Couples Counseling Therapists in Playa Vista, CA

Photo of Melissa W. Cooper, Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Melissa W. Cooper
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094  (Online Only)
I approach the therapeutic relationship with warmth, empathy and perspective from a self-examined life.
Often times life can be difficult, creating coping patterns that work for a while but slowly take away from our wellness. Asking for help can be hard when you feel hopeless to do anything to change. Whether it is feelings of anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, substance use, distorted body image, eating related struggles, life transitions, low self-esteem, ageing related issues or symptoms related to complex trauma, therapy can help gain insight into the experience of being human, identify what isn’t working for you and develop the skills to resolve current life challenges. You don’t have to do it alone.
I approach the therapeutic relationship with warmth, empathy and perspective from a self-examined life.
Often times life can be difficult, creating coping patterns that work for a while but slowly take away from our wellness. Asking for help can be hard when you feel hopeless to do anything to change. Whether it is feelings of anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, substance use, distorted body image, eating related struggles, life transitions, low self-esteem, ageing related issues or symptoms related to complex trauma, therapy can help gain insight into the experience of being human, identify what isn’t working for you and develop the skills to resolve current life challenges. You don’t have to do it alone.
(310) 742-8806 View (310) 742-8806
Photo of Edwin S. Harris, Psychologist in Playa Vista, CA
Edwin S. Harris
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094  (Online Only)
You’re smart and successful but you can’t figure this one out. Things look okay on the outside, but on the inside, you feel anxious and confused. You’re already fighting with yourself and the repetitive arguments with your partner or others just add fuel to the fire. The demands of work keep you busy, but you’re unsatisfied and aren’t getting much of what you want. The critical voice in your head telling you that you're not good enough is always present. You’ve tried to change without much success. You’re stuck and don’t know where to start.
You’re smart and successful but you can’t figure this one out. Things look okay on the outside, but on the inside, you feel anxious and confused. You’re already fighting with yourself and the repetitive arguments with your partner or others just add fuel to the fire. The demands of work keep you busy, but you’re unsatisfied and aren’t getting much of what you want. The critical voice in your head telling you that you're not good enough is always present. You’ve tried to change without much success. You’re stuck and don’t know where to start.
(310) 807-2398 View (310) 807-2398
Photo of Rachel Thomasian, Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Rachel Thomasian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I have been licensed for over 10 years and have helped countless clients work through their anxiety, depression, relationship struggles and more to find a more satisfying life.
You're ready to start your journey to a better you. Whether you wish for less anxiety, more joy, relationship satisfaction or finding inner peace, I'm here to work towards it with you. You want something different, and you deserve to give yourself the gift of living a more fulfilling life.
I have been licensed for over 10 years and have helped countless clients work through their anxiety, depression, relationship struggles and more to find a more satisfying life.
You're ready to start your journey to a better you. Whether you wish for less anxiety, more joy, relationship satisfaction or finding inner peace, I'm here to work towards it with you. You want something different, and you deserve to give yourself the gift of living a more fulfilling life.
(818) 396-8465 View (818) 396-8465
Photo of Jessica Klein, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Jessica Klein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
In-Person Availability (Starting April 2024) I am an interactive therapist who will work to find unique tools and solutions for you. I specialize in couples therapy and adult individual therapy. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, an approach that helps couples increase closeness and heal through understanding each together, increasing empathy and interrupting destructive cycles. I also specialize in trauma and use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), somatic psychotherapy, polyvagal theory, and mindfulness tools to help clients stabilize their systems, process trauma and heal.
In-Person Availability (Starting April 2024) I am an interactive therapist who will work to find unique tools and solutions for you. I specialize in couples therapy and adult individual therapy. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, an approach that helps couples increase closeness and heal through understanding each together, increasing empathy and interrupting destructive cycles. I also specialize in trauma and use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), somatic psychotherapy, polyvagal theory, and mindfulness tools to help clients stabilize their systems, process trauma and heal.
(971) 545-4944 View (971) 545-4944
Photo of Jennifer Lauren Arceneaux, Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Jennifer Lauren Arceneaux
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094  (Online Only)
Welcome! I am a licensed psychotherapist in Playa Vista, Ca, and I specialize in working with millennials, professionals, parents, and couples. We can work together on resolving relationship conflicts, coping with feelings of being overwhelmed at work and home, breaking free from unproductive patterns, overcoming parenting challenges, and finding more joy and purpose in life. When you join me in therapy, we will develop a therapy plan, that will introduce you to new strategies, targeted at meeting your specific goals.
