Photo of Cindy McKnight, Counselor in Libertyville, IL
Cindy McKnight
Counselor, MS, LCPC, CFRC, CCTP, EMDR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Libertyville, IL 60048
Hello and thank you for taking the time to read my biography. I received my MS in Human Services/Community Counseling. I have over 20 years experience in MH and have been successful in working with individuals, couples and families. I have a particular clinical area of strength working with First Responders. I am also trained in EMDR level I & II, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Sex Therapy. I can also provide short-term counseling. My clinical approach is evidence based treatment as I am trained to work with various populations. We offer sessions in Libertyville, Gurnee and via telehealth.
Hello and thank you for taking the time to read my biography. I received my MS in Human Services/Community Counseling. I have over 20 years experience in MH and have been successful in working with individuals, couples and families. I have a particular clinical area of strength working with First Responders. I am also trained in EMDR level I & II, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Sex Therapy. I can also provide short-term counseling. My clinical approach is evidence based treatment as I am trained to work with various populations. We offer sessions in Libertyville, Gurnee and via telehealth.
(847) 527-8511 View (847) 527-8511
Photo of Carol L Dreyer, Marriage & Family Therapist in Libertyville, IL
Carol L Dreyer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCPC
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048  (Online Only)
My ideal client is looking for a supportive environment to sort out what is bothering them in a collaborative manner. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist I specialize in couples and families at all stages of marital distress and conflict, re-marital,premarital, infidelity, family problems, empty nesters, and aging parents. I will work with you to find effective solutions to the challenges you are facing. We will work to identify your strengths and weaknesses keeping your goals at the forefront of our work together.
My ideal client is looking for a supportive environment to sort out what is bothering them in a collaborative manner. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist I specialize in couples and families at all stages of marital distress and conflict, re-marital,premarital, infidelity, family problems, empty nesters, and aging parents. I will work with you to find effective solutions to the challenges you are facing. We will work to identify your strengths and weaknesses keeping your goals at the forefront of our work together.
(847) 558-6563 View (847) 558-6563
Photo of John Beltramo, Psychologist in Libertyville, IL
John Beltramo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Libertyville, IL 60048
He takes a collaborative approach to his clients, focusing on the quality of the client – therapist relationship.
Dr. Beltramo is a life-long native of the Chicago area. He earned his B.S. from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a major in psychology. He went on to pursue his Masters and Doctoral degrees at Argosy University/Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Beltramo has worked in the behavioral health field in a variety of capacities since 1993, obtaining his doctoral degree in 2003. From multipally-diagnosed, residentially-placed adolescents to domestic violence offenders to private practice settings, the range of his experience is broad, varied, and comprehensive.
He takes a collaborative approach to his clients, focusing on the quality of the client – therapist relationship.
Dr. Beltramo is a life-long native of the Chicago area. He earned his B.S. from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a major in psychology. He went on to pursue his Masters and Doctoral degrees at Argosy University/Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Beltramo has worked in the behavioral health field in a variety of capacities since 1993, obtaining his doctoral degree in 2003. From multipally-diagnosed, residentially-placed adolescents to domestic violence offenders to private practice settings, the range of his experience is broad, varied, and comprehensive.
(847) 920-7937 View (847) 920-7937
Photo of Julia Gekhter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Libertyville, IL
Julia Gekhter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Libertyville, IL 60048
Couples Therapy: helping partners navigate the complexities addiction, fostering communication and healing.
My journey into therapy began from a deep-seated desire to understand human behavior and the resilience of the spirit. Witnessing the transformative power of therapy, I knew this was my calling to guide individuals through their darkest moments towards brighter, healthier future. Specializing in addiction therapy, I work with a diverse clientele, including older adults, young adults, couples, and families. My approach is holistic and personalized addressing complexities of drug, alcohol, gambling, food addictions, ext. With each session, I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment to encourage self-discovery for my clients.
Couples Therapy: helping partners navigate the complexities addiction, fostering communication and healing.
My journey into therapy began from a deep-seated desire to understand human behavior and the resilience of the spirit. Witnessing the transformative power of therapy, I knew this was my calling to guide individuals through their darkest moments towards brighter, healthier future. Specializing in addiction therapy, I work with a diverse clientele, including older adults, young adults, couples, and families. My approach is holistic and personalized addressing complexities of drug, alcohol, gambling, food addictions, ext. With each session, I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment to encourage self-discovery for my clients.
