Photo of Yvette Allivato (De Los Santos), Marriage & Family Therapist in Modesto, CA
Yvette Allivato (De Los Santos)
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Modesto, CA 95350
Welcome! Are you ready to make positive changes in yourself and in relationships? If you are not sure that’s okay too. You took the first step by coming here. I am a Marriage Family Therapist with over 9 years of experience, working with children, adolescents, adults, families and couples. I have the tools and professional experience to help you get back on track and support you on your journey. Therapy is a process that leads to self-discovery and change, let me assist you in gaining the skills you need to be a better version of you and reaching your goals and gaining a positive outlook on life.
Welcome! Are you ready to make positive changes in yourself and in relationships? If you are not sure that’s okay too. You took the first step by coming here. I am a Marriage Family Therapist with over 9 years of experience, working with children, adolescents, adults, families and couples. I have the tools and professional experience to help you get back on track and support you on your journey. Therapy is a process that leads to self-discovery and change, let me assist you in gaining the skills you need to be a better version of you and reaching your goals and gaining a positive outlook on life.
(209) 850-7646 View (209) 850-7646
Photo of Gina Lima-Vieira, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Modesto, CA
Gina Lima-Vieira, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Modesto, CA 95354  (Online Only)
Gina Lima-Vieira is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in mental health therapy services, marital counseling, depression/anxiety, bereavement and teen issues. Gina Lima-Vieira has been working in Mental Health Services for over 20 years, participating in a variety of settings from Hospital Medical Centers, Non-profit Counseling Centers and Medical Integrated Services. Gina received her bachelor's degree in Child Development Psychology and Master's Degree in Social Work from the Stanislaus State University.
Gina Lima-Vieira is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in mental health therapy services, marital counseling, depression/anxiety, bereavement and teen issues. Gina Lima-Vieira has been working in Mental Health Services for over 20 years, participating in a variety of settings from Hospital Medical Centers, Non-profit Counseling Centers and Medical Integrated Services. Gina received her bachelor's degree in Child Development Psychology and Master's Degree in Social Work from the Stanislaus State University.
(209) 364-3471 View (209) 364-3471

Online Therapists

Photo of Cassiana Peres Luize, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Modesto, CA
Cassiana Peres Luize
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
Se você está aqui, imagino que está considerando encontrar um parceiro de jornada. Fico feliz por poder começar uma conversa com você e dar-lhe suporte durante este caminho. Há momentos em que podemos sentir que algo está errado, nos sentimos presos e experimentamos emoções que podem parecer impossíveis de lidar. Os rompimentos e transições da vida podem gerar emoções intensas tornando o dia-a-dia difícil de suportar. Estou aqui para apoiá-lo nas suas transições da vida e fases desafiadoras. Eu atendo famílias (ex: cuidador e filho), adultos e adolescentes em terapia individual.
Se você está aqui, imagino que está considerando encontrar um parceiro de jornada. Fico feliz por poder começar uma conversa com você e dar-lhe suporte durante este caminho. Há momentos em que podemos sentir que algo está errado, nos sentimos presos e experimentamos emoções que podem parecer impossíveis de lidar. Os rompimentos e transições da vida podem gerar emoções intensas tornando o dia-a-dia difícil de suportar. Estou aqui para apoiá-lo nas suas transições da vida e fases desafiadoras. Eu atendo famílias (ex: cuidador e filho), adultos e adolescentes em terapia individual.
(510) 751-0043 View (510) 751-0043
Photo of Iara Campos-Davids, Marriage & Family Therapist in Modesto, CA
Iara Campos-Davids
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94597  (Online Only)
Muito prazer! Sou psicoterapeuta e ofereço diferentes metodos de psicoterapia. Mais do que tudo, antes de que comecemos um trablaho terapêutico, eu gostaria de que você tivesse a certeza de que poderemos establecer uma boa sintonia para que você se sinta a vontade de trabalhar comigo em questões particulares que já vem há algum tempo te fazendo sentir deprimido, ansioso, ou com a sensacão de que não há escolhas sanas a serem feitas em sua vida. Tenho experiência em trabalhar com trauma, depressão, ansiedade, dificuldades em vive rem outra cultura, ou simplesmente em como encontrar sentido na sua vida.
