Photo of Robert W Patterson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Robert W Patterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30307
Committed love relationships are the most powerful and prized of all human healing. Yet, for many, being in a relationship can bring frustration as well as comfort, heartache as well as joy. My specialty is to help couples improve and connect through proven processes and tools developed by Dr Harville Hendrix, author of the seminal New York Times Best Seller, Getting The Love You Want: a guide for couples. As a Certified Imago Therapist and Workshop Presenter, I help couples regain the safety, compassion and energy that brought them together in the first place.
Committed love relationships are the most powerful and prized of all human healing. Yet, for many, being in a relationship can bring frustration as well as comfort, heartache as well as joy. My specialty is to help couples improve and connect through proven processes and tools developed by Dr Harville Hendrix, author of the seminal New York Times Best Seller, Getting The Love You Want: a guide for couples. As a Certified Imago Therapist and Workshop Presenter, I help couples regain the safety, compassion and energy that brought them together in the first place.
(404) 369-4887 x3 View (404) 369-4887 x3
Photo of Aspire Therapeutic Services, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Aspire Therapeutic Services, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30339  (Online Only)
Are you suffering from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and/or an eating disorder? Are these issues affecting your relationships? Within the therapeutic relationship, I want to be able to provide a level of comfort that will allow you to be able to explore unwanted thoughts. These thoughts may be affecting your emotional state, and ultimately intruding on your day to day performances. Because these feelings can be difficult to understand and even express to others, many individuals from all ages can feel alone in the process.
Are you suffering from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and/or an eating disorder? Are these issues affecting your relationships? Within the therapeutic relationship, I want to be able to provide a level of comfort that will allow you to be able to explore unwanted thoughts. These thoughts may be affecting your emotional state, and ultimately intruding on your day to day performances. Because these feelings can be difficult to understand and even express to others, many individuals from all ages can feel alone in the process.
(404) 476-5743 View (404) 476-5743
Photo of Renew Wellness Group, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Renew Wellness Group, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MATS, BCD
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331
Particularly those who are experiencing post traumatic relationship syndrome and may have difficulty developing or sustaining trust in relationships.
Now Accepting New Clients. Evening/Weekend Appts Available! Every day is an opportunity to take advantage of our limitless potential and the infinite possibilities life has to offer us. My areas of practice include work with individuals, families and couples who may be struggling with relationship issues, depression and anxiety, work-career issues and life transition challenges such as divorce, infidelity, blended families and co-parenting struggles to name a few. I am Board Certified and a trained PrePare/Enrich Premarital and Marriage Facilitator.
Particularly those who are experiencing post traumatic relationship syndrome and may have difficulty developing or sustaining trust in relationships.
Now Accepting New Clients. Evening/Weekend Appts Available! Every day is an opportunity to take advantage of our limitless potential and the infinite possibilities life has to offer us. My areas of practice include work with individuals, families and couples who may be struggling with relationship issues, depression and anxiety, work-career issues and life transition challenges such as divorce, infidelity, blended families and co-parenting struggles to name a few. I am Board Certified and a trained PrePare/Enrich Premarital and Marriage Facilitator.
(678) 647-7057 View (678) 647-7057
Photo of Dr. Bryan A. Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Dr. Bryan A. Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, DMin , LPC , CPCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30340
We also provide psychotherapy, spiritual empowerment, pastoral counseling and other professional clincal support for individual, couples, family and religious groups.
Are you experiencing difficulties as a result of life challenges and disappointments? Are you struggling balancing your spirituality with sexual identity? Are you experiencing the loss of a loved one? Are you in need of spiritual and emotional support in a open and nonjudgmental environment? I am here to help you to recover your "Soul" (the essence of your best and productive self). I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Board Certified Chaplain and a Pastoral Counselor here to help you explore your feelings, work with your emotions, rediscover your passions and find inner peace/healing for your "Soul."
We also provide psychotherapy, spiritual empowerment, pastoral counseling and other professional clincal support for individual, couples, family and religious groups.
Are you experiencing difficulties as a result of life challenges and disappointments? Are you struggling balancing your spirituality with sexual identity? Are you experiencing the loss of a loved one? Are you in need of spiritual and emotional support in a open and nonjudgmental environment? I am here to help you to recover your "Soul" (the essence of your best and productive self). I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Board Certified Chaplain and a Pastoral Counselor here to help you explore your feelings, work with your emotions, rediscover your passions and find inner peace/healing for your "Soul."
