Therapists in Downtown, San Francisco, CA

Photo of Jill Fishman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Jill Fishman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94109
Are you struggling in a relationship? Are you struggling to understand why you feel depressed or angry most of the time? Meaningful relationships are central to happiness. This can pertain to any relationship you find difficult and/or challenging. Dating, marriage, children, divorce, work, extended family, college, career choices are all areas that can be overwhelming and create stress in individuals, couples and families. Counseling provides help in areas where you are feeling stuck and presents healthy alternatives to stay connected to your goals and the important people in your life.
Are you struggling in a relationship? Are you struggling to understand why you feel depressed or angry most of the time? Meaningful relationships are central to happiness. This can pertain to any relationship you find difficult and/or challenging. Dating, marriage, children, divorce, work, extended family, college, career choices are all areas that can be overwhelming and create stress in individuals, couples and families. Counseling provides help in areas where you are feeling stuck and presents healthy alternatives to stay connected to your goals and the important people in your life.
(415) 689-4797 View (415) 689-4797
Photo of Randy Weled, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Randy Weled
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94102
Couples will be led to understand how their differences affect their communication.
The most important questions is: "What pain brought you here? What is the hardest issue for you to deal with?" The most important result of the first session is that you walk out feeling that I understand you and will be able to be your ally in working through your issues. In other words we need to like each other and you need to feel that I have the expertise to handle your problems and not judge you.
Couples will be led to understand how their differences affect their communication.
The most important questions is: "What pain brought you here? What is the hardest issue for you to deal with?" The most important result of the first session is that you walk out feeling that I understand you and will be able to be your ally in working through your issues. In other words we need to like each other and you need to feel that I have the expertise to handle your problems and not judge you.
(415) 967-7209 View (415) 967-7209
Photo of Dario Martinez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Dario Martinez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
I've created a unique, multi-disciplinary approach that addresses issues in two or more of these areas simultaneously using evidence-based, cutting-edge modalities such as IFS (Internal Family Systems), Brainspotting (for trauma and anxiety) and EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) for relationship challenges.
Thank you for visiting my profile. I feel honored whenever people allow me into their lives—especially when they don’t know me. As a therapist, my primary areas of focus are trauma, addictions, anxiety and relationships.
I've created a unique, multi-disciplinary approach that addresses issues in two or more of these areas simultaneously using evidence-based, cutting-edge modalities such as IFS (Internal Family Systems), Brainspotting (for trauma and anxiety) and EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) for relationship challenges.
Thank you for visiting my profile. I feel honored whenever people allow me into their lives—especially when they don’t know me. As a therapist, my primary areas of focus are trauma, addictions, anxiety and relationships.
(415) 481-3580 View (415) 481-3580
Photo of Therapy for Asians, LGBTQ, POC, High Performers, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Therapy for Asians, LGBTQ, POC, High Performers
Marriage & Family Therapist, IFS, EFT, BSP, MPH, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
Feeling like you have to hide parts of yourself at work, or with your romantic partner or family? These pressures can make us lose touch with who we are and what makes us feel alive. Are you feeling lonely or not good enough, and longing to be fully accepted? Together, we can explore what matters most to you, so you can move towards the life you want. I can support you in transforming patterns that make you feel stuck or overwhelmed. I offer Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and Brainspotting, which are all proven approaches for healing trauma and reducing anxiety and depression.
Feeling like you have to hide parts of yourself at work, or with your romantic partner or family? These pressures can make us lose touch with who we are and what makes us feel alive. Are you feeling lonely or not good enough, and longing to be fully accepted? Together, we can explore what matters most to you, so you can move towards the life you want. I can support you in transforming patterns that make you feel stuck or overwhelmed. I offer Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and Brainspotting, which are all proven approaches for healing trauma and reducing anxiety and depression.
