Photo of Cibele Sousa, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Cibele Sousa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Clients that enjoy working with me vary; adolescents/teens, young adults, launching adults, established adults, and aging adults as individuals, families, and in couples.
My passion is in body psychotherapy. Clients enjoy our work connecting their body/inner strengths and their mind/rational strengths to achieve growth. My clients value the kindness, compassion, and safety I create, so they feel comfortable and heard. I have success working with clients that experience cancer, adoption, grief, stress, excessive worry, depression, conflict with others, life transitions, and parenting issues. Caregivers and family members of cancer patients find working with me helpful, healing, and nurturing. Clients that are not comfortable just talking really appreciate the tools I give them.
Clients that enjoy working with me vary; adolescents/teens, young adults, launching adults, established adults, and aging adults as individuals, families, and in couples.
My passion is in body psychotherapy. Clients enjoy our work connecting their body/inner strengths and their mind/rational strengths to achieve growth. My clients value the kindness, compassion, and safety I create, so they feel comfortable and heard. I have success working with clients that experience cancer, adoption, grief, stress, excessive worry, depression, conflict with others, life transitions, and parenting issues. Caregivers and family members of cancer patients find working with me helpful, healing, and nurturing. Clients that are not comfortable just talking really appreciate the tools I give them.
(818) 699-9877 View (818) 699-9877
Photo of Remarkable Services, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Remarkable Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cerritos, CA 90703
I specialize in working with teens, couples, and adults of all ages.
Life can feel uncertain and mixed emotions can make it difficult to know what to do. As your therapist, I want you to leave feeling heard, understood, accepted, and empowered. Sessions are centered around you and your experiences. Using a narrative approach, we work together to create a life narrative that highlights your strengths, history, and how you have worked to thrive. My role is to support you and walk alongside you through this time in life.
I specialize in working with teens, couples, and adults of all ages.
Life can feel uncertain and mixed emotions can make it difficult to know what to do. As your therapist, I want you to leave feeling heard, understood, accepted, and empowered. Sessions are centered around you and your experiences. Using a narrative approach, we work together to create a life narrative that highlights your strengths, history, and how you have worked to thrive. My role is to support you and walk alongside you through this time in life.
(562) 307-8710 View (562) 307-8710
Photo of Sheena Boyd, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Sheena Boyd
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendora, CA 91741
I have a background of working with individuals, couples, and families with depression, anxiety, life transitions, family struggles, relationship difficulties, trauma, behavioral problems, and many other life challenges.
Hello, I am Sheena Boyd, a licensed marriage and family therapist. My goal is to provide everyone with a safe space to allow the open and honest expression of thoughts and feelings. I find that every individual comes with their own story, and I strive to meet you where you are and provide you with a service that best meets your needs. I am here to assist you with meeting the goals that you are looking to accomplish. I have been working in the mental health field since 2012 and providing therapy since 2014. I use an eclectic style of therapy and therapy modalities that will best accomplish positive outcomes.
I have a background of working with individuals, couples, and families with depression, anxiety, life transitions, family struggles, relationship difficulties, trauma, behavioral problems, and many other life challenges.
Hello, I am Sheena Boyd, a licensed marriage and family therapist. My goal is to provide everyone with a safe space to allow the open and honest expression of thoughts and feelings. I find that every individual comes with their own story, and I strive to meet you where you are and provide you with a service that best meets your needs. I am here to assist you with meeting the goals that you are looking to accomplish. I have been working in the mental health field since 2012 and providing therapy since 2014. I use an eclectic style of therapy and therapy modalities that will best accomplish positive outcomes.
(626) 699-8905 View (626) 699-8905
Photo of Diane Foster, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Diane Foster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sylmar, CA 91342
Life is not a spectator sport! Don't let your life pass you by while you are struggling to gain control of problems. I work with individuals, couples, and families who want to take charge of their lives. If you want to improve relationships, strengthen communications skills, or generate harmony with your family, we can work together to create success.
