Couples Counseling Therapists in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA

Photo of Cynthia E. Gallagher, Psychologist in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Cynthia E. Gallagher
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
I have extensive experience in the treatment of Depression, Anxiety,Panic disorders, and Relationship Issues. My approach to a person's problems involves the entire person. I have been trained extensively in the Neurobiological approach to treatment, which is often referred to as the Mind-Body connection. Having problematic physical symptoms as a result of being depressed and/or anxious is becoming more common and is very stressful. Our immune system, our ability to ward off disease can be greatly affected by our emotions. Depression, Anxiety/Panic, as well as the Stress caused by physical symptoms are very debilitating.
I have extensive experience in the treatment of Depression, Anxiety,Panic disorders, and Relationship Issues. My approach to a person's problems involves the entire person. I have been trained extensively in the Neurobiological approach to treatment, which is often referred to as the Mind-Body connection. Having problematic physical symptoms as a result of being depressed and/or anxious is becoming more common and is very stressful. Our immune system, our ability to ward off disease can be greatly affected by our emotions. Depression, Anxiety/Panic, as well as the Stress caused by physical symptoms are very debilitating.
(424) 254-5843 View (424) 254-5843
Photo of Jonathan Brady, Marriage & Family Therapist in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Jonathan Brady
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
I traditionally work with stressed teens, men that have trouble identifying their emotional difficulties, women that feel under appreciated, LGBT persons, and couples struggling with intimacy issues. I have a contemplative and humanistic approach to therapy that stresses the inherent value and worth of every person. How we come to understand our sense of self worth can be elaborated with sociological, anthropological, and various academic lenses, but at the end of the day, your experience of your life is what I am interested in. To schedule directly: http://j.mp/Brady-cal
I traditionally work with stressed teens, men that have trouble identifying their emotional difficulties, women that feel under appreciated, LGBT persons, and couples struggling with intimacy issues. I have a contemplative and humanistic approach to therapy that stresses the inherent value and worth of every person. How we come to understand our sense of self worth can be elaborated with sociological, anthropological, and various academic lenses, but at the end of the day, your experience of your life is what I am interested in. To schedule directly: http://j.mp/Brady-cal
(323) 456-3010 View (323) 456-3010
Photo of LBC Wellness, Marriage & Family Therapist in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
LBC Wellness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
Each therapist in the group has different specialties! Some of our specialties include trauma, anxiety, couples, adolescents, mood disorders, & phobias.
Are you happy? You certainly deserve to be. If your past and/or current life events prevent you from living the life you want, reach out to us today and let's see if we can help. We are a group practice comprised of both licensed clinicians and associates with eclectic backgrounds. We're dedicated to helping the lives of those in our community. We work with adolescents (12+), adults, and those in the LGBT community too, and we work with many different mental health issues. Our style is warm, inviting, collaborative, and judgement free. 100% virtual. We accept medi-cal that's managed by MHN/Healthnet but no other medi-cal plan.
Each therapist in the group has different specialties! Some of our specialties include trauma, anxiety, couples, adolescents, mood disorders, & phobias.
Are you happy? You certainly deserve to be. If your past and/or current life events prevent you from living the life you want, reach out to us today and let's see if we can help. We are a group practice comprised of both licensed clinicians and associates with eclectic backgrounds. We're dedicated to helping the lives of those in our community. We work with adolescents (12+), adults, and those in the LGBT community too, and we work with many different mental health issues. Our style is warm, inviting, collaborative, and judgement free. 100% virtual. We accept medi-cal that's managed by MHN/Healthnet but no other medi-cal plan.
(562) 414-5656 View (562) 414-5656
Photo of You Are Your Relationship in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
You Are Your Relationship
PhD, MA
Verified Verified
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
I've worked with many couples who believed their partner was supposed to "fix" them.
When you enter a relationship, you bring your hopes and dreams with you. You also bring your unresolved issues. Two people in love, each one looking to the other to fulfill their hopes and dreams. Isn’t that what relationships promise to do? Solve your problems, make you better? No. That's a misunderstanding, and it's not fair. So put away that steamer trunk full of your well preserved baggage, and realize you've got some real work to do if you want your relationship to be what you envision. Your baggage is your responsibility to resolve, so you can give your partner what they deserve. The best of you. Isn't that what you want?
