Photo of Allison Villarreal, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Allison Villarreal
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80303
I specialize in working with couples become securely attached through breaking old and damaging patterns and habits.
As an individual and couple therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR trained therapist and Certified Integrative Wellness and Life Coach, I believe we all possess the inner strength and ability to make positive changes in our lives. Together we can explore life events, relationship difficulties, or behavior patterns that are leaving you feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unhappy. Through our time spent together in a supportive and safe environment, I can help you to discover new insight and understanding, while learning new ways to approach life or relationship challenges.
I specialize in working with couples become securely attached through breaking old and damaging patterns and habits.
As an individual and couple therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR trained therapist and Certified Integrative Wellness and Life Coach, I believe we all possess the inner strength and ability to make positive changes in our lives. Together we can explore life events, relationship difficulties, or behavior patterns that are leaving you feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unhappy. Through our time spent together in a supportive and safe environment, I can help you to discover new insight and understanding, while learning new ways to approach life or relationship challenges.
(303) 625-6778 View (303) 625-6778
Photo of Jennifer Sleek, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Jennifer Sleek
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80301
I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Entering into therapy is an important decision, and finding the right therapist is essential to a successful experience. I believe that every person is deserving of compassion and honor, and is capable of living a rich and satisfying life. Each client is unique and very important to me, and together we will create an approach that works best for you. In our sessions, I focus on empowering emotional, physical, mental, social, and spiritual well being. I believe that we can do our best work together when we come to a shared understanding of your specific challenges and find helpful ways to work on them.
I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Entering into therapy is an important decision, and finding the right therapist is essential to a successful experience. I believe that every person is deserving of compassion and honor, and is capable of living a rich and satisfying life. Each client is unique and very important to me, and together we will create an approach that works best for you. In our sessions, I focus on empowering emotional, physical, mental, social, and spiritual well being. I believe that we can do our best work together when we come to a shared understanding of your specific challenges and find helpful ways to work on them.
(303) 625-6672 View (303) 625-6672
Photo of Leslie B. Miller, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Leslie B. Miller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80303
I bring the science and research of the Gottman method to couples counseling along with my own experience of being married for 33 years.
I am a straightforward, no-nonsense therapist who focuses on YOUR issues and gets you results! Are you exhausted from not being heard in your relationship? Do you and your partner fight instead of communicating? Perhaps you are wondering if you have a problem with alcohol or drugs. Or maybe you’re feeling depressed, anxious, or just wanting to make a change in your life. I help clients find their way through such problems and guide them with individualized solutions; every client is different. I try to make counseling a fun and engaging process so that you’ll WANT to come to therapy, not dread it!
I bring the science and research of the Gottman method to couples counseling along with my own experience of being married for 33 years.
I am a straightforward, no-nonsense therapist who focuses on YOUR issues and gets you results! Are you exhausted from not being heard in your relationship? Do you and your partner fight instead of communicating? Perhaps you are wondering if you have a problem with alcohol or drugs. Or maybe you’re feeling depressed, anxious, or just wanting to make a change in your life. I help clients find their way through such problems and guide them with individualized solutions; every client is different. I try to make counseling a fun and engaging process so that you’ll WANT to come to therapy, not dread it!
(720) 613-2539 View (720) 613-2539
Photo of Rosa Dinelli, Registered Psychotherapist in Boulder, CO
Rosa Dinelli
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80302
Are you looking for a couples therapist who will support you in being heard, seen and creating a secure and intimate relationship? I help couples stay connected, repair old hurts and nurture their love.
A healthy and connected relationship lays the foundation for a vibrant and meaningful life. If issues with conflict, parenting, infidelity, money, housework or past hurts are clouding your marriage, couples therapy will offer you more clarity and compassion for yourself and part. In individual therapy, I can support you in self discovery, unwinding harmful patterns, and processing trauma. Inviting and integrating all parts of your experience increases presence and availability for your family, work and relationships.
Are you looking for a couples therapist who will support you in being heard, seen and creating a secure and intimate relationship? I help couples stay connected, repair old hurts and nurture their love.
A healthy and connected relationship lays the foundation for a vibrant and meaningful life. If issues with conflict, parenting, infidelity, money, housework or past hurts are clouding your marriage, couples therapy will offer you more clarity and compassion for yourself and part. In individual therapy, I can support you in self discovery, unwinding harmful patterns, and processing trauma. Inviting and integrating all parts of your experience increases presence and availability for your family, work and relationships.
