Therapists in Santa Monica, CA

Photo of Sally Hackman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Sally Hackman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
With couples, I help each person to understand what they and their partner bring to the relationship so they can find a more effective way of understanding each other, being with each other and communicating.
People are my passion! Is life for you or your child not going the way you'd like? In a supportive and confidential environment we can work together to identify the obstacles that are in the way of life being all that you want for yourself, your relationships, or your child. There are many approaches to psychotherapy, but research indicates that the patient-therapist relationship is a crucial factor. The beginning of therapy is creating that relationship and building trust. My focus is the present but I use the past that lives inside you to free you from its influence.
With couples, I help each person to understand what they and their partner bring to the relationship so they can find a more effective way of understanding each other, being with each other and communicating.
People are my passion! Is life for you or your child not going the way you'd like? In a supportive and confidential environment we can work together to identify the obstacles that are in the way of life being all that you want for yourself, your relationships, or your child. There are many approaches to psychotherapy, but research indicates that the patient-therapist relationship is a crucial factor. The beginning of therapy is creating that relationship and building trust. My focus is the present but I use the past that lives inside you to free you from its influence.
(310) 846-8118 View (310) 846-8118
Photo of The Saturday Center for Psychotherapy, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
The Saturday Center for Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
"Being listened to." That is the experience of being at the Saturday Center: intensely, deeply, actively, empathically listened to; seen, heard and understood. For over 30 years we have provided this type of counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. TSC is committed to dynamic psychotherapy and to providing treatment based on need rather than economics. The Center is staffed by advanced psychological interns, psychological assistants and marriage & family therapist interns who are supervised by a group of experienced, licensed private practitioners dedicated to the practice and teaching of psychotherapy.
"Being listened to." That is the experience of being at the Saturday Center: intensely, deeply, actively, empathically listened to; seen, heard and understood. For over 30 years we have provided this type of counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families. TSC is committed to dynamic psychotherapy and to providing treatment based on need rather than economics. The Center is staffed by advanced psychological interns, psychological assistants and marriage & family therapist interns who are supervised by a group of experienced, licensed private practitioners dedicated to the practice and teaching of psychotherapy.
(310) 879-5804 View (310) 879-5804
Photo of Valeriya Pestrikova, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Monica, CA
Valeriya Pestrikova
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405  (Online Only)
Dedicated to empowering couples and individuals, I specialize in addressing relationship challenges, intimacy concerns, and sexual dysfunctions. Whether you're seeking deeper connection, understanding in your partnership, or navigating personal challenges around sexuality and intimacy, my practice offers a supportive space for growth and healing. Embracing the LGBTQ+ community, polyamorous individuals, sex workers, and BDSM/kink explorers, I'm here to support your journey towards fulfilling relationships and sexual wellness. Together, let's unlock the path to deeper fulfillment and joy.
Dedicated to empowering couples and individuals, I specialize in addressing relationship challenges, intimacy concerns, and sexual dysfunctions. Whether you're seeking deeper connection, understanding in your partnership, or navigating personal challenges around sexuality and intimacy, my practice offers a supportive space for growth and healing. Embracing the LGBTQ+ community, polyamorous individuals, sex workers, and BDSM/kink explorers, I'm here to support your journey towards fulfilling relationships and sexual wellness. Together, let's unlock the path to deeper fulfillment and joy.
(424) 392-6764 View (424) 392-6764
Photo of Mary Linda Williams, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Mary Linda Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, phase-of-life issues, marital conflict, family dysfunction, job stress? Are you interested in learning ways to find relief and create changes that lead to greater peace and balance in mental and emotional functioning in your personal, family and relationship life?
Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, phase-of-life issues, marital conflict, family dysfunction, job stress? Are you interested in learning ways to find relief and create changes that lead to greater peace and balance in mental and emotional functioning in your personal, family and relationship life?
(323) 918-5771 View (323) 918-5771
Photo of Savannah Shizuko Okada, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Monica, CA
Savannah Shizuko Okada
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, APCC, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
On the outside, you make success look easy, though it comes at a cost. You hide parts of yourself, which leaves you wrestling with overwhelm, anxiety, and self-esteem. You may even feel an internal game of tug of war. My goal is to help alleviate the struggles and difficulties you've been carrying alone by providing a caring and welcoming space. Together, we will look at various parts of yourself and find what's not working, so new patterns can emerge by deepening insight and finding pragmatic solutions. I enjoy helping clients improve communication, understand emotions, and create a healthy relationship with themselves and others.
