Photo of Cognitive Therapy Institute, APC, Psychologist in La Jolla, CA
Cognitive Therapy Institute, APC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
We realize the importance of developing a supportive therapy relationship based in trust, mutual respect, and clear understanding of your unique background, values,and needs. At the Cognitive Therapy Institute, we work with you to identify goals and to develop a plan for reaching your goals in a sensible and effective way. Often our clients experience increased confidence and success in a relatively short time, largely because we offer clear guidance and techniques using the latest Cognitive Behavioral Treatments. You learn skills and strategies to resolve current difficulties and to enjoy a good quality of life in the years ahead.
We realize the importance of developing a supportive therapy relationship based in trust, mutual respect, and clear understanding of your unique background, values,and needs. At the Cognitive Therapy Institute, we work with you to identify goals and to develop a plan for reaching your goals in a sensible and effective way. Often our clients experience increased confidence and success in a relatively short time, largely because we offer clear guidance and techniques using the latest Cognitive Behavioral Treatments. You learn skills and strategies to resolve current difficulties and to enjoy a good quality of life in the years ahead.
(858) 201-6524 View (858) 201-6524
Photo of Christina Faddoul-Lucero, Marriage & Family Therapist in La Jolla, CA
Christina Faddoul-Lucero
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
I have experience working with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families.
Life can be stressful, overwhelming, and challenging. Are you having a hard time coping with the day to day, recent stressful events, relationship issues, stage of life transitions, or just feeling stuck? Seeking help and support from a therapist can make a difference in navigating and coping through "this thing we call life." I firmly believe in creating a safe space that is client centered, collaborative, and focuses on your strengths to support you in identifying the changes you want to make and taking steps towards that change.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families.
Life can be stressful, overwhelming, and challenging. Are you having a hard time coping with the day to day, recent stressful events, relationship issues, stage of life transitions, or just feeling stuck? Seeking help and support from a therapist can make a difference in navigating and coping through "this thing we call life." I firmly believe in creating a safe space that is client centered, collaborative, and focuses on your strengths to support you in identifying the changes you want to make and taking steps towards that change.
(858) 299-2584 View (858) 299-2584
Photo of Jodi Tudisco, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in La Jolla, CA
Jodi Tudisco
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, DSW, LPCC, EMDR, TRE
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037  (Online Only)
As the former Clinical Director and Trauma Therapist at an Eating Disorder Treatment Center, I've gained extensive experience working with diverse clients, including families, adults, couples, and adolescents.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us," Ralph Waldo Emerson. In therapy, we'll embrace a holistic approach, exploring the connection between your mind, body, and spirit. We'll foster balance and resilience through self-discovery, enriching your quality of life. We'll identify and challenge negative thought patterns using DBT, CBT, EMDR, and more. When needed we’ll develop healthy eating habits and a positive exercise routine. Nurturing your spirituality is encouraged to ease fear and promote gratitude. This journey unlocks inner potential and empowers a more harmonious life.
As the former Clinical Director and Trauma Therapist at an Eating Disorder Treatment Center, I've gained extensive experience working with diverse clients, including families, adults, couples, and adolescents.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us," Ralph Waldo Emerson. In therapy, we'll embrace a holistic approach, exploring the connection between your mind, body, and spirit. We'll foster balance and resilience through self-discovery, enriching your quality of life. We'll identify and challenge negative thought patterns using DBT, CBT, EMDR, and more. When needed we’ll develop healthy eating habits and a positive exercise routine. Nurturing your spirituality is encouraged to ease fear and promote gratitude. This journey unlocks inner potential and empowers a more harmonious life.
(760) 852-7259 View (760) 852-7259
Photo of Sabrina Parr, Marriage & Family Therapist in La Jolla, CA
Sabrina Parr
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037  (Online Only)
I have specialized training in couples, parenting/co-parenting and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Most people experience times or situations in their life in which additional support and help are needed. I offer a supportive, open and trusting environment to facilitate desired growth and change within the individual and/or the family. I have been working with in the field since 1994 and have enjoyed watching people make positive life changes. I look forward to the opportunity of supporting you!
I have specialized training in couples, parenting/co-parenting and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Most people experience times or situations in their life in which additional support and help are needed. I offer a supportive, open and trusting environment to facilitate desired growth and change within the individual and/or the family. I have been working with in the field since 1994 and have enjoyed watching people make positive life changes. I look forward to the opportunity of supporting you!