Welcome! I am a licensed psychotherapist in Playa Vista, Ca, and I specialize in working with millennials, professionals, parents, and couples. We can work together on resolving relationship conflicts, coping with feelings of being overwhelmed at work and home, breaking free from unproductive patterns, overcoming parenting challenges, and finding more joy and purpose in life. When you join me in therapy, we will develop a therapy plan, that will introduce you to new strategies, targeted at meeting your specific goals.
(323) 736-5199 View (323) 736-5199
Photo of Monique Avedian, Psychologist in Playa Vista, CA
Monique Avedian
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Utilizing techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral, Mindfulness, and Interpersonal therapies, we will work together to uncover what obstacles are getting in the way of experiencing greater satisfaction in your relationship with yourself and others.
What you resist, persists....This is one of life's biggest lessons: learning how to coexist with and manage emotions rather than fight or run away from them. Any attempt at avoiding the less desirable emotions via alcohol, drugs, food, or sex will be met with more problems (addiction). So what if you did the opposite? What if you allowed yourself to feel, to fully sit with the pain and discomfort? What might happen? A new beginning. It would mean moving forward with an understanding that all emotions are fleeting, and that you've finally learned to embrace what is.
Utilizing techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral, Mindfulness, and Interpersonal therapies, we will work together to uncover what obstacles are getting in the way of experiencing greater satisfaction in your relationship with yourself and others.
What you resist, persists....This is one of life's biggest lessons: learning how to coexist with and manage emotions rather than fight or run away from them. Any attempt at avoiding the less desirable emotions via alcohol, drugs, food, or sex will be met with more problems (addiction). So what if you did the opposite? What if you allowed yourself to feel, to fully sit with the pain and discomfort? What might happen? A new beginning. It would mean moving forward with an understanding that all emotions are fleeting, and that you've finally learned to embrace what is.
(323) 284-7023 View (323) 284-7023
Photo of Becky White, Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Becky White
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I am the Founder and Director of Root to Rise Therapy, a boutique psychotherapy practice that provides couples therapy and individual counseling in a warm, accepting space. As a highly trained psychotherapist and relationship counselor located in the heart of Culver City, California, my passion is helping individuals, couples, and families to create relationships and lives that they love. I believe that healthy relationships start with you and that in order to serve the people that we love most, we first have to learn to take care of ourselves!
I am the Founder and Director of Root to Rise Therapy, a boutique psychotherapy practice that provides couples therapy and individual counseling in a warm, accepting space. As a highly trained psychotherapist and relationship counselor located in the heart of Culver City, California, my passion is helping individuals, couples, and families to create relationships and lives that they love. I believe that healthy relationships start with you and that in order to serve the people that we love most, we first have to learn to take care of ourselves!
(310) 627-2660 View (310) 627-2660
Photo of Terry Binkovitz Phd., Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Terry Binkovitz Phd.
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I have been trained in a unique approach called Process Work, developed by Dr. Arnold Mindell. Process work is a dynamic and transformative approach which uses Jungian psychology, Taoism and physics. It offers new ways of working with problematic or painful experiences. Relationship challenges, physical symptoms, career conflicts and social tensions are approached with curiosity, respect and creativity. In using process work, I believe that the solution to a problem is contained within the disturbance itself; and I provide practical ways through which individuals, couples and groups can connect with a greater awareness.
I have been trained in a unique approach called Process Work, developed by Dr. Arnold Mindell. Process work is a dynamic and transformative approach which uses Jungian psychology, Taoism and physics. It offers new ways of working with problematic or painful experiences. Relationship challenges, physical symptoms, career conflicts and social tensions are approached with curiosity, respect and creativity. In using process work, I believe that the solution to a problem is contained within the disturbance itself; and I provide practical ways through which individuals, couples and groups can connect with a greater awareness.
(424) 294-8881 View (424) 294-8881
Photo of Erin Bishop JD MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Erin Bishop JD MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
You have already taken a brave step forward just by considering counseling for either yourself or your relationship.
