Couples Counseling Therapists in 27614

Photo of Mel Johnson-Norwood, Pre-Licensed Professional in 27614, NC
Mel Johnson-Norwood
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
I firmly believe that you're the expert of your own life and place a high value on creating a therapeutic relationship that helps you achieve your goals.
I work with adults of all ages, especially Black and brown men, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and college students. As a personal witness to the lack of competent mental health care, especially for queer Black men, I work towards closing that gap. My work with clients encompasses career transitions, relocation, relationship issues, life transitions, living with physical disabilities, suicidal ideations, and depression.
I firmly believe that you're the expert of your own life and place a high value on creating a therapeutic relationship that helps you achieve your goals.
I work with adults of all ages, especially Black and brown men, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and college students. As a personal witness to the lack of competent mental health care, especially for queer Black men, I work towards closing that gap. My work with clients encompasses career transitions, relocation, relationship issues, life transitions, living with physical disabilities, suicidal ideations, and depression.
(984) 369-9915 View (984) 369-9915
Photo of Julie A Hovrud, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 27614, NC
Julie A Hovrud
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
My passion is in working with individuals and couples in need of resolving relational issues, whether it be in a coupleship, looking to become involved in a coupleship, relational issues with family members, relationships at work, or social relationships.
Addressing challenges in our personal life is not easy. While a common reaction to difficulties and challenges is to attempt to avoid them, it seldom solves the problem. Friends can help with some struggles in life, while other challenges need unbiased, emotional support from a professional. I utilize compassion and practical feedback to help you effectively address these difficulties and challenges. My style of therapy utilizes an eclectic approach to personalize and tailor the therapy to your needs. I help individuals and couples recognize and build on strengths to attain growth and help facilitate change to enrich your life.
My passion is in working with individuals and couples in need of resolving relational issues, whether it be in a coupleship, looking to become involved in a coupleship, relational issues with family members, relationships at work, or social relationships.
Addressing challenges in our personal life is not easy. While a common reaction to difficulties and challenges is to attempt to avoid them, it seldom solves the problem. Friends can help with some struggles in life, while other challenges need unbiased, emotional support from a professional. I utilize compassion and practical feedback to help you effectively address these difficulties and challenges. My style of therapy utilizes an eclectic approach to personalize and tailor the therapy to your needs. I help individuals and couples recognize and build on strengths to attain growth and help facilitate change to enrich your life.
(919) 586-8236 View (919) 586-8236
Photo of Elizabeth Robinette, Licensed Professional Counselor in 27614, NC
Elizabeth Robinette
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping neurodivergent-identifying folx navigate a world designed by and for a neurotypical brain. I am an ardent advocate for neurodiversity and view ADHD as a brain style. My focus, through empirically supported coaching and solution-focused counseling, is to transform “disorder” into an asset. I partner with my clients to develop skills that compensate for the difficult parts of their diagnosis, while celebrating the amazing qualities of their neurodivergent brain.
I am passionate about helping neurodivergent-identifying folx navigate a world designed by and for a neurotypical brain. I am an ardent advocate for neurodiversity and view ADHD as a brain style. My focus, through empirically supported coaching and solution-focused counseling, is to transform “disorder” into an asset. I partner with my clients to develop skills that compensate for the difficult parts of their diagnosis, while celebrating the amazing qualities of their neurodivergent brain.
(919) 858-2979 View (919) 858-2979
Photo of Mary M Lloyd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 27614, NC
Mary M Lloyd
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCADC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
What can we do to bring about change in our life? Working with a therapist can have far reaching benefits. Through compassionate and collaborative exploration, my goal is to help you build increased self-awareness and form new understandings of your past and present. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for in-depth work with children, adolescents, adults and couples.
What can we do to bring about change in our life? Working with a therapist can have far reaching benefits. Through compassionate and collaborative exploration, my goal is to help you build increased self-awareness and form new understandings of your past and present. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for in-depth work with children, adolescents, adults and couples.
(862) 276-2911 View (862) 276-2911
Photo of Lys Lin, Counselor in 27614, NC
Lys Lin
Counselor, LCMCHA
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
I work with adult and adolescent clients focusing on a variety of presenting concerns including bicultural identity, divorce, domestic violence, childhood trauma, life transitions, and perinatal/pregnancy/postpartum matters. I am passionate about exploring gender roles and expectations. I love to serve, share common experiences, and celebrate culture and identity with fellow members of the AAPI community and speak Mandarin. I work with couples and families to hold space for the specific difficulties of intercultural relationships.
