Couples Counseling Therapists in Denver, CO

Photo of Grass Roots Healing, LLC, Psychologist in Denver, CO
Grass Roots Healing, LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80238  (Online Only)
Reyka's experience involves complex trauma, attachment & relationship issues, anxiety & other mood disorders, adoption-related trauma, & rebuilding skills related to relaxation and stress management.
Dr. Jessica Reyka, Psy.D., the founder and owner of Grass Roots Healing, LLC, is a firm believer that in order to reconnect and heal, we must first go back to the "root" of the problem or concern, which often stems far back into one's life, and then work towards healing from an inward-out approach. "The stronger our roots are, the more beautiful the leaves that come from the tree"; similar to the process of therapy where we rebuild the foundation from which you view the world and create a life/beliefs/behaviors that are more in alignment with your true values and authentic self.
Reyka's experience involves complex trauma, attachment & relationship issues, anxiety & other mood disorders, adoption-related trauma, & rebuilding skills related to relaxation and stress management.
Dr. Jessica Reyka, Psy.D., the founder and owner of Grass Roots Healing, LLC, is a firm believer that in order to reconnect and heal, we must first go back to the "root" of the problem or concern, which often stems far back into one's life, and then work towards healing from an inward-out approach. "The stronger our roots are, the more beautiful the leaves that come from the tree"; similar to the process of therapy where we rebuild the foundation from which you view the world and create a life/beliefs/behaviors that are more in alignment with your true values and authentic self.
(716) 301-2694 View (716) 301-2694
Photo of Lynn McGregor, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Denver, CO
Lynn McGregor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, MFT
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80218
Working with couples is a significant part of my practice.
I have built a specialized practice integrating my clinical skills and credentials with my broad life experiences in corporate communication and product management in a Fortune 500 Corporation, commercial design, teaching, and owning a small business. I focus on young professionals who are facing relationship, social, academic, mental health, and professional issues, to increase self-awareness and make better informed decisions. I counsel with parents of young adults who want to address issues of autonomy, accountability, finances, and boundaries. The goal is to reach a healthy balance of independence while remaining connected.
Working with couples is a significant part of my practice.
I have built a specialized practice integrating my clinical skills and credentials with my broad life experiences in corporate communication and product management in a Fortune 500 Corporation, commercial design, teaching, and owning a small business. I focus on young professionals who are facing relationship, social, academic, mental health, and professional issues, to increase self-awareness and make better informed decisions. I counsel with parents of young adults who want to address issues of autonomy, accountability, finances, and boundaries. The goal is to reach a healthy balance of independence while remaining connected.
(610) 733-1400 View (610) 733-1400
Photo of Michele Bailey, Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate in Denver, CO
Michele Bailey
Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, MA, MFTC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210
Connect with yourself + Connect with others! In my practice, Connect Counseling, I’m here to work together with you and for you. I’m here to help you connect with your best self, get your life back on the course you want it to be headed, and help you rediscover what brings you the most joy and happiness in your life. Whether you are dealing with relationship issues, feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed, it’s important for you to know that there is hope. Together, we will work to evaluate what is no longer serving you and come up with a plan to connect you with your goals and path to your best self and relationships.
Connect with yourself + Connect with others! In my practice, Connect Counseling, I’m here to work together with you and for you. I’m here to help you connect with your best self, get your life back on the course you want it to be headed, and help you rediscover what brings you the most joy and happiness in your life. Whether you are dealing with relationship issues, feeling lost, stuck, or overwhelmed, it’s important for you to know that there is hope. Together, we will work to evaluate what is no longer serving you and come up with a plan to connect you with your goals and path to your best self and relationships.
(720) 703-9536 View (720) 703-9536
Photo of Travis Singeo, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Travis Singeo
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MA, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80205  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Together we co-create a relationship that fosters self-awareness, insight, and personal growth.
Welcome! I’m honored to join you in an intimate journey that is uniquely yours. I’m delighted to connect and support you as you traverse the fullness of your life, with its moments of celebration and hardship. As a contemplative psychotherapist, my aspiration is to join you in rediscovering your inherent goodness and resilience. As a professional counselor, I want to share with you the transformative power of relational support. As a human being, I wish for you to experience joy, belonging, creativity, and enduring self-worth. To the best of my ability, I will meet you with compassion, warmth, and humility.
Together we co-create a relationship that fosters self-awareness, insight, and personal growth.