IT TAKES COURAGE to reach out for support and guidance when we feel lost, distressed, confused or uncertain. My goal is to meet you - in whatever emotional state you find yourself - with empathy and acceptance, and provide a safe, caring and consistent therapeutic relationship in which we collaborate on identifying and moving toward the CHANGES AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES that matter most to you. I have worked with clients since 2010, tailoring the counseling experience to each individual or couple's unique strengths and needs and drawing from a wide range of psychological theories and healing modalities. My approach is also informed by my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE being treated for major depression and anxiety. NO EMOTIONAL CHALLENGE IS TOO BIG TO WORK ON, and it would be my privilege to accompany you on your journey toward a healthier, more satisfying life.
You have already taken a brave step forward just by considering counseling for either yourself or your relationship.
IT TAKES COURAGE to reach out for support and guidance when we feel lost, distressed, confused or uncertain. My goal is to meet you - in whatever emotional state you find yourself - with empathy and acceptance, and provide a safe, caring and consistent therapeutic relationship in which we collaborate on identifying and moving toward the CHANGES AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES that matter most to you. I have worked with clients since 2010, tailoring the counseling experience to each individual or couple's unique strengths and needs and drawing from a wide range of psychological theories and healing modalities. My approach is also informed by my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE being treated for major depression and anxiety. NO EMOTIONAL CHALLENGE IS TOO BIG TO WORK ON, and it would be my privilege to accompany you on your journey toward a healthier, more satisfying life.
(424) 361-0216 View (424) 361-0216
Photo of Amber Lopez Molnar, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Playa Vista, CA
Amber Lopez Molnar
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Whether it be with individuals or couples my hope is to identify and treat the issues together, through a compassionate and non-judgemental space.
Starting a family is one of the most incredible yet nerve racking transitions one can go through. I specialize in Infertility, Maternal Mental Health as well as overall life transitions. The process of infertility treatments alone can leave a person feeling vulnerable, heartbroken and unsure about the future. Some of the core issues that I treat include; Postpartum Depression/Anxiety/OCD, Grief, and the transition of your new identify as a mother. In addition I enjoy working with the LGBTQ community as well as adoption and families of multiples.
Whether it be with individuals or couples my hope is to identify and treat the issues together, through a compassionate and non-judgemental space.
Starting a family is one of the most incredible yet nerve racking transitions one can go through. I specialize in Infertility, Maternal Mental Health as well as overall life transitions. The process of infertility treatments alone can leave a person feeling vulnerable, heartbroken and unsure about the future. Some of the core issues that I treat include; Postpartum Depression/Anxiety/OCD, Grief, and the transition of your new identify as a mother. In addition I enjoy working with the LGBTQ community as well as adoption and families of multiples.
(310) 340-1927 View (310) 340-1927
Photo of Marcela Rondani, Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Marcela Rondani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CEDS, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I am specialized in Teens, Families, Eating Disorders, Trauma, Relationship issues, life struggles, depression, anxiety, Panic Disorder and Family Conflict.
I believe that psychotherapy can be a tool to help someone to increase their self-awareness and promote healing and reparation to the life's pain and struggles. If you would like someone on your side to the new journey of rediscovering who you are and who you want to be, that is my goal. To provide support through this new path with the objective that life will unfold with more joy and happiness.
I am specialized in Teens, Families, Eating Disorders, Trauma, Relationship issues, life struggles, depression, anxiety, Panic Disorder and Family Conflict.
I believe that psychotherapy can be a tool to help someone to increase their self-awareness and promote healing and reparation to the life's pain and struggles. If you would like someone on your side to the new journey of rediscovering who you are and who you want to be, that is my goal. To provide support through this new path with the objective that life will unfold with more joy and happiness.
(310) 933-3406 View (310) 933-3406
Photo of Laura Markgraf, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Laura Markgraf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Congratulations on deciding to seek support. What a great step toward meeting your health and relationship goals! Psychotherapy can help you feel more calm, joyful and connected to others, while gaining greater understanding of your inner self and healing psychic wounds.  You deserve to be heard, encouraged to express yourself, connect, grow and self actualize. Therapy can be difficult work; however, you will quickly see that relief and clarity are within your reach. With my guidance, you will make your own discoveries and decisions and maintain control over your process, keeping it exciting, safe and appropriate for you.
Congratulations on deciding to seek support. What a great step toward meeting your health and relationship goals! Psychotherapy can help you feel more calm, joyful and connected to others, while gaining greater understanding of your inner self and healing psychic wounds.  You deserve to be heard, encouraged to express yourself, connect, grow and self actualize. Therapy can be difficult work; however, you will quickly see that relief and clarity are within your reach. With my guidance, you will make your own discoveries and decisions and maintain control over your process, keeping it exciting, safe and appropriate for you.