I've worked with many couples who believed their partner was supposed to "fix" them.
When you enter a relationship, you bring your hopes and dreams with you. You also bring your unresolved issues. Two people in love, each one looking to the other to fulfill their hopes and dreams. Isn’t that what relationships promise to do? Solve your problems, make you better? No. That's a misunderstanding, and it's not fair. So put away that steamer trunk full of your well preserved baggage, and realize you've got some real work to do if you want your relationship to be what you envision. Your baggage is your responsibility to resolve, so you can give your partner what they deserve. The best of you. Isn't that what you want?
(562) 414-6780 View (562) 414-6780
Photo of Miyuki Kanda, Marriage & Family Therapist in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Miyuki Kanda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy working with adults and couples from the diverse background. I specialize in working with API clients struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, unresolved past trauma, marital/relationship challenges, navigating identity, life transitions, grief, and intergenerational trauma. I specialize in helping interracial couples to repair/improve their connection and communication. I'm bilingual with English and Japanese, and can offer sessions in either or both languages. I understand how the interplay between our cultural identity and family background can play an important role in our experience of the world.
I enjoy working with adults and couples from the diverse background. I specialize in working with API clients struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, unresolved past trauma, marital/relationship challenges, navigating identity, life transitions, grief, and intergenerational trauma. I specialize in helping interracial couples to repair/improve their connection and communication. I'm bilingual with English and Japanese, and can offer sessions in either or both languages. I understand how the interplay between our cultural identity and family background can play an important role in our experience of the world.
(562) 548-7258 View (562) 548-7258
Photo of Barbara Ammon, Psychologist in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Barbara Ammon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
For over 20 years as a psychologist I have helped people struggling with a variety of issues including life transitions, relationship challenges, work stress, and recovery from anxiety and depression. My approach is two-fold. I want to address the specific issues that have led you to therapy at this time of your life, and I will use therapeutic approaches that are compatible with your unique personality, problems and learning style. I believe that everyone has the power to reexamine and alter situations and tensions in their lives. Clients describe my approach as caring and compassionate but at the same time straight forward.
For over 20 years as a psychologist I have helped people struggling with a variety of issues including life transitions, relationship challenges, work stress, and recovery from anxiety and depression. My approach is two-fold. I want to address the specific issues that have led you to therapy at this time of your life, and I will use therapeutic approaches that are compatible with your unique personality, problems and learning style. I believe that everyone has the power to reexamine and alter situations and tensions in their lives. Clients describe my approach as caring and compassionate but at the same time straight forward.
(909) 274-9989 View (909) 274-9989
Photo of Duane Osterlind, Marriage & Family Therapist in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Duane Osterlind
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-S
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
I am an expert in treating couples struggling with the traumatic betrayal of sex and porn addiction. Not sure what to do next to save your relationship? I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and have over 15 years of experience in helping individuals and couples overcome life's biggest problems. In our sessions, we will work together to improve your life and relationships, find peace and let go of old thoughts and behaviors that are keeping you stuck. Contact my office for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
I am an expert in treating couples struggling with the traumatic betrayal of sex and porn addiction. Not sure what to do next to save your relationship? I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and have over 15 years of experience in helping individuals and couples overcome life's biggest problems. In our sessions, we will work together to improve your life and relationships, find peace and let go of old thoughts and behaviors that are keeping you stuck. Contact my office for a free 15-minute phone consultation.
(562) 239-4921 View (562) 239-4921
Photo of Ganna Skrypnyk, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Ganna Skrypnyk
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
With years of experience, I've worked with adolescents, adults, and couples dealing with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relationship challenges, personality and mood disorders, self-esteem issues, family conflicts, identity concerns, grief, and loss.
My goal is to create a secure space where you can delve into your challenges, gain deeper understanding, and find clarity. Through a blend of compassion and straightforwardness, I aspire for you to become increasingly confident in confronting life's hurdles. Everyone faces difficulties at various points in life, whether it's navigating complex relationships, coping with work-related stress, or managing significant life changes. You might feel stuck, uncertain, overwhelmed, or isolated during these times. Remember, you don't have to face these challenges alone.
