Photo of California Therapy Center & Psychological Svcs, Psychologist in Glendale, CA
California Therapy Center & Psychological Svcs
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91202
If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues or other burdens in your life, we welcome you to our practice to start the process of healing, growth, and transformation.
We are a multi-specialty group of mental health professionals in a private practice setting. We are comprised of highly skilled and highly educated therapists. Our professionals are distinguished by their exceptional level of compassion and care. We are here to help you free yourself from the situations you feel stuck in and find your path to greater happiness and fulfillment.
If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues or other burdens in your life, we welcome you to our practice to start the process of healing, growth, and transformation.
We are a multi-specialty group of mental health professionals in a private practice setting. We are comprised of highly skilled and highly educated therapists. Our professionals are distinguished by their exceptional level of compassion and care. We are here to help you free yourself from the situations you feel stuck in and find your path to greater happiness and fulfillment.
(818) 736-9246 View (818) 736-9246
Photo of Viken Yacoubian, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
Viken Yacoubian
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91205
With over 20 years of experience in the field, I work with individuals, couples, and families, who are encountering a variety of issues, including marital, relationship, self-esteem, identity, anxiety, depression, grief, and loss.
At different points of our lives, we may find ourselves facing obstacles that seem to be very difficult to overcome. Strategies that used to help us move forward no longer seem to work. As overbearing as such periods in our lives may seem, they also present an opportunity for growth, for important changes that offer hope and possibilities for a better and reimagined future. As a therapist, I see my role as a facilitator, as someone who has the expertise to guide and support clients to achieve a space in their lives where they feel fulfilled and whole.
With over 20 years of experience in the field, I work with individuals, couples, and families, who are encountering a variety of issues, including marital, relationship, self-esteem, identity, anxiety, depression, grief, and loss.
At different points of our lives, we may find ourselves facing obstacles that seem to be very difficult to overcome. Strategies that used to help us move forward no longer seem to work. As overbearing as such periods in our lives may seem, they also present an opportunity for growth, for important changes that offer hope and possibilities for a better and reimagined future. As a therapist, I see my role as a facilitator, as someone who has the expertise to guide and support clients to achieve a space in their lives where they feel fulfilled and whole.
(323) 403-0957 View (323) 403-0957
Photo of Sabrina Somani, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
Sabrina Somani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91208
I also work with couples who need to increase their communication skills, intimacy and overall relationship satisfaction.
We will work together to overcome any anxiety, depression, or stressful life changes such as marriage, death, pregnancy and postpartum issues. I will provide a safe, supportive and authentic environment that will help you work through these issues while encouraging growth, self acceptance and an overall improvement in the quality of your life. I find that using a combination of existential/depth work along with behavioral therapy provides long lasting benefits and true change.
I also work with couples who need to increase their communication skills, intimacy and overall relationship satisfaction.
We will work together to overcome any anxiety, depression, or stressful life changes such as marriage, death, pregnancy and postpartum issues. I will provide a safe, supportive and authentic environment that will help you work through these issues while encouraging growth, self acceptance and an overall improvement in the quality of your life. I find that using a combination of existential/depth work along with behavioral therapy provides long lasting benefits and true change.
(310) 870-3164 View (310) 870-3164
Photo of Madlen Pashinian Foroughmand, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
Madlen Pashinian Foroughmand
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203
Do you find yourself fighting with your partner about the same issues over and over again? Do you believe that you and your partner are having trouble communicating your wants and needs, often feel unheard and frustrated? I can help be the non-judgmental bridge between you both, teach new skills, and help recreate the connection and trust that was once lost. Or, you may be having trouble finding yourself after a break up, or a traumatic event, have lost of sense of self, anxiety or depression. I can help you regain your confidence where you can live a more fulfilling life. You don't have to suffer alone!
Do you find yourself fighting with your partner about the same issues over and over again? Do you believe that you and your partner are having trouble communicating your wants and needs, often feel unheard and frustrated? I can help be the non-judgmental bridge between you both, teach new skills, and help recreate the connection and trust that was once lost. Or, you may be having trouble finding yourself after a break up, or a traumatic event, have lost of sense of self, anxiety or depression. I can help you regain your confidence where you can live a more fulfilling life. You don't have to suffer alone!
(323) 736-4131 View (323) 736-4131
Photo of Ida S. Karayan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
Ida S. Karayan
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, CBT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91208
I teach my clients about the relationship between body, mind and emotions, and we address all three aspects in each session to create permanent change.