(720) 664-6927 View (720) 664-6927
Photo of Ayla Maduzia, Pre-Licensed Professional in Boulder, CO
Ayla Maduzia
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80302  (Online Only)
My biggest hope is to help you create a deeper awareness of yourself in order to nurture the relationship within, and with those around you. I view therapy as a collaborative process and relationship. I believe that you are the expert of your own life. I welcome feedback! If you’re ever wondering where we’re going, or what I’m doing - please ask. The therapeutic process should not be a secret, and I’m happy to share information with you along the way.
My biggest hope is to help you create a deeper awareness of yourself in order to nurture the relationship within, and with those around you. I view therapy as a collaborative process and relationship. I believe that you are the expert of your own life. I welcome feedback! If you’re ever wondering where we’re going, or what I’m doing - please ask. The therapeutic process should not be a secret, and I’m happy to share information with you along the way.
(720) 664-5347 View (720) 664-5347
Photo of Galeet Gollan-Farrow (Spiritual Development), Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Galeet Gollan-Farrow (Spiritual Development)
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80302  (Online Only)
I hope my words resonate with you and I look forward to building a strong relationship from which to do our most sacred inner work.
Hello and thank you for viewing my profile. I have always had a bit of a different approach to healing than traditional therapy. My studies have been both in counseling and in spiritual arts, including astrology, chakras and energy/sound healing. Each of us has certain patterns, ways we exist in this world. Healing blockages frees you from past traumas and current emotional patterns. I can help you to shift your life to more ease, joy and peace through understanding and release. The work isn’t always easy but it is always worth it! Please Note: My physical location is in Az, I am licensed in CO and can meet with you Online Only!
I hope my words resonate with you and I look forward to building a strong relationship from which to do our most sacred inner work.
Hello and thank you for viewing my profile. I have always had a bit of a different approach to healing than traditional therapy. My studies have been both in counseling and in spiritual arts, including astrology, chakras and energy/sound healing. Each of us has certain patterns, ways we exist in this world. Healing blockages frees you from past traumas and current emotional patterns. I can help you to shift your life to more ease, joy and peace through understanding and release. The work isn’t always easy but it is always worth it! Please Note: My physical location is in Az, I am licensed in CO and can meet with you Online Only!
(720) 571-4060 View (720) 571-4060
Photo of Kim Kluger-Bell, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Boulder, CO
Kim Kluger-Bell, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80302
I have many years of experience helping couples and individuals in how to resolve conflicts relating to infertility, pregnancy, postpartum mood disorders.
There is nothing I enjoy more than helping people improve their lives and relationships; feel less stressed and more content. I take a down-to-earth approach that focuses on your particular needs, desires and goals. Then we come up with a plan for how to enable you to meet your goals. This involves finding out what is blocking you from having the kind of life you want, and taking the steps to overcome those obstacles. Once you understand the source of your difficulties, and have an ally to help you make the necessary changes, anything is possible.
I have many years of experience helping couples and individuals in how to resolve conflicts relating to infertility, pregnancy, postpartum mood disorders.
There is nothing I enjoy more than helping people improve their lives and relationships; feel less stressed and more content. I take a down-to-earth approach that focuses on your particular needs, desires and goals. Then we come up with a plan for how to enable you to meet your goals. This involves finding out what is blocking you from having the kind of life you want, and taking the steps to overcome those obstacles. Once you understand the source of your difficulties, and have an ally to help you make the necessary changes, anything is possible.
(303) 622-3229 View (303) 622-3229
Photo of Madison Kennedy, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Boulder, CO
Madison Kennedy
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, APCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80301  (Online Only)
I will meet you where you are and help you develop a healthy relationship with yourself and others.
Is your teen struggling but you’re not sure how to help? Are you having a hard time connecting with them? Or maybe you're an adult who had a particularly difficult childhood you'd like to work through? Our childhood can be filled with ups and downs, and we need someone we can trust to unpack it with. My approach is modern, honest, and empathetic. Together we'll challenge negative thinking patterns and build confidence, while also supporting you with the tools you need to feel more connected - to your teen, your parents, or yourself. I strive to build a welcoming environment that is worth your time and investment.
I will meet you where you are and help you develop a healthy relationship with yourself and others.
Is your teen struggling but you’re not sure how to help? Are you having a hard time connecting with them? Or maybe you're an adult who had a particularly difficult childhood you'd like to work through? Our childhood can be filled with ups and downs, and we need someone we can trust to unpack it with. My approach is modern, honest, and empathetic. Together we'll challenge negative thinking patterns and build confidence, while also supporting you with the tools you need to feel more connected - to your teen, your parents, or yourself. I strive to build a welcoming environment that is worth your time and investment.
