Photo of Jeffrey H Kent, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Jeffrey H Kent
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
I have 30 years of experience working with young adults, adults, and couples.
Do you suspect something is “off,” that you could be doing better? Feeling better? You could, even, be happier? What’s stopping you? Sometimes, it is anxiety or depression. Often it is an addiction to something that for a while made things better - drugs, alcohol, spending, and others. These are false strategies that promised relief, but in the end, caused more suffering. They make anxiety & depression worse, taking one down into a spiral of hopelessness and despair, even shame. You don't have to stay here. You can change.
I have 30 years of experience working with young adults, adults, and couples.
Do you suspect something is “off,” that you could be doing better? Feeling better? You could, even, be happier? What’s stopping you? Sometimes, it is anxiety or depression. Often it is an addiction to something that for a while made things better - drugs, alcohol, spending, and others. These are false strategies that promised relief, but in the end, caused more suffering. They make anxiety & depression worse, taking one down into a spiral of hopelessness and despair, even shame. You don't have to stay here. You can change.
(925) 471-8338 View (925) 471-8338
Photo of Michael Anne Conley, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Michael Anne Conley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
Are you stuck in behaviors that hurt your health or risk your relationships? Are you caught in self-defeating habits? Many of my clients pressure themselves into doing it all, which can lead to problems at home or work. Some want resolution of trauma or mysterious health issues and don't know what to do next. Others turn to food, wine, pills or poor relationship choices to manage their situations. My Habits Into Health System is a skills-based model that helps ease emotional symptoms, quiet busy minds and invites soulful action. This approach can help you unwind outdated patterns so you can form a more peaceful and powerful future.
Are you stuck in behaviors that hurt your health or risk your relationships? Are you caught in self-defeating habits? Many of my clients pressure themselves into doing it all, which can lead to problems at home or work. Some want resolution of trauma or mysterious health issues and don't know what to do next. Others turn to food, wine, pills or poor relationship choices to manage their situations. My Habits Into Health System is a skills-based model that helps ease emotional symptoms, quiet busy minds and invites soulful action. This approach can help you unwind outdated patterns so you can form a more peaceful and powerful future.
(925) 241-4781 View (925) 241-4781
Photo of Teri 'sachi' Swanberg, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Lafayette, CA
Teri 'sachi' Swanberg
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
My focus is working with individuals with PTSD and C-PTSD, ACOA, grief, disassociation, attachment wounds, relationship issues, and couples.
My belief is everything is interconnected. When we hurt in one area of our lives, often times the other areas hurt with it. As simple as it may sound, sometimes feeling our feelings can be hard work. Truly understanding and being honest with authentic selves can be challenging and sometimes scary. No one should have to do this alone. Together, we can deeply listen and nurture your authentic self to help you heal and grow. We are not just talking together, we are experiencing. To learn more, visit my website at: nakaimatherapy.com
My focus is working with individuals with PTSD and C-PTSD, ACOA, grief, disassociation, attachment wounds, relationship issues, and couples.
My belief is everything is interconnected. When we hurt in one area of our lives, often times the other areas hurt with it. As simple as it may sound, sometimes feeling our feelings can be hard work. Truly understanding and being honest with authentic selves can be challenging and sometimes scary. No one should have to do this alone. Together, we can deeply listen and nurture your authentic self to help you heal and grow. We are not just talking together, we are experiencing. To learn more, visit my website at: nakaimatherapy.com
(415) 496-0915 View (415) 496-0915
Photo of Patsy Mickens, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Patsy Mickens
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, BA
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
I am a Level III AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) therapist, and a Level I PACT therapist for couples.
Using a warm, open, non-judgmental and direct approach, I support my clients in connecting with their feelings (not just thoughts), and from there, what will be healing and right for them, in all aspects of their lives. I specialize in adults and couples (all sexual orientations; all types of relationships). My goal for you is not only to reap the benefits of feeling better because your depression has lifted or your anxiety has quelled, but to connect with yourself in such a way that you feel empowered to live the life you choose.
I am a Level III AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) therapist, and a Level I PACT therapist for couples.
Using a warm, open, non-judgmental and direct approach, I support my clients in connecting with their feelings (not just thoughts), and from there, what will be healing and right for them, in all aspects of their lives. I specialize in adults and couples (all sexual orientations; all types of relationships). My goal for you is not only to reap the benefits of feeling better because your depression has lifted or your anxiety has quelled, but to connect with yourself in such a way that you feel empowered to live the life you choose.