(510) 313-6708 View (510) 313-6708
Photo of Ornit Shoham, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Ornit Shoham
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101
Hello and welcome! I primarily work with adults and teenagers struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. Often our inner beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, our sense of self, and our relationships. As your therapist, my main focus is to provide you a safe space that is free-from judgment and offers you a process-oriented approach to identify unconscious feelings and beliefs. I offer a genuine and understanding therapeutic relationship for you to feel held and seen, as we reflect together.
Hello and welcome! I primarily work with adults and teenagers struggling with trauma, depression, and anxiety. Often our inner beliefs have a huge impact on our lives, our sense of self, and our relationships. As your therapist, my main focus is to provide you a safe space that is free-from judgment and offers you a process-oriented approach to identify unconscious feelings and beliefs. I offer a genuine and understanding therapeutic relationship for you to feel held and seen, as we reflect together.
(650) 753-7025 View (650) 753-7025
Photo of Julia Willinger, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Julia Willinger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RYT-200
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101
I blend depth, relational, IFS, and somatic ideologies to help you heal from trauma, creative blocks, relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
Whether you’re going through a difficult moment or life transition, having trouble in relationships, experiencing anxiety, or looking for meaning in your life, I am here to support you. I create a safe, shame-free space for you to explore underlying issues that may be causing challenges in your life. I show up authentically with a Trauma-informed, Depth/Jungian, IFS, Relational, and compassionate Mind-Body approach. We can explore your inner world, process past trauma, bring awareness to relational wounds, and grow interpersonal connection in order for you to have fulfilling relationships with yourself and others.
I blend depth, relational, IFS, and somatic ideologies to help you heal from trauma, creative blocks, relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
Whether you’re going through a difficult moment or life transition, having trouble in relationships, experiencing anxiety, or looking for meaning in your life, I am here to support you. I create a safe, shame-free space for you to explore underlying issues that may be causing challenges in your life. I show up authentically with a Trauma-informed, Depth/Jungian, IFS, Relational, and compassionate Mind-Body approach. We can explore your inner world, process past trauma, bring awareness to relational wounds, and grow interpersonal connection in order for you to have fulfilling relationships with yourself and others.
(213) 394-6978 View (213) 394-6978
Photo of Veronica Calkins, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Veronica Calkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
(562) 268-1415 View (562) 268-1415
Photo of Cofounder and Business Partner Executive Coaching, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Cofounder and Business Partner Executive Coaching
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94102
Are you and your co-founder and business partner on the verge of a transition or expansion? You’ve put in tremendous effort to build your business, overcoming countless obstacles. While you’re proud of your achievements, the long hours and dedication have taken a toll on you both. You want your business to have a greater impact, but you're also fearful of losing the original spirit and dream as the expansion gains momentum. Before moving forward, address the cracks in the foundations of your business and partnership, and further grow your capacities. Misalignments make transitions and expansions even more difficult and complicated.
Are you and your co-founder and business partner on the verge of a transition or expansion? You’ve put in tremendous effort to build your business, overcoming countless obstacles. While you’re proud of your achievements, the long hours and dedication have taken a toll on you both. You want your business to have a greater impact, but you're also fearful of losing the original spirit and dream as the expansion gains momentum. Before moving forward, address the cracks in the foundations of your business and partnership, and further grow your capacities. Misalignments make transitions and expansions even more difficult and complicated.
(707) 415-4454 View (707) 415-4454
Photo of Roger Grossman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Roger Grossman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
I specialize in couples therapy, addiction counseling and working with victims of trauma, emergency services and veterans.
My name is Roger Grossman I literally wrote to book on how to have a successful marriage: "Making Marriage Work: A User’s Guide To A Successful Marriage" by Roger Grossman, I Am Not The Smile and Nod Therapist. I roll up my sleeves and get in there with you. I have a great BS detector. I’ll call you on your stuff. We’ll laugh (a lot).
I specialize in couples therapy, addiction counseling and working with victims of trauma, emergency services and veterans.
