Couples Counseling Therapists in 98661

Photo of Tara May - Blue Leaf Mental Wellness Center, LMFT, LMHC, LICSW, Psychologist
Blue Leaf Mental Wellness Center
Psychologist, LMFT, LMHC, LICSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98661
Welcome to Blue Leaf: Your Path to Healing, Growth, and Thriving. We now have current openings for in-person or telehealth appointments. Our specialized psychotherapy services cater to adults, couples, and families 18 and older. Located in the beautiful Officers Row area of Vancouver, our experienced therapists provide compassionate and effective care, trained in EMDR and other evidence-based treatments.
Welcome to Blue Leaf: Your Path to Healing, Growth, and Thriving. We now have current openings for in-person or telehealth appointments. Our specialized psychotherapy services cater to adults, couples, and families 18 and older. Located in the beautiful Officers Row area of Vancouver, our experienced therapists provide compassionate and effective care, trained in EMDR and other evidence-based treatments.
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Photo of Lindsay Jaques, LMHC, LPC, MA, Counselor
Lindsay Jaques
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98661
Whether working with individuals or couples, we often work to enhance self identity, sense of purpose and character.
My counseling style is accepting, respectful, and down to earth. I am direct yet in a compassionate, thoughtful way. One of my key beliefs is that we all have needs in our life such as the needs to experience a sense of belonging and acceptance, value and worth. I can help you become more aware of what needs you and significant others in your life have, how you are currently trying to satisfy those, and explore alternative means to fulfilling your needs if appropriate. This can help with improving mood, enhancing relationships, decreasing anxiety- just to name a few concerns.
Whether working with individuals or couples, we often work to enhance self identity, sense of purpose and character.
My counseling style is accepting, respectful, and down to earth. I am direct yet in a compassionate, thoughtful way. One of my key beliefs is that we all have needs in our life such as the needs to experience a sense of belonging and acceptance, value and worth. I can help you become more aware of what needs you and significant others in your life have, how you are currently trying to satisfy those, and explore alternative means to fulfilling your needs if appropriate. This can help with improving mood, enhancing relationships, decreasing anxiety- just to name a few concerns.
(360) 323-5600 View (360) 323-5600
Photo of Michelle Tribe, LMHC, Counselor
Michelle Tribe
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661
I also frequently work with women and the LGBTQ community with depression, relationship concerns, life transitional stages, and individual sexuality or gender areas.
Currently accepting new clients. I have credentials in three specialty areas. The first area, is I am a Certified Anxiety-Informed Professional. Are you experiencing anxiety or worry? This area includes anxiety, panic, social anxiety, OCD, fears, phobias, stress, social anxiety, and obsessions. The second focus area is emotional eating. Are you an emotional or binge eater? Do you believe you may be bulimic? Do you continually diet? Are you pre or post bariatric surgery? The third focus area is in grief and loss. This includes grief or loss in various ways. Death, terminal illness, a new medical diagnosis, miscarriage, divorce,
I also frequently work with women and the LGBTQ community with depression, relationship concerns, life transitional stages, and individual sexuality or gender areas.
Currently accepting new clients. I have credentials in three specialty areas. The first area, is I am a Certified Anxiety-Informed Professional. Are you experiencing anxiety or worry? This area includes anxiety, panic, social anxiety, OCD, fears, phobias, stress, social anxiety, and obsessions. The second focus area is emotional eating. Are you an emotional or binge eater? Do you believe you may be bulimic? Do you continually diet? Are you pre or post bariatric surgery? The third focus area is in grief and loss. This includes grief or loss in various ways. Death, terminal illness, a new medical diagnosis, miscarriage, divorce,
(360) 230-7834 View (360) 230-7834
Photo of Leslie Collord, LMHC, Counselor
Leslie Collord
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661
Now accepting individuals only. I work with adult individuals and teens ages 13+ seeking support for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and trauma and stress-related problems. My aim is to provide a supportive yet challenging space that enables you to explore feelings, work through obstacles, and develop more effective coping skills along the way. I value a collaborative working relationship using evidence based practices to guide sessions and work to facilitate openness through remaining curious, engaged, and empathic.
Now accepting individuals only. I work with adult individuals and teens ages 13+ seeking support for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and trauma and stress-related problems. My aim is to provide a supportive yet challenging space that enables you to explore feelings, work through obstacles, and develop more effective coping skills along the way. I value a collaborative working relationship using evidence based practices to guide sessions and work to facilitate openness through remaining curious, engaged, and empathic.