Muito prazer! Sou psicoterapeuta e ofereço diferentes metodos de psicoterapia. Mais do que tudo, antes de que comecemos um trablaho terapêutico, eu gostaria de que você tivesse a certeza de que poderemos establecer uma boa sintonia para que você se sinta a vontade de trabalhar comigo em questões particulares que já vem há algum tempo te fazendo sentir deprimido, ansioso, ou com a sensacão de que não há escolhas sanas a serem feitas em sua vida. Tenho experiência em trabalhar com trauma, depressão, ansiedade, dificuldades em vive rem outra cultura, ou simplesmente em como encontrar sentido na sua vida.
(925) 231-8979 View (925) 231-8979
Photo of New Perspectives Center for Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist in Modesto, CA
New Perspectives Center for Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94107
We are a nonprofit counseling center dedicated to providing excellent therapy for adults, teens, children, couples and families. Our diverse staff can help you with a wide variety of issues, such as: depression and anxiety, emotion regulation, coping with illness, ADHD, grief, stage of life changes, couples and relationship issues, gender identity and sexuality concerns. Our affordable fees are based on your income and we offer a need-based sliding scale to help you make weekly therapy a reality. Plus we accept Medi-Cal with no co-payment!
We are a nonprofit counseling center dedicated to providing excellent therapy for adults, teens, children, couples and families. Our diverse staff can help you with a wide variety of issues, such as: depression and anxiety, emotion regulation, coping with illness, ADHD, grief, stage of life changes, couples and relationship issues, gender identity and sexuality concerns. Our affordable fees are based on your income and we offer a need-based sliding scale to help you make weekly therapy a reality. Plus we accept Medi-Cal with no co-payment!
(415) 634-1261 View (415) 634-1261
Photo of Octave - Financial District SF Clinic, Psychologist in Modesto, CA
Octave - Financial District SF Clinic
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104  (Online Only)
Octave is a modern practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. With in-person and virtual clinics in California, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington D.C., we partner with you to develop personalized plans that can include individual, couples, and family therapy to best suit your needs. Grounded in science, our approach enables you to experience profound change that is just as measurable as it is meaningful. Learn more at www.findoctave.com
Octave is a modern practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. With in-person and virtual clinics in California, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington D.C., we partner with you to develop personalized plans that can include individual, couples, and family therapy to best suit your needs. Grounded in science, our approach enables you to experience profound change that is just as measurable as it is meaningful. Learn more at www.findoctave.com
(415) 634-1043 View (415) 634-1043
Photo of Frank William Ehrenfried, Marriage & Family Therapist in Modesto, CA
Frank William Ehrenfried
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, MBA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I offer EMDR, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, Somatic (body oriented) Psychotherapy, Hakomi Method, couples work as well as talk therapy.
I imagine what brought you here was a deep knowing inside that something in your life isn't right. Perhaps you feel depressed or a lack of meaning and purpose, but don't know what to do to make yourself feel better. I believe that building a meaningful relationship in therapy has the power to heal and transform us from the inside out. I want to support you in resolving your issues quickly and clearly. I offer in-person and virtual sessions via Zoom, telephone and other platforms for clients who are currently needing at distance support.
I offer EMDR, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, Somatic (body oriented) Psychotherapy, Hakomi Method, couples work as well as talk therapy.
I imagine what brought you here was a deep knowing inside that something in your life isn't right. Perhaps you feel depressed or a lack of meaning and purpose, but don't know what to do to make yourself feel better. I believe that building a meaningful relationship in therapy has the power to heal and transform us from the inside out. I want to support you in resolving your issues quickly and clearly. I offer in-person and virtual sessions via Zoom, telephone and other platforms for clients who are currently needing at distance support.
(415) 880-5571 View (415) 880-5571
Photo of Dr. Nadia K. Thalji, Psychologist in Modesto, CA
Dr. Nadia K. Thalji
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Navigating relationship complexities within diverse cultural backgrounds? Struggling with communication, intimacy, or connecting amidst differing expectations? I specialize in identifying core issues hindering understanding and reducing stressors related to communication and boundaries. Whether you're an immigrant, bicultural, or part of a diverse family, my trauma-informed approach integrates various techniques to foster enduring connections and celebrate diversity within and outside your relationships. Let's embark on a journey towards sustainable, meaningful connections together.