(858) 386-7832 View (858) 386-7832
Photo of Therapy Lab La Jolla, Psychologist in La Jolla, CA
Therapy Lab La Jolla
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
Common goals include depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, insomnia, parenting, child anxiety, and self-esteem.
Accepting new clients! Therapy Lab offers individual teletherapy that's based on a plan. Check out our website (therapylab.com) to see a menu of treatment plans based on common goals for therapy. With your input, we'll make a plan that's based on your goals, your timeline, and your budget. Our science-based plans are designed to support you in overcoming distress (anxiety, relationship problems, work stress) so you walk away with emotional health and insight. At your first session, your exceptionally qualified therapist will get to know you and pick or design a plan that’s customized to your situation.
Common goals include depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, insomnia, parenting, child anxiety, and self-esteem.
Accepting new clients! Therapy Lab offers individual teletherapy that's based on a plan. Check out our website (therapylab.com) to see a menu of treatment plans based on common goals for therapy. With your input, we'll make a plan that's based on your goals, your timeline, and your budget. Our science-based plans are designed to support you in overcoming distress (anxiety, relationship problems, work stress) so you walk away with emotional health and insight. At your first session, your exceptionally qualified therapist will get to know you and pick or design a plan that’s customized to your situation.
(619) 329-8345 View (619) 329-8345
Photo of Martha Diamond, Psychologist in La Jolla, CA
Martha Diamond
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
I work with children, adolescents, adults and couples who struggle with stressful life events, problems in relationships, or the internal confusion that arises when we feel disconnected from ourselves and therefore others.
Self-awareness and understanding of our internal needs and motivations is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and the ones we love. Our experiences as children are woven into our adult selves, and interact with our temperaments, life circumstances and connections with others. When these threads get tangled, psychotherapy can help us understand why and guide us in either untying the knots, or learning to accept them as part of the beauty of the fabric of who we are.
I work with children, adolescents, adults and couples who struggle with stressful life events, problems in relationships, or the internal confusion that arises when we feel disconnected from ourselves and therefore others.
Self-awareness and understanding of our internal needs and motivations is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and the ones we love. Our experiences as children are woven into our adult selves, and interact with our temperaments, life circumstances and connections with others. When these threads get tangled, psychotherapy can help us understand why and guide us in either untying the knots, or learning to accept them as part of the beauty of the fabric of who we are.
(858) 914-4223 View (858) 914-4223
Photo of Julia Allen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in La Jolla, CA
Julia Allen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
I help children, adults, families, and couples break free from these unhealthy cycles, rewrite their life narratives, and make changes to create a life truly worth living.
Are you living a life you love, or are you stuck in the familiar “one step forward, two steps back” dance? Life can be colorfully painful, beautifully complicated, and completely overwhelming—and none of us were given a how-to guide. We all experience complicated twists and unexpected turns that cause sadness, worry, anger, and destructive patterns with food, drugs, alcohol, and within our closest relationships. Our lives are too short to lose precious time to unhappiness, feeling hopeless, and being stuck in the same vicious cycles. Therapy can give you a personalized roadmap to help you design a life you love.
I help children, adults, families, and couples break free from these unhealthy cycles, rewrite their life narratives, and make changes to create a life truly worth living.
Are you living a life you love, or are you stuck in the familiar “one step forward, two steps back” dance? Life can be colorfully painful, beautifully complicated, and completely overwhelming—and none of us were given a how-to guide. We all experience complicated twists and unexpected turns that cause sadness, worry, anger, and destructive patterns with food, drugs, alcohol, and within our closest relationships. Our lives are too short to lose precious time to unhappiness, feeling hopeless, and being stuck in the same vicious cycles. Therapy can give you a personalized roadmap to help you design a life you love.
(858) 585-9638 View (858) 585-9638
Photo of La Jolla Psychologists, Psychological Associate in La Jolla, CA
La Jolla Psychologists
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
My name is Dr. Naomi Midura. I am a Registered Psychological Associate at La Jolla Psychologists. Prior to this role I have worked as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 11+ years. I specialize in trauma informed work supporting insight regarding how wounds and ruptures affect our experiences, strategies for regulating and soothing our bodies and utilizing mindfulness strategies to support healing with ourselves and others. I partner with individuals, couples, and families. I look forward to partnering with you any way I can support growth and healing.
My name is Dr. Naomi Midura. I am a Registered Psychological Associate at La Jolla Psychologists. Prior to this role I have worked as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 11+ years. I specialize in trauma informed work supporting insight regarding how wounds and ruptures affect our experiences, strategies for regulating and soothing our bodies and utilizing mindfulness strategies to support healing with ourselves and others. I partner with individuals, couples, and families. I look forward to partnering with you any way I can support growth and healing.
