Photo of Norma Huerta, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Norma Huerta
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Whittier, CA 90602
It is an honor to provide you with guidance in finding solutions to your specific needs. You will receive a plan of treatment that is unique to you and with an approach that will help you meet your goals. My client history includes all ethnicities, individuals, couples, and families who seek to improve relationships, heal from trauma, adjust to a separation, relieve anxiety symptoms, manage anger, bereavement processing, and alleviation of depression symptoms. The goal of therapy is unique to each individual and serves to assist in recognizing problems and taking action to decrease or eliminate potential impacts to you and your relationships.
It is an honor to provide you with guidance in finding solutions to your specific needs. You will receive a plan of treatment that is unique to you and with an approach that will help you meet your goals. My client history includes all ethnicities, individuals, couples, and families who seek to improve relationships, heal from trauma, adjust to a separation, relieve anxiety symptoms, manage anger, bereavement processing, and alleviation of depression symptoms. The goal of therapy is unique to each individual and serves to assist in recognizing problems and taking action to decrease or eliminate potential impacts to you and your relationships.
(562) 337-3791 View (562) 337-3791
Photo of Scott O Harris, Psychologist in Los Angeles County, CA
Scott O Harris
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90049
I have worked with children and adolescents throughout my training and career in settings such as schools, clinics and hospitals as well as in private practice. I work with a variety of adult clients with career-work, relationship and life-transitional issues. I have been licensed as a Psychologist and practicing for over 20 years. I recieved my BA at the University of Michigan and have a MA in Human Development from the University of Chicago I also have an MA and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.
I have worked with children and adolescents throughout my training and career in settings such as schools, clinics and hospitals as well as in private practice. I work with a variety of adult clients with career-work, relationship and life-transitional issues. I have been licensed as a Psychologist and practicing for over 20 years. I recieved my BA at the University of Michigan and have a MA in Human Development from the University of Chicago I also have an MA and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.
(310) 422-7468 View (310) 422-7468
Photo of Shirin Hart, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Shirin Hart
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90066
My specialities include holistic psychotherapy, mindfulness, somatic therapy, relationship communication and intimacy building.
I’m a psychotherapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My approach is modern holistic psychotherapy. I have sought out and learned the latest neuroscience informed therapies. And have been trained by the world’s top holistic practitioners, life coaches, and mindfulness experts. Though I can’t claim to have invented any of these techniques, I have combined them in my own unique way and am sharing it with people so they can win. When people win, it’s helping the community win. To me that is what it is all about.
My specialities include holistic psychotherapy, mindfulness, somatic therapy, relationship communication and intimacy building.
I’m a psychotherapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My approach is modern holistic psychotherapy. I have sought out and learned the latest neuroscience informed therapies. And have been trained by the world’s top holistic practitioners, life coaches, and mindfulness experts. Though I can’t claim to have invented any of these techniques, I have combined them in my own unique way and am sharing it with people so they can win. When people win, it’s helping the community win. To me that is what it is all about.
(424) 342-5545 View (424) 342-5545
Photo of Ivano C Franceschini, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Los Angeles County, CA
Ivano C Franceschini
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803
Areas of special focus: Children and Teens (Including poor school performance, conflict resolution, ADHD, 504’s, IEP’s) Parenting, Anxiety, Interpersonal Relationships, and Spiritual Integration. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, parents, couples and adults struggling with their own mental health issues. I create a safe and warm environment and by using my relationship in therapy to facilitate the healing process in my clients. I brings over 25 years of working with children and adolescents as a school counselor in the Long Beach School District.
Areas of special focus: Children and Teens (Including poor school performance, conflict resolution, ADHD, 504’s, IEP’s) Parenting, Anxiety, Interpersonal Relationships, and Spiritual Integration. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, parents, couples and adults struggling with their own mental health issues. I create a safe and warm environment and by using my relationship in therapy to facilitate the healing process in my clients. I brings over 25 years of working with children and adolescents as a school counselor in the Long Beach School District.
(562) 553-3774 View (562) 553-3774
Photo of New Hope Family Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
New Hope Family Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Downey, CA 90241
Se Habla Español. Llame para una consulta gratis. Are you finding yourself questioning what is your life's purpose? Wondering if this is where you need to be in life. Asking if you are making the right decision/choice? Are you experiencing periods of sadness, worry, frustration or sleepless nights? Are recent changes in life difficult to manage? Are you a new parent, a newlywed, are you going through a separation/Divorce? Have you been married for a while but have been struggling in communicating with your spouse? Do everyday life tasks seem difficult to complete and manage? Is your concern your child?
