Couples Counseling Therapists in Hawaii

Photo of Harley Derrickson, Pre-Licensed Professional in Hawaii
Harley Derrickson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Kailua, HI 96734
By integrating techniques from differing therapy modalities like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Multi-cultural Counseling, Family and Couples Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Adlerian Psychotherapy, he provides a holistic approach to mental health.
Harley Derrickson, BA is a pre-licensed counseling professional eager to work with Oahu residents who need assistance achieving their personal goals and overcoming various life challenges. He was born and raised on Oahu’s North Shore and offers a unique and shared understanding of the complex set of challenges that the indigenous Kānaka Maoli population faces, both inside and outside of the therapeutic space. As a clinician, Harley draws insight from his experience working as a K-12 general and special education teacher in Oahu’s leeward district, and his experience as a Mental Emotional Social Health (MESH) coordinator.
By integrating techniques from differing therapy modalities like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Multi-cultural Counseling, Family and Couples Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Adlerian Psychotherapy, he provides a holistic approach to mental health.
Harley Derrickson, BA is a pre-licensed counseling professional eager to work with Oahu residents who need assistance achieving their personal goals and overcoming various life challenges. He was born and raised on Oahu’s North Shore and offers a unique and shared understanding of the complex set of challenges that the indigenous Kānaka Maoli population faces, both inside and outside of the therapeutic space. As a clinician, Harley draws insight from his experience working as a K-12 general and special education teacher in Oahu’s leeward district, and his experience as a Mental Emotional Social Health (MESH) coordinator.
(808) 435-7443 View (808) 435-7443
Photo of Jessica Wood, Counselor in Hawaii
Jessica Wood
Counselor, LMHC, CST, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96814  (Online Only)
My passion is in treating relationship issues, parenting concerns, life transitions, stress and anger management, sexual health issues, and eating disorders. My focus is specifically in women's sexual health and optimizing relationship intimacy. My book titled "Reversing Your Child's Eating Disorder: Healing a Hijacked Mind to Overcome Anorexia" can be found on Amazon and www.reversingyourchildseatingdisorder.com.
My passion is in treating relationship issues, parenting concerns, life transitions, stress and anger management, sexual health issues, and eating disorders. My focus is specifically in women's sexual health and optimizing relationship intimacy. My book titled "Reversing Your Child's Eating Disorder: Healing a Hijacked Mind to Overcome Anorexia" can be found on Amazon and www.reversingyourchildseatingdisorder.com.
(808) 755-3963 View (808) 755-3963
Photo of Lenore Dianne Peterson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Hawaii
Lenore Dianne Peterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kaneohe, HI 96744
Offering support in infertility, adoption, parenting, couples counseling, and family therapy, as well as stress management & coping effectively with life transitions.
These are challenging times and I would love to be of support in coping with anxiety, stress management, and life transitions. Building a trusting and supportive relationship is a primary component of my therapeutic practice and can be done using Tele Health video sessions from home. When making life decisions regarding how to best move forward, it can also be helpful to get an impartial, outside perspective. Know that I have over four decades of experience in working with individuals, couples, and families and that I am accepting new clients at this time.
Offering support in infertility, adoption, parenting, couples counseling, and family therapy, as well as stress management & coping effectively with life transitions.
These are challenging times and I would love to be of support in coping with anxiety, stress management, and life transitions. Building a trusting and supportive relationship is a primary component of my therapeutic practice and can be done using Tele Health video sessions from home. When making life decisions regarding how to best move forward, it can also be helpful to get an impartial, outside perspective. Know that I have over four decades of experience in working with individuals, couples, and families and that I am accepting new clients at this time.
(808) 427-1066 View (808) 427-1066
Photo of Adult and Child Psychological Services, Psychologist in Hawaii
Adult and Child Psychological Services
Psychologist, PsyD, CSAC
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96813
A benefit of visiting a group practice is that our providers can collaborate and work with individuals, as well as families and couples.
Adult and Child Psychological Services is a comprehensive center devoted to enhancing the health and well-being of adults, children, and families in the community who are living with emotional and physical health problems. Our philosophy is a belief in wellness through a collaborative effort. Using effective and proven therapies, the goal of our dedicated and expertly trained mental health professionals is to provide brief and practical help.
A benefit of visiting a group practice is that our providers can collaborate and work with individuals, as well as families and couples.