(678) 293-9258 View (678) 293-9258
Photo of Dr. Ellen Brackup, Psychologist in Atlanta, GA
Dr. Ellen Brackup
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30319
So many therapists to choose from! It's overwhelming, right? What should you look for in picking a therapist? Someone who is enough like you that you can connect, and yet different enough that you can grow. It's hard to tell that from profiles, but you'll make the right decision. It takes guts to be in psychotherapy, because psychotherapy is about really looking at yourself, and seeing what you do well and what needs to be changed. It's about gradually coming to trust the relationship we build together, and using that relationship for safety, support, and feedback.
So many therapists to choose from! It's overwhelming, right? What should you look for in picking a therapist? Someone who is enough like you that you can connect, and yet different enough that you can grow. It's hard to tell that from profiles, but you'll make the right decision. It takes guts to be in psychotherapy, because psychotherapy is about really looking at yourself, and seeing what you do well and what needs to be changed. It's about gradually coming to trust the relationship we build together, and using that relationship for safety, support, and feedback.
(404) 231-4455 View (404) 231-4455
Photo of Mesha Ellis, Relationship & Sex Therapist, Psychologist in Atlanta, GA
Mesha Ellis, Relationship & Sex Therapist
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30339
Are you troubled by self doubt, questioning your or your partner's level of commitment, or contemplating walking away from a relationship? Perhaps you are feeling disconnected from others or frustrated by an unsatisfying sex life. Is the conflict in your family extreme? Are you struggling to coparent effectively? You may be single and exasperated by the drama that sometimes comes along with dating. Or, a parent who is helplessly watching your child or adolescent struggle educationally or in social relationships. If any of these statements resonate with you, I can help you navigate your journey to contentment, confidence, and bliss.
Are you troubled by self doubt, questioning your or your partner's level of commitment, or contemplating walking away from a relationship? Perhaps you are feeling disconnected from others or frustrated by an unsatisfying sex life. Is the conflict in your family extreme? Are you struggling to coparent effectively? You may be single and exasperated by the drama that sometimes comes along with dating. Or, a parent who is helplessly watching your child or adolescent struggle educationally or in social relationships. If any of these statements resonate with you, I can help you navigate your journey to contentment, confidence, and bliss.
(678) 905-7862 View (678) 905-7862
Photo of Nancy Cahir, Psychologist in Atlanta, GA
Nancy Cahir
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30305
I strongly believe that asking for help with personal issues is very courageous. I admire people who take risks to grow emotionally and in relationships. I provide individual, couples and family psychotherapy to adults, teens and children in the Atlanta area. My specialities are working with relationship conflicts, depression, anxiety, self-esteem and parenting issues. My orientation is eclectic, combining psychodynamic, relational and cognitive approaches. Psychotherapy is a powerful tool that can greatly enhance your life with more abundance and contentment. I am not a passive therapist and give constructive feedback as well as much support and encouragement.
I strongly believe that asking for help with personal issues is very courageous. I admire people who take risks to grow emotionally and in relationships. I provide individual, couples and family psychotherapy to adults, teens and children in the Atlanta area. My specialities are working with relationship conflicts, depression, anxiety, self-esteem and parenting issues. My orientation is eclectic, combining psychodynamic, relational and cognitive approaches. Psychotherapy is a powerful tool that can greatly enhance your life with more abundance and contentment. I am not a passive therapist and give constructive feedback as well as much support and encouragement.
(404) 812-0405 View (404) 812-0405
Photo of Tamekia Meko Howard, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Tamekia Meko Howard
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, ICAADC, MAC, DOT-SAP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30326  (Online Only)
Thank you for taking time to review my profile. I am licensed to address severe, persistent and general mental health needs in Georgia. I hold international, national and dual local board approved advanced drug and alcohol certifications. I am a Qualified DOT-SAP. As the primary therapist and owner of Mind Elevation Keys for Overcomers, my services focus on aiding individuals, couples, and families in overcoming the effects of abuse, chemical addiction, domestic violence, mental illness, and trauma. I offer tele-mental health services (video conferencing, instant messaging, email, and telephone). Eves/Weekends are available
Thank you for taking time to review my profile. I am licensed to address severe, persistent and general mental health needs in Georgia. I hold international, national and dual local board approved advanced drug and alcohol certifications. I am a Qualified DOT-SAP. As the primary therapist and owner of Mind Elevation Keys for Overcomers, my services focus on aiding individuals, couples, and families in overcoming the effects of abuse, chemical addiction, domestic violence, mental illness, and trauma. I offer tele-mental health services (video conferencing, instant messaging, email, and telephone). Eves/Weekends are available
(404) 800-3901 View (404) 800-3901
Photo of Praysha Spearman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Praysha Spearman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30305  (Online Only)
Trauma may be the last thing you want to talk about. You want to be thriving at this point in your life, but certain issues keep coming up and holding you back... holding your relationship back... holding your family back. Something's gotta give. You long to show up authentically at work, at home and in your relationships, but you struggle sometimes with feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem.