Se Habla Español. Llame para una consulta gratis. Are you finding yourself questioning what is your life's purpose? Wondering if this is where you need to be in life. Asking if you are making the right decision/choice? Are you experiencing periods of sadness, worry, frustration or sleepless nights? Are recent changes in life difficult to manage? Are you a new parent, a newlywed, are you going through a separation/Divorce? Have you been married for a while but have been struggling in communicating with your spouse? Do everyday life tasks seem difficult to complete and manage? Is your concern your child?
(562) 582-7424 View (562) 582-7424
Photo of Nadeshda Hernandez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Nadeshda Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CHT, MACP, MBA
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90807
I join couples to truly hear and see each other with open hearts in a safe place where they can fall in love again as they fall in love with themselves.
I am very effective with children who have behavioral challenges due to trauma, pressures, family troubles, or unknowns. I easily connect with teens who struggle to fit in or feel understood so they can open up and allow me to help them. I empower young adults who are feeling anxious and/or depressed. I can guide couples to rekindle their passion and commitment for each other as two separate grounded individuals who choose each other on a regular basis. I guide adult individuals who are going through break ups to have major breakthroughs in their journey. Let's get you to wherever you want to be.
I join couples to truly hear and see each other with open hearts in a safe place where they can fall in love again as they fall in love with themselves.
I am very effective with children who have behavioral challenges due to trauma, pressures, family troubles, or unknowns. I easily connect with teens who struggle to fit in or feel understood so they can open up and allow me to help them. I empower young adults who are feeling anxious and/or depressed. I can guide couples to rekindle their passion and commitment for each other as two separate grounded individuals who choose each other on a regular basis. I guide adult individuals who are going through break ups to have major breakthroughs in their journey. Let's get you to wherever you want to be.
(562) 337-3876 View (562) 337-3876
Photo of Alysia St. Clair, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Alysia St. Clair
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90802
Alysia is a warm, compassionate, caring clinician who provides a calm safe environment to work through life's challenges. Alysia has extensive experience working with a variety of populations including depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and trauma. She uses Evidenced-Based Practices including mindfulness, DBT, EMDR, and CBT to help clients work through struggles. She is an expert on addiction and trauma based interventions. Alysia is certified as an Advanced Mindfulness Practitioner. She is genuinely compassionate and engages deeply with her clients.
Alysia is a warm, compassionate, caring clinician who provides a calm safe environment to work through life's challenges. Alysia has extensive experience working with a variety of populations including depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and trauma. She uses Evidenced-Based Practices including mindfulness, DBT, EMDR, and CBT to help clients work through struggles. She is an expert on addiction and trauma based interventions. Alysia is certified as an Advanced Mindfulness Practitioner. She is genuinely compassionate and engages deeply with her clients.
(310) 361-4164 View (310) 361-4164
Photo of Voogd Family Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Voogd Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90041
At Voogd Family Therapy, you will find that the authenticity of the therapeutic relationship will assist you in your approach to treatment.
Accepting new clients! 11/03/23 Any of us can be overwhelmed at anytime and seeking help demonstrates your courage and commitment to yourself. After your consultation, we will begin to develop a treatment plan to tackle those specific areas you are looking to change. Here, you will learn to look at these challenges through different perspectives allowing you to gain better insight and awareness of how they are effecting you. These first few steps of your journey are crucial to the ongoing healing you may be looking for.
At Voogd Family Therapy, you will find that the authenticity of the therapeutic relationship will assist you in your approach to treatment.
Accepting new clients! 11/03/23 Any of us can be overwhelmed at anytime and seeking help demonstrates your courage and commitment to yourself. After your consultation, we will begin to develop a treatment plan to tackle those specific areas you are looking to change. Here, you will learn to look at these challenges through different perspectives allowing you to gain better insight and awareness of how they are effecting you. These first few steps of your journey are crucial to the ongoing healing you may be looking for.
(323) 366-3340 View (323) 366-3340
Photo of Love Thyself Social Services Inc., Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Love Thyself Social Services Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
For over 15 years, Love Thyself Social Services Inc. has served the minority community through community outreach by providing the necessity of support to those who are neglected, underserved, and in need of psychosocial healing. By working to eliminate psychosocial barriers and support healing, we eagerly strive toward timely intervention for both the individual and family. We help individuals and families of all ethnicities and background to achieve mental stability and awareness of self. Now serving Teens, Couples, Individuals, Families.
