Photo of Kirstin R. Abraham, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in North Carolina
Kirstin R. Abraham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Marvin, NC 28173
Are you struggling with stress, anxiety, depression or relationship difficulties? Do you want to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life? My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more meaningful life.
Are you struggling with stress, anxiety, depression or relationship difficulties? Do you want to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life? My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more meaningful life.
(704) 233-7594 View (704) 233-7594
Photo of Chandra Denise Williams, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina
Chandra Denise Williams
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, NCC, LCMHC, LPCC, LPC, LAC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
Mint Hill, NC 28227
I am licensed in Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, DC, and Vermont. I work with individuals, couples and families seeking counseling both online and in my private practice. Clients attend therapy for several reasons when having difficulty managing the stressors of life.
I am licensed in Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, DC, and Vermont. I work with individuals, couples and families seeking counseling both online and in my private practice. Clients attend therapy for several reasons when having difficulty managing the stressors of life.
(704) 610-2574 View (704) 610-2574
Photo of CrossBeam Centers, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina
CrossBeam Centers
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC-S, LCSW, LCAS, FNP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fayetteville, NC 28303
Meeting the needs of individuals, couples, and families is our greatest accomplishment.
By definition a crossbeam is a "beam that spans from one support to another". At CrossBeam Centers, we are a client focused multi-specialty team providing comprehensive Counseling Psychopharmacology and Psychotherapy services that will give you the beam needed to support you through the nuances of life. Our dedicated team of Coaches, Counselors, Nurse Practitioners, Social Workers and Therapists are passionate about providing compassionate care that address the client's whole life...mind, body, spirit and relationship.
Meeting the needs of individuals, couples, and families is our greatest accomplishment.
By definition a crossbeam is a "beam that spans from one support to another". At CrossBeam Centers, we are a client focused multi-specialty team providing comprehensive Counseling Psychopharmacology and Psychotherapy services that will give you the beam needed to support you through the nuances of life. Our dedicated team of Coaches, Counselors, Nurse Practitioners, Social Workers and Therapists are passionate about providing compassionate care that address the client's whole life...mind, body, spirit and relationship.
(910) 387-1432 View (910) 387-1432
Photo of Forsyth Family Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in North Carolina
Forsyth Family Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Our licensed therapists have extensive training and experience in issues affecting adults, couples, children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in treating a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment, addiction, grief, women/men's issues, ADHD, oppositional/defiance, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and much more. We also offer extensive effective parenting training if your child is oppositional, defiant, and sometimes even aggressive.
Our licensed therapists have extensive training and experience in issues affecting adults, couples, children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in treating a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment, addiction, grief, women/men's issues, ADHD, oppositional/defiance, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and much more. We also offer extensive effective parenting training if your child is oppositional, defiant, and sometimes even aggressive.
(336) 750-6021 View (336) 750-6021
Photo of Southeast Institute for Group and Family Therapy, Psychologist in North Carolina
Southeast Institute for Group and Family Therapy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27517  (Online Only)
com to learn more about our post-graduate training program; couples weekends; energy psychology; EMDR supervision; personal growth programs; family therapy (parenting/couples/play); and much more!.
The Southeast Institute is a nonprofit educational institute offering continuing education (CEUs) workshops and training programs in psychotherapy for mental health professionals as well as direct clinical services. The Southeast Institute has earned respect and recognition for its excellence of training and its continued commitment to developing effective models for individual and social change. Trainees have traveled from nearly every state and more than 10 countries to attend workshops and ongoing training and supervision programs. SEI practitioners offer individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, family therapy, redecision therapy, TA, child therapy, energy psychotherapy (AIT), EMDR, and intensive personal growth programs.
com to learn more about our post-graduate training program; couples weekends; energy psychology; EMDR supervision; personal growth programs; family therapy (parenting/couples/play); and much more!.
The Southeast Institute is a nonprofit educational institute offering continuing education (CEUs) workshops and training programs in psychotherapy for mental health professionals as well as direct clinical services. The Southeast Institute has earned respect and recognition for its excellence of training and its continued commitment to developing effective models for individual and social change. Trainees have traveled from nearly every state and more than 10 countries to attend workshops and ongoing training and supervision programs. SEI practitioners offer individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, family therapy, redecision therapy, TA, child therapy, energy psychotherapy (AIT), EMDR, and intensive personal growth programs.