With years of experience, I've worked with adolescents, adults, and couples dealing with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relationship challenges, personality and mood disorders, self-esteem issues, family conflicts, identity concerns, grief, and loss.
My goal is to create a secure space where you can delve into your challenges, gain deeper understanding, and find clarity. Through a blend of compassion and straightforwardness, I aspire for you to become increasingly confident in confronting life's hurdles. Everyone faces difficulties at various points in life, whether it's navigating complex relationships, coping with work-related stress, or managing significant life changes. You might feel stuck, uncertain, overwhelmed, or isolated during these times. Remember, you don't have to face these challenges alone.
(323) 541-4301 View (323) 541-4301
Photo of Amanda j Chinchilla, Marriage & Family Therapist in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Amanda j Chinchilla
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
Have you discovered that your spouse or partner has been unfaithful, using porn compulsively, or has been engaging in any other sexual or addictive behaviors that are concerning? Have you discovered inappropriate text messages or emails on your partner's phone or computer? If you answered yes to any of the above you may be feeling overwhelmed, betrayed, and confused about what to do next. You will need a safe space to explore your emotions and thoughts.I believe you will need time to sort through your emotions and make decisions that are healthy for you and your family.
Have you discovered that your spouse or partner has been unfaithful, using porn compulsively, or has been engaging in any other sexual or addictive behaviors that are concerning? Have you discovered inappropriate text messages or emails on your partner's phone or computer? If you answered yes to any of the above you may be feeling overwhelmed, betrayed, and confused about what to do next. You will need a safe space to explore your emotions and thoughts.I believe you will need time to sort through your emotions and make decisions that are healthy for you and your family.
(310) 589-3708 View (310) 589-3708
Photo of Sano Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Sano Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-S
Verified Verified
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
Are you at a point in your life where you feel you are ready for a change but don’t know where to start? Have you been struggling to take control of an addiction or compulsive behavior and have had no luck on you own? Are you overwhelmed with negative thoughts that leave you paralyzed to take action? Are you struggling to find or maintain healthy relationships with partners, family, friends, or co-workers? Perhaps you're just finally ready to work on yourself, level-up, and enrich your life by establishing a deeper relationship with YOU.
Are you at a point in your life where you feel you are ready for a change but don’t know where to start? Have you been struggling to take control of an addiction or compulsive behavior and have had no luck on you own? Are you overwhelmed with negative thoughts that leave you paralyzed to take action? Are you struggling to find or maintain healthy relationships with partners, family, friends, or co-workers? Perhaps you're just finally ready to work on yourself, level-up, and enrich your life by establishing a deeper relationship with YOU.
(562) 268-4191 View (562) 268-4191
Photo of Nicole Abadi, Marriage & Family Therapist in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Nicole Abadi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
Like most therapists, I treat many types of individuals for various mental health issues but I specialize in anxiety (including OCD and phobias), couples counseling, and children/teens.
Live your best life because you only get one! Constantly worrying about everything, always asking yourself "what if," unsure about decisions you've already made/will make... let's get rid of this anxiety! If anxiety, self-worth, and/or unresolved issues get in the way of you living a happy, meaningful life, reach out to me today to take back control. I provide a collaborative approach in therapy, giving "homework" to all of my clients, working to get them out of therapy, not keep them in it! I'm so proud & so grateful to be both the most reviewed AND best ranked therapist of Long Beach 3 years in a row!
Like most therapists, I treat many types of individuals for various mental health issues but I specialize in anxiety (including OCD and phobias), couples counseling, and children/teens.
Live your best life because you only get one! Constantly worrying about everything, always asking yourself "what if," unsure about decisions you've already made/will make... let's get rid of this anxiety! If anxiety, self-worth, and/or unresolved issues get in the way of you living a happy, meaningful life, reach out to me today to take back control. I provide a collaborative approach in therapy, giving "homework" to all of my clients, working to get them out of therapy, not keep them in it! I'm so proud & so grateful to be both the most reviewed AND best ranked therapist of Long Beach 3 years in a row!
