Photo of Lewis Scott Peterson, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Lewis Scott Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MDiv
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I truly enjoy working with couples and seek to provide an environment that restores both hope and enjoyment within the relationship.
I became a therapist to help individuals and couples successfully navigate the difficulties of life and relationships. I provide a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment for each of my clients so that they might move towards healing and growth in their lives. My passion is to help individuals and couples find the intimacy they desire by uncovering specific patterns and obstacles to intimacy and building on their strengths so that they have the relationships they truly desire.
I truly enjoy working with couples and seek to provide an environment that restores both hope and enjoyment within the relationship.
I became a therapist to help individuals and couples successfully navigate the difficulties of life and relationships. I provide a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment for each of my clients so that they might move towards healing and growth in their lives. My passion is to help individuals and couples find the intimacy they desire by uncovering specific patterns and obstacles to intimacy and building on their strengths so that they have the relationships they truly desire.
(805) 246-9456 View (805) 246-9456
Photo of Lifespan Therapy- Jennifer Sale, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Lifespan Therapy- Jennifer Sale, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders, trauma, relationship issues, and codependency.
Do you ever wonder why you have anxiety, nervous tension, mood fluctuations, an inability to concentrate, or a lack of motivation? There are reasons for symptoms such as these, some of which may be environmental, including past trauma or adverse childhood experiences, some biological or hereditary and some related to current stressors. But it is important to have an understanding of these factors, as this type of knowledge is power. In my practice, I offer supportive, compassionate counseling that encourages insight and understanding on the part of my clients, but is also solution-focused with feedback and guidance where needed.
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders, trauma, relationship issues, and codependency.
Do you ever wonder why you have anxiety, nervous tension, mood fluctuations, an inability to concentrate, or a lack of motivation? There are reasons for symptoms such as these, some of which may be environmental, including past trauma or adverse childhood experiences, some biological or hereditary and some related to current stressors. But it is important to have an understanding of these factors, as this type of knowledge is power. In my practice, I offer supportive, compassionate counseling that encourages insight and understanding on the part of my clients, but is also solution-focused with feedback and guidance where needed.
(805) 272-7682 View (805) 272-7682
Photo of Lori Maggelet Eister, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Lori Maggelet Eister
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Maybe you feel stuck and want to move forward? Or are struggling with strong emotions? Or need skills for being more effective in your relationship? Or managing depression, anxiety or an addiction?.
Hello! My name is Lori and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I have worked in the counseling profession for the past 20 or so years.
Maybe you feel stuck and want to move forward? Or are struggling with strong emotions? Or need skills for being more effective in your relationship? Or managing depression, anxiety or an addiction?.
Hello! My name is Lori and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I have worked in the counseling profession for the past 20 or so years.
(805) 669-9308 View (805) 669-9308
Photo of Terri J Clarke, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Terri J Clarke
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Each of you bring neurobiological, temperamental, patterns of reactivity and family history differences to the relationship.
Failing to get help, many divorced people regret that they gave up too soon. As a marriage specialist for over two decades, you can trust that you are in the care of a competent advocate for your marriage. Every marriage faces the power struggle -it's supposed to happen. Too many quit their marriage at this crucial time. Not giving yourselves the opportunity to work through this painful stage could be a tragedy because this very stage carries the seeds of true character growth and healing. An affair, dishonesty, conflict, or stress can rob you of the feelings of attunement.
Each of you bring neurobiological, temperamental, patterns of reactivity and family history differences to the relationship.
Failing to get help, many divorced people regret that they gave up too soon. As a marriage specialist for over two decades, you can trust that you are in the care of a competent advocate for your marriage. Every marriage faces the power struggle -it's supposed to happen. Too many quit their marriage at this crucial time. Not giving yourselves the opportunity to work through this painful stage could be a tragedy because this very stage carries the seeds of true character growth and healing. An affair, dishonesty, conflict, or stress can rob you of the feelings of attunement.
