Couples Counseling Therapists in Columbia, SC

Photo of Palmer Counseling and Consulting, Marriage & Family Therapist in Columbia, SC
Palmer Counseling and Consulting
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
19 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29223
We can also help you manage symptoms creating distress, whether it be depression, anxiety, trauma or relationship problems.
You probably can't remember how long ago you started going through the motions. Just surviving each day, not thriving and living the life God intended for you. You can't quite remember when things started to get off track. But, you can probably remember a time when you were really happy, loving life and had dreams you couldn't wait to see come true. But life happens; children, careers and just about everything takes priority over what's most important.
We can also help you manage symptoms creating distress, whether it be depression, anxiety, trauma or relationship problems.
You probably can't remember how long ago you started going through the motions. Just surviving each day, not thriving and living the life God intended for you. You can't quite remember when things started to get off track. But, you can probably remember a time when you were really happy, loving life and had dreams you couldn't wait to see come true. But life happens; children, careers and just about everything takes priority over what's most important.
(803) 602-6158 View (803) 602-6158
Photo of Allie Lehr, Marriage & Family Therapist in Columbia, SC
Allie Lehr
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29201
Are you struggling with a relationship or relationships in your life, or maybe even struggling with the relationship with yourself? Do you feel disconnected, scared, and unsure of where to begin? Relationships are hard AND they are what make us human. I am passionate about helping my clients, whether they are individuals, families, or romantic partners, improve communication, increase connection, and overcome painful experiences that are preventing them from having and maintaining healthy relationships.
Are you struggling with a relationship or relationships in your life, or maybe even struggling with the relationship with yourself? Do you feel disconnected, scared, and unsure of where to begin? Relationships are hard AND they are what make us human. I am passionate about helping my clients, whether they are individuals, families, or romantic partners, improve communication, increase connection, and overcome painful experiences that are preventing them from having and maintaining healthy relationships.
(803) 879-4781 View (803) 879-4781
Photo of Mark Stewart, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Columbia, SC
Mark Stewart
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, EdS, MS
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29201
My practice focus includea relationship/couples counseling, blended families, negotiation within relationships, lost connection, and sexual compatibility.
Relationship struggles are my focus, though these may be explored alone or together. We can work to help you navigate high-stakes situations to strengthen your most intimate, important attachments. We all need to feel understood, and deserve to feel loved. Through a relational, systemic approach, we can explore and strengthen your connecting bonds and your place within them. Life is as much about how we tell our stories as it is the content of these narratives. Attachment is a key part of my work with romantic / sexual partners and families. Being newly seen and heard in more complete ways can be transformative and hope-inducing.
My practice focus includea relationship/couples counseling, blended families, negotiation within relationships, lost connection, and sexual compatibility.
Relationship struggles are my focus, though these may be explored alone or together. We can work to help you navigate high-stakes situations to strengthen your most intimate, important attachments. We all need to feel understood, and deserve to feel loved. Through a relational, systemic approach, we can explore and strengthen your connecting bonds and your place within them. Life is as much about how we tell our stories as it is the content of these narratives. Attachment is a key part of my work with romantic / sexual partners and families. Being newly seen and heard in more complete ways can be transformative and hope-inducing.
(803) 991-4197 View (803) 991-4197
Photo of Candy Ja'von Posey, Licensed Professional Counselor in Columbia, SC
Candy Ja'von Posey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29204
Step into a space tailored just for you, where healing and growth take center stage. Life throws its curveballs, and we all carry a load from the past, but sometimes that baggage becomes a roadblock, hindering our journey to a better place. If you're feeling stuck, weighed down by the past, and yearning for positive change, you're not alone. As a Transition and Relationship Coach, I've walked alongside incredible individuals, especially women, navigating through their darkest moments. Your experiences don't scare me; they inspire me to guide you toward a place of strength and renewal.
Step into a space tailored just for you, where healing and growth take center stage. Life throws its curveballs, and we all carry a load from the past, but sometimes that baggage becomes a roadblock, hindering our journey to a better place. If you're feeling stuck, weighed down by the past, and yearning for positive change, you're not alone. As a Transition and Relationship Coach, I've walked alongside incredible individuals, especially women, navigating through their darkest moments. Your experiences don't scare me; they inspire me to guide you toward a place of strength and renewal.
(803) 805-8473 View (803) 805-8473
Photo of Abreia Epps, Licensed Professional Counselor in Columbia, SC
Abreia Epps
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29201
I graduated from the University of South Carolina with my counseling education specialist degree with a concentration on couples and families.
