Photo of Gladson Andrews, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chattanooga, TN
Gladson Andrews
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37421
I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who has practiced therapy since 2008. I prefer to counsel from Christian perspective but will adjust to my client's needs. I have significant experience working with trauma, anxiety, and chronic mental illness. I enjoy working with married couples and helping individuals overcome past trauma especially. I am trained to work with individuals, families, or couples on a variety of issues.
I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who has practiced therapy since 2008. I prefer to counsel from Christian perspective but will adjust to my client's needs. I have significant experience working with trauma, anxiety, and chronic mental illness. I enjoy working with married couples and helping individuals overcome past trauma especially. I am trained to work with individuals, families, or couples on a variety of issues.
(865) 730-0167 View (865) 730-0167
Photo of David G Miller, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
David G Miller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MEd, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37404
In Chattanooga, I offer an accepting, compassionate, therapeutic relationship in which we will find together the evidence-based and solution-focused methods that you find most helpful.
If you have lost your path or feel stuck, and long for hope, healing, resilience, and growth, it would be my privilege to move forward with you. I work with teens, adults of all ages, couples, parents, teachers, veterans, church leaders, etc. As a Christian I am able to sit with compassion with all people, however they view life, whatever the faith, and those with no faith. Faith-based, christian, and/or biblical counseling are available on request. Help available in marriage, parenting, infidelity recovery, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, childhood and adult traumas and PTSD, sexual and substance addictions, faith issues.
In Chattanooga, I offer an accepting, compassionate, therapeutic relationship in which we will find together the evidence-based and solution-focused methods that you find most helpful.
If you have lost your path or feel stuck, and long for hope, healing, resilience, and growth, it would be my privilege to move forward with you. I work with teens, adults of all ages, couples, parents, teachers, veterans, church leaders, etc. As a Christian I am able to sit with compassion with all people, however they view life, whatever the faith, and those with no faith. Faith-based, christian, and/or biblical counseling are available on request. Help available in marriage, parenting, infidelity recovery, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, childhood and adult traumas and PTSD, sexual and substance addictions, faith issues.
(423) 436-5881 View (423) 436-5881
Photo of Harrison Brown, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
Harrison Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37421
I have experience working with teens, adults, and couples in sex addiction, OCD, pre-marital/marital counseling, trauma, anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem, anger issues, and spiritual direction.
In the words of Virginia Satir, sometimes we prefer the certainty of misery over the misery of uncertainty. As we wrestle with our shame & fears, we often adopt patterns of controlling, avoiding, and numbing instead of accepting and confronting our suffering as God-given catalysts of growth and even purpose. We sink deeper and continue to cling to what is familiar and comforting in the short run, forming harmful relational habits or cycles of impulsive acting out over time. Know that you aren’t meant to bear this burden alone. Counseling is for those brave enough to embrace their vulnerable state and learn from it.
I have experience working with teens, adults, and couples in sex addiction, OCD, pre-marital/marital counseling, trauma, anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem, anger issues, and spiritual direction.
In the words of Virginia Satir, sometimes we prefer the certainty of misery over the misery of uncertainty. As we wrestle with our shame & fears, we often adopt patterns of controlling, avoiding, and numbing instead of accepting and confronting our suffering as God-given catalysts of growth and even purpose. We sink deeper and continue to cling to what is familiar and comforting in the short run, forming harmful relational habits or cycles of impulsive acting out over time. Know that you aren’t meant to bear this burden alone. Counseling is for those brave enough to embrace their vulnerable state and learn from it.
(423) 250-9402 View (423) 250-9402
Photo of Emily J Dungey, Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
Emily J Dungey
Counselor, LCPC, LPCMHSP, LMHC, CSAT, CPTT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37412
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (IL), Licensed Professional Counselor-MHSP (TN), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (FL), Certified Sex Addition Therapist, Certified Partner Trauma Therapist, Rainbow Advocate Educator and Certified Couples Betrayal Recovery Specialist-Candidate.