On the outside, you make success look easy, though it comes at a cost. You hide parts of yourself, which leaves you wrestling with overwhelm, anxiety, and self-esteem. You may even feel an internal game of tug of war. My goal is to help alleviate the struggles and difficulties you've been carrying alone by providing a caring and welcoming space. Together, we will look at various parts of yourself and find what's not working, so new patterns can emerge by deepening insight and finding pragmatic solutions. I enjoy helping clients improve communication, understand emotions, and create a healthy relationship with themselves and others.
(310) 873-6754 View (310) 873-6754
Photo of Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
(424) 246-2494 View (424) 246-2494
Photo of Olya Baramidze, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Monica, CA
Olya Baramidze
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Are you getting overwhelmed trying to cultivate healthy relationships and a balanced life? Challenges in life and relationships often create stress and uncertainty, leaving us feeling disconnected and anxious. However, through self-compassion and mindfulness, we can find our way to feeling more connected and grounded. Imagine rediscovering that sense of calm and connection within yourself and with others. I incorporate a holistic and collaborative approach in guiding individuals and couples to process their experiences and gain skills to live a more authentic life.
Are you getting overwhelmed trying to cultivate healthy relationships and a balanced life? Challenges in life and relationships often create stress and uncertainty, leaving us feeling disconnected and anxious. However, through self-compassion and mindfulness, we can find our way to feeling more connected and grounded. Imagine rediscovering that sense of calm and connection within yourself and with others. I incorporate a holistic and collaborative approach in guiding individuals and couples to process their experiences and gain skills to live a more authentic life.
(424) 417-6179 View (424) 417-6179
Photo of Maxine J Dusig, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Maxine J Dusig, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Specialties are helping individuals and couples to better understand themselves.
It is a privilege to work with you. I am committed to assist you in discovering any emotional issues that may be troubling. Some of the issues may be relationships, depression, anxiety or any crisis. I am understanding of life's difficulties. I will help you discover how they are affecting you. You will gain more knowledge about yourself as well as others. You may need to learn new tools in managing difficult situations. I will help you to grow, gain more knowledge of yourself, and to set better boundaries In communication. I look forward to meeting with you and establishing a good working relationship.
Specialties are helping individuals and couples to better understand themselves.
It is a privilege to work with you. I am committed to assist you in discovering any emotional issues that may be troubling. Some of the issues may be relationships, depression, anxiety or any crisis. I am understanding of life's difficulties. I will help you discover how they are affecting you. You will gain more knowledge about yourself as well as others. You may need to learn new tools in managing difficult situations. I will help you to grow, gain more knowledge of yourself, and to set better boundaries In communication. I look forward to meeting with you and establishing a good working relationship.
(310) 828-2323 View (310) 828-2323
Photo of Maija E Vance, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Monica, CA
Maija E Vance
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401  (Online Only)
I work with couples, adults and teens.
If you are feeling exhausted and hopeless about your situation, you are not alone. I will join with you to explore where you've gotten stuck and how you might move forward. My style is warm and caring, and I hope to create a space where you feel more and more at home week after week. I care deeply for my clients, and will truly come alongside you in your journey. I also have faith in the therapeutic process, and that you will uncover profound truths about yourself as we work together.
I work with couples, adults and teens.
If you are feeling exhausted and hopeless about your situation, you are not alone. I will join with you to explore where you've gotten stuck and how you might move forward. My style is warm and caring, and I hope to create a space where you feel more and more at home week after week. I care deeply for my clients, and will truly come alongside you in your journey. I also have faith in the therapeutic process, and that you will uncover profound truths about yourself as we work together.
(626) 268-0240 x435 View (626) 268-0240 x435
Photo of Lori Shnorhokian, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Lori Shnorhokian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
I provide a safe environment and compassionate, non-judgmental counseling to help you explore the personal and relationship challenges you are facing and begin working toward lasting solutions. Whether you are looking for personal growth, relationship healing or overall support, I can help you to more clearly understand why you are struggling and what steps you can take to feel more confident and in control of your life. When you develop new coping skills, you give yourself the resources and confidence you need to effectively manage challenges rather than giving into unhealthy compulsions and negative self-talk.
I provide a safe environment and compassionate, non-judgmental counseling to help you explore the personal and relationship challenges you are facing and begin working toward lasting solutions. Whether you are looking for personal growth, relationship healing or overall support, I can help you to more clearly understand why you are struggling and what steps you can take to feel more confident and in control of your life. When you develop new coping skills, you give yourself the resources and confidence you need to effectively manage challenges rather than giving into unhealthy compulsions and negative self-talk.
(424) 276-6330 View (424) 276-6330
Photo of Corye Goodman Pike, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Corye Goodman Pike
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Not Verified Not Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
It feels as though our lives have transitioned overnight due to current events. This time can be especially challenging if you were already in the midst of a life transition. Whether you just had a new baby, recently got married or divorced, love someone struggling with addiction, or went through a traumatic event; a sexual assault, medical crisis or are in the grieving process, I can offer support and expertise. I'm especially seasoned in working with trauma and helping folks navigate their interpersonal relationships and relationship to self. Collaboration, awareness, and transformation are key components to my therapy practice.