If you decided to start therapy today, and you feel that you are being heard for the first time. There is someone helping you understand your experiences, your hardship, your thoughts and your feelings. How different would you feel, and be? I focus on emotions, attachment, and experience and how it has affected your mental health. I work through emotions with my clients and help them find their sense of self, vulnerability, and emotional balance. I help individuals understand their experiences and feelings that they have, and I sit in those moments and process and grow with them.
I graduated from the University of South Carolina with my counseling education specialist degree with a concentration on couples and families.
If you decided to start therapy today, and you feel that you are being heard for the first time. There is someone helping you understand your experiences, your hardship, your thoughts and your feelings. How different would you feel, and be? I focus on emotions, attachment, and experience and how it has affected your mental health. I work through emotions with my clients and help them find their sense of self, vulnerability, and emotional balance. I help individuals understand their experiences and feelings that they have, and I sit in those moments and process and grow with them.
(803) 618-3634 View (803) 618-3634
Photo of Maryanne Banich Massey, Licensed Professional Counselor in Columbia, SC
Maryanne Banich Massey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EdS, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29201
I work with individuals, couples, and families.
At Guidance, Growth & Grace, my counseling provides the direction to help clients balance their lives. By working with me, clients will be able to realize their true potential and gain freedom from stress, grief and conflict. I have experience in private practice, college counseling, adolescent group home and sexual trauma center settings. My approach to therapy is designed to help clients meet the following needs: *the chance to safely express feelings to reduce anxiety; *approach issues of life, illness and death with support; *learn to develop relationships with humor, dignity and grace.
I work with individuals, couples, and families.
At Guidance, Growth & Grace, my counseling provides the direction to help clients balance their lives. By working with me, clients will be able to realize their true potential and gain freedom from stress, grief and conflict. I have experience in private practice, college counseling, adolescent group home and sexual trauma center settings. My approach to therapy is designed to help clients meet the following needs: *the chance to safely express feelings to reduce anxiety; *approach issues of life, illness and death with support; *learn to develop relationships with humor, dignity and grace.
(803) 598-1621 View (803) 598-1621
Photo of Carlton A Andrews, Licensed Professional Counselor in Columbia, SC
Carlton A Andrews
Licensed Professional Counselor, MRC, LPC, NCAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29206
Therapy has the potential to be tremendously helpful. I have over 25 years of experience working in the counseling field. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as an NCAC. Through my career, I have primarily focused on all types of addictions as well as worked with couples and others seeking to change habits and personality traits that hinder their happiness. I will help to recognize, face, and overcome the stuck points often felt when having personal difficulties. I use varied counseling methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic therapy and mindfulness.
Therapy has the potential to be tremendously helpful. I have over 25 years of experience working in the counseling field. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as an NCAC. Through my career, I have primarily focused on all types of addictions as well as worked with couples and others seeking to change habits and personality traits that hinder their happiness. I will help to recognize, face, and overcome the stuck points often felt when having personal difficulties. I use varied counseling methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic therapy and mindfulness.
(803) 302-3907 View (803) 302-3907
Photo of Peter R Kilmann, Psychologist in Columbia, SC
Peter R Kilmann
Psychologist, PhD, MPH
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29223  (Online Only)
I use a cognitive behavioral approach to help individuals reduce anxiety and depression, and couples to better understand themselves and to help them find solutions to their difficulties.
I have been practicing as a licensed clinical psychologist in the Columbia area for over 35 years. I use a caring, and direct, solution-focused approach to help individuals and couples to better understand themselves and to help them find solutions to their difficulties. I treat individuals who experience anxiety, depression, and addictions. I treat couples who are trying to understand how their relationship deteriorated, how to resolve conflicts, how to re-establish emotional intimacy, and how to prevent future difficulties. I also conduct psychological and custody evaluations for individuals and for the court system.
I use a cognitive behavioral approach to help individuals reduce anxiety and depression, and couples to better understand themselves and to help them find solutions to their difficulties.
I have been practicing as a licensed clinical psychologist in the Columbia area for over 35 years. I use a caring, and direct, solution-focused approach to help individuals and couples to better understand themselves and to help them find solutions to their difficulties. I treat individuals who experience anxiety, depression, and addictions. I treat couples who are trying to understand how their relationship deteriorated, how to resolve conflicts, how to re-establish emotional intimacy, and how to prevent future difficulties. I also conduct psychological and custody evaluations for individuals and for the court system.