Are you struggling with addiction or navigating the trials of your life? Are you trying to find balance in your life again or for the first time? I love working with clients who are motivated for change and are willing to put in the hard work and helping clients solve puzzles and find what they need and want in their lives. I also welcome any partners or family members of those struggling with addictions as it can be a difficult path through that trauma. I find fulfillment working with those who find recovery from addiction and partners and family members who have been betrayed and hurt by the addiction of someone they love.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (IL), Licensed Professional Counselor-MHSP (TN), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (FL), Certified Sex Addition Therapist, Certified Partner Trauma Therapist, Rainbow Advocate Educator and Certified Couples Betrayal Recovery Specialist-Candidate.
Are you struggling with addiction or navigating the trials of your life? Are you trying to find balance in your life again or for the first time? I love working with clients who are motivated for change and are willing to put in the hard work and helping clients solve puzzles and find what they need and want in their lives. I also welcome any partners or family members of those struggling with addictions as it can be a difficult path through that trauma. I find fulfillment working with those who find recovery from addiction and partners and family members who have been betrayed and hurt by the addiction of someone they love.
(423) 205-5873 View (423) 205-5873
Photo of Amanda Loven, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chattanooga, TN
Amanda Loven
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD, Student
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37415
I am working through certification in Emotionally Focused Couples therapy and have been utilizing it for 5 years.
Every single couple gets in a cycle. You may have found yourself even saying, “why can’t we just get unstuck? We are trying everything and we just cannot make it work!” That is where I come in! I use the most effective type of couples therapy, with scientific evidence, backing up its success. Even in our first session, you will have an understanding of your own cycle that prevents communication. While Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy can be intense work, couples everywhere are finding real change that happens through EFT.
I am working through certification in Emotionally Focused Couples therapy and have been utilizing it for 5 years.
Every single couple gets in a cycle. You may have found yourself even saying, “why can’t we just get unstuck? We are trying everything and we just cannot make it work!” That is where I come in! I use the most effective type of couples therapy, with scientific evidence, backing up its success. Even in our first session, you will have an understanding of your own cycle that prevents communication. While Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy can be intense work, couples everywhere are finding real change that happens through EFT.
(423) 380-1423 View (423) 380-1423
Photo of Meredith Rivera, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
Meredith Rivera
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Every person has a unique experience and story that is worthy to be heard. I work primarily with adolescents and adults to help them find inner congruence and healing through a collaborative therapeutic relationship. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, sexual trauma, PTSD, sexuality and gender exploration, and trauma. I consider it an honor to be allowed into another person's story and remind them that they are not alone as they seek healing.
Every person has a unique experience and story that is worthy to be heard. I work primarily with adolescents and adults to help them find inner congruence and healing through a collaborative therapeutic relationship. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, sexual trauma, PTSD, sexuality and gender exploration, and trauma. I consider it an honor to be allowed into another person's story and remind them that they are not alone as they seek healing.
(423) 214-2056 View (423) 214-2056
Photo of Jeffrey S Eckert, Psychologist in Chattanooga, TN
Jeffrey S Eckert
Psychologist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37415
Over the past 28 years, I have enjoyed working with individuals, couples and families from a relational perspective. I particularly enjoy working with men who struggle with issues of communication and intimacy. My counseling takes a dynamic, interpersonal approach to seeking healing, because I believe that we grow in the context of intentional community with one another. While I am a Christian, I welcome those into my office from all world views and perspectives.
Over the past 28 years, I have enjoyed working with individuals, couples and families from a relational perspective. I particularly enjoy working with men who struggle with issues of communication and intimacy. My counseling takes a dynamic, interpersonal approach to seeking healing, because I believe that we grow in the context of intentional community with one another. While I am a Christian, I welcome those into my office from all world views and perspectives.
(423) 758-8410 View (423) 758-8410
Photo of Jon E Harris, Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
Jon E Harris
Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37421
It is my privilege to help people confront relational and emotional health problems they may face when life's problems become overwhelming. My counseling practice primarily focuses on helping individuals and couples come to a place of restoration in their individual and relational lives whether dealing with a marriage in crisis or an individual emotional, behavioral or spiritual crisis. Please give me a call if I can help you with any of your counseling needs.
It is my privilege to help people confront relational and emotional health problems they may face when life's problems become overwhelming. My counseling practice primarily focuses on helping individuals and couples come to a place of restoration in their individual and relational lives whether dealing with a marriage in crisis or an individual emotional, behavioral or spiritual crisis. Please give me a call if I can help you with any of your counseling needs.