Navigating relationship complexities within diverse cultural backgrounds? Struggling with communication, intimacy, or connecting amidst differing expectations? I specialize in identifying core issues hindering understanding and reducing stressors related to communication and boundaries. Whether you're an immigrant, bicultural, or part of a diverse family, my trauma-informed approach integrates various techniques to foster enduring connections and celebrate diversity within and outside your relationships. Let's embark on a journey towards sustainable, meaningful connections together.
(415) 980-7129 View (415) 980-7129
Photo of Marcela Silva Araujo, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Modesto, CA
Marcela Silva Araujo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Daly City, CA 94014  (Online Only)
I work with individuals, couples, and families using therapeutic tools to overcome symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, grief, & childhood trauma.
Hello, hablo espanol, e português! I am here to empower you to go within yourself, and focus on what is important to you, together we can figure out how to get there. I have specialized in a holistic approach that includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Person-Centered therapy. I have a profound gift to help clients see the light within themselves and deliver intelligent, inspiring responses during their therapy sessions. In addition, I have tremendous experience in resources that clients may need. I can reach out and empower you to attain that which you desire for yourself and heal from past traumas with a creative persistent plan.
I work with individuals, couples, and families using therapeutic tools to overcome symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, grief, & childhood trauma.
Hello, hablo espanol, e português! I am here to empower you to go within yourself, and focus on what is important to you, together we can figure out how to get there. I have specialized in a holistic approach that includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Person-Centered therapy. I have a profound gift to help clients see the light within themselves and deliver intelligent, inspiring responses during their therapy sessions. In addition, I have tremendous experience in resources that clients may need. I can reach out and empower you to attain that which you desire for yourself and heal from past traumas with a creative persistent plan.
(650) 284-3106 View (650) 284-3106
Photo of Cibele Sousa, Marriage & Family Therapist in Modesto, CA
Cibele Sousa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94720
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 Juliana Campos, Psychologist in Modesto, CA
Juliana Campos
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I work with adults, elders, couples, adolescents, and immigrant/bicultural families.
Bilingual, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-informed, Relational Psychotherapy. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of courage because change is by definition radical. An important goal of therapy is to connect to your authentic/creative self as a way to make meaning in times of suffering. Together we will explore your personal, family, cultural, and political history to understand the ways in which your experiences shape how you feel in the world. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, finding/keeping good relationships, or trying to integrate different identities, our work can help you find some sense of cohesion.
I work with adults, elders, couples, adolescents, and immigrant/bicultural families.
Bilingual, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-informed, Relational Psychotherapy. I believe that engaging in therapy is an act of courage because change is by definition radical. An important goal of therapy is to connect to your authentic/creative self as a way to make meaning in times of suffering. Together we will explore your personal, family, cultural, and political history to understand the ways in which your experiences shape how you feel in the world. Whether you are struggling with life transitions, finding/keeping good relationships, or trying to integrate different identities, our work can help you find some sense of cohesion.
(510) 779-8266 View (510) 779-8266
Photo of Octave - Oakland Clinic, Marriage & Family Therapist in Modesto, CA
Octave - Oakland Clinic
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
Octave is a modern practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. With in-person and virtual clinics in California, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington D.C., we partner with you to develop personalized plans that can include individual, couples, and family therapy to best suit your needs. Grounded in science, our approach enables you to experience profound change that is just as measurable as it is meaningful. Learn more at www.findoctave.com
Octave is a modern practice creating a new standard for mental health care that’s both high-quality and accessible. With in-person and virtual clinics in California, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington D.C., we partner with you to develop personalized plans that can include individual, couples, and family therapy to best suit your needs. Grounded in science, our approach enables you to experience profound change that is just as measurable as it is meaningful. Learn more at www.findoctave.com
(415) 687-2932 View (415) 687-2932
Photo of Jaime Nisenbaum, Psychologist in Modesto, CA
Jaime Nisenbaum
Psychologist, PhD, REAT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94709
I specialize in working with couples and with men who are experiencing difficulties in their work and/or relationships with significant others and their families.