(360) 516-1383 View (360) 516-1383
Photo of Rachel Staben, LPC, LMHC, Counselor
Rachel Staben
Counselor, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98661  (Online Only)
I also believe that the relationship with your therapist, (feeling respected, understood, and cared for), is the backbone to any good therapy.
Are you ready to find a safe place to explore what is leading to the pain and concerns in your life, while feeling more connected to yourself along the way? Do you want real effective ways to transform depression, anxiety, and other experiences into internal spaciousness, calm, and joy? Do you feel that your past continues to affect your present feelings and beliefs about yourself and the world? Do you feel that something within you is getting in the way of having the relationships you desire? Do you simply feel alone in your suffering? I would love to join you on your journey to finding greater healing and wellness.
I also believe that the relationship with your therapist, (feeling respected, understood, and cared for), is the backbone to any good therapy.
Are you ready to find a safe place to explore what is leading to the pain and concerns in your life, while feeling more connected to yourself along the way? Do you want real effective ways to transform depression, anxiety, and other experiences into internal spaciousness, calm, and joy? Do you feel that your past continues to affect your present feelings and beliefs about yourself and the world? Do you feel that something within you is getting in the way of having the relationships you desire? Do you simply feel alone in your suffering? I would love to join you on your journey to finding greater healing and wellness.
(360) 233-2780 View (360) 233-2780
Photo of Britt Rose Ricci - Britt Ricci, LICSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Britt Ricci
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98661
I provide counseling to children and adolescents, individuals, couples and families.
We all go through challenges in life that feel overwhelming and unmanageable. Choosing to find someone who can assist you through this time is a great gift to yourself and those that love you. An important part of this process is finding a therapist who you feel comfortable with and can trust. I provide a safe and supportive environment to work on these issues together and to find a better understanding around how to make positive change in your life. I offer space to explore your issue and also practical feedback around changes that could positively influence the issue at hand.
I provide counseling to children and adolescents, individuals, couples and families.
We all go through challenges in life that feel overwhelming and unmanageable. Choosing to find someone who can assist you through this time is a great gift to yourself and those that love you. An important part of this process is finding a therapist who you feel comfortable with and can trust. I provide a safe and supportive environment to work on these issues together and to find a better understanding around how to make positive change in your life. I offer space to explore your issue and also practical feedback around changes that could positively influence the issue at hand.
(360) 553-0268 View (360) 553-0268
Photo of Brian Scott Killian, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brian Scott Killian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661
I value being real and supportive at the same time. I love what I do as a therapist and believe in being safe, trusting and accepting, no matter what may come! My office is (ever so slightly) cluttered and often gets the term "homey & comfortable" Dogs are welcome as well, due to their positive therapeutic benefit for their people (owners, minders & guardians). I value humor (when appropriate...granted, that's open to interpretation, right??!!) and use it as the situation arises, as in a give-and-take dynamic relationship. Life-long gamer & D&D geek, btw. :)
I value being real and supportive at the same time. I love what I do as a therapist and believe in being safe, trusting and accepting, no matter what may come! My office is (ever so slightly) cluttered and often gets the term "homey & comfortable" Dogs are welcome as well, due to their positive therapeutic benefit for their people (owners, minders & guardians). I value humor (when appropriate...granted, that's open to interpretation, right??!!) and use it as the situation arises, as in a give-and-take dynamic relationship. Life-long gamer & D&D geek, btw. :)
(310) 929-6291 View (310) 929-6291
Photo of Johanna Stacy, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Johanna Stacy
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98661
I am on a mission to educate and empower individuals and couples to heal their inner child wounds and intergenerational trauma.
Accepting new clients. Have you ever experienced feeling unworthy or that your needs don't matter? Are you ever feeling frustrated or stuck for not being able to freely express your true self and emotions? My approach to counseling is holistic and eclectic. I incorporate techniques that are personalized to your unique needs in a gentle and compassionate way. I blend psychoanalytic, internal family systems, and interpersonal experiential frameworks, as well as EMDR. I provide 2slgbtqia+, kink, body, and poly affirming care.
I am on a mission to educate and empower individuals and couples to heal their inner child wounds and intergenerational trauma.
Accepting new clients. Have you ever experienced feeling unworthy or that your needs don't matter? Are you ever feeling frustrated or stuck for not being able to freely express your true self and emotions? My approach to counseling is holistic and eclectic. I incorporate techniques that are personalized to your unique needs in a gentle and compassionate way. I blend psychoanalytic, internal family systems, and interpersonal experiential frameworks, as well as EMDR. I provide 2slgbtqia+, kink, body, and poly affirming care.