Welcome! I’m honored to join you in an intimate journey that is uniquely yours. I’m delighted to connect and support you as you traverse the fullness of your life, with its moments of celebration and hardship. As a contemplative psychotherapist, my aspiration is to join you in rediscovering your inherent goodness and resilience. As a professional counselor, I want to share with you the transformative power of relational support. As a human being, I wish for you to experience joy, belonging, creativity, and enduring self-worth. To the best of my ability, I will meet you with compassion, warmth, and humility.
(303) 529-8951 View (303) 529-8951
Photo of Lena Blum, Marriage & Family Therapist in Denver, CO
Lena Blum
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFTC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80203
* I am no longer accepting new clients* I believe the most profound change occurs within relationships. Whether that be the therapeutic relationship, a relationship with yourself, a partner, parent, child, or family member, relationships in all their forms have the ability to foster new ways we see and interact with ourselves and others. While relationships impact us, they do not define us. Each individual carries the strength within them to make the change they wish to see.
* I am no longer accepting new clients* I believe the most profound change occurs within relationships. Whether that be the therapeutic relationship, a relationship with yourself, a partner, parent, child, or family member, relationships in all their forms have the ability to foster new ways we see and interact with ourselves and others. While relationships impact us, they do not define us. Each individual carries the strength within them to make the change they wish to see.
(844) 334-9307 View (844) 334-9307
Photo of Lisa Kerscher, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Denver, CO
Lisa Kerscher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80246
I work with adults, couples and families. My goal is to help you find a place of calm and stability so you can identify your strengths and access your own solutions. I specialize in helping individuals and couples find and sustain healthy habits and improve interpersonal relationships through increased coping and communication skills. I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar and borderline personality disorder as well as issues of dependency, life transitions, grief and loss, relationship issues and self esteem.
I work with adults, couples and families. My goal is to help you find a place of calm and stability so you can identify your strengths and access your own solutions. I specialize in helping individuals and couples find and sustain healthy habits and improve interpersonal relationships through increased coping and communication skills. I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar and borderline personality disorder as well as issues of dependency, life transitions, grief and loss, relationship issues and self esteem.
(720) 961-2503 View (720) 961-2503
Photo of Rosa Flores in Denver, CO
Rosa Flores
DMFT, MA, MAC, CAC III, DAACS
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80246
Soy Bilingue-I am Bilingual (Spanish and English). Trabajo con parejas. Are you currently having problems in your relationship? Hubo infidelidad? Dealing with infideliites? Are you depressed? Se siente aislado o aislada? Do you feel lonely, and anxious? Hay cuestiones de identidad? Es usted Gay/o lesbiana, y quiere hablar sobre esta cuestión con alguien que no lo/la juzgue? Sufrió algun trauma en el pasado, o recientemente? Did you experience trauma, sexual, verbal, or psicológical? Give me the honor to help. Please call for a consultation-Llame para una consulta! Sera un honor servirle! 303 579-1206 www.rosaflores.com
Soy Bilingue-I am Bilingual (Spanish and English). Trabajo con parejas. Are you currently having problems in your relationship? Hubo infidelidad? Dealing with infideliites? Are you depressed? Se siente aislado o aislada? Do you feel lonely, and anxious? Hay cuestiones de identidad? Es usted Gay/o lesbiana, y quiere hablar sobre esta cuestión con alguien que no lo/la juzgue? Sufrió algun trauma en el pasado, o recientemente? Did you experience trauma, sexual, verbal, or psicológical? Give me the honor to help. Please call for a consultation-Llame para una consulta! Sera un honor servirle! 303 579-1206 www.rosaflores.com
(720) 216-2745 View (720) 216-2745
Photo of Celeste Tinkoff in Denver, CO
Celeste Tinkoff
PsyD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80211
Do you feel like you keep attracting unhealthy romantic partners? In relationships do you find yourself often people pleasing and putting your needs second? Sometimes even when we think we are breaking this pattern we end up in the same type of relationship. Often this is due to how we have learned to cope with past traumatic or unhealthy relationships. Together we will help you understand your past and heal from hurtful experiences, so you no longer feel stuck in this cycle. You will learn to better understand your relationship triggers and seek relationships where you feel loved, seen, and cared for.
Do you feel like you keep attracting unhealthy romantic partners? In relationships do you find yourself often people pleasing and putting your needs second? Sometimes even when we think we are breaking this pattern we end up in the same type of relationship. Often this is due to how we have learned to cope with past traumatic or unhealthy relationships. Together we will help you understand your past and heal from hurtful experiences, so you no longer feel stuck in this cycle. You will learn to better understand your relationship triggers and seek relationships where you feel loved, seen, and cared for.