(919) 582-5002 View (919) 582-5002
Photo of Brinkley Brown Mental Wellness PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in North Carolina
Brinkley Brown Mental Wellness PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
Services offered at this location include individual therapy, couples therapy and family therapy.
Brinkley Brown Mental Wellness is now open in Fuquay Varina! So glad to be joining your community! We're in a beautiful relaxing office space at 7621 Purfoy Rd Suite 201...just behind the Bojangles and Milanos Pizza. We welcome you to our practice and truly hope you'll find your time spent with us productive, effective, and enjoyable.
Services offered at this location include individual therapy, couples therapy and family therapy.
Brinkley Brown Mental Wellness is now open in Fuquay Varina! So glad to be joining your community! We're in a beautiful relaxing office space at 7621 Purfoy Rd Suite 201...just behind the Bojangles and Milanos Pizza. We welcome you to our practice and truly hope you'll find your time spent with us productive, effective, and enjoyable.
(919) 877-6580 View (919) 877-6580
Photo of Elizabeth Robinette, Licensed Professional Counselor in North Carolina
Elizabeth Robinette
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping neurodivergent-identifying folx navigate a world designed by and for a neurotypical brain. I am an ardent advocate for neurodiversity and view ADHD as a brain style. My focus, through empirically supported coaching and solution-focused counseling, is to transform “disorder” into an asset. I partner with my clients to develop skills that compensate for the difficult parts of their diagnosis, while celebrating the amazing qualities of their neurodivergent brain.
I am passionate about helping neurodivergent-identifying folx navigate a world designed by and for a neurotypical brain. I am an ardent advocate for neurodiversity and view ADHD as a brain style. My focus, through empirically supported coaching and solution-focused counseling, is to transform “disorder” into an asset. I partner with my clients to develop skills that compensate for the difficult parts of their diagnosis, while celebrating the amazing qualities of their neurodivergent brain.
(919) 858-2979 View (919) 858-2979
Photo of Anne Mauldin, Psychologist in North Carolina
Anne Mauldin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Greenville, NC 27858
Such issues include: Depression, anxiety, health issues (stress, pain management, smoking cessation, obesity), divorce recovery (for adults and children), adoption, low self-esteem, abuse survivors, PTSD, ADHD, grief, couples problems and psychological testing.
My goal as a psychologist is to increase self-awareness and create positive change in a nonjudgmental environment. Psychotherapy can relieve emotional distress, improve one's quality of life, help process painful events and increase self-awareness. Unfortunately many people are conflicted about the decision to get help and may see psychotherapy as a sign of weakness. It has been my experience that people who are unhappy for whatever reason and choose to go to psychotherapy are being assertive, healthy, and courageous in the handling of their problems.
Such issues include: Depression, anxiety, health issues (stress, pain management, smoking cessation, obesity), divorce recovery (for adults and children), adoption, low self-esteem, abuse survivors, PTSD, ADHD, grief, couples problems and psychological testing.
My goal as a psychologist is to increase self-awareness and create positive change in a nonjudgmental environment. Psychotherapy can relieve emotional distress, improve one's quality of life, help process painful events and increase self-awareness. Unfortunately many people are conflicted about the decision to get help and may see psychotherapy as a sign of weakness. It has been my experience that people who are unhappy for whatever reason and choose to go to psychotherapy are being assertive, healthy, and courageous in the handling of their problems.
(252) 455-9998 View (252) 455-9998
Photo of Jenna Wilson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in North Carolina
Jenna Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28204
I frequently engage couples experiencing relationship difficulties, including intimacy issues, as well as, individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, or a loss in their lives.
Throughout our life's journey, we encounter a multitude of experiences. Some may contain extreme joy and happiness, while others can manifest feelings of doubt, sadness, anxiety or questioning if change or healing is possible in our current circumstances. During these difficult seasons we need the courage and perspective to explore challenging questions and the willingness to listen to the answers that emerge. My goal is to empower my clients and develop a rapport which promotes the confidence, skills and change agents needed to progress towards a direction that nourishes emotional and physical well-being.