Trauma may be the last thing you want to talk about. You want to be thriving at this point in your life, but certain issues keep coming up and holding you back... holding your relationship back... holding your family back. Something's gotta give. You long to show up authentically at work, at home and in your relationships, but you struggle sometimes with feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem.
(470) 375-1452 View (470) 375-1452
Photo of Dr. Sharon Belhamel, Marriage & Family Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Dr. Sharon Belhamel
Marriage & Family Therapist, ND, LMFT, SPHR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30326  (Online Only)
Are you feeling depressed? Are you feeling stressed? Are you having relationship problems? Do you feel like your life is out of control? Are you ready for a change? If so, then... Welcome! Thank you for considering me to be a part of your journey as you take the first step towards healing.
Are you feeling depressed? Are you feeling stressed? Are you having relationship problems? Do you feel like your life is out of control? Are you ready for a change? If so, then... Welcome! Thank you for considering me to be a part of your journey as you take the first step towards healing.
(770) 629-8851 View (770) 629-8851
Photo of Dr. Meenaxi Palaniappan, Psychologist in Atlanta, GA
Dr. Meenaxi Palaniappan
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30324
In relationship and sex therapy (70-75 mins), I use EFT to co-create a space for partner(s) to come together and work through challenges.
Reaching out to a therapist is hard. So first, take a moment to commend yourself for prioritizing your wellbeing - it is difficult, even for me as a therapist! I believe that we all have a desire for genuine relational connection. However, our past experiences (eg. oppression, trauma, relational disconnections) inform our strategies of survival (eg. perfectionism, addiction, avoidance), which paradoxically leave us feeling dysregulated, isolated, or stuck in painful relationships. I see therapy as a space where you and I can co-create an open & authentic relationship, which will help us explore and heal your current life stressors.
In relationship and sex therapy (70-75 mins), I use EFT to co-create a space for partner(s) to come together and work through challenges.
Reaching out to a therapist is hard. So first, take a moment to commend yourself for prioritizing your wellbeing - it is difficult, even for me as a therapist! I believe that we all have a desire for genuine relational connection. However, our past experiences (eg. oppression, trauma, relational disconnections) inform our strategies of survival (eg. perfectionism, addiction, avoidance), which paradoxically leave us feeling dysregulated, isolated, or stuck in painful relationships. I see therapy as a space where you and I can co-create an open & authentic relationship, which will help us explore and heal your current life stressors.
(404) 328-7061 View (404) 328-7061
Photo of Anique S Whitmore, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Anique S Whitmore
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30326
Working with the individual to guide them through both personal and relationship issues is a passion of mine.
At some time in our life we all struggle with some sort of adversity. I believe we are not judged by adversity but how we handle it. Asking for help is not always easy but it is a sign of strength. Therapy is a process of self discovery that enables you to recognize unhealthy patterns of behavior and learn effective coping strategies for optimal health and well-being. Life happens to each of us and much of life is out of our control - but how we respond to life's events is completely within our control.
Working with the individual to guide them through both personal and relationship issues is a passion of mine.
At some time in our life we all struggle with some sort of adversity. I believe we are not judged by adversity but how we handle it. Asking for help is not always easy but it is a sign of strength. Therapy is a process of self discovery that enables you to recognize unhealthy patterns of behavior and learn effective coping strategies for optimal health and well-being. Life happens to each of us and much of life is out of our control - but how we respond to life's events is completely within our control.
(404) 890-7263 View (404) 890-7263
Photo of Jamie Mahaffey, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Jamie Mahaffey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30309  (Online Only)
I have diverse work experiences with children and adults in individual/couples/family/group counseling, crisis intervention, diagnostic and trauma assessments, medical social work, child advocacy/abuse prevention, and psychotherapy.
