Therapists in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA

Photo of Sarah Yoell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Sarah Yoell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
Welcome! As a therapist, I invest wholeheartedly in my clients to build a nurturing relationship where clients can feel safe, supported and valued. I am passionate about helping people overcome their challenges to arrive at a place of peace and empowerment. I deeply care about my clients and their process, thus prioritize building safe and strong relationships with each person I work with. I see therapy as an adventure where we will be going through the trenches side by side. This journey is not a straight path and each turn will take you exactly where you need to be.
Welcome! As a therapist, I invest wholeheartedly in my clients to build a nurturing relationship where clients can feel safe, supported and valued. I am passionate about helping people overcome their challenges to arrive at a place of peace and empowerment. I deeply care about my clients and their process, thus prioritize building safe and strong relationships with each person I work with. I see therapy as an adventure where we will be going through the trenches side by side. This journey is not a straight path and each turn will take you exactly where you need to be.
(415) 980-3571 View (415) 980-3571
Photo of Marcelle Little, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Marcelle Little
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MPH, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA 94133  (Online Only)
Do you feel overwhelmed by relationship issues, people-pleasing, emotional responses, or planned or unexpected change? Codependency, heightened sensitivity, life transitions, and trauma show up in many ways of life, and it looks different for everyone. Maybe you care deeply, but aren’t always in the most supportive environments, personally or professionally. You might question yourself often and might even feel like an imposter. Perhaps you are grounded, but this life transition is pulling the rug out beneath you. It’s hard to not take it personally and listen to those negative thoughts, anxiety further instills them.
Do you feel overwhelmed by relationship issues, people-pleasing, emotional responses, or planned or unexpected change? Codependency, heightened sensitivity, life transitions, and trauma show up in many ways of life, and it looks different for everyone. Maybe you care deeply, but aren’t always in the most supportive environments, personally or professionally. You might question yourself often and might even feel like an imposter. Perhaps you are grounded, but this life transition is pulling the rug out beneath you. It’s hard to not take it personally and listen to those negative thoughts, anxiety further instills them.
(424) 326-1651 View (424) 326-1651
Photo of M. Gabriela Bandeira, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
M. Gabriela Bandeira
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA 94133
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
Photo of Eric Ryan, Psychologist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Eric Ryan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA 94133
Anxious? Depressed? Stuck? Relationship Problems? Loss of life meaning, purpose or direction? Welcome to my practice! In looking to address important problems, you are taking a crucial step. Finding the right therapist is essential. I am a certified Jungian Analyst and trained psychologist. If you have questions, call for a 15 minute phone consultation at no charge. I am here to help! In a confidential, caring and supportive environment, I aim to restore the whole person to health - mind, body, and spirit.
Anxious? Depressed? Stuck? Relationship Problems? Loss of life meaning, purpose or direction? Welcome to my practice! In looking to address important problems, you are taking a crucial step. Finding the right therapist is essential. I am a certified Jungian Analyst and trained psychologist. If you have questions, call for a 15 minute phone consultation at no charge. I am here to help! In a confidential, caring and supportive environment, I aim to restore the whole person to health - mind, body, and spirit.
(707) 901-7918 View (707) 901-7918
Photo of Maeve Odile Jackson-Dufault, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Maeve Odile Jackson-Dufault
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA 94133
I am particularly passionate about working with couples from a sex positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, attachment based, and psychodynamic lens.
My approach to therapy is integral; I work from an attachment and trauma informed lens with a deep grounding in relational psychoanalytic theory. I have experience with treating depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, questions of gender and sexuality, complex family dynamics, relationship issues, chronic pain, and grief work. My wish it to foster a therapeutic space that feels both challenging as well as safe so that we can work together to meet your treatment goals. In our work together I may bring in mindfulness techniques, parts work, attachment theory, dream work, movement, and myth.
I am particularly passionate about working with couples from a sex positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, attachment based, and psychodynamic lens.