For over 15 years, Love Thyself Social Services Inc. has served the minority community through community outreach by providing the necessity of support to those who are neglected, underserved, and in need of psychosocial healing. By working to eliminate psychosocial barriers and support healing, we eagerly strive toward timely intervention for both the individual and family. We help individuals and families of all ethnicities and background to achieve mental stability and awareness of self. Now serving Teens, Couples, Individuals, Families.
(310) 929-6176 View (310) 929-6176
Photo of Ikechi Okpara, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Los Angeles County, CA
Ikechi Okpara
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, BCAT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
I am enthusiastic about assisting individuals, couples, children, and families in navigating the intricate terrain of relationships and growth. Dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing therapeutic space, I am eager to help clients foster understanding, resilience, and positive change in their lives. Currently pursuing my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine, I bring a blend of academic knowledge and practical experience to my therapeutic approach. These have equipped me with strong foundations in various therapeutic models, allowing me to uniquely tailor my approaches.
I am enthusiastic about assisting individuals, couples, children, and families in navigating the intricate terrain of relationships and growth. Dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing therapeutic space, I am eager to help clients foster understanding, resilience, and positive change in their lives. Currently pursuing my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine, I bring a blend of academic knowledge and practical experience to my therapeutic approach. These have equipped me with strong foundations in various therapeutic models, allowing me to uniquely tailor my approaches.
(424) 484-8260 View (424) 484-8260
Photo of Mike Lane, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Mike Lane
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Congratulations on taking action! We both know that if things are going to change for you in a positive direction, you will need to be brave, open-minded and willing to do things you have resisted doing for one reason or another. I can be most helpful in that regard. Now is the perfect time. Your life is about to change dramatically. Together, in a collaborative and supportive relationship, we will identify your critical needs, uncover and resolve resistances, and map out the incremental steps to getting your needs met. Make the call that will change your life.
Congratulations on taking action! We both know that if things are going to change for you in a positive direction, you will need to be brave, open-minded and willing to do things you have resisted doing for one reason or another. I can be most helpful in that regard. Now is the perfect time. Your life is about to change dramatically. Together, in a collaborative and supportive relationship, we will identify your critical needs, uncover and resolve resistances, and map out the incremental steps to getting your needs met. Make the call that will change your life.
(424) 277-3885 View (424) 277-3885
Photo of Dr. Carol Francis & Associates, Psychologist in Los Angeles County, CA
Dr. Carol Francis & Associates
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, CHT, MFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90503
Stressed, unhappy, unfocused, unmotivated? A distant, angry relationship that was loving, romantic, or safe? Wish to improve your ability to focus, relax, not worry? Considering changes in your career, relationship? Confused by your marriage, by being new parents or by your child or teenager? Want to stop smoking with hypnosis? Wish you could like yourself, feel attractive, smart, energetic & successful? Feel stuck, blocked, uncertain, discouraged? Afraid of public speaking or socializing at work? Suffer awful abuse? Have you and your partner been fighting? Need to learn to solve problems in your team?
Stressed, unhappy, unfocused, unmotivated? A distant, angry relationship that was loving, romantic, or safe? Wish to improve your ability to focus, relax, not worry? Considering changes in your career, relationship? Confused by your marriage, by being new parents or by your child or teenager? Want to stop smoking with hypnosis? Wish you could like yourself, feel attractive, smart, energetic & successful? Feel stuck, blocked, uncertain, discouraged? Afraid of public speaking or socializing at work? Suffer awful abuse? Have you and your partner been fighting? Need to learn to solve problems in your team?
(310) 620-1719 View (310) 620-1719
Photo of Brian J Benjamin, Psychologist in Los Angeles County, CA
Brian J Benjamin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91105  (Online Only)
Forming a professional relationship with a clinician can be a delicate process.
I specialize in providing psychological services to children and adolescents. These include neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy. Assessments can be invaluable tools that provide diagnostic clarification, treatment recommendations, and the basis for academic accommodations. The therapeutic interventions I provide to young clients can be used to address a range of common challenges including, but not limited to emotional dysregulation and behavior problems. Based on the client, therapy may take various forms and could entail a talk or play-based approach. I regularly integrate parent or family sessions when appropriate.
Forming a professional relationship with a clinician can be a delicate process.