Life is not a spectator sport! Don't let your life pass you by while you are struggling to gain control of problems. I work with individuals, couples, and families who want to take charge of their lives. If you want to improve relationships, strengthen communications skills, or generate harmony with your family, we can work together to create success.
(818) 873-2769 View (818) 873-2769
Photo of Adrian de Leon Sanchez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Adrian de Leon Sanchez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
My name is Adrian de Leon Sanchez, LMFT. I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Therapist. My primary focus is to help promote change for personal growth, confidence and a healthy self-esteem. I assist with Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Losses, Stress, Divorce/Marital Problems, Career/Work Related Issues, Relationship/Identity Challenges, Spirituality, Addictions, and more. My goal is not only to get you through this difficult time in your life, but to help you develop ways to be better able to handle the future. I provide therapeutic counseling services to children, adolescents and adults as a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor.
My name is Adrian de Leon Sanchez, LMFT. I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Therapist. My primary focus is to help promote change for personal growth, confidence and a healthy self-esteem. I assist with Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Losses, Stress, Divorce/Marital Problems, Career/Work Related Issues, Relationship/Identity Challenges, Spirituality, Addictions, and more. My goal is not only to get you through this difficult time in your life, but to help you develop ways to be better able to handle the future. I provide therapeutic counseling services to children, adolescents and adults as a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor.
(424) 358-4130 View (424) 358-4130
Photo of Rachel Douglas, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Rachel Douglas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Puente, CA 91744
My name is Rachel Douglas. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I approach therapy in a way that focuses on building a safe space for you to be acknowledged, heard, understood and validated appropriately. My areas of practice are working with individuals, couples, adolescents, and families. I enjoy working with adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. I am comfortable working with all types of disorders and mental health issues.
My name is Rachel Douglas. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I approach therapy in a way that focuses on building a safe space for you to be acknowledged, heard, understood and validated appropriately. My areas of practice are working with individuals, couples, adolescents, and families. I enjoy working with adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. I am comfortable working with all types of disorders and mental health issues.
(626) 899-9149 View (626) 899-9149
Photo of Richard Fontenot, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Richard Fontenot
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, MMC
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90210  (Online Only)
I see patients who want to improve their marriages and are in the middle of a relationship crisis.
Richard trained at Harvard Medical School in Narrative Medicine and M.I.T. Sloan School of Management in Neuroscience for Business. His experience as a producer’s assistant to Academy Award and Emmy Award winners (working on Billion $ revenue teams) has allowed him to understand the demands of success while balancing creativity, career, family, and relationship goals. He works with creatives, actors, writers, producers, Alphabet engineers, tech start-up docs, students, and teachers. Using CBT and Interpersonal Neurobiological approaches, he meets patients where they most need him to overcome obstacles and achieve optimum health.
I see patients who want to improve their marriages and are in the middle of a relationship crisis.
Richard trained at Harvard Medical School in Narrative Medicine and M.I.T. Sloan School of Management in Neuroscience for Business. His experience as a producer’s assistant to Academy Award and Emmy Award winners (working on Billion $ revenue teams) has allowed him to understand the demands of success while balancing creativity, career, family, and relationship goals. He works with creatives, actors, writers, producers, Alphabet engineers, tech start-up docs, students, and teachers. Using CBT and Interpersonal Neurobiological approaches, he meets patients where they most need him to overcome obstacles and achieve optimum health.
(323) 973-1814 View (323) 973-1814
Photo of Lani Espinas, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Lani Espinas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90503  (Online Only)
Individual, couples, family, and adolescent therapy services available in English and Spanish.
I was trained in rendering brief and short term therapy since we all want quick results. How do I do that? I am interactive with my clients and not just provide “talk therapy”, but rather, we will co-create a plan together to help you achieve positive results. I hold my clients accountable and will assign homework. I will give you my input, impressions, and at times, challenge you when those defenses are up. In life, when we’re faced with challenges, it only promotes growth and strength. At the same time, we will give you the positive regard, reflective listening, and be your cheerleader. We will empower you, not enable you.