(805) 980-7946 View (805) 980-7946
Photo of David C. Lichti, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
David C. Lichti, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
IFS with couples, goes straight to the excessive reactions we have to our partners, by focusing on what is behind our excessive reactions, getting to the overly protective parts of us that are overly defending our vulnerable selves from potential attack.
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
IFS with couples, goes straight to the excessive reactions we have to our partners, by focusing on what is behind our excessive reactions, getting to the overly protective parts of us that are overly defending our vulnerable selves from potential attack.
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
(805) 250-4605 View (805) 250-4605
Photo of Debbie Whitney, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Debbie Whitney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Debbie (licensed as Deborah Whitney) provides caring therapy to individuals and couples. From serving community members at a non-profit mental health agency and private practice to three decades of teaching preschool—a variety of life experience makes her a kind therapeutic partner to support children, adolescents, and adults. Beyond motherhood and postpartum issues, areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, phase of life transitions, parenting skills and relational challenges.
Debbie (licensed as Deborah Whitney) provides caring therapy to individuals and couples. From serving community members at a non-profit mental health agency and private practice to three decades of teaching preschool—a variety of life experience makes her a kind therapeutic partner to support children, adolescents, and adults. Beyond motherhood and postpartum issues, areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, phase of life transitions, parenting skills and relational challenges.
(805) 321-1961 View (805) 321-1961
Photo of Jennifer Woodward, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Jennifer Woodward
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Waitlist for new clients
My ideal clients are LGBTQI, gender variances, alcohol and addiction ,parents of children with problem behaviors, young adults and adults, deal with realities of love whomever that light might shine. I enjoy working with couples; you didn't get the manual with your relationship but it's not too late. I also love working with individuals on the path to spiritual awakening.
My ideal clients are LGBTQI, gender variances, alcohol and addiction ,parents of children with problem behaviors, young adults and adults, deal with realities of love whomever that light might shine. I enjoy working with couples; you didn't get the manual with your relationship but it's not too late. I also love working with individuals on the path to spiritual awakening.
(805) 467-6526 View (805) 467-6526
Photo of Susan Hirsch, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Susan Hirsch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I am a practical Cognitive Behavioral Therapist who provides a comfortable, supportive atmosphere where clients can achieve personal growth. One of my areas of specialty is working with individuals, couples and families on issues of bereavement, including suicide, and anticipatory grief. I also help couples to reconnect emotionally and help improve communication in families. Other areas of focus include treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma and recovery from abuse. For senior managers and professionals I provide high-performance counseling to optimize performance and personal success. With sensitivity and compassion, I work with each individual to help them achieve their treatment goals.
I am a practical Cognitive Behavioral Therapist who provides a comfortable, supportive atmosphere where clients can achieve personal growth. One of my areas of specialty is working with individuals, couples and families on issues of bereavement, including suicide, and anticipatory grief. I also help couples to reconnect emotionally and help improve communication in families. Other areas of focus include treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma and recovery from abuse. For senior managers and professionals I provide high-performance counseling to optimize performance and personal success. With sensitivity and compassion, I work with each individual to help them achieve their treatment goals.
(805) 350-7948 View (805) 350-7948
Photo of Benjamin Rea, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Benjamin Rea
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MS
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Thank you for exploring my profile. I am accepting new clients. I see clients both in person and virtually. Licensed for 16 years, my training and experience is specialized towards working with couples and families, as well as adolescent and adult men. I utilize a direct, no-nonsense approach with notable success in treating addictions, family issues, anxiety (generalized, social, panic, etc), depression, trauma, and relationship problems. I am one of the only practitioners in San Luis Obispo County who specializes in working with men and who does family therapy.
Thank you for exploring my profile. I am accepting new clients. I see clients both in person and virtually. Licensed for 16 years, my training and experience is specialized towards working with couples and families, as well as adolescent and adult men. I utilize a direct, no-nonsense approach with notable success in treating addictions, family issues, anxiety (generalized, social, panic, etc), depression, trauma, and relationship problems. I am one of the only practitioners in San Luis Obispo County who specializes in working with men and who does family therapy.