(720) 513-6498 View (720) 513-6498
Photo of Nich Dhillon, Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate in Denver, CO
Nich Dhillon
Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, MFTC, LAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80203
As a bi-racial, cishet man of the global majority I've had to undertake redefining what traditional masculinity means for me and those with whom I am in relationship.
As relational beings, the experience of feeling connected to our authentic self and that of others is essential to wellness. Investigating the multi-layered stories that are told about us, that often inform how we view ourselves, is critical to finding alternative ways of stepping into the power of our truths. Exploring, and interrogating, the messages that are intimately tied to culture, ancestry, and community can offer wisdom necessary in addressing problems in living folks experience. Whether seeking individual, relational, or family therapy, I believe the healing journey is inherently a collective one.
As a bi-racial, cishet man of the global majority I've had to undertake redefining what traditional masculinity means for me and those with whom I am in relationship.
As relational beings, the experience of feeling connected to our authentic self and that of others is essential to wellness. Investigating the multi-layered stories that are told about us, that often inform how we view ourselves, is critical to finding alternative ways of stepping into the power of our truths. Exploring, and interrogating, the messages that are intimately tied to culture, ancestry, and community can offer wisdom necessary in addressing problems in living folks experience. Whether seeking individual, relational, or family therapy, I believe the healing journey is inherently a collective one.
(720) 807-7766 View (720) 807-7766
Photo of Laurel Johnson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Denver, CO
Laurel Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80205  (Online Only)
As an LCSW, I have worked with a diverse array of individuals and couples as they navigate issues including life transitions, pregnancy and postpartum, relationship struggles, stress, anxiety, and trauma.
Are you feeling anxious, alone during pregnancy or postpartum, or feeling stuck in your life? Are you getting caught in the same argument, feel distant, or want to learn how to connect on a deeper level with a partner? You've come to the right place. We can work together to identify what is getting in the way of your happiness, and to learn new skills and tools to help you feel better. I believe therapy is a door to finding your inner voice, feeling more connected, and living more fully. I aim to help individuals and couples feel better quickly while also making long-term change.
As an LCSW, I have worked with a diverse array of individuals and couples as they navigate issues including life transitions, pregnancy and postpartum, relationship struggles, stress, anxiety, and trauma.
Are you feeling anxious, alone during pregnancy or postpartum, or feeling stuck in your life? Are you getting caught in the same argument, feel distant, or want to learn how to connect on a deeper level with a partner? You've come to the right place. We can work together to identify what is getting in the way of your happiness, and to learn new skills and tools to help you feel better. I believe therapy is a door to finding your inner voice, feeling more connected, and living more fully. I aim to help individuals and couples feel better quickly while also making long-term change.
(720) 408-6433 View (720) 408-6433
Photo of Bridget Hand, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Denver, CO
Bridget Hand
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210
Life's stressors, anxieties and traumas can make it difficult to see the sun through the clouds. My aim is to invite sunlight back into your life by creating a space of warmth, safety and non-judgment. I believe healing happens in relationship; being truly seen and heard by another can have a profound impact on our ability to heal. Together we can work toward your goals.
Life's stressors, anxieties and traumas can make it difficult to see the sun through the clouds. My aim is to invite sunlight back into your life by creating a space of warmth, safety and non-judgment. I believe healing happens in relationship; being truly seen and heard by another can have a profound impact on our ability to heal. Together we can work toward your goals.
(720) 677-8967 View (720) 677-8967
Photo of Alicia Patterson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Alicia Patterson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, R-DMT, CYT, LMT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80205
Working with me can provide you with: emotional regulation & intelligence, relationship skills & health, nervous system strength & body connectivity, coping skills, stability, self-regulation abilities, reproductive health, distress tolerance, the ability to release shock from your system, embodiment, relationship health, and practical self-care strategies.
I believe it's time for self-inquiry. I've worked in client care for 15 years and believe having a stable foundation in mental health is a requirement for functioning with all we are facing. I utilize a fusion of modalities including somatic work, trauma-informed care, psycho-education, and nervous system support. I work with clients to understand their mind, heart, instinctual & physical selves. I offer experiential / attachment focused somatic counseling, and offer virtual as well as office time. I offer EMDR and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). I also have a women's pelvic health practice and welcome your outreach.
Working with me can provide you with: emotional regulation & intelligence, relationship skills & health, nervous system strength & body connectivity, coping skills, stability, self-regulation abilities, reproductive health, distress tolerance, the ability to release shock from your system, embodiment, relationship health, and practical self-care strategies.
