Couples Counseling Therapists in 95823

Photo of Eric Burns, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Eric Burns
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823  (Online Only)
I work with individuals, couples and families struggling with a variety of life challenges; addiction and chemical dependency (abstinence and harm reduction), dual diagnosis, codependency, men in transition, grief and loss, anger management, self-esteem and healthy self image for teenagers and adults.
Your mental health is very important. Whether you are struggling with a new problem or one that has been on-going, an emotional problem or a bio-chemical one, or even relationship challenges, getting support can make a world of difference. Establishing a safe environment to talk and building a trusting relationship is essential in building a therapeutic relationship. I provide a warm and caring environment for you to trust and share intimate thoughts and feelings, including at times, conflicting thoughts, anxious feelings, depressed mood, traumatic events, etc.
I work with individuals, couples and families struggling with a variety of life challenges; addiction and chemical dependency (abstinence and harm reduction), dual diagnosis, codependency, men in transition, grief and loss, anger management, self-esteem and healthy self image for teenagers and adults.
Your mental health is very important. Whether you are struggling with a new problem or one that has been on-going, an emotional problem or a bio-chemical one, or even relationship challenges, getting support can make a world of difference. Establishing a safe environment to talk and building a trusting relationship is essential in building a therapeutic relationship. I provide a warm and caring environment for you to trust and share intimate thoughts and feelings, including at times, conflicting thoughts, anxious feelings, depressed mood, traumatic events, etc.
(916) 252-4151 View (916) 252-4151
Photo of Jennifer Christeson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Christeson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823
Allow me to be your guide as we work together to identify and harness your strengths, empowering you to achieve your personal, professional and relationship goals. Heal old wounds while you cultivate self compassion and create lasting change. I utilize an eclectic approach drawing from strength based, mindfulness based cognitive, solutions focused brief , and gottman couples therapies and have over 30 years experience working with individuals, couples and groups .
Allow me to be your guide as we work together to identify and harness your strengths, empowering you to achieve your personal, professional and relationship goals. Heal old wounds while you cultivate self compassion and create lasting change. I utilize an eclectic approach drawing from strength based, mindfulness based cognitive, solutions focused brief , and gottman couples therapies and have over 30 years experience working with individuals, couples and groups .
(916) 659-7812 View (916) 659-7812
Photo of Christina Harner, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Harner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823
Hi! I'm Christina Harner, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I'm also an active-duty military spouse and a veteran myself. believe therapy works for those that want to make change. I have worked extensively with couples dealing with domestic violence, cultural concerns, work-life balance, and military communities. I typically work with adults (over 18) that experience anxiety, depression, and stress due to relationship issues, work-life balance (or lack of), and family issues. As a parent (and one of 9 siblings) I relate well to the complex dynamics in merging family life and work life.
Hi! I'm Christina Harner, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I'm also an active-duty military spouse and a veteran myself. believe therapy works for those that want to make change. I have worked extensively with couples dealing with domestic violence, cultural concerns, work-life balance, and military communities. I typically work with adults (over 18) that experience anxiety, depression, and stress due to relationship issues, work-life balance (or lack of), and family issues. As a parent (and one of 9 siblings) I relate well to the complex dynamics in merging family life and work life.
(916) 252-5569 View (916) 252-5569
Photo of LeHenry Solomon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
LeHenry Solomon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823
Experiences involving anxiety, depression along with interpersonal relationship issues are influenced by organic and environmental circumstances.
Hello, My name is LeHenry Solomon LMFT with over 20 years of experience working with people of all ages, races, and belief systems strengthening their emotional well-being to improve their quality of life. I ensure a safe, non-judgmental space for us to work together to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves. I believe that each experience is an opportunity to learn, move forward, and grow with an understanding of how we see ourselves as well as how the world sees us. The most important approach I use is to ensure everyone I work with knows and understands their value, worth, and ability to achieve their goals.
Experiences involving anxiety, depression along with interpersonal relationship issues are influenced by organic and environmental circumstances.