(310) 935-4709 View (310) 935-4709
Photo of Richard Vishnevsky, Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Richard Vishnevsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094  (Online Only)
My speciality areas include anxiety, stress management, depression, grief, and family and relationship issues.
My main goal is for individuals to leave sessions feeling heard and capable of using their newly developed tools to make change. Whether you are coming in to address current stressors, past problems that seem to have a lasting impact, or worries about the future, I am here to help you meet your treatment goals. I work with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples to help manage a wide range of presenting issues. Each individual comes into therapy with their own personal intentions. I hope to provide a space to address your unique needs and aspirations.
My speciality areas include anxiety, stress management, depression, grief, and family and relationship issues.
My main goal is for individuals to leave sessions feeling heard and capable of using their newly developed tools to make change. Whether you are coming in to address current stressors, past problems that seem to have a lasting impact, or worries about the future, I am here to help you meet your treatment goals. I work with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples to help manage a wide range of presenting issues. Each individual comes into therapy with their own personal intentions. I hope to provide a space to address your unique needs and aspirations.
(310) 683-0925 View (310) 683-0925
Photo of Leanne R. Miller, Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Leanne R. Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Do you find yourself struggling to make decisions? Perhaps you feel like you keep repeating the same mistakes, or you may just desire some form of relief from your thoughts and/or feelings? Life can be complicated and sometimes working with a therapist can help. Hi! My name is Dr. Leanne Miller and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both California and New York. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, adults, and couples. My goal is to meet the client where they are at emotionally in order to build a strong, trusting relationship in a safe and judgment free environment.
Do you find yourself struggling to make decisions? Perhaps you feel like you keep repeating the same mistakes, or you may just desire some form of relief from your thoughts and/or feelings? Life can be complicated and sometimes working with a therapist can help. Hi! My name is Dr. Leanne Miller and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both California and New York. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, adults, and couples. My goal is to meet the client where they are at emotionally in order to build a strong, trusting relationship in a safe and judgment free environment.
(424) 264-2203 View (424) 264-2203
Photo of Chaka McAlpin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Chaka McAlpin
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Both careers have offered me daily reminders of life's most stressful issues (trauma, relationship conflicts, loss, racism, community violence, equity issues, parental separation, etc.
Welcome. I am a passionate therapist with a sense of humor. I believe that even the saddest days warrant a laugh or a laugh with a few tears. Whether therapy is an old friend or a new journey, I will create a safe place for you to work on those issues that you have attempted to move past on your own. Whether you desire change...clarity...or growth? You have made the first step toward change just by searching for a therapist. If you are ready to begin the work, I am committed to helping you reach your goals.
Both careers have offered me daily reminders of life's most stressful issues (trauma, relationship conflicts, loss, racism, community violence, equity issues, parental separation, etc.
Welcome. I am a passionate therapist with a sense of humor. I believe that even the saddest days warrant a laugh or a laugh with a few tears. Whether therapy is an old friend or a new journey, I will create a safe place for you to work on those issues that you have attempted to move past on your own. Whether you desire change...clarity...or growth? You have made the first step toward change just by searching for a therapist. If you are ready to begin the work, I am committed to helping you reach your goals.
(310) 773-5057 View (310) 773-5057
Photo of Teresita Berndes-Carlson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Teresita Berndes-Carlson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I enjoy working with adults and couples and view the therapeutic relationship as a significant agent of change for those seking to work on long standing issues or every day difficulties. My psychotherapeutic style combines psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral interventions, depending on the needs of the individual or couple. This combination produces an empathic relationship that motivates, encourages and inspires clients to explore needed changes and helps to develop practical approaches to create those changes. I strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance and a safe place that fosters exploration, change and growth. Please call with any questions you may have.
I enjoy working with adults and couples and view the therapeutic relationship as a significant agent of change for those seking to work on long standing issues or every day difficulties. My psychotherapeutic style combines psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral interventions, depending on the needs of the individual or couple. This combination produces an empathic relationship that motivates, encourages and inspires clients to explore needed changes and helps to develop practical approaches to create those changes. I strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance and a safe place that fosters exploration, change and growth. Please call with any questions you may have.