My approach to therapy is integral; I work from an attachment and trauma informed lens with a deep grounding in relational psychoanalytic theory. I have experience with treating depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, questions of gender and sexuality, complex family dynamics, relationship issues, chronic pain, and grief work. My wish it to foster a therapeutic space that feels both challenging as well as safe so that we can work together to meet your treatment goals. In our work together I may bring in mindfulness techniques, parts work, attachment theory, dream work, movement, and myth.
(510) 513-4604 View (510) 513-4604
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology--San Francisco location, Psychologist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Silver Lake Psychology--San Francisco location
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA 94133  (Online Only)
Therapy is a process of self-reflection and conversation that honors the struggles of life: career uncertainty, relationship decisions, loneliness, grief, and the ongoing pursuit self-love.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
Therapy is a process of self-reflection and conversation that honors the struggles of life: career uncertainty, relationship decisions, loneliness, grief, and the ongoing pursuit self-love.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
(415) 635-0586 View (415) 635-0586
Photo of Bryna Barsky, Psychologist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Bryna Barsky
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA 94133  (Online Only)
Welcome to my practice. I have over 30 years of experience providing therapy to individuals and couples from very diverse backgrounds with regards to ethnicity, religion, age, country of origin, and sexual orientation. The therapy I do tends to be short-term, "here-and-now" focused, goal oriented, and skills based. I believe my clients want to change their behaviors, and not just "talk" about what's going wrong. My therapeutic style is collaborative, non-judgmental, warm and compassionate. I'm not a "one size fits all" therapist because every client is unique. I offer a Good Faith Estimate at the client's request.
Welcome to my practice. I have over 30 years of experience providing therapy to individuals and couples from very diverse backgrounds with regards to ethnicity, religion, age, country of origin, and sexual orientation. The therapy I do tends to be short-term, "here-and-now" focused, goal oriented, and skills based. I believe my clients want to change their behaviors, and not just "talk" about what's going wrong. My therapeutic style is collaborative, non-judgmental, warm and compassionate. I'm not a "one size fits all" therapist because every client is unique. I offer a Good Faith Estimate at the client's request.
(510) 730-3704 View (510) 730-3704
Photo of Veronica Cardona, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Veronica Cardona
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA 94133  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with couples during this trying time to strengthen their relationship.
The journey through infertility and motherhood can be stressful and lonely. It often requires patience, perseverance, but above all HOPE. I want to empower and support you during this journey. Are you suspecting a problem because you have been trying to get pregnant without success? Have you been diagnosed with "infertility"? Are you considering IVF? Are you struggling with sustaining a pregnancy? Does your heart feel heavy with grief and sorrow over your loss and are ready for relief? Did you recently have a baby and are struggling with postpartum anxiety, depression or simply feeling overwhelmed? Reach out today. I can help you.
I enjoy working with couples during this trying time to strengthen their relationship.
The journey through infertility and motherhood can be stressful and lonely. It often requires patience, perseverance, but above all HOPE. I want to empower and support you during this journey. Are you suspecting a problem because you have been trying to get pregnant without success? Have you been diagnosed with "infertility"? Are you considering IVF? Are you struggling with sustaining a pregnancy? Does your heart feel heavy with grief and sorrow over your loss and are ready for relief? Did you recently have a baby and are struggling with postpartum anxiety, depression or simply feeling overwhelmed? Reach out today. I can help you.
(661) 689-7682 View (661) 689-7682
Photo of Carola T. Alden, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Carola T. Alden
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA 94133
My training includes: Psychodynamic, EFCT and Couples Developmental Model.
Are you having difficulty in your relationships and wondering, "how do I make things better?" Are you experiencing a loss of self, feeling confused and/or depressed? Is it difficult to identify your feelings? Have your feelings become too painful to experience on your own? It is only natural to want to avoid feelings that are painful. It is our basic human instinct to avoid anything that is painful especially emotional pain. Unfortunately, avoiding pain results in maladaptive behavior and difficulties within relationships. Avoiding feelings can result in feeling numb and/or loss of self.
My training includes: Psychodynamic, EFCT and Couples Developmental Model.
