Photo of Promla Singh, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Promla Singh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90039
If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed in your relationships, then working with an experienced and skilled therapist can be enormously helpful. I have over 22 years of experience working with a wide range of clients and concerns. Depression, anxiety, relationship, marital/family issues, self-esteem, and trauma, are some of the issues I help clients with. You can contact me at 323 875 9501 for a free phone/video consultation, to see if I would be a good fit.
If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed in your relationships, then working with an experienced and skilled therapist can be enormously helpful. I have over 22 years of experience working with a wide range of clients and concerns. Depression, anxiety, relationship, marital/family issues, self-esteem, and trauma, are some of the issues I help clients with. You can contact me at 323 875 9501 for a free phone/video consultation, to see if I would be a good fit.
(323) 875-9501 View (323) 875-9501
Photo of Samantha Sarwar, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Samantha Sarwar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (Online Only)
I am flexible and easy to connect with and can build a trusting therapeutic relationship.
Many individuals are struggling with day to day stressors whether it be specific or more generalized. From stressors related to school, work, family, friends, intimate relationships, alcohol and substance use, to managing depression and anxiety. I am able to help build therapeutic relationships to help guide and support you on your journey. I have experience in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Exposure Therapy, and Trauma Focused Therapy.
I am flexible and easy to connect with and can build a trusting therapeutic relationship.
Many individuals are struggling with day to day stressors whether it be specific or more generalized. From stressors related to school, work, family, friends, intimate relationships, alcohol and substance use, to managing depression and anxiety. I am able to help build therapeutic relationships to help guide and support you on your journey. I have experience in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Exposure Therapy, and Trauma Focused Therapy.
(562) 554-5508 View (562) 554-5508
Photo of Gitu Bhatia, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Gitu Bhatia
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90049
I have extensive experience working with individuals, couples and families.
As a cognitive-behavioral therapist, I believe that people's emotions and behaviors are influenced by their perceptions and interpretation of events. I work collaboratively with my clients in a proactive manner in order for them to learn effective strategies that they can use for the rest of their lives. I also believe that we are influenced by the cultural context in which we grow up. All relationships are, to some extent, are contextual and intercultural. People often face new challenges as they go through transitions in their lives. I bring my life experiences and professional knowledge to therapy.
I have extensive experience working with individuals, couples and families.
As a cognitive-behavioral therapist, I believe that people's emotions and behaviors are influenced by their perceptions and interpretation of events. I work collaboratively with my clients in a proactive manner in order for them to learn effective strategies that they can use for the rest of their lives. I also believe that we are influenced by the cultural context in which we grow up. All relationships are, to some extent, are contextual and intercultural. People often face new challenges as they go through transitions in their lives. I bring my life experiences and professional knowledge to therapy.
(424) 256-1535 View (424) 256-1535
Photo of Amrita K Kataria, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Los Angeles, CA
Amrita K Kataria
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90051  (Online Only)
I offer individual and couples therapy.
Dear diary, today was a day filled with purpose. I met with a new client, and I'm excited to share my journey with them. You see, I have the privilege of helping South Asian individuals navigate the intricate terrain of their cultural identity, expectations, values, boundaries, communication, and self-growth. This morning, I listened to my client's stories, their triumphs, struggles, their dreams and fears. We explored the threads of their cultural identity, gently untangling them to reveal the rich tapestry beneath. It's always an inspiring experience to witness someone's journey towards self-discovery.
I offer individual and couples therapy.
Dear diary, today was a day filled with purpose. I met with a new client, and I'm excited to share my journey with them. You see, I have the privilege of helping South Asian individuals navigate the intricate terrain of their cultural identity, expectations, values, boundaries, communication, and self-growth. This morning, I listened to my client's stories, their triumphs, struggles, their dreams and fears. We explored the threads of their cultural identity, gently untangling them to reveal the rich tapestry beneath. It's always an inspiring experience to witness someone's journey towards self-discovery.
(424) 955-4812 View (424) 955-4812
Photo of Nadia Akhtar Sim, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Nadia Akhtar Sim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90027  (Online Only)
Areas of my interest and expertise include: exploring identity, concerns of immigrants/children of immigrants, issues related to intergenerational trauma, intersectional identities, divorce, relationship issues, trauma, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
I believe the foundation of living a truly fulfilling life comes from genuine and nurturing connection to others. As a therapist, my work consists of helping you find this type of connection through embracing vulnerability and increasing acceptance. Through our collaboration, we can gently and compassionately explore your needs, hopes, and fears while empowering you to utilize your strengths. Ultimately, you will arrive at a place of greater integration of all parts of yourself, while developing greater curiosity and understanding of the painful emotions and challenges that arise throughout life.