(310) 400-5944 View (310) 400-5944
Photo of Amy McManus, Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Amy McManus
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Navigating “the new normal” is leaving you stressed out and overwhelmed. You’re used to working hard and making it happen, but these days the game is always changing. I offer individual therapy, couples counseling, and couples therapy retreats using methods based on neuroscience research and proven in the field for 30+ years! I can help you manage your feelings and sort out what’s important to you. I can teach you to communicate with your partner and others in your life in a way that you feel heard and understood. I have helped many people find clarity to make important life decisions. You, too, can get your mojo back and thrive!
Navigating “the new normal” is leaving you stressed out and overwhelmed. You’re used to working hard and making it happen, but these days the game is always changing. I offer individual therapy, couples counseling, and couples therapy retreats using methods based on neuroscience research and proven in the field for 30+ years! I can help you manage your feelings and sort out what’s important to you. I can teach you to communicate with your partner and others in your life in a way that you feel heard and understood. I have helped many people find clarity to make important life decisions. You, too, can get your mojo back and thrive!
(323) 774-5819 View (323) 774-5819
Photo of Susanna De Mari, Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Susanna De Mari
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I have practiced psychotherapy for over 20 years working with young adults, adults, families, and couples as well as supervising and training therapists towards their licensure.
There are times in our lives when we may need support in navigating certain life-challenging situations or emotions. If you are struggling to feel connected, unhappy with where you are in life, often feel anxious, and experience relationship challenges; then therapy is an opportunity to take a look at potential patterns that might repeat in your life and make changes. My psychotherapy practice is primarily focused on helping people who are struggling with the effects of trauma, relationship stress, depression, anxiety, substance use and addiction. I can support you in strengthening your sense of self and healing process.
I have practiced psychotherapy for over 20 years working with young adults, adults, families, and couples as well as supervising and training therapists towards their licensure.
There are times in our lives when we may need support in navigating certain life-challenging situations or emotions. If you are struggling to feel connected, unhappy with where you are in life, often feel anxious, and experience relationship challenges; then therapy is an opportunity to take a look at potential patterns that might repeat in your life and make changes. My psychotherapy practice is primarily focused on helping people who are struggling with the effects of trauma, relationship stress, depression, anxiety, substance use and addiction. I can support you in strengthening your sense of self and healing process.
(310) 905-8436 View (310) 905-8436
Photo of J. Max August, Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
J. Max August
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Are you entering a new stage of life, or thinking of making a major change in your life? Are you unclear about the choices available to you? Are you feeling anxious and stressed out about the changes? Marriage, relationship challenges, divorce, graduation, career change, children leaving home, being a caregiver to parents, retirement, death of a spouse, as well as your own aging are all changes that increase stress and can be anxiety producing. It's much easier going through changes when you have an objective professional who can be your ally, trusted advisor, and guide through the process.
Are you entering a new stage of life, or thinking of making a major change in your life? Are you unclear about the choices available to you? Are you feeling anxious and stressed out about the changes? Marriage, relationship challenges, divorce, graduation, career change, children leaving home, being a caregiver to parents, retirement, death of a spouse, as well as your own aging are all changes that increase stress and can be anxiety producing. It's much easier going through changes when you have an objective professional who can be your ally, trusted advisor, and guide through the process.
(424) 500-8812 View (424) 500-8812
Photo of Gayla Terzian, Marriage & Family Therapist in Playa Vista, CA
Gayla Terzian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Deciding to seek therapy takes courage and is not always an easy thing to do, but sometimes we all need a little help and objective guidance with what life is handing us. Whether it's depression, anxiety, relationship issues, a life transition, coping skills, addiction, grief and loss, personal exploration or something else, I possess a wide range of professional and personal experience. If you think you may be ready to address what's bothering you more directly, with some professional and compassionate assistance, please contact me for a free 30-minute phone consultation to see if we're a good fit.
Deciding to seek therapy takes courage and is not always an easy thing to do, but sometimes we all need a little help and objective guidance with what life is handing us. Whether it's depression, anxiety, relationship issues, a life transition, coping skills, addiction, grief and loss, personal exploration or something else, I possess a wide range of professional and personal experience. If you think you may be ready to address what's bothering you more directly, with some professional and compassionate assistance, please contact me for a free 30-minute phone consultation to see if we're a good fit.
(424) 384-1764 View (424) 384-1764

See more therapy options for Playa Vista


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.