(925) 297-5064 View (925) 297-5064
Photo of Marla Lane-Parks, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Marla Lane-Parks
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
For nine years I have had hands-on experience working with individuals, children, couples and families, and have helped my clients deal with the various challenges life brought them. Diversity and inclusion are core beliefs of mine. I feel that every person has value that can be enriched and strengthened.
For nine years I have had hands-on experience working with individuals, children, couples and families, and have helped my clients deal with the various challenges life brought them. Diversity and inclusion are core beliefs of mine. I feel that every person has value that can be enriched and strengthened.
(925) 326-6067 View (925) 326-6067
Photo of Ronny Nevo, Psychologist in Lafayette, CA
Ronny Nevo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Therapeutic exploration promotes profound connection, altering and healing the internal relationship and its experience of/with itself.
Sometimes life is hard. Inevitably it may occasionally feel intolerable, tremendous, or overwhelming. At times, challenges may feel insurmountable, and appear to require courage that is assumed to exceed our current capacity. And, especially during significant change, may evoke questioning the fundamentals of identity, relationships, and/or the external world. Although challenges in life cannot be avoided or prematurely alleviated, they can be shared in the space and experienced with healing. Within this process, there is a depth of potential for the parts of the self that hold the strength and resilience yet to be discovered.
Therapeutic exploration promotes profound connection, altering and healing the internal relationship and its experience of/with itself.
Sometimes life is hard. Inevitably it may occasionally feel intolerable, tremendous, or overwhelming. At times, challenges may feel insurmountable, and appear to require courage that is assumed to exceed our current capacity. And, especially during significant change, may evoke questioning the fundamentals of identity, relationships, and/or the external world. Although challenges in life cannot be avoided or prematurely alleviated, they can be shared in the space and experienced with healing. Within this process, there is a depth of potential for the parts of the self that hold the strength and resilience yet to be discovered.
(341) 888-6934 View (341) 888-6934
Photo of Stephen Sperber, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Stephen Sperber
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
We can all use help dealing with life's challenges. I have more than thirty years of experience helping adolescents, adults, couples and families through tough times. My goal is to help you deal with problems, become more aware of your feelings, face sensitive issues and achieve personal growth. Our work together will enable you to develop the strengths and skills that allow you to deal effectively with life's challenges. Clients have reported that I am a good listener and create a warm and friendly environment in which they feel supported in the pursuit of solutions to their problems. I use a variety of theoretical approaches,
We can all use help dealing with life's challenges. I have more than thirty years of experience helping adolescents, adults, couples and families through tough times. My goal is to help you deal with problems, become more aware of your feelings, face sensitive issues and achieve personal growth. Our work together will enable you to develop the strengths and skills that allow you to deal effectively with life's challenges. Clients have reported that I am a good listener and create a warm and friendly environment in which they feel supported in the pursuit of solutions to their problems. I use a variety of theoretical approaches,
(925) 403-4147 View (925) 403-4147
Photo of Charlene Bianchi, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Charlene Bianchi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CA 94549
Are you dealing with high stress, grief, loss, trauma? Have you been experiencing anxiety, trouble sleeping, feeling depressed or overwhelmed? Would you like to gain control over the fear, anxiety, stress, or trauma? Would you like to develop strong coping skills to empower yourself & build confidence & self-esteem? Depression and PTSD don't always look the way described in media. If something feels off, you just don't feel like yourself, your mood has changed, energy is low, or you feel hopeless please reach out for a free consultation. We can create a customized treatment plan to address your specific areas of concern.
Are you dealing with high stress, grief, loss, trauma? Have you been experiencing anxiety, trouble sleeping, feeling depressed or overwhelmed? Would you like to gain control over the fear, anxiety, stress, or trauma? Would you like to develop strong coping skills to empower yourself & build confidence & self-esteem? Depression and PTSD don't always look the way described in media. If something feels off, you just don't feel like yourself, your mood has changed, energy is low, or you feel hopeless please reach out for a free consultation. We can create a customized treatment plan to address your specific areas of concern.