(224) 293-6875 View (224) 293-6875
Photo of Crandell (Dell) Bliss, Counselor in Libertyville, IL
Crandell (Dell) Bliss
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
Even if your partner is unwilling to attend counseling, working on your own "stuff" can really benefit you and your relationship(s).
As a therapist with 20+ years of experience. I will help you move through the issues that keep you stuck in your problem(s). This therapy will go much further than skill-building and techniques, it will change the way you think and feel about your self, your relationships--it may even change the way your brain works. It will reach and transform the very core of your issues. "Differentiation" is the corner stone concept of my approach and focuses on developing emotional maturity. Being a differentiated person involves the pursuit of individuality while appreciating the desire for quality, relational connections.
Even if your partner is unwilling to attend counseling, working on your own "stuff" can really benefit you and your relationship(s).
As a therapist with 20+ years of experience. I will help you move through the issues that keep you stuck in your problem(s). This therapy will go much further than skill-building and techniques, it will change the way you think and feel about your self, your relationships--it may even change the way your brain works. It will reach and transform the very core of your issues. "Differentiation" is the corner stone concept of my approach and focuses on developing emotional maturity. Being a differentiated person involves the pursuit of individuality while appreciating the desire for quality, relational connections.
(847) 453-3638 View (847) 453-3638
Photo of North Shore Family Services, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Libertyville, IL
North Shore Family Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Libertyville, IL 60048
When you or your child/teen is struggling, you want strategies to combat challenges NOW. At North Shore Family Services, we empower kids, teens, and adults to learn tools, so they can succeed independently. Our goal is for children, teens, adults, parents, and couples to learn skills to be successful with school, peers, work, and family- long after therapy ends. We assist with IEP and 504 plans to help our children/teen clients succeed where they spend most of their day- out of their parents' sight. Parents are our partners in helping kids and teens learn life skills.
When you or your child/teen is struggling, you want strategies to combat challenges NOW. At North Shore Family Services, we empower kids, teens, and adults to learn tools, so they can succeed independently. Our goal is for children, teens, adults, parents, and couples to learn skills to be successful with school, peers, work, and family- long after therapy ends. We assist with IEP and 504 plans to help our children/teen clients succeed where they spend most of their day- out of their parents' sight. Parents are our partners in helping kids and teens learn life skills.
(224) 803-2468 x700 View (224) 803-2468 x700
Photo of CYN Counseling Center, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Libertyville, IL
CYN Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC, LCPC, LPC, LSW
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
CYN has been in business for over 40 years treating children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups. Our counseling and psychotherapy services are confidential and we offer a relaxed, friendly setting. Located in Grayslake, Illinois, we understand the needs of the surrounding communities and our therapists encompass a wide range of specialties and treatment modalities. Regardless of the issues you face, let CYN assist you in your emotional growth and /or healing.
CYN has been in business for over 40 years treating children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups. Our counseling and psychotherapy services are confidential and we offer a relaxed, friendly setting. Located in Grayslake, Illinois, we understand the needs of the surrounding communities and our therapists encompass a wide range of specialties and treatment modalities. Regardless of the issues you face, let CYN assist you in your emotional growth and /or healing.
(847) 737-9226 View (847) 737-9226
Photo of Sara Vargas, Marriage & Family Therapist in Libertyville, IL
Sara Vargas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Libertyville, IL 60048  (Online Only)
I typically work with individuals, couples, and therapists struggling with relationship issues, sex/sexuality, intimacy, anxiety and depression, life transitions, and family of origin matters.
It can feel intimidating to reach out for help, which is why I approach therapy in a gentle and compassionate manner. My focus is on individuals and couples who want to address their relational, emotional, and sexual wellbeing. It is my frame of thought that the relationships, both with ourselves and with others, are at the core of emotional health. My clients seek to improve emotional connections and empathy, as well as their experience of sex and sexuality. I am clinically trained to work with a wide range of clients and issues.
I typically work with individuals, couples, and therapists struggling with relationship issues, sex/sexuality, intimacy, anxiety and depression, life transitions, and family of origin matters.
It can feel intimidating to reach out for help, which is why I approach therapy in a gentle and compassionate manner. My focus is on individuals and couples who want to address their relational, emotional, and sexual wellbeing. It is my frame of thought that the relationships, both with ourselves and with others, are at the core of emotional health. My clients seek to improve emotional connections and empathy, as well as their experience of sex and sexuality. I am clinically trained to work with a wide range of clients and issues.