I believe it's time for self-inquiry. I've worked in client care for 15 years and believe having a stable foundation in mental health is a requirement for functioning with all we are facing. I utilize a fusion of modalities including somatic work, trauma-informed care, psycho-education, and nervous system support. I work with clients to understand their mind, heart, instinctual & physical selves. I offer experiential / attachment focused somatic counseling, and offer virtual as well as office time. I offer EMDR and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). I also have a women's pelvic health practice and welcome your outreach.
(303) 529-9146 View (303) 529-9146
Photo of Jane Ashley, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Jane Ashley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80207
Specialty issues: grief and loss, life transitions, rebuilding life after divorce or separation, couples issues, non-drug approaches to managing anxiety and depression, mind-body-spirit wellness.
I work collaboratively with people to help them create the lives they want -- in their relationships, families, recreation and work. This process of exploration and discovery is inspiring and taps into hopes, dreams and imagination through story and re-connecting and remembering memories and experiences of connection and joy in their lives. Clients who benefit most from working with me are usually bright, creative and interested in freeing themselves from the constraints of family, social and cultural expectations that have become internalized and held as truths. This is a way of finding your way home ... to where your heart is.
Specialty issues: grief and loss, life transitions, rebuilding life after divorce or separation, couples issues, non-drug approaches to managing anxiety and depression, mind-body-spirit wellness.
I work collaboratively with people to help them create the lives they want -- in their relationships, families, recreation and work. This process of exploration and discovery is inspiring and taps into hopes, dreams and imagination through story and re-connecting and remembering memories and experiences of connection and joy in their lives. Clients who benefit most from working with me are usually bright, creative and interested in freeing themselves from the constraints of family, social and cultural expectations that have become internalized and held as truths. This is a way of finding your way home ... to where your heart is.
(540) 860-0972 View (540) 860-0972
Photo of Regina Hopkins, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Regina Hopkins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with navigating a complex or “toxic” relationship? Despite advice to leave, you feel unable to make a decision? Through exploring past family patterns and attachment styles we’ll illuminate the barriers blocking your relationship growth. I equip clients with new communication tools, incorporating Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and help clients tune into their own inner voice (using Somatic mind/body work). We experientially practice these skills together in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Additionally, I am an experienced career counselor and guide clients through career transitions and finding fulfillment.
Are you struggling with navigating a complex or “toxic” relationship? Despite advice to leave, you feel unable to make a decision? Through exploring past family patterns and attachment styles we’ll illuminate the barriers blocking your relationship growth. I equip clients with new communication tools, incorporating Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and help clients tune into their own inner voice (using Somatic mind/body work). We experientially practice these skills together in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Additionally, I am an experienced career counselor and guide clients through career transitions and finding fulfillment.
(720) 770-4051 View (720) 770-4051
Photo of Jennifer Vannell, Counselor in Denver, CO
Jennifer Vannell
Counselor, MSEd, LPCC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222
Each one represents a relationship, worry, trauma.
So many therapists, so little time. The good news? By the end of a short phone call, you’ll probably have a sense of whether I’m likely to be the right one. Why? Well, there is something about the sense of comfort and general experience that is so important for successful therapy but is so hard to tell in advance. Usually, you get a clear sense just from the phone call: Did you even get a call back from the therapist? Was it awkward? Easy? Did they really listen? What does your gut say? Ten minutes and you’re done done with the first part.
Each one represents a relationship, worry, trauma.
So many therapists, so little time. The good news? By the end of a short phone call, you’ll probably have a sense of whether I’m likely to be the right one. Why? Well, there is something about the sense of comfort and general experience that is so important for successful therapy but is so hard to tell in advance. Usually, you get a clear sense just from the phone call: Did you even get a call back from the therapist? Was it awkward? Easy? Did they really listen? What does your gut say? Ten minutes and you’re done done with the first part.
(720) 573-0659 View (720) 573-0659
Photo of Becoming More Counseling, Coaching, & Consulting, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Becoming More Counseling, Coaching, & Consulting
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MDiv, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80202  (Online Only)
and Supervision, and my dissertation was on The Relationship of Emotional Intelligence with Job Satisfaction and Organizational Leadership.
Clients who are struggling but wanting to not only heal, but also grow have the potential for being extremely powerful people. We have all gone through difficult times, experiencing anxiety, fear, depression, and hopelessness. However, if we have healed, we look back and see those times as hard, but some of the most powerful in our lives. Hearts can become strong, marriages can be healed and become euphoric, and our families can become strong, powerful, and beautiful. If you have a Christian background, I can help you become stronger in your faith. If you want to become a stronger leader, I am also an executive coach.
and Supervision, and my dissertation was on The Relationship of Emotional Intelligence with Job Satisfaction and Organizational Leadership.