(925) 403-4780 View (925) 403-4780
Photo of Tina Kopko, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Tina Kopko
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CGRS
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549
When grief hasn't been fully addressed, it can look like depression, anxiety, isolation, addictive behaviors to escape the pain, workaholism, relationships that are fragile, a lack of motivation, or feeling overwhelming resentment and bitterness. And grief can occur after a variety of losses that many people don't realize: divorce, moving, graduation, empty nest, retirement, an impactful change in financial position or physical abilities, a pandemic. My clients acutely feel how unresolved grief has become an impediment to living their lives in full, having healthy relationships, and having the energy to go after their goals.
When grief hasn't been fully addressed, it can look like depression, anxiety, isolation, addictive behaviors to escape the pain, workaholism, relationships that are fragile, a lack of motivation, or feeling overwhelming resentment and bitterness. And grief can occur after a variety of losses that many people don't realize: divorce, moving, graduation, empty nest, retirement, an impactful change in financial position or physical abilities, a pandemic. My clients acutely feel how unresolved grief has become an impediment to living their lives in full, having healthy relationships, and having the energy to go after their goals.
(510) 606-9784 View (510) 606-9784
Photo of Hiroko Hsieh, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Hiroko Hsieh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lafayette, CA 94549  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Do you find yourself struggling with a familiar theme repeatedly? Do you often feel triggered in your relationships that result in dynamics that keep you from feeling safe in? Is there a critical voice inside your head despite your hard work? You may be generous to help the people around you but struggle to be with yourself with the same kind of grace and kindness. I help people get unstuck from the place where they feel stuck, so they can be free from the effects of trauma and other difficult life circumstances. I want to help you find a sense of connection and peace within you and with the world around you.
Do you find yourself struggling with a familiar theme repeatedly? Do you often feel triggered in your relationships that result in dynamics that keep you from feeling safe in? Is there a critical voice inside your head despite your hard work? You may be generous to help the people around you but struggle to be with yourself with the same kind of grace and kindness. I help people get unstuck from the place where they feel stuck, so they can be free from the effects of trauma and other difficult life circumstances. I want to help you find a sense of connection and peace within you and with the world around you.
(951) 904-3284 View (951) 904-3284

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Scott Macomber, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Scott Macomber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94597  (Online Only)
I work with individuals, couples, and families online.
I am not a “blank slate”, distant and analyzing therapist. I am present and “in it” with my clients. Being real helps my clients see and experience they aren’t alone. Compassion, empathy, emotional awareness, and heart-centeredness are the fundamental ingredients of my therapy. Mindfulness-based techniques are critical to how I help clients slow down, recognize what emotions are coming up, and better tolerate them. While I have experience working with a wide range of concerns, my main expertise is in couples work, trauma, anxiety, depression, and performance anxiety/stage fright.
I work with individuals, couples, and families online.
I am not a “blank slate”, distant and analyzing therapist. I am present and “in it” with my clients. Being real helps my clients see and experience they aren’t alone. Compassion, empathy, emotional awareness, and heart-centeredness are the fundamental ingredients of my therapy. Mindfulness-based techniques are critical to how I help clients slow down, recognize what emotions are coming up, and better tolerate them. While I have experience working with a wide range of concerns, my main expertise is in couples work, trauma, anxiety, depression, and performance anxiety/stage fright.
View
Photo of Robyn Binder, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Robyn Binder
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94595  (Online Only)
I believe therapy works best when it is a partnership between the therapist and client. I would love to partner with you to support the change or increased happiness you might be seeking. You do not have to struggle alone, I am happy to work with individuals, including adults and teens. During our work together, I hope to provide you with a safe, comfortable space to work towards your goals. My style is collaborative, compassionate, and warm.
I believe therapy works best when it is a partnership between the therapist and client. I would love to partner with you to support the change or increased happiness you might be seeking. You do not have to struggle alone, I am happy to work with individuals, including adults and teens. During our work together, I hope to provide you with a safe, comfortable space to work towards your goals. My style is collaborative, compassionate, and warm.
(925) 267-6858 View (925) 267-6858
Photo of Ellen Garavatti, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Ellen Garavatti
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94597  (Online Only)
Maybe you've been feeling confused, worried, or just in friction with work, your relationship, or your day-today activities. It's like the harder you try, the more messy things get. Often, you understand WHAT is happening, but how it feels and why is very foggy. How much longer can I (or we) do this for? I'm exhausted; we're exhausted. I'd like to offer that this is not "just how life is". Your life can be easier. Your relationship can be more accessible & consistent. You can feel more confident, more at ease, & more aligned.