I frequently engage couples experiencing relationship difficulties, including intimacy issues, as well as, individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, or a loss in their lives.
Throughout our life's journey, we encounter a multitude of experiences. Some may contain extreme joy and happiness, while others can manifest feelings of doubt, sadness, anxiety or questioning if change or healing is possible in our current circumstances. During these difficult seasons we need the courage and perspective to explore challenging questions and the willingness to listen to the answers that emerge. My goal is to empower my clients and develop a rapport which promotes the confidence, skills and change agents needed to progress towards a direction that nourishes emotional and physical well-being.
(704) 729-7588 View (704) 729-7588
Photo of Trinity Family Counseling Solutions, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in North Carolina
Trinity Family Counseling Solutions
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Greensboro, NC 27405  (Online Only)
A majority of my practice has been with family, LGBTQIA+, anxiety, depression, couples and parenting challenges.
People come to therapy for many reasons and I want to make this experience a meaningful journey for you. You may want to dive into past experiences because they are shaping your current world or you may have something happening in the moment that you need support with in order to determine your next steps. Whatever brings you to the space of exploring therapy, please know that I am here to listen to what you are going through and provide you with an opportunity to reflect on your options so you can decide what is next. It's all about you, your future success and how YOU define success.
A majority of my practice has been with family, LGBTQIA+, anxiety, depression, couples and parenting challenges.
People come to therapy for many reasons and I want to make this experience a meaningful journey for you. You may want to dive into past experiences because they are shaping your current world or you may have something happening in the moment that you need support with in order to determine your next steps. Whatever brings you to the space of exploring therapy, please know that I am here to listen to what you are going through and provide you with an opportunity to reflect on your options so you can decide what is next. It's all about you, your future success and how YOU define success.
(704) 666-9901 View (704) 666-9901
Photo of Rachel Marshall, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina
Rachel Marshall
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Rachel has been working with adults, children, couples,and adolescents in a mental health capacity since 2003. She tries to meet people where they are at and maintain a nonjudgmental approach to helping each person she serves in a unique and supportive way. She has been licensed since 2010 and in private practice since 2012. She has had the opportunity to train with world renowned experts in her field. In addition to creating her own personalized approach to treating trauma Rachel is also trained in the following evidence based treatment modalities:
Rachel has been working with adults, children, couples,and adolescents in a mental health capacity since 2003. She tries to meet people where they are at and maintain a nonjudgmental approach to helping each person she serves in a unique and supportive way. She has been licensed since 2010 and in private practice since 2012. She has had the opportunity to train with world renowned experts in her field. In addition to creating her own personalized approach to treating trauma Rachel is also trained in the following evidence based treatment modalities:
(919) 343-9726 View (919) 343-9726
Sandie Tucker
LCSW Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
High Point, NC 27265
My services include working with individuals, couples, and group counseling with adolescents, adults, and children. My training is in the areas of trauma issues, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. I am LGBTQ+ affirming and use therapeutic approaches pulled from my training in cognitive behavioral, person-centered, dialectical behavior, and acceptance and commitment. I view each problem as generally being developmental in nature, and approach each individual, couple or group in a unique manner.
My services include working with individuals, couples, and group counseling with adolescents, adults, and children. My training is in the areas of trauma issues, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. I am LGBTQ+ affirming and use therapeutic approaches pulled from my training in cognitive behavioral, person-centered, dialectical behavior, and acceptance and commitment. I view each problem as generally being developmental in nature, and approach each individual, couple or group in a unique manner.
(336) 396-5820 View (336) 396-5820
Photo of Life Adjustment Solutions, Marriage & Family Therapist in North Carolina
Life Adjustment Solutions
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, HCSVS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28262
Welcome, I am Joseph R. Carlton, Owner and Therapist of Life Adjustment Solution. I specialize in therapeutic services for individuals, couples, and families. Families are the cornerstone for preserving the stability of mental health in today's high intensity society. Individuals, couples, and families are the foundation of building close emotional relationships across generations, ethnicity, racial and religious backgrounds. Each factor is greatly considered in Life Adjustment Solution mission statement. I am dedicated to changing our society one case at a time. Each case will be considered as important as the next. My clients will receive the therapeutic care that best fits their needs.