Hello, My name is LeHenry Solomon LMFT with over 20 years of experience working with people of all ages, races, and belief systems strengthening their emotional well-being to improve their quality of life. I ensure a safe, non-judgmental space for us to work together to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves. I believe that each experience is an opportunity to learn, move forward, and grow with an understanding of how we see ourselves as well as how the world sees us. The most important approach I use is to ensure everyone I work with knows and understands their value, worth, and ability to achieve their goals.
(562) 784-5807 View (562) 784-5807
Photo of Homeyra Ghaffari - Life and Liberation, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Life and Liberation
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823
I primarily work with Farsi and Dari speaking refugees who have been exposed to hardship and war. I also see teenagers who are going through identity crisis and transitional periods from childhood to adulthood. I see couples coming from traditional backgrounds trying to save their marriage by adjusting to mainstream culture. Finally, I see individuals with low-self esteem, confidence, and decision making issues.
I primarily work with Farsi and Dari speaking refugees who have been exposed to hardship and war. I also see teenagers who are going through identity crisis and transitional periods from childhood to adulthood. I see couples coming from traditional backgrounds trying to save their marriage by adjusting to mainstream culture. Finally, I see individuals with low-self esteem, confidence, and decision making issues.
(650) 866-1151 View (650) 866-1151
Photo of Dennis Hollingsworth, LMFT, CADC-ll, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dennis Hollingsworth
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CADC-ll
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823
After splitting time between a non-profit community center and private practice for a number of years, I am now solely focused on private practice. I am excited about the opportunity to continue my work with individuals, couples, families and children. I approach my work with respect, cultural awareness and a strong belief in self-empowerment. Our time together will be supportive, collaborative, focused and goal driven. Although I am continually learning and searching for what works, Reality Therapy/Choice Theory is my primary theoretical approach. I also regularly use Feedback Informed Treatment measures.
After splitting time between a non-profit community center and private practice for a number of years, I am now solely focused on private practice. I am excited about the opportunity to continue my work with individuals, couples, families and children. I approach my work with respect, cultural awareness and a strong belief in self-empowerment. Our time together will be supportive, collaborative, focused and goal driven. Although I am continually learning and searching for what works, Reality Therapy/Choice Theory is my primary theoretical approach. I also regularly use Feedback Informed Treatment measures.
(916) 435-6094 View (916) 435-6094
Photo of Pamela Kozlow, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Pamela Kozlow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823
Specialties include: Individual, Marital/ couples counseling; Relationship/communication issues; Affairs; Divorce; Parenting; Depression; Anxiety, panic disorders, phobias; abuse/neglect survivors; grief and loss; Trauma, Addictions; Sexual problems;Low self-esteem;Assertiveness training; Relaxation techniques;Personal/Spiritual growth; Life/Career Coaching.
My mission is to provide effective, caring, and compassionate care. The main goal of counseling is to assist and guide individuals and couples through quality listening, acceptance, understanding, and thoughtful responses. The client should experience greater well-being, healing, and confidence. The client is the expert of themselves, and the therapist is merely a tool to assist and guide each person, through their own strengths and inner wisdom to find their own path to their highest good. I provide effective therapy for people of all different backgrounds, cultures, religions, ages, and socio-economic status.
Specialties include: Individual, Marital/ couples counseling; Relationship/communication issues; Affairs; Divorce; Parenting; Depression; Anxiety, panic disorders, phobias; abuse/neglect survivors; grief and loss; Trauma, Addictions; Sexual problems;Low self-esteem;Assertiveness training; Relaxation techniques;Personal/Spiritual growth; Life/Career Coaching.
My mission is to provide effective, caring, and compassionate care. The main goal of counseling is to assist and guide individuals and couples through quality listening, acceptance, understanding, and thoughtful responses. The client should experience greater well-being, healing, and confidence. The client is the expert of themselves, and the therapist is merely a tool to assist and guide each person, through their own strengths and inner wisdom to find their own path to their highest good. I provide effective therapy for people of all different backgrounds, cultures, religions, ages, and socio-economic status.
(916) 270-0806 View (916) 270-0806
Photo of Ann C Leber, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ann C Leber
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95823
I love helping couples achieve greater intimacy and resolve conflicts.
I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 25 years. I believe that clients come to counseling not only to gain a better understanding of themselves, but with a desire to learn new skills and tools to apply to their lives. Please call me personally to discuss your needs.