(423) 650-4794 View (423) 650-4794
Photo of Brandon Santan, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
Brandon Santan
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37421
When you need help for emotional/mental health, financial and relationship challenges, it can feel like your world is closing in on you. Let Dr. Santan help you find the relief that you've been looking for. Dr. Santan works to get to the root of the issue and will help you explore the root causes while also helping with symptom management.
When you need help for emotional/mental health, financial and relationship challenges, it can feel like your world is closing in on you. Let Dr. Santan help you find the relief that you've been looking for. Dr. Santan works to get to the root of the issue and will help you explore the root causes while also helping with symptom management.
(423) 380-0724 View (423) 380-0724
Photo of Becca Davis, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
Becca Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-MHS, CSAT
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37421
In addition to 20 years of experience and training in addiction and trauma recovery, I am also a certified sex addiction (CSAT), partner trauma therapy (CPTT candidate), and EMDR trained.
If you're here, chances are you and/or your loved one is in pain. You want solutions and someone who can help in a compassionate way no matter what your struggle is. I provide expert, professional therapy with in the context of understanding and acceptance, regardless of what behaviors you are struggling with. Using a variety of modalities, I seek to meet you where you are and help you achieve life-long change for yourself as well as in your relationships and family. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it!
In addition to 20 years of experience and training in addiction and trauma recovery, I am also a certified sex addiction (CSAT), partner trauma therapy (CPTT candidate), and EMDR trained.
If you're here, chances are you and/or your loved one is in pain. You want solutions and someone who can help in a compassionate way no matter what your struggle is. I provide expert, professional therapy with in the context of understanding and acceptance, regardless of what behaviors you are struggling with. Using a variety of modalities, I seek to meet you where you are and help you achieve life-long change for yourself as well as in your relationships and family. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it!
(423) 799-4377 View (423) 799-4377
Photo of Scout Counseling, PLLC in Chattanooga, TN
Scout Counseling, PLLC
LMFT, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37403
We work with individuals, couples, and families in the Greater Chattanooga Area on a variety of issues.
We are a team focused practice near downtown Chattanooga. We are equipped to serve a number of issues and strive to provide affordable, accessible care consistently. We are focused on getting results for you and giving excellent care. Our clinicians either have a great deal of experience or are receiving a high degree of oversight, direction, and guidance from an experienced clinician. We hope you will check out our website, the services we offer, and reach out today. We work to have openings within 2 weeks of your inquiry call, and we aim to return your inquiry within 24 to 48 hours. We are ready to join you on your journey today!
We work with individuals, couples, and families in the Greater Chattanooga Area on a variety of issues.
We are a team focused practice near downtown Chattanooga. We are equipped to serve a number of issues and strive to provide affordable, accessible care consistently. We are focused on getting results for you and giving excellent care. Our clinicians either have a great deal of experience or are receiving a high degree of oversight, direction, and guidance from an experienced clinician. We hope you will check out our website, the services we offer, and reach out today. We work to have openings within 2 weeks of your inquiry call, and we aim to return your inquiry within 24 to 48 hours. We are ready to join you on your journey today!
(423) 401-6126 View (423) 401-6126
Photo of Patrick Oellerich, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chattanooga, TN
Patrick Oellerich
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37408
I am trained in Attachment-based Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy as well as specifically trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Hey there! I'm a therapist that specializes in couple's therapy and individual therapy for men ages 15-35. My primary expertise are in trauma reprocessing/integration, infidelity recovery/repair, and attachment maintenance in family systems. On any given day you could find me helping a young man processing life's struggles, a couple seeking healing from a constant sense of disconnection, or a family needing deeper connection through new experiences of one another. Whatever the situation, I love coming alongside others to journey with them towards wholeheartedness.
I am trained in Attachment-based Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy as well as specifically trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Hey there! I'm a therapist that specializes in couple's therapy and individual therapy for men ages 15-35. My primary expertise are in trauma reprocessing/integration, infidelity recovery/repair, and attachment maintenance in family systems. On any given day you could find me helping a young man processing life's struggles, a couple seeking healing from a constant sense of disconnection, or a family needing deeper connection through new experiences of one another. Whatever the situation, I love coming alongside others to journey with them towards wholeheartedness.