My name is Roger Grossman I literally wrote to book on how to have a successful marriage: "Making Marriage Work: A User’s Guide To A Successful Marriage" by Roger Grossman, I Am Not The Smile and Nod Therapist. I roll up my sleeves and get in there with you. I have a great BS detector. I’ll call you on your stuff. We’ll laugh (a lot).
(858) 533-2684 View (858) 533-2684
Photo of Roxanne Harkruiz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Roxanne Harkruiz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
I believe that change can occur simply through the client and therapist relationship and I am overjoyed to support you in this journey.
Reclaiming your life, working through trauma that impacts your daily functioning, finding joy, and searching for a sense of wellbeing can be a lifelong process. Therapy can be the first step in making your future changes. Remember that all journeys have obstacles and you are not alone. I believe in change and that every individual has a level of resiliency. Finding a therapist that fits your needs can be challenging but you have just taken the first step in regaining your happiness. It is okay and typical to struggle and feel overwhelmed.
I believe that change can occur simply through the client and therapist relationship and I am overjoyed to support you in this journey.
Reclaiming your life, working through trauma that impacts your daily functioning, finding joy, and searching for a sense of wellbeing can be a lifelong process. Therapy can be the first step in making your future changes. Remember that all journeys have obstacles and you are not alone. I believe in change and that every individual has a level of resiliency. Finding a therapist that fits your needs can be challenging but you have just taken the first step in regaining your happiness. It is okay and typical to struggle and feel overwhelmed.
(916) 573-0063 View (916) 573-0063
Photo of Colleen Cotter, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Colleen Cotter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101
Trauma informed care for relationship distress, life changes, childhood abuse, people with parents that have mental illness or addiction, family issues, metoo etc.
Clients that find me usually feel that trauma has informed or altered their life in some way. Or they face personal or relational distress. I meet each client with their unique challenges and life experiences and offer a place to explore what you are needing in therapy. My ideal client wants to understand and grow to their full potential and I am here as a guide to offer tools, options, a place to process your emotions and/or trauma. Adults that have been through child abuse, mental illness in family, addiction, sexual abuse, relationship distress, anxiety and depression.
Trauma informed care for relationship distress, life changes, childhood abuse, people with parents that have mental illness or addiction, family issues, metoo etc.
Clients that find me usually feel that trauma has informed or altered their life in some way. Or they face personal or relational distress. I meet each client with their unique challenges and life experiences and offer a place to explore what you are needing in therapy. My ideal client wants to understand and grow to their full potential and I am here as a guide to offer tools, options, a place to process your emotions and/or trauma. Adults that have been through child abuse, mental illness in family, addiction, sexual abuse, relationship distress, anxiety and depression.
(916) 237-9292 View (916) 237-9292
Desert Rose Wellness
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
We provide a variety of services including Brainspotting, Couples, Support Groups and more.
Welcome! Thank you for visiting Desert Rose Wellness. Our team of therapists provide personalized, effective therapy focused on your unique needs and goals. Are you looking to grow into the person you have dreamed of? Are you looking to process emotions and challenge limiting beliefs that are currently effecting you? Then you have reached the right place!
We provide a variety of services including Brainspotting, Couples, Support Groups and more.
Welcome! Thank you for visiting Desert Rose Wellness. Our team of therapists provide personalized, effective therapy focused on your unique needs and goals. Are you looking to grow into the person you have dreamed of? Are you looking to process emotions and challenge limiting beliefs that are currently effecting you? Then you have reached the right place!
(442) 259-6058 View (442) 259-6058
Photo of Stephanie A Shubert, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Stephanie A Shubert
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I offer both individual and family/relationship therapy.
I specialize in supporting adults who have ADHD and military family issues. I love working with people who might call themselves “messy,” who have not lived life in the straight line they perceive others to be living Whether it is coping with overwhelm of another PCS or deployment, or fearing they'll be "discovered" as incompetent or lazy; you can trust me to hear your story, even the chapters you might hide from others. My goal is to provide you with the space to explore what is holding you back.