Individual, couples, family, and adolescent therapy services available in English and Spanish.
I was trained in rendering brief and short term therapy since we all want quick results. How do I do that? I am interactive with my clients and not just provide “talk therapy”, but rather, we will co-create a plan together to help you achieve positive results. I hold my clients accountable and will assign homework. I will give you my input, impressions, and at times, challenge you when those defenses are up. In life, when we’re faced with challenges, it only promotes growth and strength. At the same time, we will give you the positive regard, reflective listening, and be your cheerleader. We will empower you, not enable you.
(310) 991-3055 View (310) 991-3055
Photo of Farinaz Khalilifard, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Farinaz Khalilifard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Rosemead, CA 91770
My name is Farinaz Khalilifard. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 20 years of experience as a clinician. I work with issues related to Addiction, Trauma, Family Issues, Stress, Grief, Loss, PTSD, Women's Issues, and Relationship Issues. I approach treatment through a humanistic approach which is client-centered. I specialize in motivational interviewing, CBT, and DBT. Through the therapeutic process, I guide patients into a path of self-discovery and empowerment to develop int a healthy and whole individual.
My name is Farinaz Khalilifard. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 20 years of experience as a clinician. I work with issues related to Addiction, Trauma, Family Issues, Stress, Grief, Loss, PTSD, Women's Issues, and Relationship Issues. I approach treatment through a humanistic approach which is client-centered. I specialize in motivational interviewing, CBT, and DBT. Through the therapeutic process, I guide patients into a path of self-discovery and empowerment to develop int a healthy and whole individual.
(626) 702-3073 View (626) 702-3073
Photo of James A Stump, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
James A Stump
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505  (Online Only)
If you are having relationship or emotional difficulties, I encourage you to take action to clear the path and find your way.
Stress. Frustration. Anxiety. Depression. From work, family, relationships, financial burdens. All lead to anger, loneliness, sadness & possibly despair. Life was not meant to be pressured & unhappy & it doesn’t have to be. I can help identify your innate abilities & your God-given talents, the ones you were meant to realize & share for the benefit of yourself, loved ones & others. Be all that you can be. It is not only your gift, but your obligation. Make & leave a positive impact on the world. You are the catalyst; I am your facilitator if you allow me to be. At this time, I am only accepting fee for service clients via telephone.
If you are having relationship or emotional difficulties, I encourage you to take action to clear the path and find your way.
Stress. Frustration. Anxiety. Depression. From work, family, relationships, financial burdens. All lead to anger, loneliness, sadness & possibly despair. Life was not meant to be pressured & unhappy & it doesn’t have to be. I can help identify your innate abilities & your God-given talents, the ones you were meant to realize & share for the benefit of yourself, loved ones & others. Be all that you can be. It is not only your gift, but your obligation. Make & leave a positive impact on the world. You are the catalyst; I am your facilitator if you allow me to be. At this time, I am only accepting fee for service clients via telephone.
(424) 999-0175 View (424) 999-0175
Photo of Toluca Lake Psychology, Psychologist in Los Angeles County, CA
Toluca Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Therapy is a process of self-reflection and conversation that honors the struggles of life: career uncertainty, relationship decisions, loneliness, grief and the ongoing pursuit self-love.
We are a collective of therapists at Silver Lake Psychology (Toluca Lake location) with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will match you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
Therapy is a process of self-reflection and conversation that honors the struggles of life: career uncertainty, relationship decisions, loneliness, grief and the ongoing pursuit self-love.
We are a collective of therapists at Silver Lake Psychology (Toluca Lake location) with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will match you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
(424) 400-2864 View (424) 400-2864
Photo of Robyn Murakami Kim, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Robyn Murakami Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90503
I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, a melting pot of cultures and family values. I completed my Master of Science degree in Counseling (Marriage & Family Therapy) from California State University, Long Beach while training as a therapist with Shields for Families' School-Based Mental Health Program. I also have extensive experience working with community-based outreach programs. My upbringing and community-based involvement has informed my therapeutic work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Areas of special interest include play & art therapy, sand tray, dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, pre-marriage counseling, and multicultural counseling.
