Therapists in Falls Church, VA

Photo of Center for Clinical Health Solutions, Licensed Professional Counselor in Falls Church, VA
Center for Clinical Health Solutions
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LMHP, LPC
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22043
We are experienced mental health and behavioral health professionals working closely with the families, individuals and couples in processing the undesirable situations and maladaptive behaviors, identifying the dysfunctional coping strategies and substituting it with appropriate skills in a therapeutic setting. We work together to advocate for self and thrive. We open a new horizon for individuals diagnosed under autism spectrum, learning disabilities and Serious Mental Illnesses to fulfill and achieve life long goals. We provide support as it fits your life style and preferences to have successful stand in life.
We are experienced mental health and behavioral health professionals working closely with the families, individuals and couples in processing the undesirable situations and maladaptive behaviors, identifying the dysfunctional coping strategies and substituting it with appropriate skills in a therapeutic setting. We work together to advocate for self and thrive. We open a new horizon for individuals diagnosed under autism spectrum, learning disabilities and Serious Mental Illnesses to fulfill and achieve life long goals. We provide support as it fits your life style and preferences to have successful stand in life.
(571) 620-6019 View (571) 620-6019
Photo of Thomas F Lamp, Counselor in Falls Church, VA
Thomas F Lamp
Counselor, LPC, CADC, SAP, CSAT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22046
I currently use a combination of cognitive/behavioral, client-centered, quality of life therapy, and relationship enhancement techniques.
I believe that for every person is unique and treatment solutions should be tailored to meet these individual needs.I stress creating a comfortable-judgement free environment to maximize trust and comfort in the therapeutic relationship. Within the safety of a trusting and respectful therapeutic relationship lies the power to overcome the most seemingly overwhelming obstacles.
I currently use a combination of cognitive/behavioral, client-centered, quality of life therapy, and relationship enhancement techniques.
I believe that for every person is unique and treatment solutions should be tailored to meet these individual needs.I stress creating a comfortable-judgement free environment to maximize trust and comfort in the therapeutic relationship. Within the safety of a trusting and respectful therapeutic relationship lies the power to overcome the most seemingly overwhelming obstacles.
(703) 634-4956 View (703) 634-4956
Photo of Bridget Kraft, Licensed Professional Counselor in Falls Church, VA
Bridget Kraft
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22046
Waitlist for new clients
Counseling is amazing. Whether your problem seems simple or more complex, it is a privilege to partner with you through the process. I am 6 years into my private practice working with adults, teens and kids, and I have 13 years experience as an elementary school counselor working with children ages 4-12. The focus of my training and work with clients has included: anger, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, depression, divorce, emotional difficulties, learning disabilities, foster care, grief/loss, OCD, trauma/abuse and more. My clients can expect a safe space to be reflective, vulnerable, heard and appreciated.
Counseling is amazing. Whether your problem seems simple or more complex, it is a privilege to partner with you through the process. I am 6 years into my private practice working with adults, teens and kids, and I have 13 years experience as an elementary school counselor working with children ages 4-12. The focus of my training and work with clients has included: anger, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, depression, divorce, emotional difficulties, learning disabilities, foster care, grief/loss, OCD, trauma/abuse and more. My clients can expect a safe space to be reflective, vulnerable, heard and appreciated.
(703) 348-9690 View (703) 348-9690
Photo of Alexis Merin, Psychologist in Falls Church, VA
Alexis Merin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22046
Through the development of a collaborative and safe relationship, we will work together to better understand your feelings.
At moments of stress or transition, it can feel particularly useful to have someone with whom you can talk. Dealing with the effects of the pandemic has been complicated for many people, often leading to sudden, new-normals in life. I help my patients to address a wide range of issues, including: life changes, relationships, self-esteem, trauma, grief and loss, anger, aggression, depression and anxiety. Additionally, I seek to help my clients to know themselves more deeply.
Through the development of a collaborative and safe relationship, we will work together to better understand your feelings.
At moments of stress or transition, it can feel particularly useful to have someone with whom you can talk. Dealing with the effects of the pandemic has been complicated for many people, often leading to sudden, new-normals in life. I help my patients to address a wide range of issues, including: life changes, relationships, self-esteem, trauma, grief and loss, anger, aggression, depression and anxiety. Additionally, I seek to help my clients to know themselves more deeply.
