceptance to become whole. Somewhere in our lives, we became broken due to external circumstances beyond our control or choices that we have made. The therapeutic relationship offers healing and provides hope and acceptance. Helping clients come to a place of congruence and authenticity where they value and accept themselves is my primary goal. I believe I can genuinely change the trajectory of my clients’ lives through healing and guide them to achieve a powerful transformation . My desire is to provide a safe place for you to share your thoughts and feelings freely .
As humans, we seek love and acceptance to become whole. Somewhere in our lives, we became broken due to external circumstances beyond our control or choices that we have made. The therapeutic relationship offers healing and provides hope and acceptance. Helping clients come to a place of congruence and authenticity where they value and accept themselves is my primary goal. I believe I can genuinely change the trajectory of my clients’ lives through healing and guide them to achieve a powerful transformation . My desire is to provide a safe place for you to share your thoughts and feelings freely .
(949) 373-4691 View (949) 373-4691
Photo of Fiona Nottingham, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brea, CA
Fiona Nottingham
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92821  (Online Only)
I work with a wide range of diverse presenting problems affecting individuals, couples, families, and groups. I bring a wealth of experience treating populations with substance use disorders, process addictions, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, mental health issues, and forensics for people interacting with the legal system. Some areas of specialty include Trauma, Addiction, Gambling Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, and Life Transitions.
I work with a wide range of diverse presenting problems affecting individuals, couples, families, and groups. I bring a wealth of experience treating populations with substance use disorders, process addictions, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, mental health issues, and forensics for people interacting with the legal system. Some areas of specialty include Trauma, Addiction, Gambling Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, and Life Transitions.
(657) 300-5174 View (657) 300-5174
Photo of Winnie Yuwei Fleming, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Brea, CA
Winnie Yuwei Fleming
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92821
It is my passion and calling to strengthen families, one relationship at a time, especially your relationship with your self.
Hello there! As scary and uncomfortable as it may be, I'm glad you're here. We are all a collection of our experiences. And sometimes those experiences can be painful and disorienting. Things can happen, relationships can be strained, and we can become overwhelmed, exasperated, devasted, or all of the above, at the same time. I am a firm believer that everyone can benefit from therapy. Whether you are struggling with anxiety or depression, dealing with severe trauma or substance abuse, adjusting to a significant change or loss in your life, or struggling in relationships, I would be honored to be on this journey with you.
It is my passion and calling to strengthen families, one relationship at a time, especially your relationship with your self.
Hello there! As scary and uncomfortable as it may be, I'm glad you're here. We are all a collection of our experiences. And sometimes those experiences can be painful and disorienting. Things can happen, relationships can be strained, and we can become overwhelmed, exasperated, devasted, or all of the above, at the same time. I am a firm believer that everyone can benefit from therapy. Whether you are struggling with anxiety or depression, dealing with severe trauma or substance abuse, adjusting to a significant change or loss in your life, or struggling in relationships, I would be honored to be on this journey with you.
(657) 571-1746 View (657) 571-1746
Photo of Yolia Xiaoyin Zhong, Pre-Licensed Professional in Brea, CA
Yolia Xiaoyin Zhong
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMF
Verified Verified
Brea, CA 92821  (Online Only)
I have experience working with individuals who have history of depression, anxiety, trauma, and couple clients who struggle with their relationship, develop communication skills, rebuild trust.
It has been a while since you felt stuck, terrified, hopeless, or worthless. Yet, you have always been smiling to pretend you are okay. Or you are very used to distancing yourself because “nobody cares about me”. Life can be very challenging when you can hardly recognize the person next to you, more importantly, when you can’t even recognize yourself. Whether it has been years over the same issues and difficulties, or there has been a sudden tragic change to your life, believe it! You are already doing the best you can at any given moment!
I have experience working with individuals who have history of depression, anxiety, trauma, and couple clients who struggle with their relationship, develop communication skills, rebuild trust.