I work with adult and adolescent clients focusing on a variety of presenting concerns including bicultural identity, divorce, domestic violence, childhood trauma, life transitions, and perinatal/pregnancy/postpartum matters. I am passionate about exploring gender roles and expectations. I love to serve, share common experiences, and celebrate culture and identity with fellow members of the AAPI community and speak Mandarin. I work with couples and families to hold space for the specific difficulties of intercultural relationships.
(919) 343-9619 View (919) 343-9619
Photo of Daniel Shawn Ayers, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 27614, NC
Daniel Shawn Ayers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614
Dedicated and accomplished behavioral health professional with 25 years of experience devoted to working with adults, children and families in a variety of settings. Specialize in working with Veterans, current Service members and families, couples and adults. Expertise in dealing with trauma related disorders, anxiety, depression, and relational distress.
Dedicated and accomplished behavioral health professional with 25 years of experience devoted to working with adults, children and families in a variety of settings. Specialize in working with Veterans, current Service members and families, couples and adults. Expertise in dealing with trauma related disorders, anxiety, depression, and relational distress.
(919) 849-3620 View (919) 849-3620
Photo of Nour Counseling & Consulting, PLLC in 27614, NC
Nour Counseling & Consulting, PLLC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
We address a wide array of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, racial trauma, oppression and discrimination, career counseling, career conflict, PTSD, life transitions, relationship conflict, ADHD, substance use, bipolar disorder, sexual abuse, narcissistic abuse, and more.
Has finding an inclusive therapist been a challenge for you? Do you need a counselor who understands experiences around BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiversity, ability differences, and any other wonderful traits that make you who you are? As therapists at Nour Counseling, we self-identify with historically marginalized backgrounds, and have a special passion for supporting our communities. You can come to each therapy session resting assured that your therapist recognizes how the intersection of your various identities impacts the way you experience the world and presenting concerns. We celebrate folx who identify as bicultural, Black, African American, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, ability diverse, and all who have been historically marginalized because… Everyone means everyone.
We address a wide array of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, racial trauma, oppression and discrimination, career counseling, career conflict, PTSD, life transitions, relationship conflict, ADHD, substance use, bipolar disorder, sexual abuse, narcissistic abuse, and more.
Has finding an inclusive therapist been a challenge for you? Do you need a counselor who understands experiences around BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiversity, ability differences, and any other wonderful traits that make you who you are? As therapists at Nour Counseling, we self-identify with historically marginalized backgrounds, and have a special passion for supporting our communities. You can come to each therapy session resting assured that your therapist recognizes how the intersection of your various identities impacts the way you experience the world and presenting concerns. We celebrate folx who identify as bicultural, Black, African American, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, ability diverse, and all who have been historically marginalized because… Everyone means everyone.
(919) 587-8394 View (919) 587-8394
Photo of Joquita Cooper, Counselor in 27614, NC
Joquita Cooper
Counselor, MS, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
I work with adults of all ages offering individual and relationship counseling.
You find yourself here reading all these profiles still not knowing if the person you see displayed on the screen will be someone who can hold space for you in the way you need. Finding a therapist to trust someone to trust with your thoughts can feel daunting and scary. It is my goal to provide you with a soft place to land where the focus is you. You deserve to feel seen and heard. There's strength in your vulnerability.
I work with adults of all ages offering individual and relationship counseling.
You find yourself here reading all these profiles still not knowing if the person you see displayed on the screen will be someone who can hold space for you in the way you need. Finding a therapist to trust someone to trust with your thoughts can feel daunting and scary. It is my goal to provide you with a soft place to land where the focus is you. You deserve to feel seen and heard. There's strength in your vulnerability.
(919) 213-1331 View (919) 213-1331
Photo of Demetrica Mathews, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 27614, NC
Demetrica Mathews
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A, LFC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
My professional position is to help Individuals, Couples, and Families discover emotional blind spots, uncover trauma, and support the healing and restoration process. I passionately and professionally guide clients toward wellness and harmony using evidence-based therapies and tailored coaching. My approach is rooted in a deep understanding of human emotions and relationships. The overarching goal is to help you experience freedom from all forms of hurt, pain, and emotional distress within my scope of expertise.