(818) 477-3641 View (818) 477-3641
Photo of Sarah Malik, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Sarah Malik
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
My goal as a therapist is to guide clients to a better understanding of themselves. I work with individuals, couples, & families and provide a safe, judgement free, welcoming space to help clients navigate the various challenges in life. I strive to create an empowering environment which helps clients build healthy coping skills, develop independence, and resolve past issues and trauma through identifying patterns by assigning homework designed specifically for the client’s needs
My goal as a therapist is to guide clients to a better understanding of themselves. I work with individuals, couples, & families and provide a safe, judgement free, welcoming space to help clients navigate the various challenges in life. I strive to create an empowering environment which helps clients build healthy coping skills, develop independence, and resolve past issues and trauma through identifying patterns by assigning homework designed specifically for the client’s needs
(310) 455-8815 View (310) 455-8815
Photo of Sarah Ashley, Marriage & Family Therapist in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Sarah Ashley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist at Olive Leaf Family Therapy, I specialize in working with relationship issues, marital and premarital counseling, and adult caregivers of elderly and aging parents. I use Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) in working with my couples. EFT has been shown to be 75% effective in treating couples and 90% report significant improvement in their relationship, nearly twice the success rate of other forms of couple’s therapy. In our EFT sessions, you should expect a focus on exploring your relationship dynamics, improving your emotional connection, and creating new and lasting meaning.
As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist at Olive Leaf Family Therapy, I specialize in working with relationship issues, marital and premarital counseling, and adult caregivers of elderly and aging parents. I use Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) in working with my couples. EFT has been shown to be 75% effective in treating couples and 90% report significant improvement in their relationship, nearly twice the success rate of other forms of couple’s therapy. In our EFT sessions, you should expect a focus on exploring your relationship dynamics, improving your emotional connection, and creating new and lasting meaning.
(562) 372-6599 View (562) 372-6599
Photo of Dana Boggio, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Dana Boggio
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
I enjoy helping couples get through hard times. I also have experience with individuals working through anxiety (worry, panic & social anxiety), depression, grief, trauma, and trouble with addictions. I support people who find themselves in a different world due to marital conflict, divorce, and single parenting. My goal is to guide you to gain clarity, learn to trust yourself, and ultimately heal.
I enjoy helping couples get through hard times. I also have experience with individuals working through anxiety (worry, panic & social anxiety), depression, grief, trauma, and trouble with addictions. I support people who find themselves in a different world due to marital conflict, divorce, and single parenting. My goal is to guide you to gain clarity, learn to trust yourself, and ultimately heal.
(818) 654-4968 View (818) 654-4968
Photo of Katie Olney, Pre-Licensed Professional in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Katie Olney
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
Katie is working towards two clinical certifications: Eye Movement Desensitization and Restoration (EMDR) Therapy and Certified Partner Trauma Therapy (CPTT).
Katie’s clinical practice and experience focuses on trauma, betrayal, and addictive disorders along with other mental health disorders. She also specializes in inner child work focusing on how the inner child holds the key to intimacy, recovery from addiction, physical and emotional well-being, and the creativity and wisdom of our inner selves; our true selves. In addition to private practice, Katie has prior experience working in clinical roles in education at high school and university settings.
Katie is working towards two clinical certifications: Eye Movement Desensitization and Restoration (EMDR) Therapy and Certified Partner Trauma Therapy (CPTT).
Katie’s clinical practice and experience focuses on trauma, betrayal, and addictive disorders along with other mental health disorders. She also specializes in inner child work focusing on how the inner child holds the key to intimacy, recovery from addiction, physical and emotional well-being, and the creativity and wisdom of our inner selves; our true selves. In addition to private practice, Katie has prior experience working in clinical roles in education at high school and university settings.
(562) 684-6591 x705 View (562) 684-6591 x705
Photo of Barbara Christian, Marriage & Family Therapist in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Barbara Christian
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, CSAT, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
I use a variety of therapy modalities to address client needs, helping them to efficiently navigate their life challenges. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy.
I use a variety of therapy modalities to address client needs, helping them to efficiently navigate their life challenges. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy.
(562) 382-8186 View (562) 382-8186
Photo of Vickie Wagner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Vickie Wagner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
I have extensive experience working with adults, couples and families as well as at-risk youth and teens.