(360) 228-3801 View (360) 228-3801
Photo of Rachel J Guadamuz, MA, LMHCA, LPCA, Counselor
Rachel J Guadamuz
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, LPCA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661  (Online Only)
Life's challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and searching for hope. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or any other emotional burdens, my heart is to support you.
Life's challenges can leave you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and searching for hope. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or any other emotional burdens, my heart is to support you.
(360) 339-8647 View (360) 339-8647
Photo of Shannon Lilja - DrShannon Lilja/Sandalwood Counseling, DBH, LPC, LMHC, CADC, CDP, Counselor
DrShannon Lilja/Sandalwood Counseling
Counselor, DBH, LPC, LMHC, CADC, CDP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661
Anxiety, depression, relationship issues, obsessive thoughts/behaviors…you may feel that something isn't working or doesn’t fit, or perhaps you are missing something you want (better communication, feeling heard, understanding). Perhaps you haven't found a solution to manage things quite the way you want. My goal is to help increase awareness and insight, working with you to understand what is going on now, its impact, and support efforts toward your goal to improve relationships, develop skills, resolve conflicts, increase self-esteem, heal, and grow. Therapy can offer wonderful opportunities to move toward the change you seek.
Anxiety, depression, relationship issues, obsessive thoughts/behaviors…you may feel that something isn't working or doesn’t fit, or perhaps you are missing something you want (better communication, feeling heard, understanding). Perhaps you haven't found a solution to manage things quite the way you want. My goal is to help increase awareness and insight, working with you to understand what is going on now, its impact, and support efforts toward your goal to improve relationships, develop skills, resolve conflicts, increase self-esteem, heal, and grow. Therapy can offer wonderful opportunities to move toward the change you seek.
(360) 564-5434 View (360) 564-5434
Photo of Marina Vile, MA, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marina Vile
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98661
I'm here to be the person you talk to about hard things and to work on your relationship with.
Finding a therapist can feel a lot like swiping through dating apps trying to find the right fit. You want to work with someone who gets you and is thoughtful and easy to talk to. That's how I work. I work with individuals and couples in a warm, attachment based approach. I'm here to help you heal old patterns, vent, or whatever you need. We can figure out the traps you fall into, cry, and laugh for 50 minutes. I'm not here to judge you or tell you how to live your life, just to support you in living authentically.
I'm here to be the person you talk to about hard things and to work on your relationship with.
Finding a therapist can feel a lot like swiping through dating apps trying to find the right fit. You want to work with someone who gets you and is thoughtful and easy to talk to. That's how I work. I work with individuals and couples in a warm, attachment based approach. I'm here to help you heal old patterns, vent, or whatever you need. We can figure out the traps you fall into, cry, and laugh for 50 minutes. I'm not here to judge you or tell you how to live your life, just to support you in living authentically.
(360) 519-5305 View (360) 519-5305
Photo of Stephanie Womack, LMHCA, Counselor
Stephanie Womack
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661
Waitlist for new clients
I also have a huge heart for couples, whether they are seeking an informed decision about the direction of their relationship, "checking in", or building a strong foundation before commitment/marriage.
My focus is on supporting adults experiencing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, C/PTSD, grief, shame, boundary issues, adjustment difficulties, and relationship conflicts. I enjoy offering a range of evidence-based interventions tailored to the needs of each individual providing a holistic, person-centered approach that allows me to support clients individually and within their family systems. These interventions include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness practices.
I also have a huge heart for couples, whether they are seeking an informed decision about the direction of their relationship, "checking in", or building a strong foundation before commitment/marriage.
My focus is on supporting adults experiencing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, C/PTSD, grief, shame, boundary issues, adjustment difficulties, and relationship conflicts. I enjoy offering a range of evidence-based interventions tailored to the needs of each individual providing a holistic, person-centered approach that allows me to support clients individually and within their family systems. These interventions include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness practices.
(360) 614-4927 x109 View (360) 614-4927 x109
Photo of Anjelika Layco - Angel's Marriage and Individual Counseling, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Angel's Marriage and Individual Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661  (Online Only)
Let me help you get back the relationship where you feel safe, loved and connected with your partner again.