My professional position is to help Individuals, Couples, and Families discover emotional blind spots, uncover trauma, and support the healing and restoration process. I passionately and professionally guide clients toward wellness and harmony using evidence-based therapies and tailored coaching. My approach is rooted in a deep understanding of human emotions and relationships. The overarching goal is to help you experience freedom from all forms of hurt, pain, and emotional distress within my scope of expertise.
(252) 573-5231 View (252) 573-5231
Photo of Bradley Behavioral Health, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 27614, NC
Bradley Behavioral Health, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPA
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614
If you are interested in the mental health care you deserve, and would like to work with a therapist with extensive experience treating PTSD, depression, anxiety and relationship conflict, please reach out to me!.
Hello. My name is Sharon Bradley. I graduated from North Carolina State University in 2016 with a Masters Degree in Social Work, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mental health therapist. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings, to include Employee Assistance Programs, inpatient psychiatric unit, community homebased mental health, and the VA. My approach to treatment, is that I only use evidenced based psychotherapies (EBP) in my practice, as EBPs are designed to be goal oriented, time limited, structured and with evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing the impact of the problem area.
If you are interested in the mental health care you deserve, and would like to work with a therapist with extensive experience treating PTSD, depression, anxiety and relationship conflict, please reach out to me!.
Hello. My name is Sharon Bradley. I graduated from North Carolina State University in 2016 with a Masters Degree in Social Work, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mental health therapist. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings, to include Employee Assistance Programs, inpatient psychiatric unit, community homebased mental health, and the VA. My approach to treatment, is that I only use evidenced based psychotherapies (EBP) in my practice, as EBPs are designed to be goal oriented, time limited, structured and with evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing the impact of the problem area.
(984) 247-9774 View (984) 247-9774
Photo of Heather Fairley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 27614, NC
Heather Fairley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
Do you feel stuck and find it difficult to find joy and purpose? Do you find it challenging to show up as your authentic self? Are you struggling with understanding and parenting adolescent children? Through therapy, I can provide you with the tools needed to work through obstacles and unlearn behavior patterns that may no longer be serving you. Couples - Are you seeking to enhance intimacy in your relationship, resolve conflicts, and/or improve communication? Together, we will collaborate to find solutions and identify strengths in your relationship, leveraging them to overcome barriers and enhance satisfaction.
Do you feel stuck and find it difficult to find joy and purpose? Do you find it challenging to show up as your authentic self? Are you struggling with understanding and parenting adolescent children? Through therapy, I can provide you with the tools needed to work through obstacles and unlearn behavior patterns that may no longer be serving you. Couples - Are you seeking to enhance intimacy in your relationship, resolve conflicts, and/or improve communication? Together, we will collaborate to find solutions and identify strengths in your relationship, leveraging them to overcome barriers and enhance satisfaction.
(919) 415-0659 View (919) 415-0659
Photo of Ken Clark, Marriage & Family Therapist in 27614, NC
Ken Clark
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614
I've got a special place in my heart for executives / top-performers who have no one to talk to, couples struggling with recently discovered infidelity, and marriages that contain love but need to "reboot the like.
I'm not for everyone and every situation... I specialize in therapy and coaching for executives, couples, and companies who are highly motivated to get unstuck by doing a lot of work in a short period of time through in-person intensives or by secure video. I focus primarily on helping stabilize situations, create clarity about next steps, and crafting an action plan that my clients will be responsible for executing outside of the therapy or coaching relationship.
I've got a special place in my heart for executives / top-performers who have no one to talk to, couples struggling with recently discovered infidelity, and marriages that contain love but need to "reboot the like.
I'm not for everyone and every situation... I specialize in therapy and coaching for executives, couples, and companies who are highly motivated to get unstuck by doing a lot of work in a short period of time through in-person intensives or by secure video. I focus primarily on helping stabilize situations, create clarity about next steps, and crafting an action plan that my clients will be responsible for executing outside of the therapy or coaching relationship.
(501) 786-9970 View (501) 786-9970
Photo of Bowman Family Services, Licensed Professional Counselor in 27614, NC
Bowman Family Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614
I am the owner of Bowman Family Services, and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Supervisor with over 26 years of experience working with children, adults, and families. My carefully selected team of child, adolescent, adult, couples and family therapists, and psychologists utilize play, art and yoga therapy, sound therapy, mindfulness, EMDR, CBT, trauma-focused CBT, DBT, Pre-Marital and psychological testing. We receive ongoing trainings to utilize the best therapy approaches in our field. We specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, and trauma. We have offices in Wake Forest, Raleigh, Rolesville, and Cary NC.