I have a strong passion to help restore relationships (specifically marriages) and the issues that plague them. My love of treating mental health concerns in a psycho-therapeutic way allows for me to empower my clients to make healthy decisions for a better life. I believe that I am called to this field and hope to challenge irrational belief patterns that keep you stagnant and unproductive by concurrently identifying your strengths, building insight to make better life choices.
I have diverse work experiences with children and adults in individual/couples/family/group counseling, crisis intervention, diagnostic and trauma assessments, medical social work, child advocacy/abuse prevention, and psychotherapy.
I have a strong passion to help restore relationships (specifically marriages) and the issues that plague them. My love of treating mental health concerns in a psycho-therapeutic way allows for me to empower my clients to make healthy decisions for a better life. I believe that I am called to this field and hope to challenge irrational belief patterns that keep you stagnant and unproductive by concurrently identifying your strengths, building insight to make better life choices.
(470) 347-8442 View (470) 347-8442
Photo of Suzanne E. Goodwin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Suzanne E. Goodwin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CCH
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30315
hoarding or social anxiety), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), borderline personality disorder, an unhealthy relationship with food, sexual or relationship dysfunctions, suicidal ideation, alcohol or drug addiction.
You are trying to escape the control of a fundamentalist faith community/lifestyle, that holds great personal meaning to you; but you’re conflicted about leaving the dogmatic, authoritarian belief system in which you find yourself. You want to make sense of the damage that has been done by indoctrination. Or perhaps you experienced chronic abuse in a harmful religion and are trying to sever your connection to the faith, but you have no idea how to go about it? Have you experienced confusion, inability to think critically and have negative beliefs about yourself? You may be experiencing Religious Trauma Syndrome.
hoarding or social anxiety), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), borderline personality disorder, an unhealthy relationship with food, sexual or relationship dysfunctions, suicidal ideation, alcohol or drug addiction.
You are trying to escape the control of a fundamentalist faith community/lifestyle, that holds great personal meaning to you; but you’re conflicted about leaving the dogmatic, authoritarian belief system in which you find yourself. You want to make sense of the damage that has been done by indoctrination. Or perhaps you experienced chronic abuse in a harmful religion and are trying to sever your connection to the faith, but you have no idea how to go about it? Have you experienced confusion, inability to think critically and have negative beliefs about yourself? You may be experiencing Religious Trauma Syndrome.
(404) 620-2967 View (404) 620-2967
Photo of Steven R. Jones- Marriage Couple Family Therapist, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Steven R. Jones- Marriage Couple Family Therapist
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA-MFT, ICADC, CADC1, SYMBIS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30339
I typically work with individuals with various diagnoses, couples struggling with marital issues and families navigating divorce, blended families, co-parenting, grief, insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD. I am well-suited, competent, and clinically trained in a variety of treatment approaches including but not limited to CBT, Trauma, attachment injury, internal family systems, DBT, and childhood trauma. I have an interest in working with substance misuse, and all types of addiction, including gambling and increasingly common tech porn.
I typically work with individuals with various diagnoses, couples struggling with marital issues and families navigating divorce, blended families, co-parenting, grief, insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD. I am well-suited, competent, and clinically trained in a variety of treatment approaches including but not limited to CBT, Trauma, attachment injury, internal family systems, DBT, and childhood trauma. I have an interest in working with substance misuse, and all types of addiction, including gambling and increasingly common tech porn.
(678) 324-3648 View (678) 324-3648
Photo of Damaris Solomon Johnson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Damaris Solomon Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30329
Hi, I'm Damaris Johnson! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I specialize in treating individuals, premarital couples and new moms. As a graduate of Mercer University School of Medicine with a Masters degree in Family Therapy, I am currently serving as the Clinical Director at The Walk of Life Counseling Center. Additionally, I am a Prepare-Enrich Facilitator as well as a Certified Trainer for counselors in the community who seek to provide premarital/marital counseling. Assisting new mothers and premarital couples is very important to me; I offer concierge services outside of normal business hours when available.