(415) 787-3932 View (415) 787-3932
Photo of Douglas Bing, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Douglas Bing
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I tend to work with individuals and couples in a collaborative way. I attempt to assess what the goals are and explore how to get there. Generally, I see the work in a couple of phases: establishing a safe, supportive environment and secondly, attempting to provide insight for those I work with. Insight is part of it, then one must attempt to deal with some of the inevitable challenges of changing. To this end, a collaborative relationship allows for us to work at the Client's pace, with perhaps, some occasional supportive nudging.
I tend to work with individuals and couples in a collaborative way. I attempt to assess what the goals are and explore how to get there. Generally, I see the work in a couple of phases: establishing a safe, supportive environment and secondly, attempting to provide insight for those I work with. Insight is part of it, then one must attempt to deal with some of the inevitable challenges of changing. To this end, a collaborative relationship allows for us to work at the Client's pace, with perhaps, some occasional supportive nudging.
(805) 303-5122 View (805) 303-5122
Photo of Paula Defrisco, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Paula Defrisco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Waitlist for new clients
I am a San Luis Obispo therapist working extensively with adolescents, college students, adults and couples who struggle with relationship issues or who have experienced sexual abuse or domestic violence in their lives. I have also helped numerous clients struggling with depression or anxiety. I am practical and supportive in my approach. My focus has always been trauma work, and I feel great respect and admiration for my clients who have allowed me to be part of their journey to gain feelings of empowerment in their lives. Please click on my website for more information about my practice.
I am a San Luis Obispo therapist working extensively with adolescents, college students, adults and couples who struggle with relationship issues or who have experienced sexual abuse or domestic violence in their lives. I have also helped numerous clients struggling with depression or anxiety. I am practical and supportive in my approach. My focus has always been trauma work, and I feel great respect and admiration for my clients who have allowed me to be part of their journey to gain feelings of empowerment in their lives. Please click on my website for more information about my practice.
(805) 918-4816 View (805) 918-4816
Photo of Melinda Marcelluskincaid, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Melinda Marcelluskincaid
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I believe in the importance of establishing a therapeutic bond in the working relationship between client & therapist.
Do you seek more balance, understanding, connection and freedom in your relationships with yourself and others? I create a safe and supportive environment to help you through difficulties to become more positive and live with presence in acceptance and peace. Whether we work to create boundaries, increase self-esteem, decrease destructive patterns, or move through painful life experiences, together we will process what you are going through in order to obtain clarity, solutions, and personal growth. My hope is that we can find contentment in our present moment & live fully in that moment each day.
I believe in the importance of establishing a therapeutic bond in the working relationship between client & therapist.
Do you seek more balance, understanding, connection and freedom in your relationships with yourself and others? I create a safe and supportive environment to help you through difficulties to become more positive and live with presence in acceptance and peace. Whether we work to create boundaries, increase self-esteem, decrease destructive patterns, or move through painful life experiences, together we will process what you are going through in order to obtain clarity, solutions, and personal growth. My hope is that we can find contentment in our present moment & live fully in that moment each day.
(805) 367-5102 View (805) 367-5102
Photo of Tim Parker, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Luis Obispo, CA
Tim Parker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
My approach offers a validating, emotionally-attuned relationship within which you can safely explore what has happened to you, resolve distressing challenges, and clarify the actions you want to take to create healing in your life.
We never have to be stuck in distress. A greater sense of peace and control is possible for each of us to obtain within a supportive therapeutic environment. By examining our values and aligning our actions to them, we can create meaningful change. My role is to join you in working through depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship distress, unresolved emotional burdens, substance abuse, or other major life events, in order to move away from the challenges you feel are holding you back, and move towards the life you want to live.
My approach offers a validating, emotionally-attuned relationship within which you can safely explore what has happened to you, resolve distressing challenges, and clarify the actions you want to take to create healing in your life.
We never have to be stuck in distress. A greater sense of peace and control is possible for each of us to obtain within a supportive therapeutic environment. By examining our values and aligning our actions to them, we can create meaningful change. My role is to join you in working through depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship distress, unresolved emotional burdens, substance abuse, or other major life events, in order to move away from the challenges you feel are holding you back, and move towards the life you want to live.