(202) 559-1145 View (202) 559-1145
Andrew Goldfarb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, CSOTP, ATSA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22046
I am a Clinical Member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. I am available to individuals, couples, families, groups and systems seeking professional consultation, personal counseling, and clinical treatment. I provide general and specialized clinical services addressing issues of mental health, emotion management and self-regulation problems related to anger, depression, anxiety, trauma, pornography, sexual intimacy and/or addiction, life transitions and stage of change challenges. I specialize in women's relational issues caused by criminal matters and general partner relational problems.
I am a Clinical Member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. I am available to individuals, couples, families, groups and systems seeking professional consultation, personal counseling, and clinical treatment. I provide general and specialized clinical services addressing issues of mental health, emotion management and self-regulation problems related to anger, depression, anxiety, trauma, pornography, sexual intimacy and/or addiction, life transitions and stage of change challenges. I specialize in women's relational issues caused by criminal matters and general partner relational problems.
(571) 601-3060 View (571) 601-3060
Photo of Marlene Joan Drucker, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Falls Church, VA
Marlene Joan Drucker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, L, C, S, W
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22046
I am trained as a PREP leader (Prevention, Relationship, Enhancement Program) which focuses on communication skills, reduction of conflict, and assistance with improving couples enrichment (fun).
I have been in private practice for over 40 years. I tend to be warm, interactive and empathic with my clients as I believe a successful outcome is based on positive regard and trust between client and therapist. I am Humanistic and client centered in my approach, I believe that therapy is an ideal means to fully imagine one's potential and vision for a healthy, happy, and productive future however that is defined by the client.
I am trained as a PREP leader (Prevention, Relationship, Enhancement Program) which focuses on communication skills, reduction of conflict, and assistance with improving couples enrichment (fun).
I have been in private practice for over 40 years. I tend to be warm, interactive and empathic with my clients as I believe a successful outcome is based on positive regard and trust between client and therapist. I am Humanistic and client centered in my approach, I believe that therapy is an ideal means to fully imagine one's potential and vision for a healthy, happy, and productive future however that is defined by the client.
(703) 772-8775 View (703) 772-8775
Photo of Behavioral Therapy Solutions LLC , Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Falls Church, VA
Behavioral Therapy Solutions LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCBA
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22046
Behavioral Therapy Solutions is a company dedicated to the care of individuals, couples, and families who struggle with Mental Health challenges. Behavioral Therapy Solutions was founded in order to provide comprehensive and holistic treatment. We believe in order to be holistic you must employ individuals with varying educational backgrounds, therapy preferences, and ethnicities. We believe in assisting and “walking with” our client’s and families in order to reach their highest functioning potential. We are dedicated to using evidenced- based interventions.
Behavioral Therapy Solutions is a company dedicated to the care of individuals, couples, and families who struggle with Mental Health challenges. Behavioral Therapy Solutions was founded in order to provide comprehensive and holistic treatment. We believe in order to be holistic you must employ individuals with varying educational backgrounds, therapy preferences, and ethnicities. We believe in assisting and “walking with” our client’s and families in order to reach their highest functioning potential. We are dedicated to using evidenced- based interventions.
(571) 470-5206 View (571) 470-5206
Photo of Benjamin Wagner, Licensed Professional Counselor in Falls Church, VA
Benjamin Wagner
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22043
I am Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of clinical counseling experience providing services in the Tyson's Corner area. I have worked extensively with adults and adolescents through individual, group, couples and family treatment modalities. I have a diverse professional background including community mental health, independent counseling groups and private practice.
I am Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of clinical counseling experience providing services in the Tyson's Corner area. I have worked extensively with adults and adolescents through individual, group, couples and family treatment modalities. I have a diverse professional background including community mental health, independent counseling groups and private practice.
(484) 602-2249 View (484) 602-2249
Photo of Saara Amri, Licensed Professional Counselor in Falls Church, VA
Saara Amri
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22042  (Online Only)
I believe therapists are the keepers of hope and the navigators of difficult journeys. We walk alongside our clients as they move through challenging moments and changes in their lives. I have witnessed people become stuck and unsure how to navigate these moments. Some of those challenges include traumatic events, relationship and social identity, career and educational transitions, phase of life changes, and immigration and acculturative stress. Sometimes it feels as though there is no way forward. But there is always a path forward and I believe counseling is one of those paths.
I believe therapists are the keepers of hope and the navigators of difficult journeys. We walk alongside our clients as they move through challenging moments and changes in their lives. I have witnessed people become stuck and unsure how to navigate these moments. Some of those challenges include traumatic events, relationship and social identity, career and educational transitions, phase of life changes, and immigration and acculturative stress. Sometimes it feels as though there is no way forward. But there is always a path forward and I believe counseling is one of those paths.