(720) 487-1056 View (720) 487-1056
Photo of Matthew Clausen — Accepting New Clients, Counselor in Boulder, CO
Matthew Clausen — Accepting New Clients
Counselor, MFTC, LPCC, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80305
Finding a good therapist is hard! Maybe you're feeling stuck right now with relationship issues, parenting struggles, or family trouble. Or maybe you're looking for individual therapy related to anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or another mental health topic. We'll work together to make things better for you. Using proven, research-backed therapy practices, we'll build a calm, secure space to work through and resolve the deeper issues that feel so overwhelming right now. Life doesn't have to be a struggle every day. Let's work together to make it better. I have some available times we can meet.
Finding a good therapist is hard! Maybe you're feeling stuck right now with relationship issues, parenting struggles, or family trouble. Or maybe you're looking for individual therapy related to anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, or another mental health topic. We'll work together to make things better for you. Using proven, research-backed therapy practices, we'll build a calm, secure space to work through and resolve the deeper issues that feel so overwhelming right now. Life doesn't have to be a struggle every day. Let's work together to make it better. I have some available times we can meet.
(303) 529-2832 View (303) 529-2832
Photo of Dustin Hiles, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Dustin Hiles
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, MEd, MLS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80306  (Online Only)
In this way, I work with individuals/couples using the non-verbal frameworks, lenses, and skills with which I am familiar--not to build more boxes, nor just devise more fancy ways to categorize & judge--but rather to open, and explore collaboratively, more facets of what may be going on for you (in terms of YOUR OWN body, mind, spirit, and emotions.
I find therapy most potent, important, and meaningful when there is a mix of: compassion/spaciousness (non-judgment); curiosity/levity (as appropriate); & choicefulness. From my background in Somatic Counseling/Body Psychotherapy, I make use of my own body, and body-based (a.k.a. somatic) tracking, applied moment-to-moment in the room with clients. Sometimes this is as simple as noticing the breath, or bringing attention (and other options) to bear when something shifts. There are also many extensive toolboxes of potential somatic interventions that expand the range, and the richness, of what a session together may include.
In this way, I work with individuals/couples using the non-verbal frameworks, lenses, and skills with which I am familiar--not to build more boxes, nor just devise more fancy ways to categorize & judge--but rather to open, and explore collaboratively, more facets of what may be going on for you (in terms of YOUR OWN body, mind, spirit, and emotions.
I find therapy most potent, important, and meaningful when there is a mix of: compassion/spaciousness (non-judgment); curiosity/levity (as appropriate); & choicefulness. From my background in Somatic Counseling/Body Psychotherapy, I make use of my own body, and body-based (a.k.a. somatic) tracking, applied moment-to-moment in the room with clients. Sometimes this is as simple as noticing the breath, or bringing attention (and other options) to bear when something shifts. There are also many extensive toolboxes of potential somatic interventions that expand the range, and the richness, of what a session together may include.
(720) 637-3511 View (720) 637-3511
Photo of Liz Query, Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate in Boulder, CO
Liz Query
Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, MFTC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80302
I offer contemplative and creative support for individuals and couples seeking independence, trauma processing, self-love, self-trust and growth.
I help individuals and couples find independence, clarity, joy & meaning. Many of my clients come to me wrestling with attachment wounds, boundaries, heartbreak, troubling communication & behavior patterns and issues of self-confidence. I work collaboratively with my clients to provide an accepting space to explore life experiences, habitual reactions, childhood pain and expectations of relationships. This process can often be uncomfortable, which makes trust and safety my priority. I work from the lenses of Narrative, Attachment-based, Acceptance & Commitment and Emotionally Focused therapies.
I offer contemplative and creative support for individuals and couples seeking independence, trauma processing, self-love, self-trust and growth.
I help individuals and couples find independence, clarity, joy & meaning. Many of my clients come to me wrestling with attachment wounds, boundaries, heartbreak, troubling communication & behavior patterns and issues of self-confidence. I work collaboratively with my clients to provide an accepting space to explore life experiences, habitual reactions, childhood pain and expectations of relationships. This process can often be uncomfortable, which makes trust and safety my priority. I work from the lenses of Narrative, Attachment-based, Acceptance & Commitment and Emotionally Focused therapies.
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Photo of Monica Myers Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Monica Myers Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, MPH, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80303
" My experience includes eating disorders, mood disorders, relationship issues, and navigating transition.