(805) 667-0838 View (805) 667-0838
Photo of Sacred Path Holistic Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Sacred Path Holistic Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD , MA, LMFT, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
We work with individuals, college students, couples, families, and children.
Holistic & Affordable Therapy! At Sacred Path, our qualified therapists are looking forward to helping you access Your inner resources to heal, grow, and reclaim your life. With the right help you can heal from old wounds, release negative cycles and patterns, resolve symptoms of trauma and gain relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other relational issues. True healing affords us the ability to create the life that we desire. A life lived with meaning. Dr. Dolan
We work with individuals, college students, couples, families, and children.
Holistic & Affordable Therapy! At Sacred Path, our qualified therapists are looking forward to helping you access Your inner resources to heal, grow, and reclaim your life. With the right help you can heal from old wounds, release negative cycles and patterns, resolve symptoms of trauma and gain relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other relational issues. True healing affords us the ability to create the life that we desire. A life lived with meaning. Dr. Dolan
(805) 232-7580 View (805) 232-7580
Photo of Matt Traube, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Matt Traube
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I treat depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, phobias, PTSD, relationship anxiety, and anxiety related to medical problems.
My goal as a therapist is to provide a comfortable setting that allows you to get the greatest benefit from our work together. In addition to traditional office sessions, I offer flexible solutions including phone, teletherapy, or home visits. Emotional issues can trigger or make a significant contribution to anxiety, skin conditions, skin picking issues and hair pulling (trichotillomania) issues. Relaxation, visualizations, and a mixture of cognitive behavioral therapy and body-focused psychotherapy can make the difference. You can take more control by discovering how to manage your emotional triggers and by developing strategies to alleviate anxiety, skin issues, skin picking, and hair pulling.
I treat depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, phobias, PTSD, relationship anxiety, and anxiety related to medical problems.
My goal as a therapist is to provide a comfortable setting that allows you to get the greatest benefit from our work together. In addition to traditional office sessions, I offer flexible solutions including phone, teletherapy, or home visits. Emotional issues can trigger or make a significant contribution to anxiety, skin conditions, skin picking issues and hair pulling (trichotillomania) issues. Relaxation, visualizations, and a mixture of cognitive behavioral therapy and body-focused psychotherapy can make the difference. You can take more control by discovering how to manage your emotional triggers and by developing strategies to alleviate anxiety, skin issues, skin picking, and hair pulling.
(805) 628-4302 View (805) 628-4302
Photo of Suzanne Barron, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Suzanne Barron
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405  (Online Only)
I work with couples utilizing Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and am an ICEEFT Certified EFT Therapist .
These are difficult times. Whether you are sheltering in place, or out in the workplace, these unusual times can increase anxiety and depression. Online sessions are available to assist you in individual or couple counseling. Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel you have lost connection with yourself or loved ones? Change and healing are possible. It is a courageous step to begin therapy. I will encourage you and empower you to learn skills to more fully live your life.
I work with couples utilizing Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and am an ICEEFT Certified EFT Therapist .
These are difficult times. Whether you are sheltering in place, or out in the workplace, these unusual times can increase anxiety and depression. Online sessions are available to assist you in individual or couple counseling. Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel you have lost connection with yourself or loved ones? Change and healing are possible. It is a courageous step to begin therapy. I will encourage you and empower you to learn skills to more fully live your life.
(805) 256-1575 View (805) 256-1575
Photo of Kristi Ross, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Kristi Ross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC II
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Waitlist for new clients
I offer Individual, Couples, Family and Group Counseling.
Are you interested in Less Stress and more Success in your Relationships? I can help with Intelligent Therapy for Heart, Mind and Spirit. Explore the destructive patterns that help to keep you stuck. Gain new insights and understanding into your deep seated beliefs and subsequent behaviors. Discover your true nature and become empowered to be the best that you can be! In this time of The Pandemic, I have relocated my office from Atascadero to Morro Bay. I'm currently doing both in person and telehealth.
I offer Individual, Couples, Family and Group Counseling.