I offer both individual and family/relationship therapy.
I specialize in supporting adults who have ADHD and military family issues. I love working with people who might call themselves “messy,” who have not lived life in the straight line they perceive others to be living Whether it is coping with overwhelm of another PCS or deployment, or fearing they'll be "discovered" as incompetent or lazy; you can trust me to hear your story, even the chapters you might hide from others. My goal is to provide you with the space to explore what is holding you back.
(719) 350-5377 View (719) 350-5377
Photo of Francesco Pisano, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Francesco Pisano
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
Providing individual, family, and couples therapy in English and Spanish.
I work collaboratively with clients to make sure all their needs are met while considering their cultural diversity and intergenerational/systemic trauma using a trauma-informed and attachment approach.”
Providing individual, family, and couples therapy in English and Spanish.
I work collaboratively with clients to make sure all their needs are met while considering their cultural diversity and intergenerational/systemic trauma using a trauma-informed and attachment approach.”
(623) 303-0180 View (623) 303-0180
Photo of Be Mindful and Well, PhD in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Be Mindful and Well, PhD
PhD
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
3- Grief and loss 4-Terminal illness 5- Family/Couples conflict and relationship issues 6- transition from school to college and adaptation to college.
We provide a holistic mental health coaching/counseling committed to personal, social and professional growth. Our professionals are expert professors, PhD, MA, BS in the field of health and counseling, and serving clients of all ages, and organizations for more than 20yrs.The center provides: 1- life coaching to women for varied health concerns: Nutritional counseling/ concerns for women, children, students, chronic diseases; Adaptation to pregnancy; Postpartum; menopause; Dealing with aging process; health concerns, and chronic diseases, parenting issues, adolescence challenges, body image, and skin problems and concerns.
3- Grief and loss 4-Terminal illness 5- Family/Couples conflict and relationship issues 6- transition from school to college and adaptation to college.
We provide a holistic mental health coaching/counseling committed to personal, social and professional growth. Our professionals are expert professors, PhD, MA, BS in the field of health and counseling, and serving clients of all ages, and organizations for more than 20yrs.The center provides: 1- life coaching to women for varied health concerns: Nutritional counseling/ concerns for women, children, students, chronic diseases; Adaptation to pregnancy; Postpartum; menopause; Dealing with aging process; health concerns, and chronic diseases, parenting issues, adolescence challenges, body image, and skin problems and concerns.
(617) 744-7497 View (617) 744-7497
Photo of Dani Coleman, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Dani Coleman
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW, MSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I love working with couples using the Gottman Method, including CNM and polyamorous couples.
Hi, I'm Dani and I would love to work with you! My approach is strength-centered and collaborative. I can help you with understanding and managing anxiety, depression, and processing through past trauma. Together we can work on building emotional intelligence, distress tolerance, and communication skills. I'm a butch non-binary person who can empathize with those struggling to be trans in America right now. I've also got lived experience as a disabled and neurodivergent person.
I love working with couples using the Gottman Method, including CNM and polyamorous couples.
Hi, I'm Dani and I would love to work with you! My approach is strength-centered and collaborative. I can help you with understanding and managing anxiety, depression, and processing through past trauma. Together we can work on building emotional intelligence, distress tolerance, and communication skills. I'm a butch non-binary person who can empathize with those struggling to be trans in America right now. I've also got lived experience as a disabled and neurodivergent person.
(562) 512-7125 View (562) 512-7125
Photo of Rainer Geissler, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Rainer Geissler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Los Angeles, California. I strive to create an environment of compassion, authenticity and understanding, inclusive and welcoming to all clients. In working with me, you will identify the thoughts, feelings, behaviors and beliefs that are preventing you from living joyfully. I work with you to help you discover your strengths and capabilities so that you can live a life that is meaningful, rewarding and free from conflict. I believe that therapy must be engaging, non-judgmental, and supportive to facilitate growth.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Los Angeles, California. I strive to create an environment of compassion, authenticity and understanding, inclusive and welcoming to all clients. In working with me, you will identify the thoughts, feelings, behaviors and beliefs that are preventing you from living joyfully. I work with you to help you discover your strengths and capabilities so that you can live a life that is meaningful, rewarding and free from conflict. I believe that therapy must be engaging, non-judgmental, and supportive to facilitate growth.