Are you having difficulty in your relationships and wondering, "how do I make things better?" Are you experiencing a loss of self, feeling confused and/or depressed? Is it difficult to identify your feelings? Have your feelings become too painful to experience on your own? It is only natural to want to avoid feelings that are painful. It is our basic human instinct to avoid anything that is painful especially emotional pain. Unfortunately, avoiding pain results in maladaptive behavior and difficulties within relationships. Avoiding feelings can result in feeling numb and/or loss of self.
(518) 293-4355 View (518) 293-4355
Photo of Sarah Wagner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Sarah Wagner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MBA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA 94133
For couples, families and individividuals, I use mind-body connection, experiential techniques, psychodynamics, Emotionally Focused Therapy (grounded in attachment theory), Internal Family Systems, and, most importantly, our therapeutic relationship.
Each of us has complicated ways of protecting ourselves from being vulnerable, and those self-protective tendencies are often outside of our awareness. Although powerfully protective, these old inner systems get in the way of living with ease with self and others. I will help you either individually or within your relationship dynamics to understand and heal yourself and your relationships by helping you become more self aware and better resourced. Becoming aware of your habits of disconnection and choosing connection is an unfolding process. I am here to walk with you on that journey with compassion, presence, and perspective .
For couples, families and individividuals, I use mind-body connection, experiential techniques, psychodynamics, Emotionally Focused Therapy (grounded in attachment theory), Internal Family Systems, and, most importantly, our therapeutic relationship.
Each of us has complicated ways of protecting ourselves from being vulnerable, and those self-protective tendencies are often outside of our awareness. Although powerfully protective, these old inner systems get in the way of living with ease with self and others. I will help you either individually or within your relationship dynamics to understand and heal yourself and your relationships by helping you become more self aware and better resourced. Becoming aware of your habits of disconnection and choosing connection is an unfolding process. I am here to walk with you on that journey with compassion, presence, and perspective .
(510) 767-0897 View (510) 767-0897
Photo of M J Barrett in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
M J Barrett
MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA 94133  (Online Only)
For the past 12 years I have helped people through relationship issues, anxiety, depression, parenting issues, life transitions, to name a few. Reaching out is the BEST first step you can take for yourself, you are not alone - Life throws curve balls and they can be hard to dodge.
For the past 12 years I have helped people through relationship issues, anxiety, depression, parenting issues, life transitions, to name a few. Reaching out is the BEST first step you can take for yourself, you are not alone - Life throws curve balls and they can be hard to dodge.
(628) 265-3400 View (628) 265-3400
Photo of Kira Hoffman, Psychologist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Kira Hoffman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA 94133  (Online Only)
Clients often describe me as authentic, energetic, and engaged. My warmth, acceptance, and genuine care and interest in you is evident- I'm not a detached clinical robot that expects you to figure it all out on your own while I sit in silence. I take my work very seriously, but it's not uncommon in session for my clients and I to laugh together and find humor in life's challenges. There is value in making space for the wide range of your emotional experience- fear, sadness, and rage... but also freedom, peace, and joy.
Clients often describe me as authentic, energetic, and engaged. My warmth, acceptance, and genuine care and interest in you is evident- I'm not a detached clinical robot that expects you to figure it all out on your own while I sit in silence. I take my work very seriously, but it's not uncommon in session for my clients and I to laugh together and find humor in life's challenges. There is value in making space for the wide range of your emotional experience- fear, sadness, and rage... but also freedom, peace, and joy.
(415) 991-6092 View (415) 991-6092
Photo of Jessica Urzua-Jones, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Jessica Urzua-Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA 94133
About me: I was born and raised in Santiago, Chile. I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the state of CA (LMFT 102349). I hold a MA in Counseling Psychology as well as a BA in Latin American Literature and a Minor in German. I have also lived in Lucerne, Switzerland and Munich, Germany. While in Chile, I studied opera.