(858) 786-0469 View (858) 786-0469
Photo of Roger H Cavnaugh, Psychologist in La Jolla, CA
Roger H Cavnaugh
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
I work with individuals to develop self awareness as the foundation of self acceptance and finding their partner; couples to create more loving relationships; and families to overcome conflicts.
I am an experienced, highly intuitive and compassionate psychologist. My work, The Awakened Heart, draws together three decades of applying many approaches to personal growth, healing and spiritual development. As a skilled professional dedicated to the practical application of healing and meeting life's challenges, I create a safe space for those who work with me to find within themselves the resources, talents and wisdom to live life more fully. I am gifted at helping those who are facing important decisions, who are in crisis, or who feel stuck, own their heart and recreate themselves to move forward.
I work with individuals to develop self awareness as the foundation of self acceptance and finding their partner; couples to create more loving relationships; and families to overcome conflicts.
I am an experienced, highly intuitive and compassionate psychologist. My work, The Awakened Heart, draws together three decades of applying many approaches to personal growth, healing and spiritual development. As a skilled professional dedicated to the practical application of healing and meeting life's challenges, I create a safe space for those who work with me to find within themselves the resources, talents and wisdom to live life more fully. I am gifted at helping those who are facing important decisions, who are in crisis, or who feel stuck, own their heart and recreate themselves to move forward.
(858) 281-0419 View (858) 281-0419
Photo of Deisy Cristina Boscán, Psychologist in La Jolla, CA
Deisy Cristina Boscán
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
Play therapy is an important component of the specialized child psychoanalytic training process that enables me to develop a relationship with the child.
As a psychoanalyst I believe that an individual's feelings and behaviors are motivated by a variety of unconscious factors often resulting in people feeling stuck. Psychoanalysis helps individuals finally break these habits by understanding their root causes and enable significant changes at the very core of one's emotional responses. Using these experiences, the analyst helps the patient work on a deeply unconscious level to eliminate unproductive and destructive patterns. This opens the patient to new, fresh and genuine experiences and solutions in their lives. This process is achievable through empathy and respect.
Play therapy is an important component of the specialized child psychoanalytic training process that enables me to develop a relationship with the child.
As a psychoanalyst I believe that an individual's feelings and behaviors are motivated by a variety of unconscious factors often resulting in people feeling stuck. Psychoanalysis helps individuals finally break these habits by understanding their root causes and enable significant changes at the very core of one's emotional responses. Using these experiences, the analyst helps the patient work on a deeply unconscious level to eliminate unproductive and destructive patterns. This opens the patient to new, fresh and genuine experiences and solutions in their lives. This process is achievable through empathy and respect.
(619) 304-4638 View (619) 304-4638
Photo of The Center for Couples Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in La Jolla, CA
The Center for Couples Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
I have broad experience with premarital counseling, newlyweds, new parents, revitalizing long-term relationships, two-career couples, and extra-marital affairs.
As a marriage and family psychotherapist for over 30 years, I am an experienced, eclectic clinician whose passion is helping couples become masters of their relationship and individuals become their best selves. Clients find me to be warm, active, engaged, and creative. I often use humor, metaphor, and therapeutic experiment to enliven sessions, and utilize tools for practice to support clients between sessions. I work to have each session build on the last and reach the client’s goals in timely and powerful ways. I am committed to having each person feel known, understood, supported and appreciated throughout the therapeutic process.
I have broad experience with premarital counseling, newlyweds, new parents, revitalizing long-term relationships, two-career couples, and extra-marital affairs.
As a marriage and family psychotherapist for over 30 years, I am an experienced, eclectic clinician whose passion is helping couples become masters of their relationship and individuals become their best selves. Clients find me to be warm, active, engaged, and creative. I often use humor, metaphor, and therapeutic experiment to enliven sessions, and utilize tools for practice to support clients between sessions. I work to have each session build on the last and reach the client’s goals in timely and powerful ways. I am committed to having each person feel known, understood, supported and appreciated throughout the therapeutic process.
(858) 496-7681 x701 View (858) 496-7681 x701
Photo of Kelly McCullough, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in La Jolla, CA
Kelly McCullough
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
Have you ever felt like life's daily stressors are too much to handle? Are you wondering where you can turn to find some extra support? We all face challenges in our life, whether it is a transition to a new school or job, conflict in relationships, or difficulty managing our emotions. Seeking professional help can be the first vital step in making a change. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples looking to transform their lives. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to explore the shifts needed to launch you into a life filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment.