Hi, I'm Damaris Johnson! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I specialize in treating individuals, premarital couples and new moms. As a graduate of Mercer University School of Medicine with a Masters degree in Family Therapy, I am currently serving as the Clinical Director at The Walk of Life Counseling Center. Additionally, I am a Prepare-Enrich Facilitator as well as a Certified Trainer for counselors in the community who seek to provide premarital/marital counseling. Assisting new mothers and premarital couples is very important to me; I offer concierge services outside of normal business hours when available.
(470) 348-2143 View (470) 348-2143
Photo of Dr. Terry Maurice Samuels, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Dr. Terry Maurice Samuels
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MS, CDBT, CPCS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30326
I have over 18 years of clinical experience with individuals, couples, and families.
You made a bold and courageous decision to find help for your struggle. Millions of people deal with mental health problems daily and you are not alone in deciding to face your fears and find balance in life. I am here to help you and coach you through overcoming the obstacles in your life as you reach your full potential. By committing yourself to the progression of therapy, you can acquire holistic strategies designed to help you grow mentally, emotionally, and physically, and I would love to be your guide.
I have over 18 years of clinical experience with individuals, couples, and families.
You made a bold and courageous decision to find help for your struggle. Millions of people deal with mental health problems daily and you are not alone in deciding to face your fears and find balance in life. I am here to help you and coach you through overcoming the obstacles in your life as you reach your full potential. By committing yourself to the progression of therapy, you can acquire holistic strategies designed to help you grow mentally, emotionally, and physically, and I would love to be your guide.
(404) 738-9149 View (404) 738-9149
Photo of Maria Gomez Soler, Marriage & Family Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Maria Gomez Soler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MBA, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30308  (Online Only)
I work with couples and adult individuals who are experiencing relational distress or going through life transitions, as well as with adolescents and their families in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.
Sometimes it feels as if we lost our way; our closest relationships are a constant source of conflict and loneliness, and we struggle to find true connections, clarity, confidence, hope, and peace. It does not need to be that way. You can be seen and loved for who you really are, and you can count on yourself and others through the ups and downs of life. I enjoy guiding people through that journey to become their best selves and to enjoy fulfilling relationships.
I work with couples and adult individuals who are experiencing relational distress or going through life transitions, as well as with adolescents and their families in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.
Sometimes it feels as if we lost our way; our closest relationships are a constant source of conflict and loneliness, and we struggle to find true connections, clarity, confidence, hope, and peace. It does not need to be that way. You can be seen and loved for who you really are, and you can count on yourself and others through the ups and downs of life. I enjoy guiding people through that journey to become their best selves and to enjoy fulfilling relationships.
(404) 982-4048 View (404) 982-4048
Photo of Annie Phannick, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Annie Phannick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30307
Powerful resolutions occur beyond talk therapy and through our emotional bodies, which I aim to help you (and your partner) access with gentle guidance.
Have a repeating pattern of difficulty maintaining satisfying relationships? Struggling to gain freedom from memories of a painful past? Feeling stuck in cycles of conflict with your partner? Regardless of what your stressors are, you are capable of reaching your emotional potential, and living a fulfilled life through obtaining balance, wellness, and peace. I work with a range of issues, including attachment trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, racial identity issues, and other mental health stressors, with training in EMDR, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and internal family systems (IFS). I see individuals and couples.
Powerful resolutions occur beyond talk therapy and through our emotional bodies, which I aim to help you (and your partner) access with gentle guidance.
Have a repeating pattern of difficulty maintaining satisfying relationships? Struggling to gain freedom from memories of a painful past? Feeling stuck in cycles of conflict with your partner? Regardless of what your stressors are, you are capable of reaching your emotional potential, and living a fulfilled life through obtaining balance, wellness, and peace. I work with a range of issues, including attachment trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, racial identity issues, and other mental health stressors, with training in EMDR, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and internal family systems (IFS). I see individuals and couples.
(470) 517-3917 View (470) 517-3917
Photo of Tandy Mackey, Marriage & Family Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Tandy Mackey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30342
My name is Tandy Mackey and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Atlanta, Georgia, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in Family Systems, Emotional Family Couples Therapy, Gottman Method Therapy, Attachment Theory, anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, Supportive Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist my clients in being the better version of themselves so they can feel better.
My name is Tandy Mackey and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Atlanta, Georgia, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in Family Systems, Emotional Family Couples Therapy, Gottman Method Therapy, Attachment Theory, anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, Supportive Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist my clients in being the better version of themselves so they can feel better.
(404) 812-5603 View (404) 812-5603
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.