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 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 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 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 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 Noelle Braddock, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Noelle Braddock
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
I offer counseling for individuals and partners experiencing a broad range of life challenges. And, I have extensive experience in supporting folks as they navigate the following content areas: communication & relationship issues; grief & loss; identity; trauma; sexual orientation, sexuality & sensuality; creativity; systems & lived experiences of oppression; anxiety & fear; depression; co-dependence; addiction; infidelity, betrayal & trust; and inner-child work. I’m sex-positive, queer, and poly- & kink-affirming, and welcome all ethnic & racial identities & positionalities. (For more info: www.noellebraddocktherapy.com)
I offer counseling for individuals and partners experiencing a broad range of life challenges. And, I have extensive experience in supporting folks as they navigate the following content areas: communication & relationship issues; grief & loss; identity; trauma; sexual orientation, sexuality & sensuality; creativity; systems & lived experiences of oppression; anxiety & fear; depression; co-dependence; addiction; infidelity, betrayal & trust; and inner-child work. I’m sex-positive, queer, and poly- & kink-affirming, and welcome all ethnic & racial identities & positionalities. (For more info: www.noellebraddocktherapy.com)
(415) 527-5968 View (415) 527-5968
Photo of Nata Bolsheva in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Nata Bolsheva
PhD, FNCCCE, FNCPC, FABFEI, CFC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118
Couples, families, and individuals can be helped with divorce mediation, harassment in workplace, immigration counseling, or can see a parenting coordinator.
Travel throughout US and Canada. In Home Visit. Telecommunication though SKYPE, ZOOM, DOXY. Artemis-Forensic Expert Services Center, based in San Francisco, and serving Bay Area, has helped many people who need assistance with issues concerning their well being for many years. We could help to coordinate parenting - a child-focused alternative dispute resolution process to assists high conflict parents to implement their parenting plan by facilitating the resolution of their disputes in a timely manner, educating parents about children’s needs, and with prior approval of the parties and/or the court.
Couples, families, and individuals can be helped with divorce mediation, harassment in workplace, immigration counseling, or can see a parenting coordinator.
Travel throughout US and Canada. In Home Visit. Telecommunication though SKYPE, ZOOM, DOXY. Artemis-Forensic Expert Services Center, based in San Francisco, and serving Bay Area, has helped many people who need assistance with issues concerning their well being for many years. We could help to coordinate parenting - a child-focused alternative dispute resolution process to assists high conflict parents to implement their parenting plan by facilitating the resolution of their disputes in a timely manner, educating parents about children’s needs, and with prior approval of the parties and/or the court.
(628) 600-1694 View (628) 600-1694
Photo of Debora Fletcher, Psychologist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Debora Fletcher
Psychologist, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115
As an experienced clinical psychologist, I help people with a wide range of problems including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career stresses, blocks in creativity, and coming to terms with difficult and traumatic life situations. I also provide parenting consultation. I firmly believe that lasting emotional change is possible. I try to help clients gain insight into themselves and their problems and acquire better tools to deal with them.
As an experienced clinical psychologist, I help people with a wide range of problems including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career stresses, blocks in creativity, and coming to terms with difficult and traumatic life situations. I also provide parenting consultation. I firmly believe that lasting emotional change is possible. I try to help clients gain insight into themselves and their problems and acquire better tools to deal with them.
(415) 440-2826 View (415) 440-2826
Photo of Alison Newvine, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Alison Newvine
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
Our work together will honor what's unique about you and your relationship while contextualizing your struggles within the cultural context.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationships? Are you longing for deeper connection? Are you tired of feeling misunderstood? Relationships are central to our sense of self and well-being. Our earliest wounding happened in connection, or in the absence of connection that was needed. Intimate relationships become the site of rewounding, disappointment and resentment due to each partner's previous wounding, trauma and coping mechanism. Actually, this is normal! And it isn't the end of your story. We can work together one on one to focus on your healing or I can work with you and your partner, sibling or friend in relationship therapy.
Our work together will honor what's unique about you and your relationship while contextualizing your struggles within the cultural context.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationships? Are you longing for deeper connection? Are you tired of feeling misunderstood? Relationships are central to our sense of self and well-being. Our earliest wounding happened in connection, or in the absence of connection that was needed. Intimate relationships become the site of rewounding, disappointment and resentment due to each partner's previous wounding, trauma and coping mechanism. Actually, this is normal! And it isn't the end of your story. We can work together one on one to focus on your healing or I can work with you and your partner, sibling or friend in relationship therapy.
(415) 364-8152 View (415) 364-8152
Photo of S. L. McIntyre, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
S. L. McIntyre
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94108
Are you an emerging professional experiencing anxiety, relationship distress, or dissociation? Are you often hypervigilant, insecure or disconnected from your body? Do you feel you can't trust yourself? Are you aware of self-defeating behaviors, but can't seem to change them? You may have had a "late-in-life" diagnosis, realized your gender or even childhood weren’t what you thought they were. You may have had a recent breakup, job change, newborn or Saturn Return. Wherever you’re at, you want long-lasting change and a Right-Fit Therapist. Someone who is not only Neurodivergent-affirming, but who is Neurodivergent themself.
Are you an emerging professional experiencing anxiety, relationship distress, or dissociation? Are you often hypervigilant, insecure or disconnected from your body? Do you feel you can't trust yourself? Are you aware of self-defeating behaviors, but can't seem to change them? You may have had a "late-in-life" diagnosis, realized your gender or even childhood weren’t what you thought they were. You may have had a recent breakup, job change, newborn or Saturn Return. Wherever you’re at, you want long-lasting change and a Right-Fit Therapist. Someone who is not only Neurodivergent-affirming, but who is Neurodivergent themself.
(628) 345-8907 View (628) 345-8907
Photo of Nandini Sodera, Marriage & Family Therapist in Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA
Nandini Sodera
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
My specialties include working with clients experiencing life transitions, grief and loss, divorce, SMC, infertility, postpartum depression, relationship issues, and immigration/adjustment issues.
My approach is empathetic, compassionate, analytical and straightforward. I have a decade of experience in working with various specialties but the principal of my work has been to go deep and connect the conscious to the unconscious. With kindness, warmth and humor I provide a safe and supportive environment in therapy.
My specialties include working with clients experiencing life transitions, grief and loss, divorce, SMC, infertility, postpartum depression, relationship issues, and immigration/adjustment issues.
My approach is empathetic, compassionate, analytical and straightforward. I have a decade of experience in working with various specialties but the principal of my work has been to go deep and connect the conscious to the unconscious. With kindness, warmth and humor I provide a safe and supportive environment in therapy.
(415) 360-3353 View (415) 360-3353

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.