I am the owner of Bowman Family Services, and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Supervisor with over 26 years of experience working with children, adults, and families. My carefully selected team of child, adolescent, adult, couples and family therapists, and psychologists utilize play, art and yoga therapy, sound therapy, mindfulness, EMDR, CBT, trauma-focused CBT, DBT, Pre-Marital and psychological testing. We receive ongoing trainings to utilize the best therapy approaches in our field. We specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, and trauma. We have offices in Wake Forest, Raleigh, Rolesville, and Cary NC.
(919) 229-8943 View (919) 229-8943
Photo of Mike Daniels, Psychologist in 27614, NC
Mike Daniels
Psychologist, PhD, HSP-P
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614
My therapeutic approach incorporates warmth, understanding, curiosity, and humor to build a positive therapy relationship with my clients.
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults. My life and career experiences have uniquely prepared me for working with those age groups. Prior to obtaining my Ph.D., I worked for twelve years as a high school teacher and athletics coach. This experience has provided me with unique insight for working with adolescents. Meanwhile, I have worked extensively as a therapist in college counseling centers and adult focused practices, providing me with a wealth of experience treating adults. In addition to providing therapy, I have worked at UNCG providing supervision to graduate students in the clinical psychology program.
My therapeutic approach incorporates warmth, understanding, curiosity, and humor to build a positive therapy relationship with my clients.
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults. My life and career experiences have uniquely prepared me for working with those age groups. Prior to obtaining my Ph.D., I worked for twelve years as a high school teacher and athletics coach. This experience has provided me with unique insight for working with adolescents. Meanwhile, I have worked extensively as a therapist in college counseling centers and adult focused practices, providing me with a wealth of experience treating adults. In addition to providing therapy, I have worked at UNCG providing supervision to graduate students in the clinical psychology program.
(919) 346-8025 View (919) 346-8025
Photo of Ellen Douglas, Licensed Professional Counselor in 27614, NC
Ellen Douglas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614
Ellen's clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults providing individual therapy, family therapy, and couples counseling addressing various life challenges and transitions including anxiety, depression, family conflict, parenting, blending families, marital and relationship issues, childhood behavioral issues, and life stressors.
Ellen Douglas is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor who has lived and worked in the Raleigh area since 2008. Her approach to therapy draws upon the strengths and needs of each individual working from various therapeutic models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Structural Family Therapy. Ellen's style is collaborative and supportive. She strives to create a safe space that allows clients to process, explore, question, and challenge their thought processes and behaviors.
Ellen's clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults providing individual therapy, family therapy, and couples counseling addressing various life challenges and transitions including anxiety, depression, family conflict, parenting, blending families, marital and relationship issues, childhood behavioral issues, and life stressors.
Ellen Douglas is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor who has lived and worked in the Raleigh area since 2008. Her approach to therapy draws upon the strengths and needs of each individual working from various therapeutic models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Structural Family Therapy. Ellen's style is collaborative and supportive. She strives to create a safe space that allows clients to process, explore, question, and challenge their thought processes and behaviors.
(919) 629-9038 View (919) 629-9038
Photo of Patrick T. Hefferan, Licensed Professional Counselor in 27614, NC
Patrick T. Hefferan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LCMHCS, NCC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614  (Online Only)
My clients consider me to be an empathic listener, a keen observer, and a calming presence. I bring a warm smile, a curious, gentle, friendly manner, a ready laugh, and a healthy self into my therapy sessions every day. I sincerely care about the people I work with and work hard to create a warm and trusting environment for clients of all ages. Forming and nurturing relationships is my strength. It's within the context of a healthy relationship that emotional and mental healing occurs. I'm trained to facilitate treatment for internet and technology compulsions and addictions including gaming, online pornography, and related issues.
My clients consider me to be an empathic listener, a keen observer, and a calming presence. I bring a warm smile, a curious, gentle, friendly manner, a ready laugh, and a healthy self into my therapy sessions every day. I sincerely care about the people I work with and work hard to create a warm and trusting environment for clients of all ages. Forming and nurturing relationships is my strength. It's within the context of a healthy relationship that emotional and mental healing occurs. I'm trained to facilitate treatment for internet and technology compulsions and addictions including gaming, online pornography, and related issues.