(224) 218-5099 View (224) 218-5099
Photo of Center for Trauma, Grief and Loss, Psychologist in Libertyville, IL
Center for Trauma, Grief and Loss
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
Do you suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or experience depression, anxiety, anger, or fear as a result of trauma? Do you have intrusive memories of a bitter break-up, difficult childhood, abusive boss, or frightening experience that continue to haunt you long after the situation is over?
Do you suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or experience depression, anxiety, anger, or fear as a result of trauma? Do you have intrusive memories of a bitter break-up, difficult childhood, abusive boss, or frightening experience that continue to haunt you long after the situation is over?
(847) 443-9324 View (847) 443-9324
Photo of Sacred Art Counseling, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Libertyville, IL
Sacred Art Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
We believe in a person-centered approach that combines traditional, evidence-based psychotherapeutic models with a holistic method. We incorporate information from the field of neuro-biology to provide a tailored and individualized path. We meet each person who walks through our door where they are, maximizing every individual's growth. As a result, when our work together is done you will be better equipped to actualize your life's direction.
We believe in a person-centered approach that combines traditional, evidence-based psychotherapeutic models with a holistic method. We incorporate information from the field of neuro-biology to provide a tailored and individualized path. We meet each person who walks through our door where they are, maximizing every individual's growth. As a result, when our work together is done you will be better equipped to actualize your life's direction.
(262) 239-7616 View (262) 239-7616
Photo of The Chicago Integrative Center for Psychology in Libertyville, IL
The Chicago Integrative Center for Psychology
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
When it comes to mental health treatment, our approach is simple and unique: our accomplished team of physicians and therapists work together to diagnose and treat your body, mind and spirit as a whole. We are one of the few practices combining traditional treatment with evidence-based alternative therapies, all under one roof. We are privileged to have changed the lives of many families in Chicago's North Shore, as well as out-of-state and foreign visitors. Our "whole body" approach to treating mental health conditions is supported by clinical studies. These include but are not limited to: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), diet and exercise, spiritual/social evaluation, yoga and art therapy. Many still focus only on the brain, treating symptoms, not causes. In many cases they over-prescribe medications. While our physicians do prescribe medications as needed, what sets us apart is our commitment to explore all options. We search for root causes and provide the most appropriate treatment, not merely the most convenient one. When we do prescribe, we go the extra mile to customize a plan that minimizes side effects. You and your family deserve the best in healthcare!
When it comes to mental health treatment, our approach is simple and unique: our accomplished team of physicians and therapists work together to diagnose and treat your body, mind and spirit as a whole. We are one of the few practices combining traditional treatment with evidence-based alternative therapies, all under one roof. We are privileged to have changed the lives of many families in Chicago's North Shore, as well as out-of-state and foreign visitors. Our "whole body" approach to treating mental health conditions is supported by clinical studies. These include but are not limited to: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), diet and exercise, spiritual/social evaluation, yoga and art therapy. Many still focus only on the brain, treating symptoms, not causes. In many cases they over-prescribe medications. While our physicians do prescribe medications as needed, what sets us apart is our commitment to explore all options. We search for root causes and provide the most appropriate treatment, not merely the most convenient one. When we do prescribe, we go the extra mile to customize a plan that minimizes side effects. You and your family deserve the best in healthcare!
(224) 427-6245 View (224) 427-6245
Photo of Megan Schalk, Pre-Licensed Professional in Libertyville, IL
Megan Schalk
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
Not accepting new clients
Megan is a pre-licensed professional Counselor and received her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and Counseling from Roosevelt University. Megan has experience working with adults, adolescents, couples, LGTBQ individuals, and various ethnic backgrounds.
Megan is a pre-licensed professional Counselor and received her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and Counseling from Roosevelt University. Megan has experience working with adults, adolescents, couples, LGTBQ individuals, and various ethnic backgrounds.
(224) 328-1557 View (224) 328-1557

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Stacey A Gottlieb, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Libertyville, IL
Stacey A Gottlieb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, C-ssws
Verified Verified
Highland Park, IL 60035  (Online Only)
I maintain a practice consisting of adolescents,couples,and adults.
Would you like to: grow and heal as an individual? Learn how to understand, make sense of and enhance your current relationships? Let go of past difficulties and patterns that continue to overshadow your life? If so, I can assist you on your journey. I have worked with people who experience a variety of emotional issues, most commonly depression and anxiety. I provide a safe and nurturing environment to allow for exploration, insight, and emotional growth. The pace of treatment is set by you and together we will overcome obstacles that stand in your way.