It has been a while since you felt stuck, terrified, hopeless, or worthless. Yet, you have always been smiling to pretend you are okay. Or you are very used to distancing yourself because “nobody cares about me”. Life can be very challenging when you can hardly recognize the person next to you, more importantly, when you can’t even recognize yourself. Whether it has been years over the same issues and difficulties, or there has been a sudden tragic change to your life, believe it! You are already doing the best you can at any given moment!
(657) 571-2606 View (657) 571-2606
Photo of Scott Donovan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brea, CA
Scott Donovan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92821
If you're experiencing past traumas, anxiety, depression, or relationship problems and are tired of walking through these struggles alone, I may be the right therapist for you. I'll work with you with empathy, compassion, and understanding to help you through your past traumas, anxiety, and depression, so you can live in the present. You can expect a safe and down-to-earth environment, where you can express yourself without judgment.
If you're experiencing past traumas, anxiety, depression, or relationship problems and are tired of walking through these struggles alone, I may be the right therapist for you. I'll work with you with empathy, compassion, and understanding to help you through your past traumas, anxiety, and depression, so you can live in the present. You can expect a safe and down-to-earth environment, where you can express yourself without judgment.
(760) 961-5370 View (760) 961-5370
Photo of Lori L Breeden-Gomez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brea, CA
Lori L Breeden-Gomez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92821
I provide individual therapy to children, adolescents, and adults; as well as providing therapy to couples and families. Are you struggling with the demands, of work, kids, a spouse or partner? Are you feeling overwhelmed at work/home and cannot manage the anxiety/depression? Do you and your partner disagree about how to parent the kids? Are you struggling with blending two families together? I will help you explore solutions to the problems and challenges you are facing.
I provide individual therapy to children, adolescents, and adults; as well as providing therapy to couples and families. Are you struggling with the demands, of work, kids, a spouse or partner? Are you feeling overwhelmed at work/home and cannot manage the anxiety/depression? Do you and your partner disagree about how to parent the kids? Are you struggling with blending two families together? I will help you explore solutions to the problems and challenges you are facing.
(714) 676-4184 View (714) 676-4184
Photo of Daniel W McQuoid, Psychologist in Brea, CA
Daniel W McQuoid
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Brea, CA 92821
I work with individuals, couples, and families with a focus on healing past trauma, compulsive addictive behaviors (alcoholism, codependency, sexual addiction, etc.
I have over 30 years experience in individual, marital, family, and group counseling, working with those who have faced a variety of issues in life. Counseling will guide you through a healing process to find a profound sense of your purpose. You will find a warm, healing environment that will impact you intellectually, emotionally, relationally and spiritually. Tools will be provided to increase your sense of well being, your ability to cope with adversity, and your understanding of your brain chemistry as it relates to your emotional struggles along with exploring how one's faith can impact their transformation.
I work with individuals, couples, and families with a focus on healing past trauma, compulsive addictive behaviors (alcoholism, codependency, sexual addiction, etc.
I have over 30 years experience in individual, marital, family, and group counseling, working with those who have faced a variety of issues in life. Counseling will guide you through a healing process to find a profound sense of your purpose. You will find a warm, healing environment that will impact you intellectually, emotionally, relationally and spiritually. Tools will be provided to increase your sense of well being, your ability to cope with adversity, and your understanding of your brain chemistry as it relates to your emotional struggles along with exploring how one's faith can impact their transformation.
(714) 769-6986 View (714) 769-6986
Photo of Kyung H. Kim, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brea, CA
Kyung H. Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brea, CA 92821
Korean-American couples and families (especially those with 2nd generation Korean-American children), children and adolescents, pre-marital counseling, parenting, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, obssesion, sexual identity issues including gay, lesbian, & bisexual orientations, eating disorders, self-mutilation, sexual abuse, gambling, shop lifting, & drug abuse.