Struggling with challenging emotions? Having difficulty in important relationships? You've found your way here because you dare to believe things can be different...better even. I have confidence that you have it within you to create a new and fulfilling way of living and relating to others in the healthiest and most authentic way possible. Courageously examine your concerns and issues (e.g., relationships, behavioral patterns/habits, thinking patterns, difficult emotions, fears, etc.) in a safe, empowering environment with someone (me) who can relate to you with no agenda except your happy and healthy life.
I have extensive experience working with adults, couples and families as well as at-risk youth and teens.
Struggling with challenging emotions? Having difficulty in important relationships? You've found your way here because you dare to believe things can be different...better even. I have confidence that you have it within you to create a new and fulfilling way of living and relating to others in the healthiest and most authentic way possible. Courageously examine your concerns and issues (e.g., relationships, behavioral patterns/habits, thinking patterns, difficult emotions, fears, etc.) in a safe, empowering environment with someone (me) who can relate to you with no agenda except your happy and healthy life.
(626) 314-6451 View (626) 314-6451
Photo of Ashley Rendon, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Ashley Rendon
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
It’s time to start prioritizing your mental health, you deserve it! Life can be so overwhelming, that finding a peace of mind can feel unattainable. I make sure my sessions are a time and space for you to feel at peace and safe to be yourself. My ultimate goal is to help each person feel heard, accepted, and comforted. I believe therapy with me can benefit those who are ready to embark on a journey to learn about themselves and truly heal. My specialty is working with teens and individuals in early-mid adulthood who are dealing with anxiety, trauma, and/or depression and couples
It’s time to start prioritizing your mental health, you deserve it! Life can be so overwhelming, that finding a peace of mind can feel unattainable. I make sure my sessions are a time and space for you to feel at peace and safe to be yourself. My ultimate goal is to help each person feel heard, accepted, and comforted. I believe therapy with me can benefit those who are ready to embark on a journey to learn about themselves and truly heal. My specialty is working with teens and individuals in early-mid adulthood who are dealing with anxiety, trauma, and/or depression and couples
(562) 620-5678 View (562) 620-5678
Photo of Ivano C Franceschini, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Ivano C Franceschini
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
Areas of special focus: Children and Teens (Including poor school performance, conflict resolution, ADHD, 504’s, IEP’s) Parenting, Anxiety, Interpersonal Relationships, and Spiritual Integration. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, parents, couples and adults struggling with their own mental health issues. I create a safe and warm environment and by using my relationship in therapy to facilitate the healing process in my clients. I brings over 25 years of working with children and adolescents as a school counselor in the Long Beach School District.
Areas of special focus: Children and Teens (Including poor school performance, conflict resolution, ADHD, 504’s, IEP’s) Parenting, Anxiety, Interpersonal Relationships, and Spiritual Integration. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, parents, couples and adults struggling with their own mental health issues. I create a safe and warm environment and by using my relationship in therapy to facilitate the healing process in my clients. I brings over 25 years of working with children and adolescents as a school counselor in the Long Beach School District.
(562) 553-3774 View (562) 553-3774
Photo of Marcia Pecora, Marriage & Family Therapist in Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA
Marcia Pecora
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach, CA 90803
I am trained in betrayal trauma and I am a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist .
Have you experienced a loss that is keeping you stuck and unable to enjoy a fulfilling life? Are you desiring more peace? Taking the first step towards counseling can feel difficult and takes courage. I'll be here with you. I will provide a safe space to grieve your loss or life transitions. Together we will explore the areas that are keeping you stuck and begin to move past those hard places. Without judgment, I combine compassion and insight in a safe and warm environment where you will feel accepted for who you are. I am passionate about bringing hope to areas in your life where you may have lost your direction.
I am trained in betrayal trauma and I am a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist .
Have you experienced a loss that is keeping you stuck and unable to enjoy a fulfilling life? Are you desiring more peace? Taking the first step towards counseling can feel difficult and takes courage. I'll be here with you. I will provide a safe space to grieve your loss or life transitions. Together we will explore the areas that are keeping you stuck and begin to move past those hard places. Without judgment, I combine compassion and insight in a safe and warm environment where you will feel accepted for who you are. I am passionate about bringing hope to areas in your life where you may have lost your direction.
(562) 444-1721 View (562) 444-1721

See more therapy options for Naples-Marina Area, Long Beach

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.