We all contain the inner wisdom to heal ourselves and move towards being an authentic, positive and loving person. The courage to be vulnerable -by moving toward our pain and confusion as well as our joy- utterly transforms and frees us. I am honored to enter into the sacred space of therapy together with my clients. I use an integrative, trauma informed, and strength based approach combining empathy, mindfulness, and radical acceptance as well as a plethora of therapeutic tools (ie--imagery, parts work, role play, body/somatic awareness). I have a passionate social justice orientation and am experienced in a wide breadth of issues.
" My experience includes eating disorders, mood disorders, relationship issues, and navigating transition.
We all contain the inner wisdom to heal ourselves and move towards being an authentic, positive and loving person. The courage to be vulnerable -by moving toward our pain and confusion as well as our joy- utterly transforms and frees us. I am honored to enter into the sacred space of therapy together with my clients. I use an integrative, trauma informed, and strength based approach combining empathy, mindfulness, and radical acceptance as well as a plethora of therapeutic tools (ie--imagery, parts work, role play, body/somatic awareness). I have a passionate social justice orientation and am experienced in a wide breadth of issues.
(720) 580-6186 View (720) 580-6186
Photo of Patti Ashley, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Patti Ashley
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80302
My specialties include anxiety, depression, grief, parenting, families, ADHD, and relationship conflicts.
Are anxious or depressed? Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted with parenting and family life? Have you experienced a loss of some kind? A loved one, a job, a home, your health, or any other loss. Telling your story can help you move through the pain and suffering to get to the other side.
My specialties include anxiety, depression, grief, parenting, families, ADHD, and relationship conflicts.
Are anxious or depressed? Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted with parenting and family life? Have you experienced a loss of some kind? A loved one, a job, a home, your health, or any other loss. Telling your story can help you move through the pain and suffering to get to the other side.
(720) 307-1256 View (720) 307-1256
Photo of Steve Gioielli, Psychologist in Boulder, CO
Steve Gioielli
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80301
I am a spouse and a father, and when I am not in the office I like to cook and explore new foods, paddle board, and go on adventures with my family.
I consider my role as a psychologist to be one of great privilege. As I journey with others through the issues that have brought them to therapy, I often feel invited into sacred spaces, filled with suffering, pain, confusion, or one’s deepest longings of the heart. It is in these sacred spaces that there is also opportunity for change, for hope, for healing. My hope is that through the process of psychotherapy people will come to experience greater freedom and vitality, deeper capacities for love and creativity, and more meaningful and redemptive relationships.
I am a spouse and a father, and when I am not in the office I like to cook and explore new foods, paddle board, and go on adventures with my family.
I consider my role as a psychologist to be one of great privilege. As I journey with others through the issues that have brought them to therapy, I often feel invited into sacred spaces, filled with suffering, pain, confusion, or one’s deepest longings of the heart. It is in these sacred spaces that there is also opportunity for change, for hope, for healing. My hope is that through the process of psychotherapy people will come to experience greater freedom and vitality, deeper capacities for love and creativity, and more meaningful and redemptive relationships.
(720) 704-1133 View (720) 704-1133
Photo of Sashi Gerzon-Rose, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Sashi Gerzon-Rose
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80304
We are always, already in relationship. Whether it is a relationship to another person, place, or oneself, we are in some way connected to and affected by our surroundings. It's in relationship that our deepest hurt can take place, and it's also in relationship that our most profound and liberating healing can occur. Let's utilize relationship- yours and mine, other relationships in your life (partner or friends), and the greater context of society, and nature to illuminate your unconscious patterning, and support you in finding new, intentional ways of being that bring you greater joy, clarity, and wellbeing.
We are always, already in relationship. Whether it is a relationship to another person, place, or oneself, we are in some way connected to and affected by our surroundings. It's in relationship that our deepest hurt can take place, and it's also in relationship that our most profound and liberating healing can occur. Let's utilize relationship- yours and mine, other relationships in your life (partner or friends), and the greater context of society, and nature to illuminate your unconscious patterning, and support you in finding new, intentional ways of being that bring you greater joy, clarity, and wellbeing.
(720) 702-1705 View (720) 702-1705
Photo of Linnea Jewett, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
Linnea Jewett
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80305
I love working with couples! A flourishing relationship gives us access to a more fulfilled life. When we feel seen, understood and supported...we thrive! In couples work, we better our skills in communication, vulnerability and emotional regulation...the result: more empathy, patience, forgiveness, tolerance and resiliency during painful anger, conflict and difference. It is my sole purpose to help individuals cultivate meaningful connection and trust within themselves and their partners. Don't let old stories and stuck behavior keep you from learning, expanding and healing. I do believe in hope and transformation!