(423) 220-4508 View (423) 220-4508
Photo of Shawn Winton, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
Shawn Winton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC/MHS
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37421  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, and family healing (couples, marriage counseling, and family counseling).
Our lives are made up of relationships or connections with ourselves and others. By examining our past we can provide new roads to the future to improve our lives by caring for ourselves which will improve our relationship with others.
I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, and family healing (couples, marriage counseling, and family counseling).
Our lives are made up of relationships or connections with ourselves and others. By examining our past we can provide new roads to the future to improve our lives by caring for ourselves which will improve our relationship with others.
(423) 456-9101 View (423) 456-9101
Photo of Isaac Monson, Pre-Licensed Professional in Chattanooga, TN
Isaac Monson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA-CMHC, NCC, MBA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37411
Beginning counseling can feel daunting and overwhelming. While it can feel like stepping into uncharted waters, you often seek support when you are already feeling weak, tired, and eager for change. It is important to find a space where you can come just as you are and share, question, grieve - and even celebrate - whatever you may be facing. I have experience working with sex addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, couples work, grief and loss, pre-marital counseling, and spiritual direction. I feel passionate about working with those who feel stuck- whether in self-discovery or in unhealthy behaviors.
Beginning counseling can feel daunting and overwhelming. While it can feel like stepping into uncharted waters, you often seek support when you are already feeling weak, tired, and eager for change. It is important to find a space where you can come just as you are and share, question, grieve - and even celebrate - whatever you may be facing. I have experience working with sex addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, couples work, grief and loss, pre-marital counseling, and spiritual direction. I feel passionate about working with those who feel stuck- whether in self-discovery or in unhealthy behaviors.
(423) 205-5915 View (423) 205-5915
Photo of Imprint Counseling, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chattanooga, TN
Imprint Counseling, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37411
While I most often work with men and couples in distress and moving out of trauma, my ideal clients are people who are ready to pull back the layers together and take a look at where they started - and begin taking the risk of doing something new.
Regardless of how painful, isolated, or destructive our actions are, when we discover enough pieces of the puzzle, people make sense. In this life, we experience pain and frustration. Questions and feelings around ourselves and our relationships point us to deeper questions about suffering, purpose, or meaning. To avoid these, we do any number of things - we build coping skills that become addictions and compulsions and break down our relationship with ourselves and others.
While I most often work with men and couples in distress and moving out of trauma, my ideal clients are people who are ready to pull back the layers together and take a look at where they started - and begin taking the risk of doing something new.
Regardless of how painful, isolated, or destructive our actions are, when we discover enough pieces of the puzzle, people make sense. In this life, we experience pain and frustration. Questions and feelings around ourselves and our relationships point us to deeper questions about suffering, purpose, or meaning. To avoid these, we do any number of things - we build coping skills that become addictions and compulsions and break down our relationship with ourselves and others.
(423) 546-0544 View (423) 546-0544
Photo of Dr. Tyler Rogers, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chattanooga, TN
Dr. Tyler Rogers
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LPC, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37403
Couples- Are you and your spouse struggling to communicate, adjust to life with a new baby or multiple children, experiencing a betrayal, or to having difficulty in your sex life? Are you recovering from an affair, arguing family, finances, or work? Are you wondering if the relationship can be improved or saved at all? Individuals- Is your personal or family life increasingly difficult to manage? Are you kept up at night by anxiety or weighed down by depression? Do you feel lost in life? If any of these apply to your life, I would love to join you on your journey as a board certified clinician with a decade of experience.
Couples- Are you and your spouse struggling to communicate, adjust to life with a new baby or multiple children, experiencing a betrayal, or to having difficulty in your sex life? Are you recovering from an affair, arguing family, finances, or work? Are you wondering if the relationship can be improved or saved at all? Individuals- Is your personal or family life increasingly difficult to manage? Are you kept up at night by anxiety or weighed down by depression? Do you feel lost in life? If any of these apply to your life, I would love to join you on your journey as a board certified clinician with a decade of experience.
(423) 415-4231 x641 View (423) 415-4231 x641
Photo of West Breedlove, Pre-Licensed Professional in Chattanooga, TN
West Breedlove
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37408
Therapy for MEN and COUPLES. Many of us have struggled with troubling, unwanted thoughts, compulsive behaviors, broken vows, traumatic childhoods, or some enslaving addiction. Our lives are pockmarked by pain, and wounded by those we love (and we have hurt them in turn). However, this pain does not have to have the final word. We can live a life we love, one that is consistent with our deepest values. A life of peace, tenderness, freedom, courage, and love.