I specialize in providing psychological services to children and adolescents. These include neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy. Assessments can be invaluable tools that provide diagnostic clarification, treatment recommendations, and the basis for academic accommodations. The therapeutic interventions I provide to young clients can be used to address a range of common challenges including, but not limited to emotional dysregulation and behavior problems. Based on the client, therapy may take various forms and could entail a talk or play-based approach. I regularly integrate parent or family sessions when appropriate.
(626) 714-2875 View (626) 714-2875
Photo of Counseling Adults, Children & Couples, Psychologist in Los Angeles County, CA
Counseling Adults, Children & Couples
Psychologist, PsyD, MAMFCT, CHYP
Verified Verified
Carol Francis provides psychotherapy for children, teens, parents, individuals & couples.
Some Adults, Teens and Children in our community face issues of stress, fear of underachieving, depression, body-image concerns, eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia or over-eating), relationship traumas (affairs, divorce, abuse, child custody battles), addictions. Other adults face unsettling retirement, empty nest syndrome, elder care concerns, serious illnesses, definite anxiety and feelings of meaninglessness. Couples become estranged: lacking in communication, connection and emotional or sexual intimacy. As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Marriage, Family & Child Therapist and Counselor for over 30 years, Dr. Carol Francis uses multiple researched tools helping individuals, couples, and families create satisfaction and well-being.
Carol Francis provides psychotherapy for children, teens, parents, individuals & couples.
Some Adults, Teens and Children in our community face issues of stress, fear of underachieving, depression, body-image concerns, eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia or over-eating), relationship traumas (affairs, divorce, abuse, child custody battles), addictions. Other adults face unsettling retirement, empty nest syndrome, elder care concerns, serious illnesses, definite anxiety and feelings of meaninglessness. Couples become estranged: lacking in communication, connection and emotional or sexual intimacy. As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Marriage, Family & Child Therapist and Counselor for over 30 years, Dr. Carol Francis uses multiple researched tools helping individuals, couples, and families create satisfaction and well-being.
(310) 421-2863 View (310) 421-2863
Photo of Dr. Rehana Peiris, Registered Psychological Associate in Los Angeles County, CA
Dr. Rehana Peiris
Registered Psychological Associate, MA, MFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
Claremont, CA 91711
I believe that their is healing and growth that comes from fostering a space for other’s to share their life story. In facilitating this process, I will help you process life's events, discover your strengths and areas to improve, and support you in crossing the bridge to your next level. While I am qualified to work with a range of issues, I especially enjoy working with parents, children, youth and couples by supporting their development, facilitating their personal autonomy, and helping them navigate through challenging times.
I believe that their is healing and growth that comes from fostering a space for other’s to share their life story. In facilitating this process, I will help you process life's events, discover your strengths and areas to improve, and support you in crossing the bridge to your next level. While I am qualified to work with a range of issues, I especially enjoy working with parents, children, youth and couples by supporting their development, facilitating their personal autonomy, and helping them navigate through challenging times.
(909) 280-7860 View (909) 280-7860
Photo of Center For Integrated Care, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles County, CA
Center For Integrated Care
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Mission Hills, CA 91345  (Online Only)
Center for Integrated Care focuses on one's psychological, social-emotional, and mental well being. Our services are centered around client's needs, where change occurs naturally, genuinely. We provide individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We welcome all those who are needing a lift from their problems and strenuous life situations. We are a team of Licensed Clinicians and Associate MFT And ASW with specialty in working with children and adults. If you just need short term therapy to get over a pressing issue or long term therapy to process and maintain mental health well being we are here for you.
Center for Integrated Care focuses on one's psychological, social-emotional, and mental well being. Our services are centered around client's needs, where change occurs naturally, genuinely. We provide individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We welcome all those who are needing a lift from their problems and strenuous life situations. We are a team of Licensed Clinicians and Associate MFT And ASW with specialty in working with children and adults. If you just need short term therapy to get over a pressing issue or long term therapy to process and maintain mental health well being we are here for you.
(818) 696-5655 View (818) 696-5655
Photo of Indhushree Rajan, Psychologist in Los Angeles County, CA
Indhushree Rajan
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Dr. Indhushree Rajan is a licensed clinical psychologist in Beverly Hills, CA, where she does individual, couples, and family psychotherapy work. She is also a media consultant who speaks to psychological, socio-cultural, and mental health related issues, and does life coaching. Dr. Rajan sees clients presenting with a wide range of concerns, and has particular expertise in: complex trauma, mood disorders, racial, sexual, & cultural identity issues, as well as relationship concerns. Dr. Rajan enjoys working with clients of all ages across the lifespan.