(803) 339-1652 View (803) 339-1652
Photo of Karen D Cooper-Haber, Marriage & Family Therapist in Columbia, SC
Karen D Cooper-Haber
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29204
I focus my work on individuals, couples and families where I encourage the inclusion of resources in the therapy or through exploration of genograms and family of origin issues.
After working with adolescents in various settings in my early career, I recognized the need to utilize the family and other support systems to affect more powerful and lasting change. I worked in several school settings where I developed systemic interventions that included family therapy, community outreach and service. I linked with the programs and universities training masters and PhD level clinicians in MFT. Upon retirement from the schools, I have continued seeing clients in private practice, where I now work with a diverse group of dedicated, energetic clinicians with shared commitment to positive outcomes.
I focus my work on individuals, couples and families where I encourage the inclusion of resources in the therapy or through exploration of genograms and family of origin issues.
After working with adolescents in various settings in my early career, I recognized the need to utilize the family and other support systems to affect more powerful and lasting change. I worked in several school settings where I developed systemic interventions that included family therapy, community outreach and service. I linked with the programs and universities training masters and PhD level clinicians in MFT. Upon retirement from the schools, I have continued seeing clients in private practice, where I now work with a diverse group of dedicated, energetic clinicians with shared commitment to positive outcomes.
(803) 828-0299 View (803) 828-0299
Photo of HIllcrest Comprehensive Psychological Services , Licensed Professional Counselor in Columbia, SC
HIllcrest Comprehensive Psychological Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LAC, CAC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29205
RELATIONSHIPS Couples and Marriage Family Therapy Reunification Divorce Recovery Infidelity Codependency Therapy.
Our Vision: HILLCREST accomplishes its mission by offering services that facilitate an individual's personal development, assist in the alleviation, treatment, assessment, and prevention of distress, as well as services that educate our clients in ways that develop self-awareness, self-reliance, and self-confidence. Who Are We?: HILLCREST prides itself in being a practice truly designed around our clients’ needs. We work with insurances , as well as, self pay. Experience high-touch customer service, expert-level providers, premium benefits, and technologies that help you get the most out of your sessions.
RELATIONSHIPS Couples and Marriage Family Therapy Reunification Divorce Recovery Infidelity Codependency Therapy.
Our Vision: HILLCREST accomplishes its mission by offering services that facilitate an individual's personal development, assist in the alleviation, treatment, assessment, and prevention of distress, as well as services that educate our clients in ways that develop self-awareness, self-reliance, and self-confidence. Who Are We?: HILLCREST prides itself in being a practice truly designed around our clients’ needs. We work with insurances , as well as, self pay. Experience high-touch customer service, expert-level providers, premium benefits, and technologies that help you get the most out of your sessions.
(803) 258-6505 View (803) 258-6505
Photo of Katrina Williams, Licensed Professional Counselor in Columbia, SC
Katrina Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LPCS, LAC
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29210
"Unresolved emotions are here,there, and everywhere?" Then you have come to the right place! I would love to help you connect to these scattered emotions, so that you can begin to experience a life that's both whole and fulfilled. I offer individual, couples, and family therapy. Motto: "Connecting The Dots Of Life To Bring About Wholeness."
"Unresolved emotions are here,there, and everywhere?" Then you have come to the right place! I would love to help you connect to these scattered emotions, so that you can begin to experience a life that's both whole and fulfilled. I offer individual, couples, and family therapy. Motto: "Connecting The Dots Of Life To Bring About Wholeness."
(803) 798-2228 View (803) 798-2228
Photo of Carolyn English, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Columbia, SC
Carolyn English
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29205
I specialize in providing customized fertility support services to individuals & couples dealing with infertility.
Life is a journey full of joy, disappointment, fear, courage, unexpected blessings and unplanned circumstance. We encounter barriers that appear to block our dreams from reality and challenges that make us feel unworthy and incapable of ever achieving success. The purpose of the journey, however, is to GROW through every adversity and every triumph and flourish. My ideal client seeks to be empowered through their growth process to achieve clarity, self-awareness and self-development. Although growth can be painful, the goal is to thrive after the breakthrough and to allow the transformation to better themselves and others.
I specialize in providing customized fertility support services to individuals & couples dealing with infertility.
Life is a journey full of joy, disappointment, fear, courage, unexpected blessings and unplanned circumstance. We encounter barriers that appear to block our dreams from reality and challenges that make us feel unworthy and incapable of ever achieving success. The purpose of the journey, however, is to GROW through every adversity and every triumph and flourish. My ideal client seeks to be empowered through their growth process to achieve clarity, self-awareness and self-development. Although growth can be painful, the goal is to thrive after the breakthrough and to allow the transformation to better themselves and others.