I maintain a practice consisting of adolescents,couples,and adults.
Would you like to: grow and heal as an individual? Learn how to understand, make sense of and enhance your current relationships? Let go of past difficulties and patterns that continue to overshadow your life? If so, I can assist you on your journey. I have worked with people who experience a variety of emotional issues, most commonly depression and anxiety. I provide a safe and nurturing environment to allow for exploration, insight, and emotional growth. The pace of treatment is set by you and together we will overcome obstacles that stand in your way.
(312) 380-0264 View (312) 380-0264
Photo of McCall Barsamian, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Libertyville, IL
McCall Barsamian, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Barrington, IL 60010  (Online Only)
McCall Barsamian is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who works with couples and individual adults. Her open, empathic, interactive, and respectful approach focuses on collaborating with clients to deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationships in order to bring about the transformation they seek. McCall has extensive, hands-on-training from world-renown Psychotherapists and clinical experience in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) with both couples and individuals. McCall also uses a variety of other Empirically Supported Approaches as she sees fit.
McCall Barsamian is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who works with couples and individual adults. Her open, empathic, interactive, and respectful approach focuses on collaborating with clients to deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationships in order to bring about the transformation they seek. McCall has extensive, hands-on-training from world-renown Psychotherapists and clinical experience in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) with both couples and individuals. McCall also uses a variety of other Empirically Supported Approaches as she sees fit.
(224) 332-3443 View (224) 332-3443
Photo of Richard Damiani, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Libertyville, IL
Richard Damiani
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Lake Zurich, IL 60047  (Online Only)
We can feel disconnected from our spouse - distant; loved - yet longing for love.
We were designed for connection; marriage and relationships should be a delight - a life giving connection with the one you love above all others. We marry or are in a relationship with that one person with whom we hope that we will find happiness, joy and peace. We bring ourselves with all our differing personalities, history, baggage, wounds, and family of origin issues to each other and our lives together, and these things can make it very hard to find what we long for.emotional issues that come from trauma, as well as depression, anxiety, and low self worth.
We can feel disconnected from our spouse - distant; loved - yet longing for love.
We were designed for connection; marriage and relationships should be a delight - a life giving connection with the one you love above all others. We marry or are in a relationship with that one person with whom we hope that we will find happiness, joy and peace. We bring ourselves with all our differing personalities, history, baggage, wounds, and family of origin issues to each other and our lives together, and these things can make it very hard to find what we long for.emotional issues that come from trauma, as well as depression, anxiety, and low self worth.
(331) 225-1645 View (331) 225-1645
Photo of Esser Counseling Services, PLLC, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Libertyville, IL
Esser Counseling Services, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA LCPC, CCTP, CSIP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gurnee, IL 60031  (Online Only)
I specialize in relationships, not just romantic but the relationship you have with yourself and others.
Accepting new clients, offering online/telehealth services. I practice statewide in Illinois & Florida. I provide affirming therapy to neurodiverse, LGBTQIA, trans, non-traditional relationships such as: poly, swing, kink/BDSM, open communities. In therapy with me you can expect a safe, non-judgmental, trusting space were we explore what is happening in your life. I can be direct yet empathetic and meet you were you are in order for therapy to provide you with the answers you are seeking to lasting change. I believe clients are the experts of themselves.
I specialize in relationships, not just romantic but the relationship you have with yourself and others.
Accepting new clients, offering online/telehealth services. I practice statewide in Illinois & Florida. I provide affirming therapy to neurodiverse, LGBTQIA, trans, non-traditional relationships such as: poly, swing, kink/BDSM, open communities. In therapy with me you can expect a safe, non-judgmental, trusting space were we explore what is happening in your life. I can be direct yet empathetic and meet you were you are in order for therapy to provide you with the answers you are seeking to lasting change. I believe clients are the experts of themselves.
(727) 382-4801 View (727) 382-4801
Photo of Peonita Harris, Marriage & Family Therapist in Libertyville, IL
Peonita Harris
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT, DWCF
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
The Couple and Family Clinic is creating connections that heal. We specialize in relational conflict and trauma, partner betrayal trauma, sexual compulsion, cultural trauma and grief and loss. Pain and adjustment is a part of life. I am here to walk with you through the process so that you will arrive at your goal feeling healthy and whole. The client's experience from beginning to the end of treatment are all very important to me and the healing process. We all desire healthy, happy and loving relationships, and this takes courage and will pull us out of our comfort zone. Sometimes loving ourselves is the best place to start.