I love helping couples achieve greater intimacy and resolve conflicts.
I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 25 years. I believe that clients come to counseling not only to gain a better understanding of themselves, but with a desire to learn new skills and tools to apply to their lives. Please call me personally to discuss your needs.
(916) 741-5426 View (916) 741-5426
Photo of Laura Reames, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Reames
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95823
Do you want to dance a different dance? Are you ready to make changes that that can move you closer to the satisfaction you desire? Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples is research based and effective.
"Are you feeling stressed, depleted and stuck? Do you find yourself repeating behavior patterns that don't help you move forward? Are you drifting apart in your relationships rather than experiencing the closeness you desire?" Taking a step to seek help can open the door of hope. I believe we all have the ability to change. I am Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples (EFT) if you desire to reconnect. I am Certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for shifting trauma and negative beliefs/behaviors. I also utilize Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) & Feeling State Addiction Protocol (FSAP).
Do you want to dance a different dance? Are you ready to make changes that that can move you closer to the satisfaction you desire? Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples is research based and effective.
"Are you feeling stressed, depleted and stuck? Do you find yourself repeating behavior patterns that don't help you move forward? Are you drifting apart in your relationships rather than experiencing the closeness you desire?" Taking a step to seek help can open the door of hope. I believe we all have the ability to change. I am Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples (EFT) if you desire to reconnect. I am Certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for shifting trauma and negative beliefs/behaviors. I also utilize Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) & Feeling State Addiction Protocol (FSAP).
(916) 794-4420 View (916) 794-4420
Photo of Ronald G Richard, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ronald G Richard
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823
I am a State Licensed Marriage Family Child Therapist with 26+ years experience in guiding Individuals, couples & children to develop the skills and understanding needed to find the loving connections we all long for. In this time of need, finding a therapist is no small undertaking. We all hope to find a therapist with the needed clinical understanding and skills; but finding a therapist who actually authentically cares is much more difficult. I assure you that as your personal therapist; I care deeply about you and the outcome of your life situation. "Your trust will not be misplaced."
I am a State Licensed Marriage Family Child Therapist with 26+ years experience in guiding Individuals, couples & children to develop the skills and understanding needed to find the loving connections we all long for. In this time of need, finding a therapist is no small undertaking. We all hope to find a therapist with the needed clinical understanding and skills; but finding a therapist who actually authentically cares is much more difficult. I assure you that as your personal therapist; I care deeply about you and the outcome of your life situation. "Your trust will not be misplaced."
(916) 546-1070 View (916) 546-1070
Photo of William Tornquist, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
William Tornquist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823
I typically work with adult individuals and couples when providing telehealth.
My name is Bill Tornquist and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My approach to therapy is to listen to the needs of my clients and provide support, tools, and guidance to encourage healthy thinking and behavior patterns, enhance interpersonal relationships, and cope with difficult emotions and situations. I mainly work with individuals and couples looking to deal with challenging situations and enhance interpersonal relationships with others. I tend to provide a more cognitive behavioral approach to individual issues as it is short-term and focused on providing support for emotional challenges.
I typically work with adult individuals and couples when providing telehealth.
My name is Bill Tornquist and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My approach to therapy is to listen to the needs of my clients and provide support, tools, and guidance to encourage healthy thinking and behavior patterns, enhance interpersonal relationships, and cope with difficult emotions and situations. I mainly work with individuals and couples looking to deal with challenging situations and enhance interpersonal relationships with others. I tend to provide a more cognitive behavioral approach to individual issues as it is short-term and focused on providing support for emotional challenges.
(805) 303-2607 View (805) 303-2607
Photo of Zina Petrov, LPCC-S, MFT, Counselor
Zina Petrov
Counselor, LPCC-S, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95823
As a licensed therapist in both California and Ohio, I am honored to be a trusted guide on the journey towards healing and growth. I specialize in providing individual therapy for adults who are struggling with developmental trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and relationship distress. I draw from a variety of modalities and frameworks, including Interpersonal Neurobiology, EMDR, Compassionate Inquiry, mindfulness, DBT, and CBT, to tailor my approach to each unique client. In addition, I am specialized in working with couples utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy and Systems Theory modalities.