(803) 882-2118 View (803) 882-2118
Photo of Norah Grimball, Licensed Professional Counselor in Columbia, SC
Norah Grimball
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC, NCACI, LAC, ADC
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29206
I specialize in addictions, trauma, PTSD, sexual assault, relationship issues, codependency, emotional manipulation & Narcissistic Abuse Syndrome, mood disorders, transitions, self-harm, self-esteem, & wellness.
Are you looking for a safe place to grow into your best self? As a Licensed & Certified Professional Therapist, I am here to help. I provide individualized treatment in a safe, non-judgmental & compassionate environment utilizing a holistic approach to wellness that allows for deeply personal healing of the mind, body, & spirit. In this way, you are able to explore & reconnect with yourself, overcome challenges, develop resiliency, & greatly improve your quality of life. Over the course of my career, I have provided psychotherapy & counseling services to diverse populations in a variety of settings & I welcome diversities in life.
I specialize in addictions, trauma, PTSD, sexual assault, relationship issues, codependency, emotional manipulation & Narcissistic Abuse Syndrome, mood disorders, transitions, self-harm, self-esteem, & wellness.
Are you looking for a safe place to grow into your best self? As a Licensed & Certified Professional Therapist, I am here to help. I provide individualized treatment in a safe, non-judgmental & compassionate environment utilizing a holistic approach to wellness that allows for deeply personal healing of the mind, body, & spirit. In this way, you are able to explore & reconnect with yourself, overcome challenges, develop resiliency, & greatly improve your quality of life. Over the course of my career, I have provided psychotherapy & counseling services to diverse populations in a variety of settings & I welcome diversities in life.
(803) 274-5854 View (803) 274-5854
Photo of Nancy C Beaver, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Columbia, SC
Nancy C Beaver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, ACSW, LISW-CP
Not Verified Not Verified
Columbia, SC 29201
I have extensive experience in working with individuals, families, and couples.
Meeting with you to help you live the life you long for is my vocation and my joy. If you are feeling stuck and overwhelmed, I would love to help you find new ways to approach problems and make the changes you desire. I provide a safe and confidential environment in which you will be able to work through stress, loss and difficult transitions. You can experience healing from painful life experiences. Couples can create new ways of being together. You can find hope, joy and meaning in this world, even in the hard times.
I have extensive experience in working with individuals, families, and couples.
Meeting with you to help you live the life you long for is my vocation and my joy. If you are feeling stuck and overwhelmed, I would love to help you find new ways to approach problems and make the changes you desire. I provide a safe and confidential environment in which you will be able to work through stress, loss and difficult transitions. You can experience healing from painful life experiences. Couples can create new ways of being together. You can find hope, joy and meaning in this world, even in the hard times.
(803) 666-8579 x203 View (803) 666-8579 x203
Photo of Debra Ann McFarland, Licensed Professional Counselor in Columbia, SC
Debra Ann McFarland
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29223  (Online Only)
I have worked successful with people wanting to learn how to manage their depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and other mental health disorders. I have worked with people wanting to build and maintain relationships as well as couples wanting to work on and increase their intimacy. My goal is to assist my clients with learning more effective coping skills to assist them with managing negative thoughts and behaviors that have become problematic and prevent them from living the life that they want to live.
I have worked successful with people wanting to learn how to manage their depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD and other mental health disorders. I have worked with people wanting to build and maintain relationships as well as couples wanting to work on and increase their intimacy. My goal is to assist my clients with learning more effective coping skills to assist them with managing negative thoughts and behaviors that have become problematic and prevent them from living the life that they want to live.
(803) 274-5506 View (803) 274-5506
Photo of Katherine Herring, Licensed Professional Counselor in Columbia, SC
Katherine Herring
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29204
Waitlist for new clients
As your therapist, I hope to help you experience long lasting recovery and healing. Through our work together, you will learn to develop a relationship with your thoughts and emotions rather than trying to control or push them away, how to change the way you cope with and handle stressors, and how to unpack how your life experiences, family dynamics, and relationships have affected your sense of self, emotional health and ability to feel as though you have choice in your life.
As your therapist, I hope to help you experience long lasting recovery and healing. Through our work together, you will learn to develop a relationship with your thoughts and emotions rather than trying to control or push them away, how to change the way you cope with and handle stressors, and how to unpack how your life experiences, family dynamics, and relationships have affected your sense of self, emotional health and ability to feel as though you have choice in your life.