I am a 1st generation Korean-American therapist who is fluent in both English and Korean. I am very familiar with the issues that divide 1st and 2nd generation Korean-Americans. Additionally, as an MFT professor I teach a graduate-level counseling course at a local university and supervise interns who are working towards becoming eligible to take their licensing examination. Specifically, I would like to serve as a mediator between 1st and 2nd generation Korean-Americans, catering to the unique generational differences they face so that their families may live together happily. My specialties are as follows:
Korean-American couples and families (especially those with 2nd generation Korean-American children), children and adolescents, pre-marital counseling, parenting, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, obssesion, sexual identity issues including gay, lesbian, & bisexual orientations, eating disorders, self-mutilation, sexual abuse, gambling, shop lifting, & drug abuse.
I am a 1st generation Korean-American therapist who is fluent in both English and Korean. I am very familiar with the issues that divide 1st and 2nd generation Korean-Americans. Additionally, as an MFT professor I teach a graduate-level counseling course at a local university and supervise interns who are working towards becoming eligible to take their licensing examination. Specifically, I would like to serve as a mediator between 1st and 2nd generation Korean-Americans, catering to the unique generational differences they face so that their families may live together happily. My specialties are as follows:
(951) 221-8266 View (951) 221-8266
Photo of Amanda Courvoisier, Psychologist in Brea, CA
Amanda Courvoisier
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Brea, CA 92821
I work with adolescents, adults, and couples and have a passion for helping those struggling anxiety, depression, and relational concerns, among many others.
If you find yourself stuck and repeating familiar relational or emotional patterns, together we can work through them to help you grow and thrive. I use a trauma informed perspective and specialize in helping people get to the root of their issues to help them understand and work through patterns that have caused them to become stuck in life.
I work with adolescents, adults, and couples and have a passion for helping those struggling anxiety, depression, and relational concerns, among many others.
If you find yourself stuck and repeating familiar relational or emotional patterns, together we can work through them to help you grow and thrive. I use a trauma informed perspective and specialize in helping people get to the root of their issues to help them understand and work through patterns that have caused them to become stuck in life.
(657) 500-4402 x235 View (657) 500-4402 x235
Photo of Jacqueline Plante, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brea, CA
Jacqueline Plante
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92821
I have dedicated myself to doing relationship work via my experience and trainings.
My passion is connection, and my goal is to help you sift through the myriad of things that exist to get in the way of that connection. I work from a dual lens of attachment and intersectional feminism that seeks to understand how our relationship with our caregiver forms the way we seek interaction, and in which ways our social location is impacted by systems in our world. In other words, the melding of our past and our present. While I don't believe in eliminating relationship challenges, I do believe that our understanding of ourselves helps us to navigate challenges in a way that feels safe, manageable, and easeful.
I have dedicated myself to doing relationship work via my experience and trainings.
My passion is connection, and my goal is to help you sift through the myriad of things that exist to get in the way of that connection. I work from a dual lens of attachment and intersectional feminism that seeks to understand how our relationship with our caregiver forms the way we seek interaction, and in which ways our social location is impacted by systems in our world. In other words, the melding of our past and our present. While I don't believe in eliminating relationship challenges, I do believe that our understanding of ourselves helps us to navigate challenges in a way that feels safe, manageable, and easeful.
(714) 598-2480 View (714) 598-2480
Photo of Gizelle Vazquez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brea, CA
Gizelle Vazquez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brea, CA 92821  (Online Only)
Do you sometimes have difficulty managing feelings of sadness, anger, anxiety, guilt or loneliness? Do you struggle with relationships with your partner, child, parent, sibling, friend or employer? I believe I can help you feel better about yourself and give you tools to navigate your life in a positive way and feel empowered. I have been providing individual, couples, family and child therapy for over 23 years. I provide a safe environment so you feel comfortable to explore difficult issues. Call me today and let's begin the journey to create the life you desire.
Do you sometimes have difficulty managing feelings of sadness, anger, anxiety, guilt or loneliness? Do you struggle with relationships with your partner, child, parent, sibling, friend or employer? I believe I can help you feel better about yourself and give you tools to navigate your life in a positive way and feel empowered. I have been providing individual, couples, family and child therapy for over 23 years. I provide a safe environment so you feel comfortable to explore difficult issues. Call me today and let's begin the journey to create the life you desire.