As a licensed therapist in both California and Ohio, I am honored to be a trusted guide on the journey towards healing and growth. I specialize in providing individual therapy for adults who are struggling with developmental trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and relationship distress. I draw from a variety of modalities and frameworks, including Interpersonal Neurobiology, EMDR, Compassionate Inquiry, mindfulness, DBT, and CBT, to tailor my approach to each unique client. In addition, I am specialized in working with couples utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy and Systems Theory modalities.
(440) 306-3532 View (440) 306-3532
Photo of Elin Kiyoko Campbell, MSW, ASW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Elin Kiyoko Campbell
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95823  (Online Only)
I work with people in all varieties of consensual relationship configurations, including folks looking to change their relationship configuration.
As a therapist who found myself in the mental health field as a result of a gamut of lived experience – I know too well how difficult it can be to find a therapeutic space where you “fit.” This world is heavy enough without the added difficulty of summoning the strength to reach out for help, only to feel like you must change yourself to access therapeutic support. It’s a terrible, gut-wrenching feeling that I have personally experienced. This will not happen with me. I pride myself on offering an open, honest, and comfortable therapeutic space where clients do not feel the need to censor or otherwise alter themselves.
I work with people in all varieties of consensual relationship configurations, including folks looking to change their relationship configuration.
As a therapist who found myself in the mental health field as a result of a gamut of lived experience – I know too well how difficult it can be to find a therapeutic space where you “fit.” This world is heavy enough without the added difficulty of summoning the strength to reach out for help, only to feel like you must change yourself to access therapeutic support. It’s a terrible, gut-wrenching feeling that I have personally experienced. This will not happen with me. I pride myself on offering an open, honest, and comfortable therapeutic space where clients do not feel the need to censor or otherwise alter themselves.
(415) 570-6476 View (415) 570-6476
Photo of Sunita Chamber - Center 4 Growth Psychotherapy, Psychologist
Center 4 Growth Psychotherapy
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823  (Online Only)
We offer many kinds of therapy with a customized approach to help you together with your loved ones or separately depending on your needs in: individual therapy with adults, teens, and children; family therapy in a variety of groupings; and lastly, couples therapy.
Are you struggling with low moods or worry that nag at you daily? Are you entangled in relationships that are draining you but you can’t find ways to get help? Are you feeling stuck and just wanting to live a better life? You are in the right place. Living a better life starts with understanding your needs and connecting with your true self. Center 4 Growth (C4G) Psychotherapy is a specialized treatment center that focuses on you, who you are, who you want to be and how to help you get there.
We offer many kinds of therapy with a customized approach to help you together with your loved ones or separately depending on your needs in: individual therapy with adults, teens, and children; family therapy in a variety of groupings; and lastly, couples therapy.
Are you struggling with low moods or worry that nag at you daily? Are you entangled in relationships that are draining you but you can’t find ways to get help? Are you feeling stuck and just wanting to live a better life? You are in the right place. Living a better life starts with understanding your needs and connecting with your true self. Center 4 Growth (C4G) Psychotherapy is a specialized treatment center that focuses on you, who you are, who you want to be and how to help you get there.
(916) 794-3951 View (916) 794-3951
Photo of Sunita Chamber, PsyD, Psychologist
Sunita Chamber
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823  (Online Only)
individual therapy for all ages (children, teens, and adults), couples therapy, family therapy and we even have a specialty track to address the unique features of culture and immigration within your family background.
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put your needs at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if life should feel somehow better? Happier? Now more than ever, as the world moves faster, it has become increasingly difficult to make meaningful connections, to live with purpose and to make sense of our experiences. Pushing away your needs and not taking the time to connect with yourself and understand who you are–who you want to be, can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. I believe it shouldn’t be so hard to live a better life.
individual therapy for all ages (children, teens, and adults), couples therapy, family therapy and we even have a specialty track to address the unique features of culture and immigration within your family background.
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put your needs at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if life should feel somehow better? Happier? Now more than ever, as the world moves faster, it has become increasingly difficult to make meaningful connections, to live with purpose and to make sense of our experiences. Pushing away your needs and not taking the time to connect with yourself and understand who you are–who you want to be, can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. I believe it shouldn’t be so hard to live a better life.