I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, a melting pot of cultures and family values. I completed my Master of Science degree in Counseling (Marriage & Family Therapy) from California State University, Long Beach while training as a therapist with Shields for Families' School-Based Mental Health Program. I also have extensive experience working with community-based outreach programs. My upbringing and community-based involvement has informed my therapeutic work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Areas of special interest include play & art therapy, sand tray, dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, pre-marriage counseling, and multicultural counseling.
(310) 893-0542 View (310) 893-0542
Photo of Stephanie Mason, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Stephanie Mason
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90805  (Online Only)
I also hold an array of clinical expertise in dealing with chronic pain, depression, anxiety, stress management, LGBTQIA+ issues, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and much more.
New beginnings can often be disguised as painful endings. I work closely with those who have been through tragic events, suffered childhood abuse, those who have been victimized by others, as well as those who might feel like they have nowhere left to turn. My goal is to help you find your inner strength, and to courageously be free to display it and be proud. I am empathetic to my client’s needs, ambitious to provide support, and offer a nonjudgmental space for you to share and truly be heard.
I also hold an array of clinical expertise in dealing with chronic pain, depression, anxiety, stress management, LGBTQIA+ issues, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and much more.
New beginnings can often be disguised as painful endings. I work closely with those who have been through tragic events, suffered childhood abuse, those who have been victimized by others, as well as those who might feel like they have nowhere left to turn. My goal is to help you find your inner strength, and to courageously be free to display it and be proud. I am empathetic to my client’s needs, ambitious to provide support, and offer a nonjudgmental space for you to share and truly be heard.
(626) 247-3135 View (626) 247-3135
Photo of Stephanie Fierro, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Stephanie Fierro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Compton, CA 90222
Hello, my name is Stephanie Fierro-Haldorson. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have experience working with couples, LGBTQIA+ community, adolescents, foster youth, trauma, addiction, and children ages 5-17. I have worked with so many different persons. I am comfortable working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community (adults and children), trauma, foster youth, couples, those with addiction, anxiety, and depression.
Hello, my name is Stephanie Fierro-Haldorson. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have experience working with couples, LGBTQIA+ community, adolescents, foster youth, trauma, addiction, and children ages 5-17. I have worked with so many different persons. I am comfortable working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community (adults and children), trauma, foster youth, couples, those with addiction, anxiety, and depression.
(424) 677-2630 View (424) 677-2630
Photo of Jacob Kajiwara, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Los Angeles County, CA
Jacob Kajiwara
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405  (Online Only)
You love this person and want to believe they love you too. Yet seemingly small and insignificant issues explode into verbal attacks and defensiveness that escalates to questioning if the relationship is worth it. You’re left feeling resentful, lonely, confused, and frustrated. The hardest part? After months or years of making up and recommitting to each other, not much has changed. While apologies and time seem to help, the same pattern continues to happen- only under different circumstances. The love is there and all you want is a healthy relationship. My passion is supporting couples and families to get to where they want to be.
You love this person and want to believe they love you too. Yet seemingly small and insignificant issues explode into verbal attacks and defensiveness that escalates to questioning if the relationship is worth it. You’re left feeling resentful, lonely, confused, and frustrated. The hardest part? After months or years of making up and recommitting to each other, not much has changed. While apologies and time seem to help, the same pattern continues to happen- only under different circumstances. The love is there and all you want is a healthy relationship. My passion is supporting couples and families to get to where they want to be.
(818) 600-6992 View (818) 600-6992
Photo of Chelsey Reese, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Chelsey Reese
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026
My name is Chelsey Reese. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and 200RYT. As a therapist, I work to create and hold a supportive space for individuals, couples, and families to be seen, felt, and heard. I lead with curiosity, meet clients where they are at, and encourage clients to engage in a reflective process. We can tap into our greatest strengths and potential when we take the time to process our thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences.