Areas of my interest and expertise include: exploring identity, concerns of immigrants/children of immigrants, issues related to intergenerational trauma, intersectional identities, divorce, relationship issues, trauma, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
I believe the foundation of living a truly fulfilling life comes from genuine and nurturing connection to others. As a therapist, my work consists of helping you find this type of connection through embracing vulnerability and increasing acceptance. Through our collaboration, we can gently and compassionately explore your needs, hopes, and fears while empowering you to utilize your strengths. Ultimately, you will arrive at a place of greater integration of all parts of yourself, while developing greater curiosity and understanding of the painful emotions and challenges that arise throughout life.
(323) 629-4886 View (323) 629-4886
Photo of Aisha Ishtiaq, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Aisha Ishtiaq
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90057  (Online Only)
Do you feel as if every effort you make is never enough, that you are always striving for something bigger and better? Are you struggling in your relationship or marriage and cannot break the unhealthy patterns of how you and your partner relate to each other? As your therapist, I support individuals and couples to begin to heal from past traumas and learn to accept and love themselves. I help couples to break free from unhealthy patterns to truly enjoy each other's company and love.
Do you feel as if every effort you make is never enough, that you are always striving for something bigger and better? Are you struggling in your relationship or marriage and cannot break the unhealthy patterns of how you and your partner relate to each other? As your therapist, I support individuals and couples to begin to heal from past traumas and learn to accept and love themselves. I help couples to break free from unhealthy patterns to truly enjoy each other's company and love.
(323) 765-3101 View (323) 765-3101
Photo of Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
(424) 246-2494 View (424) 246-2494
Photo of Sheetal Siledar-Lee, Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA
Sheetal Siledar-Lee
Psychologist, PsyD, MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90006  (Online Only)
I provide psychotherapy for adults, couples as well as families. My work with adults has covered a broad spectrum - from people who are having problems with relationships or need help with stress management and coping skills, to people suffering from mood disorders. I specialize in women's issues and life transitions. I am certified in addiction and have worked with high functioning individuals with addiction (gaming, alcohol, nicotine, etc.). My treatment approach is eclectic and I use interventions based on CBT, IPT, ACT. My style is empathic, non-judgmental, interactive and collaborative.
I provide psychotherapy for adults, couples as well as families. My work with adults has covered a broad spectrum - from people who are having problems with relationships or need help with stress management and coping skills, to people suffering from mood disorders. I specialize in women's issues and life transitions. I am certified in addiction and have worked with high functioning individuals with addiction (gaming, alcohol, nicotine, etc.). My treatment approach is eclectic and I use interventions based on CBT, IPT, ACT. My style is empathic, non-judgmental, interactive and collaborative.
(510) 399-2219 View (510) 399-2219
Photo of Sarita Mokha, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Sarita Mokha
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90011
Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, success and failures. Sometimes, the emotional weight of these experiences can feel overwhelming, leaving us feeling lost or stuck. I am here to help you navigate through these difficult times and guide you toward healing and resilience. In my practice, I specialize in supporting individuals, couples, and families in healing from life's emotional experiences. Whether you're grappling with past traumas, struggling with anxiety or depression, or facing relationship conflicts, I provide a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your feelings, gain insight, and find inner strength.
Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, success and failures. Sometimes, the emotional weight of these experiences can feel overwhelming, leaving us feeling lost or stuck. I am here to help you navigate through these difficult times and guide you toward healing and resilience. In my practice, I specialize in supporting individuals, couples, and families in healing from life's emotional experiences. Whether you're grappling with past traumas, struggling with anxiety or depression, or facing relationship conflicts, I provide a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your feelings, gain insight, and find inner strength.
(669) 205-1962 View (669) 205-1962
Photo of Addiction Therapy Newport Beach , Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Addiction Therapy Newport Beach
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT , EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90001
Addiction Therapy Newport Beach is an outpatient psychotherapy service for individual seeking help to work on drug and alcohol addiction and underlying issues such as trauma, mood disorders, stress management, relationship problems. We see addiction as the solution and not the problem and thus we focus on the underlying problems that the individuals are dealing with. Maybe you are just exploring your addiction or finishing a rehab program, maybe you have a loved one who struggles with addiction or you just want to continue therapy as additional support, we are here to help you with your needs.
Addiction Therapy Newport Beach is an outpatient psychotherapy service for individual seeking help to work on drug and alcohol addiction and underlying issues such as trauma, mood disorders, stress management, relationship problems. We see addiction as the solution and not the problem and thus we focus on the underlying problems that the individuals are dealing with. Maybe you are just exploring your addiction or finishing a rehab program, maybe you have a loved one who struggles with addiction or you just want to continue therapy as additional support, we are here to help you with your needs.
(714) 266-3754 View (714) 266-3754
Photo of Nida Chawla, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Nida Chawla
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90011
Perhaps, you feel depressed about a challenge or are going through an ending of a relationship that left you feeling lost and confused, I am trained in Gottman and use this method with couples.