During this extraordinary time of increased stress and uncertainty many of us are overwhelmed; facing pain, fear and anxiety as never before. I am an expert in working with clients to confront these challenges. I customize therapeutic methods and help clients develop strategies to overcome individual issues and achieve a balanced approach to life under any circumstances. After 20 years I am still constantly researching, and employ both old and new approaches with my clients. Client relationships are built on a foundation of trust and understanding, and I ensure a safe and professional environment, in-person or through telehealth.
I teach my clients about the relationship between body, mind and emotions, and we address all three aspects in each session to create permanent change.
During this extraordinary time of increased stress and uncertainty many of us are overwhelmed; facing pain, fear and anxiety as never before. I am an expert in working with clients to confront these challenges. I customize therapeutic methods and help clients develop strategies to overcome individual issues and achieve a balanced approach to life under any circumstances. After 20 years I am still constantly researching, and employ both old and new approaches with my clients. Client relationships are built on a foundation of trust and understanding, and I ensure a safe and professional environment, in-person or through telehealth.
(818) 243-9070 View (818) 243-9070
Photo of David Ibrahim, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
David Ibrahim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LAADC , E500RYT, EMDR, ISTDP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues, phobia, panic, anxiety, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues, phobia, panic, anxiety, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.
(323) 798-9774 View (323) 798-9774
Photo of Avedian Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
Avedian Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CAMS-IV, TFT
Verified Verified
22 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203
Searching for the right therapist can be quite the challenge. The Counselors at ACC are here to listen to your pain, frustrations, and will sit with you through your struggles. If you are experiencing difficulty in your relationship, struggling with anger, or life in general, we will help you by identifying certain patterns and guide you with strategies to make helpful changes. You will learn effective skills and will be guided to use them properly so that you could feel heard and communicate calmly. Therapy can be brief or long-term. You deserve to live a happy, balanced, and fulfilling life. Call us today!
Searching for the right therapist can be quite the challenge. The Counselors at ACC are here to listen to your pain, frustrations, and will sit with you through your struggles. If you are experiencing difficulty in your relationship, struggling with anger, or life in general, we will help you by identifying certain patterns and guide you with strategies to make helpful changes. You will learn effective skills and will be guided to use them properly so that you could feel heard and communicate calmly. Therapy can be brief or long-term. You deserve to live a happy, balanced, and fulfilling life. Call us today!
(818) 963-9353 View (818) 963-9353
Photo of David Ibrahim, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
David Ibrahim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LAADC, EMDR , EYRT500, ISTDP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues, phobia, panic, anxiety, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated Psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues, phobia, panic, anxiety, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated Psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.
(805) 420-7531 View (805) 420-7531
Photo of Kathleen Keogh, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
Kathleen Keogh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91210  (Online Only)
Life is hard, even when it's going well. And then there are the times that it isn't going well, and we need to expand our network of care. Therapy is a helpful process in both times of life. I work to connect with you, follow your needs, support you in the growth and transformation you crave, and help you through the discomfort that change can bring. I believe in the closeness of dualities, such as trauma and resilience, crying and laughing, masculine and feminine, and seeking ways to get these dualities into a closer and more symbiotic relationship with one another.
Life is hard, even when it's going well. And then there are the times that it isn't going well, and we need to expand our network of care. Therapy is a helpful process in both times of life. I work to connect with you, follow your needs, support you in the growth and transformation you crave, and help you through the discomfort that change can bring. I believe in the closeness of dualities, such as trauma and resilience, crying and laughing, masculine and feminine, and seeking ways to get these dualities into a closer and more symbiotic relationship with one another.
(323) 849-2443 View (323) 849-2443
Photo of Dana Julian, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
Dana Julian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203  (Online Only)
I see you. Are you constantly overthinking or buried in negative self-talk? Are you tired of fighting with your partner or contending with sexual issues? Or are you carrying the unsung wounds of painful events or a draining caregiving routine? Whatever brought you to my doorstep, you are welcome here. Feel good in your mind, body, and soul. I’m Dana Julian, a licensed marriage and family therapist offering online therapy to individuals and couples in California. We all need healthy and fulfilling relationships to thrive. I aim to build a collaborative and trusting partnership so you can heal or strengthen your relationship with your
I see you. Are you constantly overthinking or buried in negative self-talk? Are you tired of fighting with your partner or contending with sexual issues? Or are you carrying the unsung wounds of painful events or a draining caregiving routine? Whatever brought you to my doorstep, you are welcome here. Feel good in your mind, body, and soul. I’m Dana Julian, a licensed marriage and family therapist offering online therapy to individuals and couples in California. We all need healthy and fulfilling relationships to thrive. I aim to build a collaborative and trusting partnership so you can heal or strengthen your relationship with your
(213) 894-9747 View (213) 894-9747
Photo of Robert Edward Diaz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Glendale, CA
Robert Edward Diaz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91201
I work with primarily adults, couples and adolescents. My work is to help you in meeting your potential and increasing abundance in all areas of your life. Working together in learning how to navigate thoughts, feelings and actions in difficult and non difficult times and with your relationship to everything. Helping to ultimately increase your motivation and self-worth.