Are you interested in Less Stress and more Success in your Relationships? I can help with Intelligent Therapy for Heart, Mind and Spirit. Explore the destructive patterns that help to keep you stuck. Gain new insights and understanding into your deep seated beliefs and subsequent behaviors. Discover your true nature and become empowered to be the best that you can be! In this time of The Pandemic, I have relocated my office from Atascadero to Morro Bay. I'm currently doing both in person and telehealth.
(805) 466-3856 View (805) 466-3856
Photo of John Siemens, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
John Siemens
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(change your thoughts and habits) I really try to help couples rediscover the magic they once had.
There comes a time when we need help. I appreciate the courage anyone demonstrates when they make that call. I hope to create a space where individuals and families can receive that trusted assistance. I have been a therapist for thirty years. I was a tennis pro for ten years before that. I am aware of the process of change. There is a timing when an individual, or family, is ready to make those adjustments. In working with children, I involve the whole family. I especially enjoy the travels that the adolescent makes, and the perplexing attempts parents make in adjusting to this challenging phase. I work with addictions.
(change your thoughts and habits) I really try to help couples rediscover the magic they once had.
There comes a time when we need help. I appreciate the courage anyone demonstrates when they make that call. I hope to create a space where individuals and families can receive that trusted assistance. I have been a therapist for thirty years. I was a tennis pro for ten years before that. I am aware of the process of change. There is a timing when an individual, or family, is ready to make those adjustments. In working with children, I involve the whole family. I especially enjoy the travels that the adolescent makes, and the perplexing attempts parents make in adjusting to this challenging phase. I work with addictions.
(805) 250-4117 View (805) 250-4117
Photo of Halley Marie Moore, Psychologist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Halley Marie Moore
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I work with individuals (14 and up), couples, and families.
Need PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING to finally discover what is happening? Would you like to finally resolve issues within yourself/family/family business effectively and permanently? My style/approach is unique; my background lends itself well to families with small and large businesses who are trying to keep ownership a positive dynamic. Consultation in my office does not feel like another "thing to get done." If you put in effort, you'll find that our work together will be life-changing. Time is never wasted; I will listen to you while giving you the feedback you are longing for. You'll find that you grow and get stronger by the minute.
I work with individuals (14 and up), couples, and families.
Need PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING to finally discover what is happening? Would you like to finally resolve issues within yourself/family/family business effectively and permanently? My style/approach is unique; my background lends itself well to families with small and large businesses who are trying to keep ownership a positive dynamic. Consultation in my office does not feel like another "thing to get done." If you put in effort, you'll find that our work together will be life-changing. Time is never wasted; I will listen to you while giving you the feedback you are longing for. You'll find that you grow and get stronger by the minute.
(805) 319-7957 View (805) 319-7957
Photo of Dr Holli Stewart & Associates in Counseling , Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Dr Holli Stewart & Associates in Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS , MA, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dr. Holli Stewart has multiple specialties in Psychology with two Masters, PHD & 30 years of experience. w/children as young as 2 years, teens, adults & couples. Her specialties include: Play Therapy, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety w/ Panic, Family conflict (such as past or current abuse, domestic violence, & reunification), Depression, Chronic Pain, & OCD. In general self esteem, life transition skills & identifying patterns that contribute to current stressors are incorporated into care. Dr Stewart also treats anger substance & co-dependency. She’s written a psychological advice column for 24 years,taught classes and many news & radio shows.
Dr. Holli Stewart has multiple specialties in Psychology with two Masters, PHD & 30 years of experience. w/children as young as 2 years, teens, adults & couples. Her specialties include: Play Therapy, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety w/ Panic, Family conflict (such as past or current abuse, domestic violence, & reunification), Depression, Chronic Pain, & OCD. In general self esteem, life transition skills & identifying patterns that contribute to current stressors are incorporated into care. Dr Stewart also treats anger substance & co-dependency. She’s written a psychological advice column for 24 years,taught classes and many news & radio shows.
(805) 876-9092 View (805) 876-9092

See more therapy options for San Luis Obispo

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.