At times we can feel so overwhelmed by emotions that our natural instinct is to simply shut down. We feel no one understands us and that if we tell someones they will either dismiss it, tell us " just get over it," "why don't you just look at the bright side." Other times, we don’t want to share what we are feeling because we do not want to burden those close to us. This only further validates either that what we are feeling is not important and that nobody cares. When we don’t acknowledge or process the pain we feel, our overwhelmed self may lash out or act in a behavior that is either destructive towards the self or others.
Perhaps, you feel depressed about a challenge or are going through an ending of a relationship that left you feeling lost and confused, I am trained in Gottman and use this method with couples.
At times we can feel so overwhelmed by emotions that our natural instinct is to simply shut down. We feel no one understands us and that if we tell someones they will either dismiss it, tell us " just get over it," "why don't you just look at the bright side." Other times, we don’t want to share what we are feeling because we do not want to burden those close to us. This only further validates either that what we are feeling is not important and that nobody cares. When we don’t acknowledge or process the pain we feel, our overwhelmed self may lash out or act in a behavior that is either destructive towards the self or others.
(424) 667-6602 View (424) 667-6602
Photo of Sana Sarfaraz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Sana Sarfaraz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90071  (Online Only)
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my profile. Adversity is a part of life and we all experience it and feel isolated. However, I believe it can be an opportunity to grow stronger. I use strength-based supportive approaches that promote growth and healing. My approach focuses on deep care and respect for you. I value your experiences, thoughts and feelings and apply a non-judgmental stance making my sessions a comfortable experience. I focus on providing a collaborative and supportive environment where you can express yourself freely.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my profile. Adversity is a part of life and we all experience it and feel isolated. However, I believe it can be an opportunity to grow stronger. I use strength-based supportive approaches that promote growth and healing. My approach focuses on deep care and respect for you. I value your experiences, thoughts and feelings and apply a non-judgmental stance making my sessions a comfortable experience. I focus on providing a collaborative and supportive environment where you can express yourself freely.
(408) 351-4053 View (408) 351-4053
Photo of Ektha Aggarwal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Ektha Aggarwal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Life can be isolating when it's only YOU vs. YOUR struggles. As YOUR therapist, I help YOU transform YOUR pain into personal power when YOUR anxiety or depression takes over at the worst possible moments. It's confusing wrestling with day-to-day anger, pain & loss. This time can feel overwhelming & crippling. It may affect YOUR relationships with family, friend colleagues, & mostly, yourself. As Alder says, “courage does not happen when YOU have all the answers. It happens when YOU are ready to face the questions YOU have been avoiding YOUR whole life! How do YOU courageously face the difficult questions & reclaim YOUR strength?
Life can be isolating when it's only YOU vs. YOUR struggles. As YOUR therapist, I help YOU transform YOUR pain into personal power when YOUR anxiety or depression takes over at the worst possible moments. It's confusing wrestling with day-to-day anger, pain & loss. This time can feel overwhelming & crippling. It may affect YOUR relationships with family, friend colleagues, & mostly, yourself. As Alder says, “courage does not happen when YOU have all the answers. It happens when YOU are ready to face the questions YOU have been avoiding YOUR whole life! How do YOU courageously face the difficult questions & reclaim YOUR strength?
(424) 625-7809 View (424) 625-7809
Photo of Social Work Support, Inc Mental Health Counseling in Los Angeles, CA
Social Work Support, Inc Mental Health Counseling
MSW, ASW, APCC, AMFT, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90001  (Online Only)
Don’t let worry, stress, resentment, and negative feelings fester and root themselves in your mind, heart, and body. Learn to let go of what holds you back and start reorganizing your life. There are healthy, positive solutions to help you bounce forward. Each of our therapists offer an attentive and supportive environment for exploring your present life and current relationships and with the belief that exploring your past and present experiences helps you move and overcome the heavy obstacles that may be holding you back and standing in the way of you and your future goals.
Don’t let worry, stress, resentment, and negative feelings fester and root themselves in your mind, heart, and body. Learn to let go of what holds you back and start reorganizing your life. There are healthy, positive solutions to help you bounce forward. Each of our therapists offer an attentive and supportive environment for exploring your present life and current relationships and with the belief that exploring your past and present experiences helps you move and overcome the heavy obstacles that may be holding you back and standing in the way of you and your future goals.
(209) 340-0681 View (209) 340-0681
Photo of Hina Javaid-Camua, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Los Angeles, CA
Hina Javaid-Camua
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90024  (Online Only)
I'm glad you are here. Your story matters. It's unique and it deserves to be embraced. Therapy can be a place to heal from mental health issues but it's also where you can have meaningful life conversations to heal, grow, and understand how to care for you. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health issues but I also focus on trauma, breakups/divorce, lack of motivation, and setting boundaries in essential life relationships. With a deep focus on empowering individuals from all cultures, I am committed to giving you solace while providing a safe space for you to share your experiences and be heard without judgment.