Dr. Indhushree Rajan is a licensed clinical psychologist in Beverly Hills, CA, where she does individual, couples, and family psychotherapy work. She is also a media consultant who speaks to psychological, socio-cultural, and mental health related issues, and does life coaching. Dr. Rajan sees clients presenting with a wide range of concerns, and has particular expertise in: complex trauma, mood disorders, racial, sexual, & cultural identity issues, as well as relationship concerns. Dr. Rajan enjoys working with clients of all ages across the lifespan.
(323) 591-2931 View (323) 591-2931
Photo of Marina Bochkur-Dratver, Psychologist in Los Angeles County, CA
Marina Bochkur-Dratver
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Encino, CA 91316
I have extensive experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families with a wide range of difficulties.
Every phase of life brings a new challenge, whether our own or of someone we care about. Sometimes, we need a little extra help to successfully get through yet another phase. Those are the times to seek therapy. I would like to empower you to help yourself by taking that step to improve your and possibly your loved one's quality of life. As a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a professional woman, I have an intricate ability to understand the struggles that one might face in life as we transition in and out of each of these roles, daily.
I have extensive experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families with a wide range of difficulties.
Every phase of life brings a new challenge, whether our own or of someone we care about. Sometimes, we need a little extra help to successfully get through yet another phase. Those are the times to seek therapy. I would like to empower you to help yourself by taking that step to improve your and possibly your loved one's quality of life. As a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a professional woman, I have an intricate ability to understand the struggles that one might face in life as we transition in and out of each of these roles, daily.
(818) 814-6811 View (818) 814-6811
Photo of Danine Dean, Psychologist in Los Angeles County, CA
Danine Dean
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230
I also offer consultations regarding relationship questions, using VIT (Video Intervention Therapy) to increase positive interactions and insight building for the relationship between two or more people.
A life transition experience can be positive or negative, planned or unexpected. Some transitions happen without warning, and they may be quite dramatic, as in cases of accidents, death, divorce, job loss, or serious illness. Other life transitions come from positive experiences such as getting married, going away to college, starting a new job, moving to a new city. Even though events like these are usually planned and anticipated, they can be just as life-altering as the unexpected events. Whether positive or negative, life transitions cause us to leave behind the familiar and force us to adjust to new ways of living.
I also offer consultations regarding relationship questions, using VIT (Video Intervention Therapy) to increase positive interactions and insight building for the relationship between two or more people.
A life transition experience can be positive or negative, planned or unexpected. Some transitions happen without warning, and they may be quite dramatic, as in cases of accidents, death, divorce, job loss, or serious illness. Other life transitions come from positive experiences such as getting married, going away to college, starting a new job, moving to a new city. Even though events like these are usually planned and anticipated, they can be just as life-altering as the unexpected events. Whether positive or negative, life transitions cause us to leave behind the familiar and force us to adjust to new ways of living.
(424) 233-1157 View (424) 233-1157
Photo of Marissa J Dominguez, Pre-Licensed Professional in Los Angeles County, CA
Marissa J Dominguez
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
San Pedro, CA 90732
By using evidenced-based models, I help clients identify their strengths through behavioral and emotional changes and work on increasing their self-confidence, we also work to build a stronger relationship between the child/teen and parent(s).
Being a parent can be very challenging, make you feel vulnerable, and even overwhelmed at times. My goal as a therapist is to begin the healing process with you. Whether you are a parent that is seeking support for your infant, toddler, or child due to behavioral or emotional problems, family conflict, recent separation, divorce, death, or trauma. I specialize in providing Play Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Behavioral Modification for children, teens & families.
By using evidenced-based models, I help clients identify their strengths through behavioral and emotional changes and work on increasing their self-confidence, we also work to build a stronger relationship between the child/teen and parent(s).
Being a parent can be very challenging, make you feel vulnerable, and even overwhelmed at times. My goal as a therapist is to begin the healing process with you. Whether you are a parent that is seeking support for your infant, toddler, or child due to behavioral or emotional problems, family conflict, recent separation, divorce, death, or trauma. I specialize in providing Play Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Behavioral Modification for children, teens & families.
(209) 643-4545 View (209) 643-4545

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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.