Have you ever felt like life's daily stressors are too much to handle? Are you wondering where you can turn to find some extra support? We all face challenges in our life, whether it is a transition to a new school or job, conflict in relationships, or difficulty managing our emotions. Seeking professional help can be the first vital step in making a change. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples looking to transform their lives. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to explore the shifts needed to launch you into a life filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment.
(858) 943-2002 View (858) 943-2002
Photo of Mary Elizabeth Karlan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in La Jolla, CA
Mary Elizabeth Karlan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
I am a clinical social worker with advanced training in family therapy at the Ackerman Institute for the Family in NYC. My theoretical approach when working with my clients is drawn from a eclectic framework which includes, narrative, cognitive behavioral, structural,gestalt,strategic, and problem solving. I specialize in working with blended families, adolescents, single parents, and couples. Personally, I am a mother and step-mother of nine children. I have a private practice in New York and California. I am licensed in NY, CA, CT, Fl, and MA. I am currently accepting new clients.
I am a clinical social worker with advanced training in family therapy at the Ackerman Institute for the Family in NYC. My theoretical approach when working with my clients is drawn from a eclectic framework which includes, narrative, cognitive behavioral, structural,gestalt,strategic, and problem solving. I specialize in working with blended families, adolescents, single parents, and couples. Personally, I am a mother and step-mother of nine children. I have a private practice in New York and California. I am licensed in NY, CA, CT, Fl, and MA. I am currently accepting new clients.
(619) 789-6813 View (619) 789-6813
Photo of Claudia Law-Greenberg, PhD, Psychologist in La Jolla, CA
Claudia Law-Greenberg, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
I have specialized training in psychodynamic therapy and adult psychoanalysis and work with adolescents, adults, couples and families.
People seek a psychotherapist because they are experiencing emotional distress, often caused by issues related to relationships, family, marital problems, stress, and general dissatisfaction with one's life or work. My job as a psychologist is to find a path leading to both relief of these symptoms and to an understanding of oneself, which together provide for both short term and long term relief from these states. I do this by providing a non-judgmental and supportive therapeutic environment which promotes a deeper understanding and exploration of oneself, with the belief that this increased self-awareness ultimately leads to positive changes and better coping skills.
I have specialized training in psychodynamic therapy and adult psychoanalysis and work with adolescents, adults, couples and families.
People seek a psychotherapist because they are experiencing emotional distress, often caused by issues related to relationships, family, marital problems, stress, and general dissatisfaction with one's life or work. My job as a psychologist is to find a path leading to both relief of these symptoms and to an understanding of oneself, which together provide for both short term and long term relief from these states. I do this by providing a non-judgmental and supportive therapeutic environment which promotes a deeper understanding and exploration of oneself, with the belief that this increased self-awareness ultimately leads to positive changes and better coping skills.
(858) 314-3574 View (858) 314-3574
Photo of Marlane Y Agriesti, Marriage & Family Therapist in La Jolla, CA
Marlane Y Agriesti
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
Are you going through a major life transition? Have you been through emotional, physical, relationship or family trauma? Are you struggling with limiting or destructive relationship patterns, feeling anxious, experience panic, or struggle with self-esteem? Would you like to explore more creative approaches to the problems you face? I work especially well with people of all ages in search of healthier relationships, deep personal change and greater self-awareness. If you want to create a more balanced and fruitful life and claim your authentic voice and way in the world, I can help you navigate that journey with safety and trust.
Are you going through a major life transition? Have you been through emotional, physical, relationship or family trauma? Are you struggling with limiting or destructive relationship patterns, feeling anxious, experience panic, or struggle with self-esteem? Would you like to explore more creative approaches to the problems you face? I work especially well with people of all ages in search of healthier relationships, deep personal change and greater self-awareness. If you want to create a more balanced and fruitful life and claim your authentic voice and way in the world, I can help you navigate that journey with safety and trust.
(858) 358-7790 View (858) 358-7790
Photo of Dr. Julie Manoogian, Psychologist in La Jolla, CA
Dr. Julie Manoogian
Psychologist, PsyD, MSW
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
I specialize in individual and couples psychotherapy and I also provide clinical hypnosis. EMDR and Pain Reprocessing Therapy are offered by other providers in my group. Please visit Lajollapsychologists.com. I have over 18 years of experience in the mental health field and I have worked in multiple settings, including college counseling centers and an inpatient residential treatment facility. I am particularly interested in the treatment of trauma, relationship challenges, postpartum health, emotion regulation, anxiety, stress, and depression. I specialize in working with marginalized populations and welcome all genders.