(571) 946-6922 View (571) 946-6922
Photo of W. R. Nay, Psychologist in Falls Church, VA
W. R. Nay
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22046  (Online Only)
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) believes that how you think determines how you feel and act when a situation with your spouse, child, friend or co-worker arises.
I am a professor (University of Illinois, currently: Georgetown Medical School) and in private practice. As a teacher of tools, skills and strategies, my clients quickly learn new, more effective behaviors to reduce discomfort and be more successful. My approach is not so much placing a label on people but in offering ideas for what they can DO NOW and in the future to learn and implement new successful behaviors. I enjoy working with mood, anxiety, anger and behavioral problems for all the ages. My approach is pragmatic, behavioral and usually is short-term to achieve well-defined results.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) believes that how you think determines how you feel and act when a situation with your spouse, child, friend or co-worker arises.
I am a professor (University of Illinois, currently: Georgetown Medical School) and in private practice. As a teacher of tools, skills and strategies, my clients quickly learn new, more effective behaviors to reduce discomfort and be more successful. My approach is not so much placing a label on people but in offering ideas for what they can DO NOW and in the future to learn and implement new successful behaviors. I enjoy working with mood, anxiety, anger and behavioral problems for all the ages. My approach is pragmatic, behavioral and usually is short-term to achieve well-defined results.
(703) 468-8142 View (703) 468-8142
Photo of Gloria Quevedo, Licensed Professional Counselor in Falls Church, VA
Gloria Quevedo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22046
Waitlist for new clients
I am a bilingual therapist (Spanish-English) with 23 years of experience working in a multicultural environment with individuals, couples and families.
Depression? Anxiety? Difficulties in your relationships? Trauma? ... If you believe that there is anything that you would like to change, or that is not allowing you to enjoy your life, I invite you to come to take a look at your world, and together to start the process of figuring out how to make it better. I believe that therapy is a collaboration between client and therapist in a supportive and safe environment where you can explore how your past has impacted who you are now and how to make changes in your thoughts and actions.
I am a bilingual therapist (Spanish-English) with 23 years of experience working in a multicultural environment with individuals, couples and families.
Depression? Anxiety? Difficulties in your relationships? Trauma? ... If you believe that there is anything that you would like to change, or that is not allowing you to enjoy your life, I invite you to come to take a look at your world, and together to start the process of figuring out how to make it better. I believe that therapy is a collaboration between client and therapist in a supportive and safe environment where you can explore how your past has impacted who you are now and how to make changes in your thoughts and actions.
(202) 618-9613 View (202) 618-9613
Photo of Sunstone Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Falls Church, VA
Sunstone Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22046
Gottman Couples Therapy - Level 3 Trained; Anger Management (AM) - 15 years experience working with AM/Domestic Abuse clients ; Family Therapy - 15 years experience working with Pre-marital / Established couples and their families; CBT-Focused/ Anxiety/Depression Management - 11 years of experience applying practical techniques to managing mood disturbances.
DAYTIME AVAILABILITY. TRICARE CERTIFIED. LICENSED IN VA & DC: Do you need a compassionate, balanced male perspective on your relationship? Are you looking for ways to rekindle the passion you once had for your partner? Will your partner only attend counseling with a male therapist? Are you dealing with significant anger issues that are pulling you apart or damaging your life? Well, I am your therapist! I am also great with children (Play Therapy) and adolescence dealing with behavioral issues such as ADHD. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 15 years of experience who is available to all clients with any issues.
Gottman Couples Therapy - Level 3 Trained; Anger Management (AM) - 15 years experience working with AM/Domestic Abuse clients ; Family Therapy - 15 years experience working with Pre-marital / Established couples and their families; CBT-Focused/ Anxiety/Depression Management - 11 years of experience applying practical techniques to managing mood disturbances.
DAYTIME AVAILABILITY. TRICARE CERTIFIED. LICENSED IN VA & DC: Do you need a compassionate, balanced male perspective on your relationship? Are you looking for ways to rekindle the passion you once had for your partner? Will your partner only attend counseling with a male therapist? Are you dealing with significant anger issues that are pulling you apart or damaging your life? Well, I am your therapist! I am also great with children (Play Therapy) and adolescence dealing with behavioral issues such as ADHD. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 15 years of experience who is available to all clients with any issues.
(703) 935-0015 View (703) 935-0015
Photo of Renascence Center, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Falls Church, VA
Renascence Center, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22044
I work with individuals and couples.
Sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Someone who knows how to ask the right questions and really listen to your answers. I think counseling should be like talking to a really good friend, one who has knowledge of you and the connections which may be at work in your life, and who has permission to confront you and ask you hard questions. I am candid and direct with my clients, pointing out things that need to be looked at, and then helping them process and live out new insights. Integrating faith and values is important to me.
I work with individuals and couples.
Sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Someone who knows how to ask the right questions and really listen to your answers. I think counseling should be like talking to a really good friend, one who has knowledge of you and the connections which may be at work in your life, and who has permission to confront you and ask you hard questions. I am candid and direct with my clients, pointing out things that need to be looked at, and then helping them process and live out new insights. Integrating faith and values is important to me.
(540) 986-4032 View (540) 986-4032
Photo of Marion Burke, Pre-Licensed Professional in Falls Church, VA
Marion Burke
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD, LPC-r, BCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22041
I use a person-centered holistic style in counseling to meet clients’ needs, and I have experience with trauma-related disorders, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, PTSD, low self-esteem, family-of-origin issues, relationship concerns/domestic violence, as well as sexual trauma.
Painful past experiences and current life stressors can tremendously impact our mental health, challenge our relationships with others, and affect our sense of self. We often have to find strategies to adapt and survive difficult circumstances of disconnection, criticism, invalidation, and trauma. Without realizing it, we may develop beliefs about ourselves that are limiting and self-defeating, and we continue to operate from old patterns long after they have stopped serving us. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, empathic, and nonjudgmental space for you to share, learn, grow, and heal.
I use a person-centered holistic style in counseling to meet clients’ needs, and I have experience with trauma-related disorders, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, PTSD, low self-esteem, family-of-origin issues, relationship concerns/domestic violence, as well as sexual trauma.
Painful past experiences and current life stressors can tremendously impact our mental health, challenge our relationships with others, and affect our sense of self. We often have to find strategies to adapt and survive difficult circumstances of disconnection, criticism, invalidation, and trauma. Without realizing it, we may develop beliefs about ourselves that are limiting and self-defeating, and we continue to operate from old patterns long after they have stopped serving us. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, empathic, and nonjudgmental space for you to share, learn, grow, and heal.
(571) 496-8394 View (571) 496-8394
Photo of J.Pope & Associates, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Falls Church, VA
J.Pope & Associates, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22042
We provide individual, group, and family therapy as well as couples counseling.
J. Pope & Associates, LLC was created to contribute to the betterment of mental health & wellness while improving the functioning of children, youth, adults and families. In addition, our services are tools used to effectively decrease the prevalence and incidence of mental illness, emotional disturbance, and social dysfunction. We strive to provide compassionate solution focused treatment to the inner city and surrounding areas by strengthening communities, building positive relationships, and promoting emotional wellness.
We provide individual, group, and family therapy as well as couples counseling.
J. Pope & Associates, LLC was created to contribute to the betterment of mental health & wellness while improving the functioning of children, youth, adults and families. In addition, our services are tools used to effectively decrease the prevalence and incidence of mental illness, emotional disturbance, and social dysfunction. We strive to provide compassionate solution focused treatment to the inner city and surrounding areas by strengthening communities, building positive relationships, and promoting emotional wellness.
(667) 288-0237 View (667) 288-0237
Photo of Arsheia Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor in Falls Church, VA
Arsheia Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22046
I specialize in trauma, substance use, depression, anxiety, women's issues, relationship challenges, life transitions, and grief and loss.
I'm so glad you're here! I believe that we all have the potential to be our best selves, and it is my honor and privilege to help you get there. I am a licensed professional counselor with 16 years of experience in the mental health field. I am also a licensed Substance Abuse practitioner and certified sex offender treatment provider. I have extensive training and experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My therapy practice is based on cognitive-behavioral principles from a client-centered perspective. As a therapist, I aim to help you rediscover your life's balance.
I specialize in trauma, substance use, depression, anxiety, women's issues, relationship challenges, life transitions, and grief and loss.
I'm so glad you're here! I believe that we all have the potential to be our best selves, and it is my honor and privilege to help you get there. I am a licensed professional counselor with 16 years of experience in the mental health field. I am also a licensed Substance Abuse practitioner and certified sex offender treatment provider. I have extensive training and experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My therapy practice is based on cognitive-behavioral principles from a client-centered perspective. As a therapist, I aim to help you rediscover your life's balance.