About me: I was born and raised in Santiago, Chile. I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the state of CA (LMFT 102349). I hold a MA in Counseling Psychology as well as a BA in Latin American Literature and a Minor in German. I have also lived in Lucerne, Switzerland and Munich, Germany. While in Chile, I studied opera.
(628) 600-0741 View (628) 600-0741
Photo of Eszter Kalman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Eszter Kalman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA 94133
Do you find yourself on an emotional rollercoaster, feeling exhausted, irritable, and unsure of your path through parenthood? Perhaps bonding with your baby feels like an uphill battle. Maybe you're grappling with the overwhelming emotions that can follow a miscarriage, abortion, or birth trauma. Infertility may have left you feeling isolated, like no one truly understands your struggle. In these moments of uncertainty, it's easy to feel lost, confused, and sad. You might even have unsettling thoughts and images about your baby, leading to guilt and shame. It's okay to admit that sometimes, parenthood doesn't feel so joyful.
Do you find yourself on an emotional rollercoaster, feeling exhausted, irritable, and unsure of your path through parenthood? Perhaps bonding with your baby feels like an uphill battle. Maybe you're grappling with the overwhelming emotions that can follow a miscarriage, abortion, or birth trauma. Infertility may have left you feeling isolated, like no one truly understands your struggle. In these moments of uncertainty, it's easy to feel lost, confused, and sad. You might even have unsettling thoughts and images about your baby, leading to guilt and shame. It's okay to admit that sometimes, parenthood doesn't feel so joyful.
(619) 494-2830 View (619) 494-2830

Online Therapists

Photo of Jane Steinberg, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Jane Steinberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
In therapy, the relationship that develops between us becomes the foundation and container for healing and awareness that allows you to grow.
Are you searching for more meaning, joy or ease in your life? Do you long for more fulfilling work and relationships? Do you wish you had more confidence to live your dreams? It takes courage to take the risk to reach out for help and begin the process of exploring yourself. Psychotherapy is a safe space in which to release old patterns and beliefs so that you can move toward the life you most deeply want. I can help you engage fully with yourself, and we'll collaborate in identifying the specific methods and techniques that work best for you to achieve your specific goals.
In therapy, the relationship that develops between us becomes the foundation and container for healing and awareness that allows you to grow.
Are you searching for more meaning, joy or ease in your life? Do you long for more fulfilling work and relationships? Do you wish you had more confidence to live your dreams? It takes courage to take the risk to reach out for help and begin the process of exploring yourself. Psychotherapy is a safe space in which to release old patterns and beliefs so that you can move toward the life you most deeply want. I can help you engage fully with yourself, and we'll collaborate in identifying the specific methods and techniques that work best for you to achieve your specific goals.
(415) 944-4250 View (415) 944-4250
Photo of Cassidy Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Cassidy Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I strive to offer you a relationship in which you can not only receive nonjudgmental listening and insight, but also real, pragmatic help.
I believe that insecure relationships (of many forms!) are the root of most suffering. As a result, my work is focused on those who wish to improve their relational lives. This includes single people who aspire to having a romantic relationship, but who seem to encounter difficulties in securing one; those who are already in a romantic relationship, but are facing challenges; people contending with struggles with friends or family; or people who aren't so sure about how they relate to, well, themselves. I also work with those who aren't even necessarily sure what has them down or anxious, but who hope to learn and to get unstuck!
I strive to offer you a relationship in which you can not only receive nonjudgmental listening and insight, but also real, pragmatic help.
I believe that insecure relationships (of many forms!) are the root of most suffering. As a result, my work is focused on those who wish to improve their relational lives. This includes single people who aspire to having a romantic relationship, but who seem to encounter difficulties in securing one; those who are already in a romantic relationship, but are facing challenges; people contending with struggles with friends or family; or people who aren't so sure about how they relate to, well, themselves. I also work with those who aren't even necessarily sure what has them down or anxious, but who hope to learn and to get unstuck!
(719) 722-3477 View (719) 722-3477
Photo of Aviva Euripides, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Aviva Euripides
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, lacana
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94121  (Online Only)
1/3 of my practice is couples/family counseling and in this type of work there is immense opportunity for further understanding of self and other.