Maybe you've been feeling confused, worried, or just in friction with work, your relationship, or your day-today activities. It's like the harder you try, the more messy things get. Often, you understand WHAT is happening, but how it feels and why is very foggy. How much longer can I (or we) do this for? I'm exhausted; we're exhausted. I'd like to offer that this is not "just how life is". Your life can be easier. Your relationship can be more accessible & consistent. You can feel more confident, more at ease, & more aligned.
(530) 296-3355 View (530) 296-3355
Photo of Christina Hourany, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Lafayette, CA
Christina Hourany
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
I specialize in helping clients heal from trauma, gain self-awareness, and develop a healthy relationship with themself and others.
If you are reading this, you have chosen to take the first step to healing. This decision is a demonstration of your resiliency, strength, and courage to be vulnerable, something to be immensely proud of. My therapeutic approach in working with individuals and couples is integrative. I recognize that no two persons are the same and that each person requires a treatment plan that is adapted to meet their needs. I recognize that experiences of trauma and pain are two unavoidable life experiences. However, I believe that there is a resiliency and strength inside each individual that supports a path of healing.
I specialize in helping clients heal from trauma, gain self-awareness, and develop a healthy relationship with themself and others.
If you are reading this, you have chosen to take the first step to healing. This decision is a demonstration of your resiliency, strength, and courage to be vulnerable, something to be immensely proud of. My therapeutic approach in working with individuals and couples is integrative. I recognize that no two persons are the same and that each person requires a treatment plan that is adapted to meet their needs. I recognize that experiences of trauma and pain are two unavoidable life experiences. However, I believe that there is a resiliency and strength inside each individual that supports a path of healing.
(925) 701-9385 View (925) 701-9385
Photo of Remarkable Services, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Remarkable Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
RS provides therapy counseling support to children, teens, adults, couples, and families.
At some point, we all struggle to adjust to change and fail to respond to life’s challenges with our best effort. It’s normal to feel stuck. We at Remarkable Services (RS) believe people inherently have what it takes within themselves to adjust, change and heal. No matter if it’s a challenging work situation, a parenting struggle, a tough year of high school or college, we all know what it feels like to struggle. Parents and their children are not immune, in that over the course of the first 18 years of life there are bound to be countless transitions, developments, change and of course, points of contention. RS is here to help!
RS provides therapy counseling support to children, teens, adults, couples, and families.
At some point, we all struggle to adjust to change and fail to respond to life’s challenges with our best effort. It’s normal to feel stuck. We at Remarkable Services (RS) believe people inherently have what it takes within themselves to adjust, change and heal. No matter if it’s a challenging work situation, a parenting struggle, a tough year of high school or college, we all know what it feels like to struggle. Parents and their children are not immune, in that over the course of the first 18 years of life there are bound to be countless transitions, developments, change and of course, points of contention. RS is here to help!
(925) 436-1725 View (925) 436-1725
Photo of Cynthia Pastor, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Cynthia Pastor
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
I help adults and couples with relationship and codependency issues, grief and loss, depression, anxiety and addictive patterns with self and others. I help you to create a relationship with yourself and others based on respect, caring and trust. This helps build the feeling of safety that lies at the core of any successful therapy. My goal is to support you in finding and strengthening your own inner voice. When we learn to free ourselves from old, stuck patterns of relating (in mind and body), we often feel a lightness of being that allows us to experience more joy in our everyday lives.
I help adults and couples with relationship and codependency issues, grief and loss, depression, anxiety and addictive patterns with self and others. I help you to create a relationship with yourself and others based on respect, caring and trust. This helps build the feeling of safety that lies at the core of any successful therapy. My goal is to support you in finding and strengthening your own inner voice. When we learn to free ourselves from old, stuck patterns of relating (in mind and body), we often feel a lightness of being that allows us to experience more joy in our everyday lives.
(925) 275-5874 View (925) 275-5874
Photo of Leslie Hemedes, Psychologist in Lafayette, CA
Leslie Hemedes
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
I have a particular interest in working with women as they navigate life transitions, relationship concerns, parenting stress, and multifaceted work/family responsibilities.
Welcome. Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Do you have trouble expressing your needs? Do you put a lot of pressure on yourself, and feel anxious about not meeting your expectations? Do you feel uncertain about how to manage feelings of distress? I am a psychologist that can help guide you toward relief. I aim to help individuals understand their concerns, strengths, and help them identify the tools necessary to manage distress, push through challenges, and understand how to become the best version of themselves.