(703) 270-0551 View (703) 270-0551
Photo of Gail L. Grandela - Bridge to Wellness Centers LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Falls Church, VA
Gail L. Grandela - Bridge to Wellness Centers LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CCM
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22042  (Online Only)
I am interested in helping individuals, couples, and families to communicate more effectively.
I am passionate and optimistic in my therapeutic approach with couples, families, and individuals (adolescents/adults) who struggle with issues that affect their daily functioning. My goal is to empower clients to understand themselves, to highlight strengths, positive traits, hopeful patterns, and encourage the potential that emerges during the therapeutic process. Life today is stressful under good circumstances but when life throws us off balance we need a safe place to process our thoughts and feelings in order to regain wellness and harmony in our life.
I am interested in helping individuals, couples, and families to communicate more effectively.
I am passionate and optimistic in my therapeutic approach with couples, families, and individuals (adolescents/adults) who struggle with issues that affect their daily functioning. My goal is to empower clients to understand themselves, to highlight strengths, positive traits, hopeful patterns, and encourage the potential that emerges during the therapeutic process. Life today is stressful under good circumstances but when life throws us off balance we need a safe place to process our thoughts and feelings in order to regain wellness and harmony in our life.
(757) 794-4655 View (757) 794-4655
Photo of Sara Fodil-Cherif, Resident in Counseling in Falls Church, VA
Sara Fodil-Cherif
Resident in Counseling, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22040
I am a trauma-informed resident therapist in Northern Virginia and I specialize in trauma, PTSD, abuse and mood disorders. I work with adults, youth and families both virtually and in-person. I also work extensively with the immigrant population providing support in areas like acculturation and resettlement, relationship issues, multicultural issues, intergenerational trauma, and social advocacy.
I am a trauma-informed resident therapist in Northern Virginia and I specialize in trauma, PTSD, abuse and mood disorders. I work with adults, youth and families both virtually and in-person. I also work extensively with the immigrant population providing support in areas like acculturation and resettlement, relationship issues, multicultural issues, intergenerational trauma, and social advocacy.
(571) 200-8753 View (571) 200-8753
Photo of Adam G Thomas, Pre-Licensed Professional in Falls Church, VA
Adam G Thomas
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Falls Church, VA 22043
With couples, I work from an Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT) perspective together with the Gottman Method.
How would it feel if we could turn the volume down on the emotional pain you’re struggling with right now? I see therapy as a way to help you better understand the nature of what you’re currently experiencing in a safe environment and to collaboratively find the solutions to create the life you want to live. Yet, change isn’t easy. My role as a therapist is to help effectively facilitate positive changes while reducing the emotional toll on you. Together, I’m confident that we can improve your quality of life and set you on a viable path to achieving your life goals.
With couples, I work from an Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT) perspective together with the Gottman Method.
How would it feel if we could turn the volume down on the emotional pain you’re struggling with right now? I see therapy as a way to help you better understand the nature of what you’re currently experiencing in a safe environment and to collaboratively find the solutions to create the life you want to live. Yet, change isn’t easy. My role as a therapist is to help effectively facilitate positive changes while reducing the emotional toll on you. Together, I’m confident that we can improve your quality of life and set you on a viable path to achieving your life goals.
(703) 775-1537 View (703) 775-1537
Photo of Beverly Loftin Cobbs, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Falls Church, VA
Beverly Loftin Cobbs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, SUPLCSW, MSW, MTS, QHMP AC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22042
I am currently a Supervisee of Social Work with over 21 years of experience working with adults, children and couples. I have a vast knowledge of mental health as it relates to individuals, disadvantaged populations, groups and couples. My specialty also surrounds social work, child protective services, Foster care juvenile justice systems and special education. My Job is My Passion, My Ministry. I too have experienced difficult life situations, trauma and grief. I didn’t start my life with all of these titles. I had to work hard for each one of them. Through every challenge, every struggle, every stumbling block, and every failure.
I am currently a Supervisee of Social Work with over 21 years of experience working with adults, children and couples. I have a vast knowledge of mental health as it relates to individuals, disadvantaged populations, groups and couples. My specialty also surrounds social work, child protective services, Foster care juvenile justice systems and special education. My Job is My Passion, My Ministry. I too have experienced difficult life situations, trauma and grief. I didn’t start my life with all of these titles. I had to work hard for each one of them. Through every challenge, every struggle, every stumbling block, and every failure.
(434) 722-3315 View (434) 722-3315

See more therapy options for Falls Church

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.