Online Marriage Counseling for residents of Oregon, Washington and California - Do you want to decrease conflict and increase intimacy? Do you wish to establish and maintain a loving relationship with your partner where you feel safe, loved, and connected? If you said yes to these questions, Emotionally Focused Couples Counseling can greatly benefit you. You and your partner deserve to be happy, and I am here to help. Please visit my website Angels Marriage Counseling to schedule an appointment and verify your insurance (if you plan on using your insurance).
Let me help you get back the relationship where you feel safe, loved and connected with your partner again.
Online Marriage Counseling for residents of Oregon, Washington and California - Do you want to decrease conflict and increase intimacy? Do you wish to establish and maintain a loving relationship with your partner where you feel safe, loved, and connected? If you said yes to these questions, Emotionally Focused Couples Counseling can greatly benefit you. You and your partner deserve to be happy, and I am here to help. Please visit my website Angels Marriage Counseling to schedule an appointment and verify your insurance (if you plan on using your insurance).
(360) 558-3433 View (360) 558-3433
Photo of Kristi Canning-Lee, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Kristi Canning-Lee
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661
I specialize in healing from trauma, understanding what to do when emotions show up, and grow in your relationship with yourself and others.
Are you or your child worried, striving, and exhausted, yet things don't seem to be as you wish? Are there parts of you ready to give up, while other parts push or criticize you even harder? Does it seem like familiar feelings, thoughts, and cycles go on and on, despite your best efforts? These are common experiences and frustrating. They don't seem to enhance our lives or family. Together we will bring an understanding of what is coming up for you and why. We will develop helpful skills and approaches that increase your odds of experiencing your hopes for relationships worth having, and a life worth living.
I specialize in healing from trauma, understanding what to do when emotions show up, and grow in your relationship with yourself and others.
Are you or your child worried, striving, and exhausted, yet things don't seem to be as you wish? Are there parts of you ready to give up, while other parts push or criticize you even harder? Does it seem like familiar feelings, thoughts, and cycles go on and on, despite your best efforts? These are common experiences and frustrating. They don't seem to enhance our lives or family. Together we will bring an understanding of what is coming up for you and why. We will develop helpful skills and approaches that increase your odds of experiencing your hopes for relationships worth having, and a life worth living.
(360) 869-0334 View (360) 869-0334
Photo of Renee Fitzpatrick, LMHC, LPC, CST, Counselor
Renee Fitzpatrick
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661  (Online Only)
You have a right to healthy and shame-free sexuality—it’s part of your nature. You may be seeking help on your own—to process past experiences and beliefs, strengthen your support system, or gain support in accessing affirming healthcare. You may be seeking help with family—longing for acceptance from family members, or needing guidance with discussing sexual health with your children. You may be seeking help with your relationship—wanting to deepen intimacy, unpack inequity impacting your relationship, explore shared sexuality, or establish clear boundaries. My mission is to support your relationship with your sexuality.
You have a right to healthy and shame-free sexuality—it’s part of your nature. You may be seeking help on your own—to process past experiences and beliefs, strengthen your support system, or gain support in accessing affirming healthcare. You may be seeking help with family—longing for acceptance from family members, or needing guidance with discussing sexual health with your children. You may be seeking help with your relationship—wanting to deepen intimacy, unpack inequity impacting your relationship, explore shared sexuality, or establish clear boundaries. My mission is to support your relationship with your sexuality.
(360) 226-7824 View (360) 226-7824
Photo of Denise Burningham - Denise Burningham Counseling, PLLC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Denise Burningham Counseling, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661  (Online Only)
I offer Individual, Couples & Relationship, and Children & Family Therapy in my practice. My work with you will be centered on supporting you in understanding your experiences and setting meaningful goals that feel right for your life. I am honored to be invited into a healing space with individuals, couples, and families. I know that the act of living is beautiful, difficult, amazing, and complicated. We will sit together in the difficult realities, the illuminating ‘ah-ha’ moments, and through the seasons of what it is to be alive. Come as you are and know I will show up as your advocate and collaborator in therapy.
I offer Individual, Couples & Relationship, and Children & Family Therapy in my practice. My work with you will be centered on supporting you in understanding your experiences and setting meaningful goals that feel right for your life. I am honored to be invited into a healing space with individuals, couples, and families. I know that the act of living is beautiful, difficult, amazing, and complicated. We will sit together in the difficult realities, the illuminating ‘ah-ha’ moments, and through the seasons of what it is to be alive. Come as you are and know I will show up as your advocate and collaborator in therapy.