The Couple and Family Clinic is creating connections that heal. We specialize in relational conflict and trauma, partner betrayal trauma, sexual compulsion, cultural trauma and grief and loss. Pain and adjustment is a part of life. I am here to walk with you through the process so that you will arrive at your goal feeling healthy and whole. The client's experience from beginning to the end of treatment are all very important to me and the healing process. We all desire healthy, happy and loving relationships, and this takes courage and will pull us out of our comfort zone. Sometimes loving ourselves is the best place to start.
(847) 416-6625 View (847) 416-6625
Photo of Sonica Li, Licensed Professional Counselor in Libertyville, IL
Sonica Li
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, IL 60035
As for me: I've found that my clients and couples who experience the most transformation with me come in looking for meaning, either (1) struggling to "do life" the way most people seem to be able to, or (2) recently had their hard-earned stability fall apart after "doing life" successfully for so long.
Hi there! Good for you for looking for a therapist :) I encourage you to do consultations or sessions with multiple therapists. You'll quickly see that we're vastly different. Remember grade school teachers? They can make or break the class, and maybe there were only a few you really connected with. This is even more true for therapy! So try out multiple therapists. The process itself can be therapeutic. Two major things to look for are emotional safety ("Do I feel like I can tell them things without feeling judged?") and resonance ("Do they get me?"). Most importantly, practice trusting your intuition.
As for me: I've found that my clients and couples who experience the most transformation with me come in looking for meaning, either (1) struggling to "do life" the way most people seem to be able to, or (2) recently had their hard-earned stability fall apart after "doing life" successfully for so long.
Hi there! Good for you for looking for a therapist :) I encourage you to do consultations or sessions with multiple therapists. You'll quickly see that we're vastly different. Remember grade school teachers? They can make or break the class, and maybe there were only a few you really connected with. This is even more true for therapy! So try out multiple therapists. The process itself can be therapeutic. Two major things to look for are emotional safety ("Do I feel like I can tell them things without feeling judged?") and resonance ("Do they get me?"). Most importantly, practice trusting your intuition.
(847) 693-3830 View (847) 693-3830
Photo of Ashley Beth Plotnick, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Libertyville, IL
Ashley Beth Plotnick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MEd, MAJS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Deerfield, IL 60015
Ashley is a relationship-centered therapist, who also draws upon family systems theory in her work. Ashley believes that the therapeutic relationship must foster a sense of warmth, authenticity, and acceptance, enabling clients to bring their full selves to the work, creating deeper awareness and a more connected, lived experience. Ashley's varied life experience has taught her that integration is essential on our journey toward wholeness. In this way, she creates safe space for people to bring the many aspects of their own selves - social, emotional, spiritual, and sexual - to the therapy process.
Ashley is a relationship-centered therapist, who also draws upon family systems theory in her work. Ashley believes that the therapeutic relationship must foster a sense of warmth, authenticity, and acceptance, enabling clients to bring their full selves to the work, creating deeper awareness and a more connected, lived experience. Ashley's varied life experience has taught her that integration is essential on our journey toward wholeness. In this way, she creates safe space for people to bring the many aspects of their own selves - social, emotional, spiritual, and sexual - to the therapy process.
(224) 269-6469 View (224) 269-6469
Photo of Dennis A Lubchenko, Counselor in Libertyville, IL
Dennis A Lubchenko
Counselor, LCPC, CADC, PCGC
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
Deerfield, IL 60015
My speciality is in developing a therapeutic relationship with my clients to support them through their healing journey.
I have over 20 years of experience as a therapist in the mental health field. I am passionate about helping people overcome their life stressors, past hurts, and to function in a healthier way. I help clients who suffer from mental health disorders, current problems, substance related addictions along with process related addictions (i.e. sex, gambling, shopping). I most frequently use Insight Oriented Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) approaches; as well as CBT and DBT when appropriate. I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and family members.
My speciality is in developing a therapeutic relationship with my clients to support them through their healing journey.
I have over 20 years of experience as a therapist in the mental health field. I am passionate about helping people overcome their life stressors, past hurts, and to function in a healthier way. I help clients who suffer from mental health disorders, current problems, substance related addictions along with process related addictions (i.e. sex, gambling, shopping). I most frequently use Insight Oriented Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) approaches; as well as CBT and DBT when appropriate. I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and family members.
(224) 935-4535 View (224) 935-4535

See more therapy options for Libertyville

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.