Welcome, I am Joseph R. Carlton, Owner and Therapist of Life Adjustment Solution. I specialize in therapeutic services for individuals, couples, and families. Families are the cornerstone for preserving the stability of mental health in today's high intensity society. Individuals, couples, and families are the foundation of building close emotional relationships across generations, ethnicity, racial and religious backgrounds. Each factor is greatly considered in Life Adjustment Solution mission statement. I am dedicated to changing our society one case at a time. Each case will be considered as important as the next. My clients will receive the therapeutic care that best fits their needs.
(704) 727-4897 View (704) 727-4897
Photo of Strengthening Foundations Child & Family Cnslng, Licensed Professional Counselor in North Carolina
Strengthening Foundations Child & Family Cnslng
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LMFTA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Huntersville, NC 28078  (Online Only)
Facing life's challenges and transitions should not be done alone. When you encounter issues arising from lifecycle changes, relational turmoil or any other challenges that invoke a crisis or grief, it is important to have genuine and empathetic support to guide you without passing judgment. As a spouse of a retired veteran, I have over 20 years of experience adapting to the lifestyle challenges that the military community encounters. I have helped many families successfully cope with the military lifestyle, relational struggles and raise special children.
Facing life's challenges and transitions should not be done alone. When you encounter issues arising from lifecycle changes, relational turmoil or any other challenges that invoke a crisis or grief, it is important to have genuine and empathetic support to guide you without passing judgment. As a spouse of a retired veteran, I have over 20 years of experience adapting to the lifestyle challenges that the military community encounters. I have helped many families successfully cope with the military lifestyle, relational struggles and raise special children.
(910) 672-6766 View (910) 672-6766
Photo of Soul Care Christian Counseling Services, Counselor in North Carolina
Soul Care Christian Counseling Services
Counselor, MA, LCMHC-S, LCPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28212
We work with children, adults, couples and families that are dealing with a variety of issues including trauma, abuse, grief, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, multicultural issues, parenting skills, relationship issues, infidelity, anger management, and dealing with life's transitions.
When the storms of life come, it's nice to have someone who can offer the support you need when you need it the most. Soul Care offers compassionate Christian Counseling to those who seek to incorporate their faith into finding healing for issues of concern. We also offer Medications Management Appointments for children, adolescents, adults and geriatric populations. Soul Care offers services that are tailored to meet the individual needs of clients operating from a strengths-based and biblical perspective.
We work with children, adults, couples and families that are dealing with a variety of issues including trauma, abuse, grief, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, multicultural issues, parenting skills, relationship issues, infidelity, anger management, and dealing with life's transitions.
When the storms of life come, it's nice to have someone who can offer the support you need when you need it the most. Soul Care offers compassionate Christian Counseling to those who seek to incorporate their faith into finding healing for issues of concern. We also offer Medications Management Appointments for children, adolescents, adults and geriatric populations. Soul Care offers services that are tailored to meet the individual needs of clients operating from a strengths-based and biblical perspective.
(704) 457-9294 View (704) 457-9294
Photo of Gregory Moon, Licensed Professional Counselor in North Carolina
Gregory Moon
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPCS, MAC , LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cornelius, NC 28031
I provide counseling services to adults, through a collaborative approach, to assist in accomplishing goals established at the beginning of and during the counseling relationship. My theoretical orientation is Integrative: based on a humanistic perspective with Person-Centered theory and Motivational Interviewing as the foundation. Basically, I believe we all have within us the inherent tendency to develop in positive ways, to find meaning, and to become more self-aware. It is my goal to develop a therapeutic relationship that evokes and supports an individuals growth.
I provide counseling services to adults, through a collaborative approach, to assist in accomplishing goals established at the beginning of and during the counseling relationship. My theoretical orientation is Integrative: based on a humanistic perspective with Person-Centered theory and Motivational Interviewing as the foundation. Basically, I believe we all have within us the inherent tendency to develop in positive ways, to find meaning, and to become more self-aware. It is my goal to develop a therapeutic relationship that evokes and supports an individuals growth.
(704) 666-4463 View (704) 666-4463
Photo of Ronny Wayne Stephens, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina
Ronny Wayne Stephens
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LPC, LMHC, LCAS, MAC, PhD
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, NC 28546
We specialize in counseling by providing individual sessions, family sessions, couples therapy, active duty, and Veteran services.