(803) 592-6063 View (803) 592-6063
Photo of Dr. Lisa Giovannelli, Licensed Professional Counselor in Columbia, SC
Dr. Lisa Giovannelli
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, PCC-S, LICDC
Verified Verified
Columbia, SC 29229
I treat individuals, couples and families toward wellness and healthier mental and physical functioning.
When individuals become physically ill, they often work toward improving their health through self-care or visits to their doctor. However, many individuals neglect proper self-care by not addressing their mental health and wellness. We all experience difficult times that impact our ability to manage how we think, feel and behave. Our mental health impacts our physical health and consequently, when we are depressed or stressed, we tend to become ill easily, which in turn affects how we interact with others. I want to assist you in making your mind, body and spirit connection for your total wellness.
I treat individuals, couples and families toward wellness and healthier mental and physical functioning.
When individuals become physically ill, they often work toward improving their health through self-care or visits to their doctor. However, many individuals neglect proper self-care by not addressing their mental health and wellness. We all experience difficult times that impact our ability to manage how we think, feel and behave. Our mental health impacts our physical health and consequently, when we are depressed or stressed, we tend to become ill easily, which in turn affects how we interact with others. I want to assist you in making your mind, body and spirit connection for your total wellness.
(803) 836-8516 View (803) 836-8516
Photo of Neidy Hernandez Kelly, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Columbia, SC
Neidy Hernandez Kelly
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29201
Help can come in many forms, but professional help can form the lasting results needed to thrive. I offer individual, family, and couples counseling and I’m committed to assisting each client move towards their goals by providing a safe space to explore, identify and challenge their needs, thoughts, behaviors, and goals. We all have different inner gifts, thought processes, and needs that motivate us to reach our goals, behave and think in certain ways. But there can be moments or seasons in life that are difficult and challenging in ways that we cannot understand or move past on our own. Allow me to help.
Help can come in many forms, but professional help can form the lasting results needed to thrive. I offer individual, family, and couples counseling and I’m committed to assisting each client move towards their goals by providing a safe space to explore, identify and challenge their needs, thoughts, behaviors, and goals. We all have different inner gifts, thought processes, and needs that motivate us to reach our goals, behave and think in certain ways. But there can be moments or seasons in life that are difficult and challenging in ways that we cannot understand or move past on our own. Allow me to help.
(803) 805-2680 View (803) 805-2680
Photo of Psychology Services Center, Psychologist in Columbia, SC
Psychology Services Center
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29201
The Psychology Services Center (PSC) provides comprehensive quality mental health care including assessment and therapy services for adults, children, adolescents, families, and couples. We have a history of helping clients learn to cope with stress, depression, or anxiety, address their children's behavioral or learning difficulties, or improve communication and trust in their relationships. Across all of these treatment areas, our center values providing quality, outcome-oriented services that are based on the latest science, offered within a caring and collaborative atmosphere.
The Psychology Services Center (PSC) provides comprehensive quality mental health care including assessment and therapy services for adults, children, adolescents, families, and couples. We have a history of helping clients learn to cope with stress, depression, or anxiety, address their children's behavioral or learning difficulties, or improve communication and trust in their relationships. Across all of these treatment areas, our center values providing quality, outcome-oriented services that are based on the latest science, offered within a caring and collaborative atmosphere.
(803) 932-1458 View (803) 932-1458
Photo of Kimberly Kocak, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Columbia, SC
Kimberly Kocak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP, ASDCS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Columbia, SC 29201
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and owner of Corazon Holistic Health. I have incorporated evidence-based holistic practices to treat individuals. Whole body mental health is our goal for all of our Clients. Our modalities include EMDR, Art Therapy, nutrition, yoga and other modalities as needed. I partner with other professionals within our community to deliver a comprehensive menu of service for each individual. I specialize in Autism Spectrum Differences and Trauma. I help you design a plan, build the skills and process and resolve emotional complexities to achieve your goals of living your best life.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and owner of Corazon Holistic Health. I have incorporated evidence-based holistic practices to treat individuals. Whole body mental health is our goal for all of our Clients. Our modalities include EMDR, Art Therapy, nutrition, yoga and other modalities as needed. I partner with other professionals within our community to deliver a comprehensive menu of service for each individual. I specialize in Autism Spectrum Differences and Trauma. I help you design a plan, build the skills and process and resolve emotional complexities to achieve your goals of living your best life.
(803) 310-2793 View (803) 310-2793
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.