Therapy for MEN and COUPLES. Many of us have struggled with troubling, unwanted thoughts, compulsive behaviors, broken vows, traumatic childhoods, or some enslaving addiction. Our lives are pockmarked by pain, and wounded by those we love (and we have hurt them in turn). However, this pain does not have to have the final word. We can live a life we love, one that is consistent with our deepest values. A life of peace, tenderness, freedom, courage, and love.
(423) 401-6211 View (423) 401-6211
Photo of Erin Rayburn, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chattanooga, TN
Erin Rayburn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC-MHS, NCC, EAGALA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Some of the issues I specialize in are trauma, eating disorder, depression, anxiety, sexuality issues, life transitions, relationship issues, and identity.
Stressed? Tired? Can’t seem to get ahead? Don't like yourself? Finding that sense of security and strength in the midst of changes, challenges, and relationships is difficult, and some feel that taking time to stop and reflect is impossible; yet often it is one of the most important steps in moving forward or getting unstuck. Stopping and working with a trained therapist can help facilitate change in meaningful and impactful ways. It can also help avoid a complete life derailment. I believe that the work I do with my clients is sacred, which is why I employee some of the most up to date and clinically validated treatment techniques.
Some of the issues I specialize in are trauma, eating disorder, depression, anxiety, sexuality issues, life transitions, relationship issues, and identity.
Stressed? Tired? Can’t seem to get ahead? Don't like yourself? Finding that sense of security and strength in the midst of changes, challenges, and relationships is difficult, and some feel that taking time to stop and reflect is impossible; yet often it is one of the most important steps in moving forward or getting unstuck. Stopping and working with a trained therapist can help facilitate change in meaningful and impactful ways. It can also help avoid a complete life derailment. I believe that the work I do with my clients is sacred, which is why I employee some of the most up to date and clinically validated treatment techniques.
(423) 218-4940 View (423) 218-4940
Photo of Darlene Mew, Counselor in Chattanooga, TN
Darlene Mew
Counselor, LPC-MHS, MBA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405  (Online Only)
As a compassionate mental health therapist specializing in somatic and attachment-focused therapies, as well as hypnosis, I'm dedicated to facilitating life-transforming experiences for individuals who have faced trauma, struggle with anxiety or have ADHD. My approach emphasizes understanding the mind's workings and equipping clients with effective stress management techniques for the future. For couples seeking deeper connection, both emotionally and sexually, I offer specialized counseling sessions. Together, we delve into the roots of conflicts, fostering mutual understanding and stronger bonds.
As a compassionate mental health therapist specializing in somatic and attachment-focused therapies, as well as hypnosis, I'm dedicated to facilitating life-transforming experiences for individuals who have faced trauma, struggle with anxiety or have ADHD. My approach emphasizes understanding the mind's workings and equipping clients with effective stress management techniques for the future. For couples seeking deeper connection, both emotionally and sexually, I offer specialized counseling sessions. Together, we delve into the roots of conflicts, fostering mutual understanding and stronger bonds.
(423) 244-0003 View (423) 244-0003
Photo of Kirstee Williams, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chattanooga, TN
Kirstee Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, AAMFT
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Waitlist for new clients
Hope, healing and a future are possible. As a couples relationship expert, I specialize in the complex issues of sexual wellness and trauma resolution. I treat a wide range of sexual health concerns from performance anxiety, to infertility, painful sex and affair recovery. I also specialize in complex trauma resolution utilizing EMDR. In particular weight management issues that stem from childhood sexual abuse. Each situation is unique and together we will create a treatment plan that works for you.
Hope, healing and a future are possible. As a couples relationship expert, I specialize in the complex issues of sexual wellness and trauma resolution. I treat a wide range of sexual health concerns from performance anxiety, to infertility, painful sex and affair recovery. I also specialize in complex trauma resolution utilizing EMDR. In particular weight management issues that stem from childhood sexual abuse. Each situation is unique and together we will create a treatment plan that works for you.
(423) 393-2591 View (423) 393-2591

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.