I specialize in individual and couples psychotherapy and I also provide clinical hypnosis. EMDR and Pain Reprocessing Therapy are offered by other providers in my group. Please visit Lajollapsychologists.com. I have over 18 years of experience in the mental health field and I have worked in multiple settings, including college counseling centers and an inpatient residential treatment facility. I am particularly interested in the treatment of trauma, relationship challenges, postpartum health, emotion regulation, anxiety, stress, and depression. I specialize in working with marginalized populations and welcome all genders.
(619) 367-9098 View (619) 367-9098
Photo of Bryson Greaves, Marriage & Family Therapist in La Jolla, CA
Bryson Greaves
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
My practice centers around Emotionally Focused Therapy and Attachment informed therapies to help individuals, couples, and families address the core communication patterns that leave them feeling stuck and disconnected.
Interpersonal relationships are powerful contributors to our overall health. Our intimate partner relationships, family relationships, work or peer relationships tend to affect us in meaningful ways. When our relational lives are strong and connected we feel satisfied, empowered, hopeful, and more confident. When our relational lives are hurting, we feel anxious, sad, pained, frustrated, and left not knowing what to do to improve it. I work with my clients to address the heart of their stressors working toward tangible results with lasting effects. I work collaboratively & passionately to create a safe, responsive, and supportive environment to address your needs.
My practice centers around Emotionally Focused Therapy and Attachment informed therapies to help individuals, couples, and families address the core communication patterns that leave them feeling stuck and disconnected.
Interpersonal relationships are powerful contributors to our overall health. Our intimate partner relationships, family relationships, work or peer relationships tend to affect us in meaningful ways. When our relational lives are strong and connected we feel satisfied, empowered, hopeful, and more confident. When our relational lives are hurting, we feel anxious, sad, pained, frustrated, and left not knowing what to do to improve it. I work with my clients to address the heart of their stressors working toward tangible results with lasting effects. I work collaboratively & passionately to create a safe, responsive, and supportive environment to address your needs.
(619) 648-4823 View (619) 648-4823
Photo of Crystal Carson, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in La Jolla, CA
Crystal Carson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
I guide individuals and couples toward more clarity and calm using experiential, body based, relational psychotherapy that is both trauma informed and grounded in attachment theory. From grief to anxiety to existential questions, I collaborate with and support my clients in the creative process of developing thriving relationships and more meaningful, fulfilling lives.
I guide individuals and couples toward more clarity and calm using experiential, body based, relational psychotherapy that is both trauma informed and grounded in attachment theory. From grief to anxiety to existential questions, I collaborate with and support my clients in the creative process of developing thriving relationships and more meaningful, fulfilling lives.
(619) 453-0321 View (619) 453-0321
Photo of Joel D Lazar, Psychologist in La Jolla, CA
Joel D Lazar
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
Dr. Lazar facilitates individual, family and couples counseling. He works with adults who are coping with depression, loss, anxiety, and worry and those who have present or childhood stressors that have made it hard to feel good about themselves or enjoy life. He also works extensively with kids, teens and parents to help families get along better and cooperate for everyone's benefit. In addition to working with children who misbehave, he helps kids who get sad, angry or worry excessively. He treats his clients as teammates to brainstorm solutions to challenges, and help clients also see their blessings.
Dr. Lazar facilitates individual, family and couples counseling. He works with adults who are coping with depression, loss, anxiety, and worry and those who have present or childhood stressors that have made it hard to feel good about themselves or enjoy life. He also works extensively with kids, teens and parents to help families get along better and cooperate for everyone's benefit. In addition to working with children who misbehave, he helps kids who get sad, angry or worry excessively. He treats his clients as teammates to brainstorm solutions to challenges, and help clients also see their blessings.
(619) 324-3913 View (619) 324-3913
Photo of Dr. Casey Adamson, Psychological Associate in La Jolla, CA
Dr. Casey Adamson
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037
I help clients with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, trauma and more! I specialize in helping reduce symptoms measurably over time so clients can continue living happy and healthy lives. A few of my specialty areas include couples and family counseling.
I help clients with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, trauma and more! I specialize in helping reduce symptoms measurably over time so clients can continue living happy and healthy lives. A few of my specialty areas include couples and family counseling.
(619) 949-2372 View (619) 949-2372
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.