I love working with couples! A flourishing relationship gives us access to a more fulfilled life. When we feel seen, understood and supported...we thrive! In couples work, we better our skills in communication, vulnerability and emotional regulation...the result: more empathy, patience, forgiveness, tolerance and resiliency during painful anger, conflict and difference. It is my sole purpose to help individuals cultivate meaningful connection and trust within themselves and their partners. Don't let old stories and stuck behavior keep you from learning, expanding and healing. I do believe in hope and transformation!
(720) 605-4187 View (720) 605-4187
Photo of Mary Ellen Williams, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Boulder, CO
Mary Ellen Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80303
I specialize in working with couples, women, and families — with an emphasis on postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders.
My approach integrates DBT, CBT, Gottman Method, Attachment Theory, body-based therapies, humor, and creativity to support clients in understanding unhelpful patterns; setting healthy boundaries and communicate needs to the people they love. My hope is to help clients create agency and purpose in their lives through providing the space necessary for individuals and couples to address a wide range of challenges that arise within significant relationships and impact our overall well-being.
I specialize in working with couples, women, and families — with an emphasis on postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders.
My approach integrates DBT, CBT, Gottman Method, Attachment Theory, body-based therapies, humor, and creativity to support clients in understanding unhelpful patterns; setting healthy boundaries and communicate needs to the people they love. My hope is to help clients create agency and purpose in their lives through providing the space necessary for individuals and couples to address a wide range of challenges that arise within significant relationships and impact our overall well-being.
(720) 821-1609 View (720) 821-1609
Photo of Deb Bopsie in Boulder, CO
Deb Bopsie
MA, LPC, ASC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80304
I practice as a contemplative psychotherapist. I believe in the basic goodness of all people and join together with clients to reconnect that basic goodness back into their conscious life. I assist individuals, couples, families, and groups in finding their next steps. I know that transformation is possible and healing can take place even under the most dire situations, feelings, and ways we are conditioned to think and act. I am slow paced and create an atmosphere of warmth, trust, and safety. I am available mornings, late afternoon and early evenings Monday through Thursday.
I practice as a contemplative psychotherapist. I believe in the basic goodness of all people and join together with clients to reconnect that basic goodness back into their conscious life. I assist individuals, couples, families, and groups in finding their next steps. I know that transformation is possible and healing can take place even under the most dire situations, feelings, and ways we are conditioned to think and act. I am slow paced and create an atmosphere of warmth, trust, and safety. I am available mornings, late afternoon and early evenings Monday through Thursday.
(207) 250-5893 View (207) 250-5893
Photo of Abigail Robinson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Boulder, CO
Abigail Robinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80301
Are you fed up with feeling stuck? Tired of feeling miserable or unsatisfied? Has your partner finally agreed to couples counseling? Are your parents or teenager driving you nuts? The thought of talking to stranger about your problems can be intimidating, so call me or e-mail me just to see if we're comfortable with each other. If we are, then schedule an appointment. I can help you get unstuck.
Are you fed up with feeling stuck? Tired of feeling miserable or unsatisfied? Has your partner finally agreed to couples counseling? Are your parents or teenager driving you nuts? The thought of talking to stranger about your problems can be intimidating, so call me or e-mail me just to see if we're comfortable with each other. If we are, then schedule an appointment. I can help you get unstuck.
(720) 722-6513 View (720) 722-6513
Photo of Kc Cohen, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Boulder, CO
Kc Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFTC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80301
Are you looking to reconnect with your partner or family members? Feeling stuck in the same pattern of conflict and old wounds? Has your relationship been pushed to the back burner during major life transitions? I have the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families looking to discover better connections with themselves and each other. My practice is grounded in Relational Life Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Mindful Self Compassion. I support clients in acknowledging, valuing, and working with the parts of themselves and their loved ones that are often perceived as painful and in need of “fixing”.
Are you looking to reconnect with your partner or family members? Feeling stuck in the same pattern of conflict and old wounds? Has your relationship been pushed to the back burner during major life transitions? I have the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families looking to discover better connections with themselves and each other. My practice is grounded in Relational Life Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Mindful Self Compassion. I support clients in acknowledging, valuing, and working with the parts of themselves and their loved ones that are often perceived as painful and in need of “fixing”.
(720) 743-6646 View (720) 743-6646
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.