Adult and Child Psychological Services is a comprehensive center devoted to enhancing the health and well-being of adults, children, and families in the community who are living with emotional and physical health problems. Our philosophy is a belief in wellness through a collaborative effort. Using effective and proven therapies, the goal of our dedicated and expertly trained mental health professionals is to provide brief and practical help.
(808) 731-1087 View (808) 731-1087
Photo of Henry Beck, Psychologist in Hawaii
Henry Beck
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96814
I am a licensed psychologist who specializes in psychotherapy for mood disorders, trauma, and relationship difficulties. Along with these specializations I have specific training and experience in forensic issues. My practice uses cutting-edge and empirically based psychotherapies, delivered with warmth and care. In addition to psychotherapy I perform psychological assessments for ADHD, assessments of cognitive abilities, as well as assessment of emotion and personality characteristics.
I am a licensed psychologist who specializes in psychotherapy for mood disorders, trauma, and relationship difficulties. Along with these specializations I have specific training and experience in forensic issues. My practice uses cutting-edge and empirically based psychotherapies, delivered with warmth and care. In addition to psychotherapy I perform psychological assessments for ADHD, assessments of cognitive abilities, as well as assessment of emotion and personality characteristics.
(808) 419-7299 View (808) 419-7299
Photo of Sharae Hawelu, Marriage & Family Therapist in Hawaii
Sharae Hawelu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, BCBA
Verified Verified
Kapolei, HI 96707
Experience includes working with relationship issues, emotional regulation, communication, conflict resolution, stress management, self-esteem, self-awareness, coping skills, depression, anxiety, and navigating life transitions.
Sharae is a Dual-Licensed Marriage and Family therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Kapolei Counseling Center. She is committed to supporting your journey towards emotional wellness, safety, and fulfillment. With a collaborative, client-centered, and culturally sensitive approach, she provides a safe space for open exploration of your thoughts and experiences. Using a strength-based model, helps to leverage clients unique approach to life as a foundation for personal growth. Her goal is to empower clients to overcome challenges, develop coping skills, and enhance self-confidence while embracing your strengths.
Experience includes working with relationship issues, emotional regulation, communication, conflict resolution, stress management, self-esteem, self-awareness, coping skills, depression, anxiety, and navigating life transitions.
Sharae is a Dual-Licensed Marriage and Family therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Kapolei Counseling Center. She is committed to supporting your journey towards emotional wellness, safety, and fulfillment. With a collaborative, client-centered, and culturally sensitive approach, she provides a safe space for open exploration of your thoughts and experiences. Using a strength-based model, helps to leverage clients unique approach to life as a foundation for personal growth. Her goal is to empower clients to overcome challenges, develop coping skills, and enhance self-confidence while embracing your strengths.
(808) 272-5355 View (808) 272-5355
Photo of West Coast Counseling Services, Counselor in Hawaii
West Coast Counseling Services
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Waianae, HI 96792
Aloha Mai Kakou! Anger Management? Feeling Depressed? Stressed Out? Domestic Violence? PTSD? Addiction? Marriage issues? Challenges With Your Children? Are you just satisfied with how things are in your life? Do you want change? Maybe you need to work on your communication with your spouse or your family members? Perhaps your love life has lost its spark? Are you just settling with what things are or the way things are? It is what is it? NO! It is not!! I am offering you the chance to change your life. Make today the start of a new day. I provide individual, couples and or family sessions depending on the need of the client. Malama
Aloha Mai Kakou! Anger Management? Feeling Depressed? Stressed Out? Domestic Violence? PTSD? Addiction? Marriage issues? Challenges With Your Children? Are you just satisfied with how things are in your life? Do you want change? Maybe you need to work on your communication with your spouse or your family members? Perhaps your love life has lost its spark? Are you just settling with what things are or the way things are? It is what is it? NO! It is not!! I am offering you the chance to change your life. Make today the start of a new day. I provide individual, couples and or family sessions depending on the need of the client. Malama
(808) 518-4965 View (808) 518-4965
Photo of Heidemarie Koop, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Hawaii
Heidemarie Koop
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kailua Kona, HI 96740  (Online Only)
I offer short-term and long-term psychotherapy specializing in working with issues related to trauma, relationship challenges, child-parent conflicts and life transitions with the goal of restoring the health of individuals, couples and families.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with personal and/or professional challenges? Are you having problems with your relationships or at work? Is your child or adolescent exhibiting emotional and/or behavioral problems? Are you faced with challenging life-transitions? I offer a variety of modalities to work with individuals, couples and families who are experiencing the effects of trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, divorce, aging or other life issues.