(916) 507-1904 View (916) 507-1904
Photo of Kendra Hadley, LCPC
Kendra Hadley
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823
I provide trauma-informed mental health services to people of all ages and demographics and specialize in couples counseling for those in monogamous and non-monogamous partnerships.
Hi, there! My name is Kendra Hadley, and I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California (LPCC 14503). My areas of expertise are addiction, mental health, trauma, and couples counseling. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities and interventions to help people become the best possible versions of themselves. I work primarily with a culturally diverse population of young adults who struggle with a variety of habits and hang-ups, i.e. drug and alcohol addiction, process addiction (i.e. sex, gaming, etc.), and more.
I provide trauma-informed mental health services to people of all ages and demographics and specialize in couples counseling for those in monogamous and non-monogamous partnerships.
Hi, there! My name is Kendra Hadley, and I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California (LPCC 14503). My areas of expertise are addiction, mental health, trauma, and couples counseling. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities and interventions to help people become the best possible versions of themselves. I work primarily with a culturally diverse population of young adults who struggle with a variety of habits and hang-ups, i.e. drug and alcohol addiction, process addiction (i.e. sex, gaming, etc.), and more.
(858) 381-9751 View (858) 381-9751
Photo of Meagan Pham Mielke, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Meagan Pham Mielke
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823
You're having the same arguments with your loved ones and it's beyond frustrating. No one feels heard and you don't get why it's so difficult to be understood. It's hard to believe that things will ever be better. You want a roadmap and a place to start so you and your relationship thrive.
You're having the same arguments with your loved ones and it's beyond frustrating. No one feels heard and you don't get why it's so difficult to be understood. It's hard to believe that things will ever be better. You want a roadmap and a place to start so you and your relationship thrive.
(408) 413-3957 View (408) 413-3957
Photo of Sarah L. Manfredi, MA, LMFT, CSAT, CCPS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarah L. Manfredi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CSAT, CCPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95823
I also utilize evidence based treatment models like EFT & The Gottman Method to improve the couple's relationship.
Are you struggling in your relationships? Is past trauma making it difficult to find peace, joy and experience connection? Are you experiencing betrayal trauma in your relationship? Do you need help managing anxiety and compulsive behaviors? I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment to explore solutions for tackling your unique challenges. My approach is gentle and "down to earth" and the development of a trusting therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance to me. I'm proud to serve First Responders & their families at a discounted rate.
I also utilize evidence based treatment models like EFT & The Gottman Method to improve the couple's relationship.
Are you struggling in your relationships? Is past trauma making it difficult to find peace, joy and experience connection? Are you experiencing betrayal trauma in your relationship? Do you need help managing anxiety and compulsive behaviors? I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment to explore solutions for tackling your unique challenges. My approach is gentle and "down to earth" and the development of a trusting therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance to me. I'm proud to serve First Responders & their families at a discounted rate.
(916) 438-9811 View (916) 438-9811
Photo of DeShannon Williamson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
DeShannon Williamson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823  (Online Only)
I offer expertise in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. I use a collaborative and strengths-based approach that integrates cultural factors as appropriate. I was raised in an inner-city, urban area, and I carry a high level of understanding for individuals that come from marginalized environments like myself. I also specialize in professional and work stress. I have been a business owner, philanthropist, and investor for almost 30 years. I have experience with high output career stress and how it can affect us.
I offer expertise in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. I use a collaborative and strengths-based approach that integrates cultural factors as appropriate. I was raised in an inner-city, urban area, and I carry a high level of understanding for individuals that come from marginalized environments like myself. I also specialize in professional and work stress. I have been a business owner, philanthropist, and investor for almost 30 years. I have experience with high output career stress and how it can affect us.
(925) 587-8330 View (925) 587-8330
Photo of Maria Del Rio, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maria Del Rio
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823
I am a first-generation Mexican-American bilingual clinician with a love for culture and food. I enjoy working with families, youth, and adults navigating through life challenges that include grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, generational relational trauma, and life stress.
I am a first-generation Mexican-American bilingual clinician with a love for culture and food. I enjoy working with families, youth, and adults navigating through life challenges that include grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, generational relational trauma, and life stress.
(916) 587-8096 View (916) 587-8096
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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.