I work with primarily adults, couples and adolescents. My work is to help you in meeting your potential and increasing abundance in all areas of your life. Working together in learning how to navigate thoughts, feelings and actions in difficult and non difficult times and with your relationship to everything. Helping to ultimately increase your motivation and self-worth.
(626) 385-7973 View (626) 385-7973
Photo of Alexandra Block, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
Alexandra Block
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PsyD-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91202
I believe that respecting and honoring the humanity in each person I see is of the utmost importance to therapy. People are humans first, not a diagnosis. I have a special interest in helping people around the topics of adoption, chronic pain/ illness, and an emphasis on couples work in addition to addressing anxiety and depression. In addition to private practice, I hold the position of Clinical Director for the Los Angeles Chapter of A Home Within—a non-profit that matches wonderful volunteer therapists with current or former foster youth for weekly psychotherapy sessions, for as long as it takes.
I believe that respecting and honoring the humanity in each person I see is of the utmost importance to therapy. People are humans first, not a diagnosis. I have a special interest in helping people around the topics of adoption, chronic pain/ illness, and an emphasis on couples work in addition to addressing anxiety and depression. In addition to private practice, I hold the position of Clinical Director for the Los Angeles Chapter of A Home Within—a non-profit that matches wonderful volunteer therapists with current or former foster youth for weekly psychotherapy sessions, for as long as it takes.
(323) 417-8039 View (323) 417-8039
Photo of Kira Tirimacco, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
Kira Tirimacco
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91201
Ideally, our therapeutic relationship will provide the comfort and safety needed to deepen your awareness, build resilience, and create sustainable solutions.
Let me help. In these dark and complicated times, our lives and culture are more complex and stressful than ever before, often taking a toll on our relationships. This is often the reason clients seek therapy - the relationship with ourselves, our loved ones, our community, and the world powerfully defines whether or not we feel safe and satisfied with our life. I'd like to help you deepen your awareness of how you relate to yourself and others and support you in navigating your world. We will work toward increasing your resiliency and making change, if that's what you want and need.
Ideally, our therapeutic relationship will provide the comfort and safety needed to deepen your awareness, build resilience, and create sustainable solutions.
Let me help. In these dark and complicated times, our lives and culture are more complex and stressful than ever before, often taking a toll on our relationships. This is often the reason clients seek therapy - the relationship with ourselves, our loved ones, our community, and the world powerfully defines whether or not we feel safe and satisfied with our life. I'd like to help you deepen your awareness of how you relate to yourself and others and support you in navigating your world. We will work toward increasing your resiliency and making change, if that's what you want and need.
(323) 886-9721 View (323) 886-9721
Photo of Stephen W Simpson, Psychologist in Glendale, CA
Stephen W Simpson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91202
For both individuals and couples, we'll work to address the root of the problem in order to create long-term change and growth. While I'm good at helping people build copings skills, I'm best at addressing issues that arise around relationships trauma, sexuality, identity, and self-esteem. We will work toward helping you feel and function better while wrestling with the deeper, messier issues at the root of the problem.
For both individuals and couples, we'll work to address the root of the problem in order to create long-term change and growth. While I'm good at helping people build copings skills, I'm best at addressing issues that arise around relationships trauma, sexuality, identity, and self-esteem. We will work toward helping you feel and function better while wrestling with the deeper, messier issues at the root of the problem.
(626) 385-8991 View (626) 385-8991
Photo of Nazy Khorsandi, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
Nazy Khorsandi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91201
I have extensive experience working with individual young adults and couples, middle-eastern culture, dealing with communication issues, self-esteem/confidence, setting boundaries, addiction, co-dependency, anxiety, depression, attachment issues, shyness/social skills, entertainment industry, Veterans, chronic illness, acculturation, spiritual difficulties.