I offer short-term and long-term psychotherapy specializing in working with issues related to trauma, relationship challenges, child-parent conflicts and life transitions with the goal of restoring the health of individuals, couples and families.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with personal and/or professional challenges? Are you having problems with your relationships or at work? Is your child or adolescent exhibiting emotional and/or behavioral problems? Are you faced with challenging life-transitions? I offer a variety of modalities to work with individuals, couples and families who are experiencing the effects of trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, divorce, aging or other life issues.
(808) 670-1165 View (808) 670-1165
Family and Addiction Counseling LLC
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, MFT, LCASA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96815
Do you feel stuck? Are you frustrated with life challenges? Do you find it hard to express yourself or ask for help? It is time to break your silence. It is time to get unstuck. If you are seeking a compassionate and optimistic therapist you have come to the right place. My role as a therapist is to support individuals, couples, and families navigate through life changes and challenges. I utilize a client-centered and strengths-based approach that focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, respect, and collaboration.
Do you feel stuck? Are you frustrated with life challenges? Do you find it hard to express yourself or ask for help? It is time to break your silence. It is time to get unstuck. If you are seeking a compassionate and optimistic therapist you have come to the right place. My role as a therapist is to support individuals, couples, and families navigate through life changes and challenges. I utilize a client-centered and strengths-based approach that focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, respect, and collaboration.
(808) 400-9258 View (808) 400-9258
Photo of Christina McKay, Marriage & Family Therapist in Hawaii
Christina McKay
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
With couples, I utilize Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. We all face challenges throughout our lives, whether in family conflicts, relationships, life transitions, or difficulties in managing our emotions. Seeking help can be the first step in making a change in your life. Because each client / client system is unique, I believe in providing a thorough assessment process before creating an individualized treatment plan. I am rooted in person centered therapy and believe that the client is the expert of their own life. I am trained in family systems, CBT, DBT, and Internal Family Systems.
With couples, I utilize Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. We all face challenges throughout our lives, whether in family conflicts, relationships, life transitions, or difficulties in managing our emotions. Seeking help can be the first step in making a change in your life. Because each client / client system is unique, I believe in providing a thorough assessment process before creating an individualized treatment plan. I am rooted in person centered therapy and believe that the client is the expert of their own life. I am trained in family systems, CBT, DBT, and Internal Family Systems.
(516) 689-7626 View (516) 689-7626
Photo of Terilyn Keliinoi, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Hawaii
Terilyn Keliinoi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96825  (Online Only)
She works with individuals, couples, families and groups with an interest in anxiety, depression, trauma/violence, grief and loss, and life transitions/adjustments.
Terilyn “Teri” Keliinoi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years post master’s and 11 years post LCSW experience. She has worked with children, teens and adults in hospital based acute and residential settings, outpatient clinics, as well as early intervention, school based behavioral health and hospice agencies.
She works with individuals, couples, families and groups with an interest in anxiety, depression, trauma/violence, grief and loss, and life transitions/adjustments.
Terilyn “Teri” Keliinoi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years post master’s and 11 years post LCSW experience. She has worked with children, teens and adults in hospital based acute and residential settings, outpatient clinics, as well as early intervention, school based behavioral health and hospice agencies.
(808) 320-5203 View (808) 320-5203
Photo of Duncan Therapy Services LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Hawaii
Duncan Therapy Services LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96826  (Online Only)
I specialize in systemically oriented therapy with individuals, couples, and families.
Aloha! I am licensed marriage and family therapist Bridget Duncan and I have excellent counseling abilities as well as an instinctive grasp of interpersonal familial dynamics, which has helped my clients get a deeper understanding of their behaviors and progress toward their therapeutic goals My approach to therapy begins with providing clients with a secure and healthy environment in which they may explore their difficulties without fear of criticism. The theoretical methods that I employ are determined by the clients I work with and their presenting issues.
I specialize in systemically oriented therapy with individuals, couples, and families.
Aloha! I am licensed marriage and family therapist Bridget Duncan and I have excellent counseling abilities as well as an instinctive grasp of interpersonal familial dynamics, which has helped my clients get a deeper understanding of their behaviors and progress toward their therapeutic goals My approach to therapy begins with providing clients with a secure and healthy environment in which they may explore their difficulties without fear of criticism. The theoretical methods that I employ are determined by the clients I work with and their presenting issues.