Clients who are struggling but wanting to not only heal, but also grow have the potential for being extremely powerful people. We have all gone through difficult times, experiencing anxiety, fear, depression, and hopelessness. However, if we have healed, we look back and see those times as hard, but some of the most powerful in our lives. Hearts can become strong, marriages can be healed and become euphoric, and our families can become strong, powerful, and beautiful. If you have a Christian background, I can help you become stronger in your faith. If you want to become a stronger leader, I am also an executive coach.
(720) 782-0719 View (720) 782-0719
Photo of Dylan Larson-Konar, Psychologist in Denver, CO
Dylan Larson-Konar
Psychologist, PhD, MS, PSYPACT
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80203
Whether it's relationship issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or any other mental health concern- he can be and feel with you.
Dr. Larson-Konar believes: people have a tremendous capacity for inner strength, but sometimes we all need help accessing that strength. Therapy is a collaboration. Dr. Larson-Konar approaches therapy from a feminist and anti-racist stance, and he prizes the therapeutic relationship, ensuring that it's safe, warm, caring, and empowering. He strives to balance support with challenge. Therapy is hard work, but it's also fun, funny, and life-affirming.
Whether it's relationship issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or any other mental health concern- he can be and feel with you.
Dr. Larson-Konar believes: people have a tremendous capacity for inner strength, but sometimes we all need help accessing that strength. Therapy is a collaboration. Dr. Larson-Konar approaches therapy from a feminist and anti-racist stance, and he prizes the therapeutic relationship, ensuring that it's safe, warm, caring, and empowering. He strives to balance support with challenge. Therapy is hard work, but it's also fun, funny, and life-affirming.
(720) 307-3463 x23 View (720) 307-3463 x23
Photo of Britt Mahrer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Britt Mahrer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80203
I work with high-functioning adolescents, adults, and couples.
I deeply respect the courage it takes to start therapy and am committed to providing an experience that resonates with you. ​ I believe change comes from authenticity and vulnerability, from deepening our understanding of how we became who we are. My sessions are safe and non-judgmental, all lifestyle choices are welcome. Together, we will explore ways to proactively approach your goals and makes changes to what holds you back. When you enter into my room, you are no longer alone. For Supervision, visit www.coloradocounselingsupervision.com.
I work with high-functioning adolescents, adults, and couples.
I deeply respect the courage it takes to start therapy and am committed to providing an experience that resonates with you. ​ I believe change comes from authenticity and vulnerability, from deepening our understanding of how we became who we are. My sessions are safe and non-judgmental, all lifestyle choices are welcome. Together, we will explore ways to proactively approach your goals and makes changes to what holds you back. When you enter into my room, you are no longer alone. For Supervision, visit www.coloradocounselingsupervision.com.
(720) 594-4103 View (720) 594-4103
Photo of Jordan Gorrell- Accepting New Clients, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Jordan Gorrell- Accepting New Clients
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80211
We all long for happiness, purpose, meaning, and community, but few of us believe we deserve it. We hide parts of ourselves out of fear of rejection and go through the world not feeling seen. In our work together, we will discover the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that prevent you from creating the future and relationships you want. I work with adolescents (10 years old to 12 years old), teens, adults, and couples.
We all long for happiness, purpose, meaning, and community, but few of us believe we deserve it. We hide parts of ourselves out of fear of rejection and go through the world not feeling seen. In our work together, we will discover the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that prevent you from creating the future and relationships you want. I work with adolescents (10 years old to 12 years old), teens, adults, and couples.
(720) 605-5335 View (720) 605-5335
Photo of Manda Cook, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO
Manda Cook
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LTHT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! Taking that first step to seek out help can be daunting, but you have done it! And that is no small thing. Many things in life can keep us from experiencing the health and vitality that we desire. These can include current circumstances, past traumas, relationship issues, family dynamics, and any number of other reasons. Sometimes, we experience symptoms we don't understand for reasons we cannot figure out. And while these struggles can be unpleasant (and even sometimes debilitating), they are treatable, and you can feel better.
Hello and welcome! Taking that first step to seek out help can be daunting, but you have done it! And that is no small thing. Many things in life can keep us from experiencing the health and vitality that we desire. These can include current circumstances, past traumas, relationship issues, family dynamics, and any number of other reasons. Sometimes, we experience symptoms we don't understand for reasons we cannot figure out. And while these struggles can be unpleasant (and even sometimes debilitating), they are treatable, and you can feel better.
(720) 702-1516 View (720) 702-1516
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.