(415) 322-0761 View (415) 322-0761
Photo of Adriana Popescu, Psychologist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Adriana Popescu
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94125
What if there is nothing wrong with you? What if you never had to judge you again? My specialty is inviting clients to their greatness and success; clearing the energies that don't allow for achievement, creativity, and possibilities. I work with clients from all walks of life who are demanding freedom and change. My clients tend to be the seekers, the highly creative, and the dissatisfied dreamers of the world who want more out of living. If you have "been there and done that" and know that more is possible, I would be an ideal therapist for you. My new book "What If You're Not As F-ed Up As You Think You Are?" is all about this.
What if there is nothing wrong with you? What if you never had to judge you again? My specialty is inviting clients to their greatness and success; clearing the energies that don't allow for achievement, creativity, and possibilities. I work with clients from all walks of life who are demanding freedom and change. My clients tend to be the seekers, the highly creative, and the dissatisfied dreamers of the world who want more out of living. If you have "been there and done that" and know that more is possible, I would be an ideal therapist for you. My new book "What If You're Not As F-ed Up As You Think You Are?" is all about this.
(415) 968-6889 View (415) 968-6889
Photo of Michelle Fontaine, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Michelle Fontaine
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94125
Therapy is most successful when the work is done carefully and thoughtfully through a process of unfolding and bringing into light those parts of ourselves which have been hidden or misunderstood. It's a collaboration that includes tapping into your own wisdom while also considering new perspectives. We do this work with the utmost compassion and consideration for what is needed in each moment to produce the best possible long term outcome. There will be many new insights which lead to more satisfaction and a deeper understanding. It's my privilege to work with you as we take these steps together toward a higher quality of life.
Therapy is most successful when the work is done carefully and thoughtfully through a process of unfolding and bringing into light those parts of ourselves which have been hidden or misunderstood. It's a collaboration that includes tapping into your own wisdom while also considering new perspectives. We do this work with the utmost compassion and consideration for what is needed in each moment to produce the best possible long term outcome. There will be many new insights which lead to more satisfaction and a deeper understanding. It's my privilege to work with you as we take these steps together toward a higher quality of life.
(415) 798-9515 View (415) 798-9515
Photo of Bay Area Therapy Now, Marriage & Family Therapist in Downtown, San Francisco, CA
Bay Area Therapy Now
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CA-ODC, MAC
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Francisco, CA 94101  (Online Only)
You're using drugs/alcohol too much, and you can't stop. You are lost, miserable and scared, and you want to be found. I offer a compassionate, supportive and direct approach to help you meet your needs and achieve your goals. You're ready to explore your underlying, and probably ancient, beliefs that you hold about yourself and that fuel chronic negative thoughts and behaviors. We will work together to rediscover your authentic self, that person who was somehow left behind and is waiting for you to come back. I provide an eclectic approach. You receive a personal assessment, then focused treatment that best fits you.
You're using drugs/alcohol too much, and you can't stop. You are lost, miserable and scared, and you want to be found. I offer a compassionate, supportive and direct approach to help you meet your needs and achieve your goals. You're ready to explore your underlying, and probably ancient, beliefs that you hold about yourself and that fuel chronic negative thoughts and behaviors. We will work together to rediscover your authentic self, that person who was somehow left behind and is waiting for you to come back. I provide an eclectic approach. You receive a personal assessment, then focused treatment that best fits you.
(415) 903-4145 View (415) 903-4145

See more therapy options for Downtown, San Francisco

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.