(360) 230-5906 View (360) 230-5906
Photo of Caitlin Truitt, MSW, LSWAIC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caitlin Truitt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98661
Waitlist for new clients
As we build trust and relationship, your nervous system can learn ways to rest in safe connection.
Experiencing trauma, loss, or upheaval is destabilizing and isolating. It can erode the relationships we value the most while making us call into question our sense of identity. Even if we avoid consciously thinking about it, the imprint of our past can wreak havoc on our physical health, our nervous system, and our present experience. The healing process asks us tune into our intuition and our bodies so that we can notice which parts of ourselves most need our attention and care. I can offer tools and support for those seeking to regain a sense of safety and connection with themselves, others, and the world around them.
As we build trust and relationship, your nervous system can learn ways to rest in safe connection.
Experiencing trauma, loss, or upheaval is destabilizing and isolating. It can erode the relationships we value the most while making us call into question our sense of identity. Even if we avoid consciously thinking about it, the imprint of our past can wreak havoc on our physical health, our nervous system, and our present experience. The healing process asks us tune into our intuition and our bodies so that we can notice which parts of ourselves most need our attention and care. I can offer tools and support for those seeking to regain a sense of safety and connection with themselves, others, and the world around them.
(360) 218-0915 View (360) 218-0915
Photo of Vancouver Wellness Studio - Vancouver Wellness Studio, LICSW, LMHC, Counselor
Vancouver Wellness Studio
Counselor, LICSW, LMHC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98661
Our therapists can serve children, teens, adults, and couples.
Accepting new clients! We believe that tending to your mental health is just as important as your physical health. We have a team of Mental Health professionals at Vancouver Wellness Studio who have different types of expertise to meet your needs. Our therapists use a Trauma-focused, Holistic, Collaborative, and Client-centered approach, and are able to provide clients with a different experience in therapy including Mindfulness, EMDR Trauma therapy, and Somatic Therapy.
Our therapists can serve children, teens, adults, and couples.
Accepting new clients! We believe that tending to your mental health is just as important as your physical health. We have a team of Mental Health professionals at Vancouver Wellness Studio who have different types of expertise to meet your needs. Our therapists use a Trauma-focused, Holistic, Collaborative, and Client-centered approach, and are able to provide clients with a different experience in therapy including Mindfulness, EMDR Trauma therapy, and Somatic Therapy.
(360) 813-6808 View (360) 813-6808
Photo of Jocelyn Tello, PsyD, Psychologist
Jocelyn Tello
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98661  (Online Only)
I work with individuals, families & couples.
I have 30 years of experience in the social service and mental health field. I have worked within schools, hospitals, prisons, and community mental health agencies in California, Oregon, and Washington. People describe me as calm, empathic, and balanced. I believe in the potential of those I see. People can manage and sometimes overcome debilitating mental health conditions. I rely on client collaboration and feedback to stretch a person beyond the distortions that render one paralyzed. Be ready to stretch and discover that you can too!
I work with individuals, families & couples.
I have 30 years of experience in the social service and mental health field. I have worked within schools, hospitals, prisons, and community mental health agencies in California, Oregon, and Washington. People describe me as calm, empathic, and balanced. I believe in the potential of those I see. People can manage and sometimes overcome debilitating mental health conditions. I rely on client collaboration and feedback to stretch a person beyond the distortions that render one paralyzed. Be ready to stretch and discover that you can too!
(360) 228-3488 View (360) 228-3488
Photo of Collin Anders Hansen, MS, LMHC, SRT, PBTT, Counselor
Collin Anders Hansen
Counselor, MS, LMHC, SRT, PBTT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661
To spouses of sex addicts: you are more than likely truly traumatized! It's called betrayal trauma.
Pornography & sex addiction are real and destroy lives! If you've been affected by porn & sex addiction you've most likely been risking your job, your family, maybe even going to jail. You've likely tried to stop but can't. It's too much! The shame and guilt are overwhelming. And, if you're reading this, it's likely you've been caught by by a significant other and are facing the end of your relationship unless you get help!
To spouses of sex addicts: you are more than likely truly traumatized! It's called betrayal trauma.
Pornography & sex addiction are real and destroy lives! If you've been affected by porn & sex addiction you've most likely been risking your job, your family, maybe even going to jail. You've likely tried to stop but can't. It's too much! The shame and guilt are overwhelming. And, if you're reading this, it's likely you've been caught by by a significant other and are facing the end of your relationship unless you get help!
(360) 842-0925 View (360) 842-0925
1
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.