My name is Chelsey Reese. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and 200RYT. As a therapist, I work to create and hold a supportive space for individuals, couples, and families to be seen, felt, and heard. I lead with curiosity, meet clients where they are at, and encourage clients to engage in a reflective process. We can tap into our greatest strengths and potential when we take the time to process our thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences.
(818) 456-1643 View (818) 456-1643
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in Los Angeles County, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Therapy is a process of self-reflection and conversation that honors the struggles of life: career uncertainty, relationship decisions, loneliness, grief and the ongoing pursuit self-love.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of east side therapists at Silver Lake Psychology with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
Therapy is a process of self-reflection and conversation that honors the struggles of life: career uncertainty, relationship decisions, loneliness, grief and the ongoing pursuit self-love.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of east side therapists at Silver Lake Psychology with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
(310) 341-0323 View (310) 341-0323
Photo of Atara M Parkinson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Atara M Parkinson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sierra Madre, CA 91024  (Online Only)
I am certified in utilizing nutrition and integrative medicine for mental health, the parenting program PCIT and relationship program Prepare & Enrich.
My passion is to help clients in the mind/body connection. I love watching the physical body and mind align to impact mental health through nutrition and integrative medicine. I’m here to support my clients in creating sustainable vision for their lives. The goal in my work is to empower clients on gaining clarity to obtain holistic balance in mind, body and soul. I believe that a strong therapeutic connection is vital in creating a space for healing to take place. My approach is to create a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their lives and beliefs.
I am certified in utilizing nutrition and integrative medicine for mental health, the parenting program PCIT and relationship program Prepare & Enrich.
My passion is to help clients in the mind/body connection. I love watching the physical body and mind align to impact mental health through nutrition and integrative medicine. I’m here to support my clients in creating sustainable vision for their lives. The goal in my work is to empower clients on gaining clarity to obtain holistic balance in mind, body and soul. I believe that a strong therapeutic connection is vital in creating a space for healing to take place. My approach is to create a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their lives and beliefs.
(626) 900-0749 View (626) 900-0749
Photo of Nasrin Farr, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Nasrin Farr
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lakewood, CA 90805
Hello, my name is Nasrin. For over a decade, I have had the privilege of working with adults, children/ adolescents, families, couples, LGBTQ, and Military/Veterans from a diverse population. What contributes to my work is the skill to utilize evidence-based therapies with the compassion and empathy needed to provide a therapeutic alliance.
Hello, my name is Nasrin. For over a decade, I have had the privilege of working with adults, children/ adolescents, families, couples, LGBTQ, and Military/Veterans from a diverse population. What contributes to my work is the skill to utilize evidence-based therapies with the compassion and empathy needed to provide a therapeutic alliance.
(323) 443-7274 View (323) 443-7274
Photo of Erika Rubio-Hoyt, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Los Angeles County, CA
Erika Rubio-Hoyt
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Hello, my name is Erika M. Rubio-Hoyt, LPCC 11691, I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to feel comfortable to discuss their hurts and work toward healing. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, self-esteem/confidence, motivation, addictions, grief, and relationship issues. Most common theoretical approaches I use consist of Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical Behavior (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Humanistic, and Client-Centered Therapy. I provide a relaxed tone/environment to assist clients in feeling comfortable in expressing themselves.
Hello, my name is Erika M. Rubio-Hoyt, LPCC 11691, I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to feel comfortable to discuss their hurts and work toward healing. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, self-esteem/confidence, motivation, addictions, grief, and relationship issues. Most common theoretical approaches I use consist of Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical Behavior (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Humanistic, and Client-Centered Therapy. I provide a relaxed tone/environment to assist clients in feeling comfortable in expressing themselves.
(909) 296-4570 View (909) 296-4570

See more therapy options for Los Angeles County

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.