I'm glad you are here. Your story matters. It's unique and it deserves to be embraced. Therapy can be a place to heal from mental health issues but it's also where you can have meaningful life conversations to heal, grow, and understand how to care for you. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health issues but I also focus on trauma, breakups/divorce, lack of motivation, and setting boundaries in essential life relationships. With a deep focus on empowering individuals from all cultures, I am committed to giving you solace while providing a safe space for you to share your experiences and be heard without judgment.
(310) 907-7747 View (310) 907-7747
Photo of Maryam Rizvi, Pre-Licensed Professional in Los Angeles, CA
Maryam Rizvi
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90001  (Online Only)
(760) 492-6283 View (760) 492-6283

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Anum Ghazipura, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Anum Ghazipura
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Isn't your life a story to be told? My aim is to help individuals and couples face their life narratives head on.
It's never too late to understand yourself. If you can synchronize your heart and mind, you can harmonize your life. The therapeutic space I create is to help you learn about who you are as an individual and see your blind spots. Regardless if you're coming on your own or as a couple, the therapeutic work that we will be done is not just about solving problems. It’s primarily to help you figure out what's behind these issues and increase your self-worth along the way. Therapy is challenging, but can be fulfilling. The goal is to facilitate you in witnessing your life in the healthiest of ways as you become closer to your true self.
Isn't your life a story to be told? My aim is to help individuals and couples face their life narratives head on.
It's never too late to understand yourself. If you can synchronize your heart and mind, you can harmonize your life. The therapeutic space I create is to help you learn about who you are as an individual and see your blind spots. Regardless if you're coming on your own or as a couple, the therapeutic work that we will be done is not just about solving problems. It’s primarily to help you figure out what's behind these issues and increase your self-worth along the way. Therapy is challenging, but can be fulfilling. The goal is to facilitate you in witnessing your life in the healthiest of ways as you become closer to your true self.
(415) 286-9618 View (415) 286-9618
Photo of Mannya Sharma, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Mannya Sharma
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90210  (Online Only)
Hi there, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 4 years of experience in the field. I am passionate about providing empathic and unconditional support to individuals, couples, and families while treating a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and life transitions. I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all clients, and I tailor my approach to meet each individual's unique needs and goals. Whether you are seeking support for a specific challenge or simply seeking personal growth, I am here to listen and guide you toward healing & wellbeing.
Hi there, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 4 years of experience in the field. I am passionate about providing empathic and unconditional support to individuals, couples, and families while treating a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and life transitions. I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all clients, and I tailor my approach to meet each individual's unique needs and goals. Whether you are seeking support for a specific challenge or simply seeking personal growth, I am here to listen and guide you toward healing & wellbeing.
(951) 457-6903 View (951) 457-6903
Photo of Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network, Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405  (Online Only)
Find your best therapist match with us! We are highly skilled, diverse, well-trained and inclusive therapists. We empower you to live the life you want and do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to care. Additional benefits include a concierge billing service for PPO insurance and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekday and weekend mornings, afternoons, and evenings. We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages as individuals, couples, and families.
Find your best therapist match with us! We are highly skilled, diverse, well-trained and inclusive therapists. We empower you to live the life you want and do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to care. Additional benefits include a concierge billing service for PPO insurance and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekday and weekend mornings, afternoons, and evenings. We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages as individuals, couples, and families.
(628) 299-7866 View (628) 299-7866
Photo of Priyanka Pathak, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Los Angeles, CA
Priyanka Pathak
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burbank, CA 91502  (Online Only)
I offer strengths-based therapy to adults and couples help deal with difficult relationship dynamics, gaining a sense of rootedness in one's identity / culture or navigating mental health challenges.
Hi I'm Priyanka - South Asian therapist here to help you to live more authentically. You may feel like everyone and everything around you is moving fast or moving on without you. You're feeling disconnected with your career, family, or relationship - something feels off. There's just a lot on your mind and you are trying to cope. You've reached the point when you’re done lugging around emotions from old, heavy memories and are ready to confront the stubborn worries, doubts, and fears that meddle in your intimate relationships and work.
I offer strengths-based therapy to adults and couples help deal with difficult relationship dynamics, gaining a sense of rootedness in one's identity / culture or navigating mental health challenges.
Hi I'm Priyanka - South Asian therapist here to help you to live more authentically. You may feel like everyone and everything around you is moving fast or moving on without you. You're feeling disconnected with your career, family, or relationship - something feels off. There's just a lot on your mind and you are trying to cope. You've reached the point when you’re done lugging around emotions from old, heavy memories and are ready to confront the stubborn worries, doubts, and fears that meddle in your intimate relationships and work.
(424) 789-7383 View (424) 789-7383

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.