Therapy is an opportunity for getting support when we recognize that the old ways of coping with challenging life situations are no longer working. You may feel that seeking professional help is the last resort. In fact, it is the most important step. In my practice, I provide a warm and collaborative environment to support clients in making positive changes to live healthier, happier, and more productive lives. I see adults, adolescents, and couples with a wide variety of issues and concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, childhood trauma, relationship difficulties, sexual issues, anger management, and substance abuse.
I specialize in working with couples and with men who are experiencing difficulties in their work and/or relationships with significant others and their families.
Therapy is an opportunity for getting support when we recognize that the old ways of coping with challenging life situations are no longer working. You may feel that seeking professional help is the last resort. In fact, it is the most important step. In my practice, I provide a warm and collaborative environment to support clients in making positive changes to live healthier, happier, and more productive lives. I see adults, adolescents, and couples with a wide variety of issues and concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, childhood trauma, relationship difficulties, sexual issues, anger management, and substance abuse.
(415) 347-6971 View (415) 347-6971
Photo of Carolina Bacchi, Psychologist in Modesto, CA
Carolina Bacchi
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I work towards developing a relationship with you where you can feel safe to express your feelings, talk about your concerns and think creatively about old patterns and past worries that may be holding you back from living life more fully. I strive to create a therapeutic environment where you will gain more awareness and learn to live in a creative and playful manner while developing the capacity to know and realistically meet your own needs. You will find me to be warm, interested, creative, and curious therapist.
I work towards developing a relationship with you where you can feel safe to express your feelings, talk about your concerns and think creatively about old patterns and past worries that may be holding you back from living life more fully. I strive to create a therapeutic environment where you will gain more awareness and learn to live in a creative and playful manner while developing the capacity to know and realistically meet your own needs. You will find me to be warm, interested, creative, and curious therapist.
(510) 771-7926 View (510) 771-7926
Photo of Leah Sue Weiss, Marriage & Family Therapist in Modesto, CA
Leah Sue Weiss
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, R-DMT, RYI-500
Verified Verified
Rio Vista, CA 94571  (Online Only)
Are you experiencing a "dark night of the soul" and feeling hopeless? Do you need to change a relationship, behavior or thought pattern? Pause. Change can happen in a single moment of insight. You have taken the first step toward self-empowerment and transformation. When we deepen our awareness within a positive, supportive and safe environment, we can find tools to navigate life’s obstacles. Let's have a conversation! Sessions focus are a collaboration toward growth and transformation. I provide holistic and integrative counseling for the body, mind and spirit, with 35 years of experience in the healing arts professions.
Are you experiencing a "dark night of the soul" and feeling hopeless? Do you need to change a relationship, behavior or thought pattern? Pause. Change can happen in a single moment of insight. You have taken the first step toward self-empowerment and transformation. When we deepen our awareness within a positive, supportive and safe environment, we can find tools to navigate life’s obstacles. Let's have a conversation! Sessions focus are a collaboration toward growth and transformation. I provide holistic and integrative counseling for the body, mind and spirit, with 35 years of experience in the healing arts professions.
(831) 231-2660 View (831) 231-2660
Photo of Heidi Pidcoke, Marriage & Family Therapist in Modesto, CA
Heidi Pidcoke
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Pacifica, CA 94044
Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, couples’ issues, stress, trauma, or other challenges, you deserve support and accompaniment.
Sometimes in life we experience seasons of feeling adrift and lost. Other times we have faced immensely painful circumstances which have left a lingering impact on our thoughts, mood and behavior. Working together we can illuminate pathways to resolve these challenges and reach a sense of safety, connection and purpose. As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I specialize in restoring a mind/body connection along with focusing on overcoming the distress caused by a sudden transition, loss, violence, burnout and betrayal.
Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, couples’ issues, stress, trauma, or other challenges, you deserve support and accompaniment.
Sometimes in life we experience seasons of feeling adrift and lost. Other times we have faced immensely painful circumstances which have left a lingering impact on our thoughts, mood and behavior. Working together we can illuminate pathways to resolve these challenges and reach a sense of safety, connection and purpose. As a Somatic Psychotherapist, I specialize in restoring a mind/body connection along with focusing on overcoming the distress caused by a sudden transition, loss, violence, burnout and betrayal.