"Accepting New Clients"...... Connected Counseling Community Center PLLC. is a professional and licensed (Private Practice). Sometimes, even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow. You might be initially hesitant to seek out help and support for personal matters, but when you do, you will feel confident that you are taking a courageous first step towards getting to a better place and being a better you.
We specialize in counseling by providing individual sessions, family sessions, couples therapy, active duty, and Veteran services.
"Accepting New Clients"...... Connected Counseling Community Center PLLC. is a professional and licensed (Private Practice). Sometimes, even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow. You might be initially hesitant to seek out help and support for personal matters, but when you do, you will feel confident that you are taking a courageous first step towards getting to a better place and being a better you.
(910) 591-2957 x1 View (910) 591-2957 x1
Photo of LifeCare Counseling and Coaching, PC, Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in North Carolina
LifeCare Counseling and Coaching, PC
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, LCMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, MD, PA, NPs
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Holly Springs, NC 27540
Our counselors have a broad range of specialties to address mental health concerns, life transitions, relationship issues, and career choices.
At LifeCare Counseling & Coaching, we are passionate about serving others by integrating the best psychiatric and mental health practices as well as spiritual care for the soul. Our team of licensed practitioners provide therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families of all kinds. We are a multi-site practice located at the Raleigh/Cary border, Wake Forest, Brier Creek, Holly Springs, Chapel Hill, the Triad area and Wilmington. In addition, many of our providers offer online therapy and we have interns who offer counseling on a sliding scale.
Our counselors have a broad range of specialties to address mental health concerns, life transitions, relationship issues, and career choices.
At LifeCare Counseling & Coaching, we are passionate about serving others by integrating the best psychiatric and mental health practices as well as spiritual care for the soul. Our team of licensed practitioners provide therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families of all kinds. We are a multi-site practice located at the Raleigh/Cary border, Wake Forest, Brier Creek, Holly Springs, Chapel Hill, the Triad area and Wilmington. In addition, many of our providers offer online therapy and we have interns who offer counseling on a sliding scale.
(984) 205-8702 View (984) 205-8702
Photo of Lisa Shelton, Licensed Professional Counselor in North Carolina
Lisa Shelton
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, MS, LCMHCS, LCAS, CSI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greensboro, NC 27408
My passion is to serve those individuals, couples and families who struggle with substance abuse, mental health and life issues that others may not understand. My Vision and Purpose is to increase individuals, couples and families awareness of addiction and mental health while also educating about healthy relationships, conflict resolution, developing strategies, coping skills to improve the overall quality of one’s life.
My passion is to serve those individuals, couples and families who struggle with substance abuse, mental health and life issues that others may not understand. My Vision and Purpose is to increase individuals, couples and families awareness of addiction and mental health while also educating about healthy relationships, conflict resolution, developing strategies, coping skills to improve the overall quality of one’s life.
(336) 395-5308 View (336) 395-5308
Photo of Jasmine Elliott in North Carolina
Jasmine Elliott
MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27511
I am committed to providing a warm, welcoming, and non-judgemental atmosphere, in order to develop a genuine relationship with you.
Have you been struggling to get out of bed each morning, constantly fighting the urge to just stay in bed all day? Has your job or school performance been affected, or maybe even your relationships with your friends, family, or significant other? Maybe you’ve lost interest in activities that once brought you joy, and even the simplest of tasks seem impossible to get done. YOU deserve to be happy again, to smile and laugh again, to feel like yourself again. Although all hope might appear to be lost right now, don't give up, because you are NOT alone.
I am committed to providing a warm, welcoming, and non-judgemental atmosphere, in order to develop a genuine relationship with you.
Have you been struggling to get out of bed each morning, constantly fighting the urge to just stay in bed all day? Has your job or school performance been affected, or maybe even your relationships with your friends, family, or significant other? Maybe you’ve lost interest in activities that once brought you joy, and even the simplest of tasks seem impossible to get done. YOU deserve to be happy again, to smile and laugh again, to feel like yourself again. Although all hope might appear to be lost right now, don't give up, because you are NOT alone.
(919) 551-7325 View (919) 551-7325

See more therapy options for North Carolina

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.