(808) 374-5107 View (808) 374-5107
Photo of Crossroads Behavioral Health, Inc., Psychologist in Hawaii
Crossroads Behavioral Health, Inc.
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Kapolei, HI 96707
Crossroads Behavioral Health, Inc. is a thriving group practice on O'ahu that is comprised of 3 Psychologists. Our mission is to provide the best clinical care possible to those in need. We work with a wide range of emotional & behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, couples counseling and beyond. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, we offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client's needs to help attain the personal growth for which they are striving.
Crossroads Behavioral Health, Inc. is a thriving group practice on O'ahu that is comprised of 3 Psychologists. Our mission is to provide the best clinical care possible to those in need. We work with a wide range of emotional & behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, couples counseling and beyond. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, we offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client's needs to help attain the personal growth for which they are striving.
(808) 518-3873 View (808) 518-3873
Photo of Michele 'shelby' Scofield, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Hawaii
Michele 'shelby' Scofield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, CSAC
Verified Verified
Kula, HI 96790
I have worked with many behavioral health, relationship, and family challenges and have implemented a wide variety of therapeutic models to respond to the specific areas of client concern.
Behavior is an alamalgamation of learned patterns that lead to particular outcomes. Engaging in therapy with Counseling Alternatives for Recovery Maintenance (CARM) will help you identify patterns that no longer serve your desired goals and will help you develop in ways that improve your quality of life...Are you ready?
I have worked with many behavioral health, relationship, and family challenges and have implemented a wide variety of therapeutic models to respond to the specific areas of client concern.
Behavior is an alamalgamation of learned patterns that lead to particular outcomes. Engaging in therapy with Counseling Alternatives for Recovery Maintenance (CARM) will help you identify patterns that no longer serve your desired goals and will help you develop in ways that improve your quality of life...Are you ready?
(808) 518-6213 View (808) 518-6213
Photo of Gabrielle Toloza, Psychologist in Hawaii
Gabrielle Toloza
Psychologist, MS, PsyD
Verified Verified
Kailua, HI 96734  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Dr. Gabrielle Toloza. I am a Virtually-based Psychologist licensed in the states of Hawaii & Oklahoma. I've been a helping professional 20+ years collaborating with adults, families, children and couples. I aim to see each person as the unique individual they are and utilize their strengths to help improve upon their areas of challenge. I believe strongly that every person has the power to change in any direction they choose and that therapy is about introspection, growth, self-awareness and connection. My goal is to provide knowledge, insights and most of all, a nonjudgemental space for you to accomplish your goals.
Hello, I'm Dr. Gabrielle Toloza. I am a Virtually-based Psychologist licensed in the states of Hawaii & Oklahoma. I've been a helping professional 20+ years collaborating with adults, families, children and couples. I aim to see each person as the unique individual they are and utilize their strengths to help improve upon their areas of challenge. I believe strongly that every person has the power to change in any direction they choose and that therapy is about introspection, growth, self-awareness and connection. My goal is to provide knowledge, insights and most of all, a nonjudgemental space for you to accomplish your goals.
(808) 470-4314 View (808) 470-4314
Photo of "Flying With Eagles", LLC, Psychologist in Hawaii
"Flying With Eagles", LLC
Psychologist, PhD, ABFamP, CSAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96813
The other areas of specialization have been in pre-marital, relationship, marital, divorce counseling and Family counseling.
Welcome to my private practice. I will first provide you with some background information about me so that you can become familiar with me. I had the honor of serving on active duty as an Officer and Clinical Psychologist for the Army, the Navy and as a civilian Clinical Psychologist for the Department of Defense.
The other areas of specialization have been in pre-marital, relationship, marital, divorce counseling and Family counseling.
Welcome to my private practice. I will first provide you with some background information about me so that you can become familiar with me. I had the honor of serving on active duty as an Officer and Clinical Psychologist for the Army, the Navy and as a civilian Clinical Psychologist for the Department of Defense.
(808) 207-8409 View (808) 207-8409
Photo of Tanya Noelle Gabriel, Counselor in Hawaii
Tanya Noelle Gabriel
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Kihei, HI 96753  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I can provide a safe and nurturing space where individuals and couples can access their inner resources to navigate through difficult times and enrich the quality of their lives.