(626) 314-5517 View (626) 314-5517
Photo of N. Cesar Santos, Marriage & Family Therapist in Modesto, CA
N. Cesar Santos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Albany, CA 94706
Well, hello and thank you for taking the time to check my profile. I believe that life presents challenges to everyone regardless of culture, language, creed or personal strength. Often, there is a need for support to initiate corrections, change direction or even just for clarification of issues that manifest in the present moment. Challenge is also an opportunity. With the right approach, therapy may prove to be an effective tool. Our relationship would be dynamic and custom geared to validate, understand and address any issues of import to you as human being. Your life is unique, priceless and worthy of respect.
Well, hello and thank you for taking the time to check my profile. I believe that life presents challenges to everyone regardless of culture, language, creed or personal strength. Often, there is a need for support to initiate corrections, change direction or even just for clarification of issues that manifest in the present moment. Challenge is also an opportunity. With the right approach, therapy may prove to be an effective tool. Our relationship would be dynamic and custom geared to validate, understand and address any issues of import to you as human being. Your life is unique, priceless and worthy of respect.
(510) 953-4590 View (510) 953-4590
Photo of Alex Jules Russan, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Modesto, CA
Alex Jules Russan
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mountain View, CA 94040
For couples, it can be useful to have a moderator to assist in creating a safe space to resolve conflict.
People come to see me for a wide variety of reasons, but almost always, they feel stuck in some way—whether from difficult or volatile relationships, overwhelming thoughts and emotions, addictions, or the effects of trauma. I work with adults of all ages, kids, and couples, to figure out what’s keeping them stuck and unhappy, to help them get freed up to live life in new ways. As a psychoanalytic therapist, I can help you to recognize and accept difficult-to-see parts of yourself and your present experience that are getting in your way. Our work together would be unique, based on you as an individual.
For couples, it can be useful to have a moderator to assist in creating a safe space to resolve conflict.
People come to see me for a wide variety of reasons, but almost always, they feel stuck in some way—whether from difficult or volatile relationships, overwhelming thoughts and emotions, addictions, or the effects of trauma. I work with adults of all ages, kids, and couples, to figure out what’s keeping them stuck and unhappy, to help them get freed up to live life in new ways. As a psychoanalytic therapist, I can help you to recognize and accept difficult-to-see parts of yourself and your present experience that are getting in your way. Our work together would be unique, based on you as an individual.
(650) 753-8282 View (650) 753-8282
Photo of Alessandra Landgraf, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Modesto, CA
Alessandra Landgraf
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Los Altos, CA 94024
I am a psychotherapist who is committed to working with adolescents, adults, couples and families on their journey of self-discovery and improvement. I believe everyone could use support and guidance on that journey, and I would love to have the opportunity to be that person for you. As a bicultural person, I understand the importance of embracing the complexities of others’ experiences, and I strive to provide a safe, honest and supportive space to embrace your authentic-self and gain confidence.
I am a psychotherapist who is committed to working with adolescents, adults, couples and families on their journey of self-discovery and improvement. I believe everyone could use support and guidance on that journey, and I would love to have the opportunity to be that person for you. As a bicultural person, I understand the importance of embracing the complexities of others’ experiences, and I strive to provide a safe, honest and supportive space to embrace your authentic-self and gain confidence.
(650) 899-4235 View (650) 899-4235
Photo of M. Gabriela Bandeira, Marriage & Family Therapist in Modesto, CA
M. Gabriela Bandeira
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
I offer short and long-term psychotherapy for individuals, children, adolescents, couples, and families in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
I facilitate client's healing and growth by creating a real partnership and a safe environment as well as by being authentic, supportive, compassionate and empathic within a nonjudgmental atmosphere. I feel honored to do this work and privileged to help individuals on their journey.
I offer short and long-term psychotherapy for individuals, children, adolescents, couples, and families in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
I facilitate client's healing and growth by creating a real partnership and a safe environment as well as by being authentic, supportive, compassionate and empathic within a nonjudgmental atmosphere. I feel honored to do this work and privileged to help individuals on their journey.
(415) 265-1373 View (415) 265-1373
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.