I am an experienced clinician and gauge our work by the progress you are making towards your treatment goals. I have extensive experience as a clinical consultant and provide consultation for clinicians. I have supervised clinicians in treatment settings ranging from the counselor's office to acute mental health facilities. I have a professional background in the arts and work with self defined meaning, identity and creative processes. My work specifically is in Lacanalysis and I am in ongoing formation as such with Jacques Siboni at Lutecium Paris, www.lutecium.org.
1/3 of my practice is couples/family counseling and in this type of work there is immense opportunity for further understanding of self and other.
I am an experienced clinician and gauge our work by the progress you are making towards your treatment goals. I have extensive experience as a clinical consultant and provide consultation for clinicians. I have supervised clinicians in treatment settings ranging from the counselor's office to acute mental health facilities. I have a professional background in the arts and work with self defined meaning, identity and creative processes. My work specifically is in Lacanalysis and I am in ongoing formation as such with Jacques Siboni at Lutecium Paris, www.lutecium.org.
(415) 301-5219 View (415) 301-5219
Photo of Kacey Truong, Pre-Licensed Professional in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Kacey Truong
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
Do you struggle with anxiety and depression due to your childhood trauma? Are you having problems with your partner or family members due to life transition issues? Are you experiencing increased stress, fears, and doubts around the future? I believe that we all have the capacity to heal our emotional wounds and create meaningful changes. My goal as a therapist is to offer you a safe place in which you can process insights, concerns, and emotions associated with trauma.
Do you struggle with anxiety and depression due to your childhood trauma? Are you having problems with your partner or family members due to life transition issues? Are you experiencing increased stress, fears, and doubts around the future? I believe that we all have the capacity to heal our emotional wounds and create meaningful changes. My goal as a therapist is to offer you a safe place in which you can process insights, concerns, and emotions associated with trauma.
(408) 351-4182 View (408) 351-4182
Photo of Janet Lee, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Janet Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I'm dedicated to supporting individual adults, couples and adolescents. I specialize in helping people work through relationship dynamics, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, professional satisfaction, and existential fulfillment. Together, we would navigate through the experiences that have been difficult to sort through on your own and have left you spiraling or feeling stuck. In the therapeutic journey, you may find yourself developing a newfound sense of curiosity about your own patterns, behaviors and emotions leading to a deeper understanding of yourself and a greater sense of satisfaction in life.
I'm dedicated to supporting individual adults, couples and adolescents. I specialize in helping people work through relationship dynamics, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, professional satisfaction, and existential fulfillment. Together, we would navigate through the experiences that have been difficult to sort through on your own and have left you spiraling or feeling stuck. In the therapeutic journey, you may find yourself developing a newfound sense of curiosity about your own patterns, behaviors and emotions leading to a deeper understanding of yourself and a greater sense of satisfaction in life.
(415) 481-3504 View (415) 481-3504
Photo of Mitsue Nakagaki Karaman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Mitsue Nakagaki Karaman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
We all have moments in our lives when we need a little support. Even the most loving relationships can encounter bumpy roads, and thriving careers can at times become a major stressor. If you are here, you may be in that moment now - feeling stuck or overwhelmed in some way. I provide individuals, couples (and relationships of every kind) a place to slow down, take a breath and explore what’s going on and where you’d like to go. I also work with teens and young adults who are often under great pressure balancing school, life, and growing up, and offer a place to find their footing.
We all have moments in our lives when we need a little support. Even the most loving relationships can encounter bumpy roads, and thriving careers can at times become a major stressor. If you are here, you may be in that moment now - feeling stuck or overwhelmed in some way. I provide individuals, couples (and relationships of every kind) a place to slow down, take a breath and explore what’s going on and where you’d like to go. I also work with teens and young adults who are often under great pressure balancing school, life, and growing up, and offer a place to find their footing.
(415) 358-7182 View (415) 358-7182

See more therapy options for Russian Hill, 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.