The human experience can be extremely challenging at times. With practice, you can learn to navigate the difficult parts of life with more ease, acceptance, and inner peace. I believe in the proven benefits of mindfulness-based therapies which is why my approach to therapy is hands on using therapy models such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCB). I specialize in treating depression and anxiety disorders, and helping people navigate difficult life transitions.
I can provide a safe and nurturing space where individuals and couples can access their inner resources to navigate through difficult times and enrich the quality of their lives.
The human experience can be extremely challenging at times. With practice, you can learn to navigate the difficult parts of life with more ease, acceptance, and inner peace. I believe in the proven benefits of mindfulness-based therapies which is why my approach to therapy is hands on using therapy models such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCB). I specialize in treating depression and anxiety disorders, and helping people navigate difficult life transitions.
(808) 731-1167 View (808) 731-1167
Photo of Wendy Simonetti, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Hawaii
Wendy Simonetti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAC
Verified Verified
Kailua, HI 96734
I have over 18 years of experience in mental health empowering people to heal from addictions, anxiety, depression, trauma, through focus on relationship building and personal development in all dimensions of life-- vibrant physical and mental health, work and career, education, finances, relationships and spiritual development.
As a practitioner I am committed to assisting you to expand your potential to fulfill a life that you envision for yourself. At ExpandingHorizonsHawai'i (EHHi) we will co-create a practical and realistic life plan with achievable steps. Once your life begins to move in the direction that is closer to your desired life, instead of perpetuating in a downward spiral, you will have the opposite effect -- your positivity will expand and multiply. EHHi will also facilitate the success of your life plan by removing blocks of limited thinking and negative emotions through trauma release, visualization, and solution-focused approach.
I have over 18 years of experience in mental health empowering people to heal from addictions, anxiety, depression, trauma, through focus on relationship building and personal development in all dimensions of life-- vibrant physical and mental health, work and career, education, finances, relationships and spiritual development.
As a practitioner I am committed to assisting you to expand your potential to fulfill a life that you envision for yourself. At ExpandingHorizonsHawai'i (EHHi) we will co-create a practical and realistic life plan with achievable steps. Once your life begins to move in the direction that is closer to your desired life, instead of perpetuating in a downward spiral, you will have the opposite effect -- your positivity will expand and multiply. EHHi will also facilitate the success of your life plan by removing blocks of limited thinking and negative emotions through trauma release, visualization, and solution-focused approach.
(808) 745-1050 View (808) 745-1050
Photo of Steven Phillip Katz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Hawaii
Steven Phillip Katz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kailua, HI 96734
I have completed The Gottman Basic Couples Training and Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Training.
I focus on helping a client work on personal issues as well as primary relationships. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, and addictions. Counseling is a partnership. You're the expert in running your life and I have the training and experience in partnering with others. I specialize in helping to improve your relationships with other people. I am licensed in Hawaii and I hold a Masters with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy. Recently hosted the TV Show "Shrink Rap Hawaii. You can find my shows on YouTube.
I have completed The Gottman Basic Couples Training and Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Training.
I focus on helping a client work on personal issues as well as primary relationships. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, and addictions. Counseling is a partnership. You're the expert in running your life and I have the training and experience in partnering with others. I specialize in helping to improve your relationships with other people. I am licensed in Hawaii and I hold a Masters with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy. Recently hosted the TV Show "Shrink Rap Hawaii. You can find my shows on YouTube.
(808) 419-3755 View (808) 419-3755
Photo of Linda Anaya, Counselor in Hawaii
Linda Anaya
Counselor, MA, MHC, AMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
I specialize in helping couples identify negative cycles change interaction patterns, and create new solutions to old problems.
Aloha, I am a Couples and Family Therapist. My approach emphasizes the importance of working with a couple and family as a system that influence one another. To restructure healthy relationships, I use therapies that promote positive interactions between individuals. My methods include trans-generational, structural family therapy, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and Gottman Therapy. I use exercises such as enactments to help clients set new appropriate boundaries, build love maps to improve interactions and establish loving communication.
I specialize in helping couples identify negative cycles change interaction patterns, and create new solutions to old problems.
Aloha, I am a Couples and Family Therapist. My approach emphasizes the importance of working with a couple and family as a system that influence one another. To restructure healthy relationships, I use therapies that promote positive interactions between individuals. My methods include trans-generational, structural family therapy, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and Gottman Therapy. I use exercises such as enactments to help clients set new appropriate boundaries, build love maps to improve interactions and establish loving communication.
(630) 478-8548 x3 View (630) 478-8548 x3
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.