I enjoy showing you your own divine potential as fully loving and successful beings. I will gently but directly encourage you to identify themes and patterns in your life that are no longer working for you. By gaining awareness you can explore new ways of being, thinking, and behaving. You’ll be able to reach and maintain the fulfilling life that you want and deserve to have. I will help you make peace with your past, gain insight, cultivate your inner strength, and overcome your challenges in dealing with daily stressors, childhood traumas, relationship issues, or emotional exhaustion. Together we can turn your wounds into wisdom.
I have extensive experience working with individual young adults and couples, middle-eastern culture, dealing with communication issues, self-esteem/confidence, setting boundaries, addiction, co-dependency, anxiety, depression, attachment issues, shyness/social skills, entertainment industry, Veterans, chronic illness, acculturation, spiritual difficulties.
I enjoy showing you your own divine potential as fully loving and successful beings. I will gently but directly encourage you to identify themes and patterns in your life that are no longer working for you. By gaining awareness you can explore new ways of being, thinking, and behaving. You’ll be able to reach and maintain the fulfilling life that you want and deserve to have. I will help you make peace with your past, gain insight, cultivate your inner strength, and overcome your challenges in dealing with daily stressors, childhood traumas, relationship issues, or emotional exhaustion. Together we can turn your wounds into wisdom.
(323) 310-2393 View (323) 310-2393
Photo of Thali Rodrigues Costa, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
Thali Rodrigues Costa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91201
I'm qualified to help with many challenges; however, I specialize in helping adults / couples work through trauma, improve communication, set boundaries, and live authentically in order to create lasting change.
Are you feeling lost? Or maybe out of control, burned out, stuck, or like an imposter? Are you or your loved ones repeating behaviors, relationships, or situations, and wishing you could break the cycle? Maybe little things feel more stressful than usual. Sometimes, we aren't sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. Even when we know the cause, change can still feel impossible. That's where I come in. My job is not to judge you; it's to listen, help you understand the root causes of your difficulties, and teach you practical tools to help change your life.
I'm qualified to help with many challenges; however, I specialize in helping adults / couples work through trauma, improve communication, set boundaries, and live authentically in order to create lasting change.
Are you feeling lost? Or maybe out of control, burned out, stuck, or like an imposter? Are you or your loved ones repeating behaviors, relationships, or situations, and wishing you could break the cycle? Maybe little things feel more stressful than usual. Sometimes, we aren't sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. Even when we know the cause, change can still feel impossible. That's where I come in. My job is not to judge you; it's to listen, help you understand the root causes of your difficulties, and teach you practical tools to help change your life.
(626) 790-2027 View (626) 790-2027
Photo of Ann Anderson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
Ann Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91204
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
(626) 507-4278 View (626) 507-4278
Photo of Isla Dennis, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Glendale, CA
Isla Dennis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91201  (Online Only)
I'm qualified to help with many challenges; however, I specialize in working with couples (communication, boundaries, infidelity, etc.
Are you stuck in the same old arguments? Struggling with communication, boundaries, thoughts of leaving, or infidelity? Or maybe intimacy feels awkward or stale? Are you or your loved ones repeating behaviors or relationships and wishing you could break the cycle? Sometimes we get stuck, and change can feel impossible. That's where I come in. My job is to listen, help you understand root causes of your difficulties, break unwanted patterns, and teach you practical tools to help change your life. If you have the sense you're not reaching your potential for health, happiness, or success, it may be time to move toward a change.
I'm qualified to help with many challenges; however, I specialize in working with couples (communication, boundaries, infidelity, etc.
Are you stuck in the same old arguments? Struggling with communication, boundaries, thoughts of leaving, or infidelity? Or maybe intimacy feels awkward or stale? Are you or your loved ones repeating behaviors or relationships and wishing you could break the cycle? Sometimes we get stuck, and change can feel impossible. That's where I come in. My job is to listen, help you understand root causes of your difficulties, break unwanted patterns, and teach you practical tools to help change your life. If you have the sense you're not reaching your potential for health, happiness, or success, it may be time to move toward a change.
(626) 507-2747 View (626) 507-2747
Photo of Ann Anderson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
Ann Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91201
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
(562) 553-8818 View (562) 553-8818
Photo of Ann Anderson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA
Ann Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91201
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.
(323) 897-8510 View (323) 897-8510
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.