It feels as though our lives have transitioned overnight due to current events. This time can be especially challenging if you were already in the midst of a life transition. Whether you just had a new baby, recently got married or divorced, love someone struggling with addiction, or went through a traumatic event; a sexual assault, medical crisis or are in the grieving process, I can offer support and expertise. I'm especially seasoned in working with trauma and helping folks navigate their interpersonal relationships and relationship to self. Collaboration, awareness, and transformation are key components to my therapy practice.
(424) 581-1156 View (424) 581-1156
Photo of Daniel C. Slavin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Daniel C. Slavin
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Individuals and couples who wish to strengthen their relationship or salvage a damaged relationship will benefit from my teaching effective communication.
If your goals or dreams have drifted, seem out of reach, or you just feel stuck, I can help navigate you to a better understanding of yourself for permanent change. I learn to speak your individual language, to help and coach you to live a more manageable and meaningful life. I take a goal-oriented approach to psychotherapy. My innovative techniques help to empower patients to learn the tools and strategies they need to navigate through life challenges. I will assist you in defining achievable goals and will help you learn simple, understandable procedures that will become second nature to help you reach those goals.
Individuals and couples who wish to strengthen their relationship or salvage a damaged relationship will benefit from my teaching effective communication.
If your goals or dreams have drifted, seem out of reach, or you just feel stuck, I can help navigate you to a better understanding of yourself for permanent change. I learn to speak your individual language, to help and coach you to live a more manageable and meaningful life. I take a goal-oriented approach to psychotherapy. My innovative techniques help to empower patients to learn the tools and strategies they need to navigate through life challenges. I will assist you in defining achievable goals and will help you learn simple, understandable procedures that will become second nature to help you reach those goals.
(424) 286-4938 View (424) 286-4938
Photo of David Ibrahim, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
David Ibrahim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LAADC, EMDR , EYRT500, ISTDP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues, phobia, panic, anxiety, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated Psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues, phobia, panic, anxiety, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated Psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.
(805) 420-7531 View (805) 420-7531
Photo of Alice Kuhns, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Monica, CA
Alice Kuhns
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90405
My therapeutic style is eclectic and collaborative, meaning I attune to your specific needs and goals, and together we can build a safe relationship.
Does it feel like something is off in your life? Maybe you have reached major milestones, or find yourself overachieving, but still question your sense of self and self-worth. Sometimes our past experiences are influencing the way that we relate to ourselves, and others. If you are curious to make those connections, and create new ones, I can help.
My therapeutic style is eclectic and collaborative, meaning I attune to your specific needs and goals, and together we can build a safe relationship.
Does it feel like something is off in your life? Maybe you have reached major milestones, or find yourself overachieving, but still question your sense of self and self-worth. Sometimes our past experiences are influencing the way that we relate to ourselves, and others. If you are curious to make those connections, and create new ones, I can help.
(310) 742-9396 View (310) 742-9396
Photo of Sheherezad Shashaani, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Sheherezad Shashaani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403  (Online Only)
Is life too stressful for you? Is your relationship suffering? Do you feel depressed, anxious, or angry due to individual, relationship, family or career issues? Are you concerned about achieving your goals, and wonder about meaning of your life? Has this affected your self esteem and hope for resolving your issues? If so, you will find me compassionate, understanding, comfortable and safe in helping you connect to the strength within you. Together we will work to bring about healing and improve the quality of your life. I am a Jungian oriented psychotherapist specializing in working with individuals, couples, and children.
Is life too stressful for you? Is your relationship suffering? Do you feel depressed, anxious, or angry due to individual, relationship, family or career issues? Are you concerned about achieving your goals, and wonder about meaning of your life? Has this affected your self esteem and hope for resolving your issues? If so, you will find me compassionate, understanding, comfortable and safe in helping you connect to the strength within you. Together we will work to bring about healing and improve the quality of your life. I am a Jungian oriented psychotherapist specializing in working with individuals, couples, and children.
(424) 329-6941 View (424) 329-6941
Photo of Shimul Hyder, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Santa Monica, CA
Shimul Hyder
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Are you feeling totally overwhelmed and anxious in your relationship, work or life right now? Have you been showing up for everyone for so long, all the while feeling like you have been slowly losing parts of yourself in the process? Do you feel like you can no longer cope? You are unsure if therapy is really going to help you move out of this challenging place that can often feel so hopeless and lonely. The stress and uncertainties can leave you feeling frustrated and depleted. You feel disconnected, like you are just going through the motions, not feeling much, and neglecting what you truly need in order to feel alive again.