(562) 485-6117 View (562) 485-6117
Photo of Matt Newmyer, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brea, CA
Matt Newmyer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brea, CA 92822
I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults ages 12 - 25 and couples at every stage of relationship including post-divorce/co-parenting.
CALL if you have a PPO insurance plan! I will teach you how to utilize it to get reimbursed for a provider of your choice! I provide warm, empathetic, and effective care to individuals, couples, and families using some of the best, scientifically validated methods available. My goal is to help you find quick relief while developing the kinds of solutions that have long term, positive results. Because everyone is different, I customize treatment to the specific needs of each person and I go at the client's desired pace.
I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults ages 12 - 25 and couples at every stage of relationship including post-divorce/co-parenting.
CALL if you have a PPO insurance plan! I will teach you how to utilize it to get reimbursed for a provider of your choice! I provide warm, empathetic, and effective care to individuals, couples, and families using some of the best, scientifically validated methods available. My goal is to help you find quick relief while developing the kinds of solutions that have long term, positive results. Because everyone is different, I customize treatment to the specific needs of each person and I go at the client's desired pace.
(714) 582-3939 View (714) 582-3939
Photo of Inspired Resolutions, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Brea, CA
Inspired Resolutions
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brea, CA 92821
We not only provide paid services such as individual, family, and couples therapy but also believe that it is our responsibility to provide free services to the community.
Inspired Resolutions provides effective resources to families struggling with the transitions and changes that come along with having teenagers. We are dedicated to providing interventions, resources, and counseling that is up to date, relevant, and effective. We respond to the community's needs. We are the foremost experts in helping your family find happiness.Inspired Resolutions began in 2016 in response to the great need for more effective services specifically for families raising teenagers. Today we are faced with more complicated problems than ever before. Families are having to cope with issues that we could not have imagined before.
We not only provide paid services such as individual, family, and couples therapy but also believe that it is our responsibility to provide free services to the community.
Inspired Resolutions provides effective resources to families struggling with the transitions and changes that come along with having teenagers. We are dedicated to providing interventions, resources, and counseling that is up to date, relevant, and effective. We respond to the community's needs. We are the foremost experts in helping your family find happiness.Inspired Resolutions began in 2016 in response to the great need for more effective services specifically for families raising teenagers. Today we are faced with more complicated problems than ever before. Families are having to cope with issues that we could not have imagined before.
(714) 243-5252 View (714) 243-5252
Photo of Spare Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Brea, CA
Spare Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Brea, CA 92821
Providing individuals and families with high quality counseling, our counselors are caring professionals experienced in a broad range of specialties, such as: Family Conflict, Relationship Struggles, Depression and Anxiety, Couples Counseling, Child and Adolescents, Grief/Loss, Trauma and Abuse, Spiritual Issues, Divorce Recovery and Step Families and Addictions and Recovery.
Our aim is to RESTORE HOPE and TRANSFORM LIVES to those seeking hope, healing and growth in addressing life challenges. Our goal is to cultivate emotional, physical, and spiritual healing that will allow clients to increase their ability to be in relationship with others. Our Marriage and Family Therapists and Registered Interns are available to serve you in many locations throughout Southern California. We offer a sliding scale for financially challenged persons. Please visit our website at www.SpareMinistries.org for more information.
Providing individuals and families with high quality counseling, our counselors are caring professionals experienced in a broad range of specialties, such as: Family Conflict, Relationship Struggles, Depression and Anxiety, Couples Counseling, Child and Adolescents, Grief/Loss, Trauma and Abuse, Spiritual Issues, Divorce Recovery and Step Families and Addictions and Recovery.
Our aim is to RESTORE HOPE and TRANSFORM LIVES to those seeking hope, healing and growth in addressing life challenges. Our goal is to cultivate emotional, physical, and spiritual healing that will allow clients to increase their ability to be in relationship with others. Our Marriage and Family Therapists and Registered Interns are available to serve you in many locations throughout Southern California. We offer a sliding scale for financially challenged persons. Please visit our website at www.SpareMinistries.org for more information.
(714) 598-2295 View (714) 598-2295

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.