(919) 913-8323 View (919) 913-8323
Photo of Carolyn R Craft, Counselor in 27614, NC
Carolyn R Craft
Counselor, PsyD, MDiv
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614
I specialize in working with couples, individuals and older teens in areas of relationships, sexual issues, communication skills, emotional, sexual & physical trauma, grief & loss, life transitions, career & vocation, mindfulness practice & stress reduction.
When your thoughts or actions do not match your feelings, or you find that certain relationships are a problem, it could be time to explore what hidden patterns might be impacting your life. Because you are always in relationship to those in your world, whether family, work, or with a significant other; it is important to find ways to calm overwhelming emotions, overcome negative feelings, develop effective communication skills and discover the real issues in your life. In a non-invasive therapy environment, together we will build permanent resources to support you in being who you truly want to be.
I specialize in working with couples, individuals and older teens in areas of relationships, sexual issues, communication skills, emotional, sexual & physical trauma, grief & loss, life transitions, career & vocation, mindfulness practice & stress reduction.
When your thoughts or actions do not match your feelings, or you find that certain relationships are a problem, it could be time to explore what hidden patterns might be impacting your life. Because you are always in relationship to those in your world, whether family, work, or with a significant other; it is important to find ways to calm overwhelming emotions, overcome negative feelings, develop effective communication skills and discover the real issues in your life. In a non-invasive therapy environment, together we will build permanent resources to support you in being who you truly want to be.
(919) 429-7932 View (919) 429-7932
Photo of Sandy Sala, Licensed Professional Counselor in 27614, NC
Sandy Sala
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614
Examples of issues that may be a focus of treatment include improving coping skills, promoting self-awareness, exploring choices, achieving goals, and enhancing relationship skills.
My work with clients uses a collaborative, person-centered approach that is uniquely adapted to address presenting concerns and symptom presentation. I utilize strategies grounded in evidence-based theoretical approaches from cognitive, behavioral, dialectical, and solution-focused orientations. Treatment goals and objectives are developed together with the client and periodically reviewed for progress in a safe, supportive environment.
Examples of issues that may be a focus of treatment include improving coping skills, promoting self-awareness, exploring choices, achieving goals, and enhancing relationship skills.
My work with clients uses a collaborative, person-centered approach that is uniquely adapted to address presenting concerns and symptom presentation. I utilize strategies grounded in evidence-based theoretical approaches from cognitive, behavioral, dialectical, and solution-focused orientations. Treatment goals and objectives are developed together with the client and periodically reviewed for progress in a safe, supportive environment.
(919) 813-7287 View (919) 813-7287
Photo of Shelly Hummel, Marriage & Family Therapist in 27614, NC
Shelly Hummel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Raleigh, NC 27614
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in couples therapy and love what I do. Life circumstances facilitated my desire to become a couples therapist in early adolescence. I graduated from The University of Iowa with Honors in Psychology and completed my graduate degree from Northern Illinois University. My desire has always been working with couples and that passion remains today. I have been in practice for over 20 years, specializing in helping couples who are burdened by wanting to make their relationship work, but are uncertain of the tools and where to start.
I specialize in couples therapy and love what I do. Life circumstances facilitated my desire to become a couples therapist in early adolescence. I graduated from The University of Iowa with Honors in Psychology and completed my graduate degree from Northern Illinois University. My desire has always been working with couples and that passion remains today. I have been in practice for over 20 years, specializing in helping couples who are burdened by wanting to make their relationship work, but are uncertain of the tools and where to start.
(919) 335-5107 View (919) 335-5107
Photo of A Little Counseling, PLLC, Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in 27614, NC
A Little Counseling, PLLC
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, LCMHC-S, LMHC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27614
Bri-Ann is the founder of "A Little Counseling, PLLC." She SPECIALIZES IN ANXIETY, improving coping and social skills, managing stress and anger and improving relationships. Bri-Ann helps children, adolescents, adults and couples feel confident in handling everyday issues. She believes "A Little Counseling" can have a lasting effect in making your day to day easier.
Bri-Ann is the founder of "A Little Counseling, PLLC." She SPECIALIZES IN ANXIETY, improving coping and social skills, managing stress and anger and improving relationships. Bri-Ann helps children, adolescents, adults and couples feel confident in handling everyday issues. She believes "A Little Counseling" can have a lasting effect in making your day to day easier.
(919) 648-1059 View (919) 648-1059
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.