I have a particular interest in working with women as they navigate life transitions, relationship concerns, parenting stress, and multifaceted work/family responsibilities.
Welcome. Do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Do you have trouble expressing your needs? Do you put a lot of pressure on yourself, and feel anxious about not meeting your expectations? Do you feel uncertain about how to manage feelings of distress? I am a psychologist that can help guide you toward relief. I aim to help individuals understand their concerns, strengths, and help them identify the tools necessary to manage distress, push through challenges, and understand how to become the best version of themselves.
(925) 807-7184 View (925) 807-7184
Photo of Fengmei Li, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Lafayette, CA
Fengmei Li
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Trauma may manifest in your life as all kinds of disruptions, such as anxiety, depression, burnout, nightmares, family conflicts, or relationship struggles. Yet, I see them as how your pain has found its own way to show up in this particular form. I approach this work with a trauma lens, yet it doesn’t mean that I will be searching for your “brokenness”. I see trauma as an inherent aspect of the human condition, and that we are all continuously healing from traumas, whether “big” or “small”, personal or collective.
Trauma may manifest in your life as all kinds of disruptions, such as anxiety, depression, burnout, nightmares, family conflicts, or relationship struggles. Yet, I see them as how your pain has found its own way to show up in this particular form. I approach this work with a trauma lens, yet it doesn’t mean that I will be searching for your “brokenness”. I see trauma as an inherent aspect of the human condition, and that we are all continuously healing from traumas, whether “big” or “small”, personal or collective.
(925) 854-4469 View (925) 854-4469
Photo of Patricia Dallacroce, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lafayette, CA
Patricia Dallacroce
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Because of the pain which comes with being human, few of us will get through life without having unexpected loss, relationship problems, trauma or other experiences that challenge our resilience.
For therapy to work, you must feel safe enough to express your most distressing feelings and thoughts. It is essential that you feel heard, seen, and understood. Your therapist must be able to accompany you, with knowledge, safety and empathy, through the depths of your pain to transformance. I strive to be that kind of therapist for my clients. Before becoming a therapist, I practiced law for 14 years in a large metropolitan law firm. I became a therapist because therapy was personally transformative for me and because I passionately believe that therapy can be life-changing.
Because of the pain which comes with being human, few of us will get through life without having unexpected loss, relationship problems, trauma or other experiences that challenge our resilience.
For therapy to work, you must feel safe enough to express your most distressing feelings and thoughts. It is essential that you feel heard, seen, and understood. Your therapist must be able to accompany you, with knowledge, safety and empathy, through the depths of your pain to transformance. I strive to be that kind of therapist for my clients. Before becoming a therapist, I practiced law for 14 years in a large metropolitan law firm. I became a therapist because therapy was personally transformative for me and because I passionately believe that therapy can be life-changing.
(925) 521-8826 View (925) 521-8826
Photo of Danielle Nicole Harris, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Lafayette, CA
Danielle Nicole Harris
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
You can gain confidence in your parenting skills, strengthen your relationship with your child or teen, learn how to communicate in ways that lead to cooperation and harmony, and finally find relief knowing that your child is safe and happy, and that your relationship is strong.
You’ve tried everything you can think of with your child, and nothing seems to work. You’re worried, frustrated, and tired. Therapy can help you and your family find solutions. I specialize in supporting children, teens, parents, caregivers and families during times of stress. Together, we will bring peace, happiness, laughter, and love back into your home. Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook, and you're navigating this journey as best as you can. Your number one super power that will get you through this time is the fact that you love and care about your kid so much, and will do whatever it takes to make sure they’re okay.
You can gain confidence in your parenting skills, strengthen your relationship with your child or teen, learn how to communicate in ways that lead to cooperation and harmony, and finally find relief knowing that your child is safe and happy, and that your relationship is strong.
You’ve tried everything you can think of with your child, and nothing seems to work. You’re worried, frustrated, and tired. Therapy can help you and your family find solutions. I specialize in supporting children, teens, parents, caregivers and families during times of stress. Together, we will bring peace, happiness, laughter, and love back into your home. Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook, and you're navigating this journey as best as you can. Your number one super power that will get you through this time is the fact that you love and care about your kid so much, and will do whatever it takes to make sure they’re okay.
(916) 884-2762 View (916) 884-2762

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.