Are you feeling totally overwhelmed and anxious in your relationship, work or life right now? Have you been showing up for everyone for so long, all the while feeling like you have been slowly losing parts of yourself in the process? Do you feel like you can no longer cope? You are unsure if therapy is really going to help you move out of this challenging place that can often feel so hopeless and lonely. The stress and uncertainties can leave you feeling frustrated and depleted. You feel disconnected, like you are just going through the motions, not feeling much, and neglecting what you truly need in order to feel alive again.
(424) 500-5671 View (424) 500-5671
Photo of Niaz Khani, Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA
Niaz Khani
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I specialize in relationship issues, trauma, depression, anxiety and adjustment to various life transitions.
I understand that seeking therapy may be a very difficult process, however what you can gain from the process is limitless. If you are feeling stuck and interested in making some changes in your life or just need some support right now, this may be a good time to give therapy a try. It's very important to feel safe and connected to your therapist and I encourage you to shop around for the "best-fit." I welcome you to contact me in order to determine whether we would be a good match.
I specialize in relationship issues, trauma, depression, anxiety and adjustment to various life transitions.
I understand that seeking therapy may be a very difficult process, however what you can gain from the process is limitless. If you are feeling stuck and interested in making some changes in your life or just need some support right now, this may be a good time to give therapy a try. It's very important to feel safe and connected to your therapist and I encourage you to shop around for the "best-fit." I welcome you to contact me in order to determine whether we would be a good match.
(323) 617-4383 View (323) 617-4383
Photo of Iris Nathaniel, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Iris Nathaniel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I believe the relationship between the client and therapist is of outmost importance.
I'm a holistic psychotherapist , with training in mind body modalities. I practice a unique blend of psychodynamic therapy combined with somatic modalities such as sensorymotor psychotherapy and EMDR. Sessions are individually crafted to fit each individual's needs at the moment of seeking help while relaying not only on cognitive restructuring and and uncovering unconscious emotions but also draws from the natural intelligence of the body and the most recent neuroscience, in order to heal past traumas , undo maladaptive patterns and create an empowered and fulfilling life. I am engaged and active during sessions and a partner on your road towards health and vitality.
I believe the relationship between the client and therapist is of outmost importance.
I'm a holistic psychotherapist , with training in mind body modalities. I practice a unique blend of psychodynamic therapy combined with somatic modalities such as sensorymotor psychotherapy and EMDR. Sessions are individually crafted to fit each individual's needs at the moment of seeking help while relaying not only on cognitive restructuring and and uncovering unconscious emotions but also draws from the natural intelligence of the body and the most recent neuroscience, in order to heal past traumas , undo maladaptive patterns and create an empowered and fulfilling life. I am engaged and active during sessions and a partner on your road towards health and vitality.
(424) 346-6216 View (424) 346-6216
Photo of Leyla S. Bell, Ph.D., Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Leyla S. Bell, Ph.D.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90401
I welcome adults and couples, in person at my office, or online on telehealth.
I work with those wanting to find a way forward from "stuckness" and inner conflicts, coping with disappointment, illness, loss, and grieving. I can help with better understanding and resolving your challenges, handling anxiety, alleviating depression, exploring their root causes and larger unconscious meaning, and feeling more at home with yourself, in your skin. I can help with making sense of the imprints left by your lived experiences and making the changes that you want in your life.
I welcome adults and couples, in person at my office, or online on telehealth.
I work with those wanting to find a way forward from "stuckness" and inner conflicts, coping with disappointment, illness, loss, and grieving. I can help with better understanding and resolving your challenges, handling anxiety, alleviating depression, exploring their root causes and larger unconscious meaning, and feeling more at home with yourself, in your skin. I can help with making sense of the imprints left by your lived experiences and making the changes that you want in your life.
(323) 377-6033 View (323) 377-6033
Photo of Nay Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA
Nay Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, BCBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I specializes in MFT and ABA. While working with clients, I supports their work by identifying behavior patterns, identifying healthy replacement behaviors, and support my client’s understanding of emotional and cognitive states. Through the understanding of the self, my clients learn how their behaviors impact their environments. And more importantly how they can make changes to enhance their life, relationships, and experiences in their daily environments. I have experience working with adults, couples, groups, and children.
I specializes in MFT and ABA. While working with clients, I supports their work by identifying behavior patterns, identifying healthy replacement behaviors, and support my client’s understanding of emotional and cognitive states. Through the understanding of the self, my clients learn how their behaviors impact their environments. And more importantly how they can make changes to enhance their life, relationships, and experiences in their daily environments. I have experience working with adults, couples, groups, and children.
(424) 329-4718 View (424) 329-4718

See more therapy options for Santa Monica

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.