Photo of Veronica Ngoc Nhan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kirkland, WA
Veronica Ngoc Nhan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98033  (Online Only)
Do you want to improve communication and understanding, work through past hurts such as infidelity, rebuild trust or increase intimacy? I am committed to helping people connect, heal and build mutually respectful, loving relationships. I work from a relational-experiential perspective which gives each person room to voice their desires and needs while learning to engage in new patterns and ways of being together. I enjoy working with adults in any stage of relationship. I am committed to working together to help you reach your goals.
Do you want to improve communication and understanding, work through past hurts such as infidelity, rebuild trust or increase intimacy? I am committed to helping people connect, heal and build mutually respectful, loving relationships. I work from a relational-experiential perspective which gives each person room to voice their desires and needs while learning to engage in new patterns and ways of being together. I enjoy working with adults in any stage of relationship. I am committed to working together to help you reach your goals.
(425) 247-1533 View (425) 247-1533
Photo of Sheila Lee, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kirkland, WA
Sheila Lee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LSWAIC, LMSW
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98034  (Online Only)
I'm a retired professor with over 15+ years of teaching & research experience exploring the relationship between one's identities & lived experiences.
Have you experienced being in a space where there isn’t anyone who looks or feels like you? You felt different and unwelcomed somehow... Did you experience difference in a way that made small paper cuts in your heart? Using a trauma-informed integrative approach to self-discovery and healing, I invite you on a journey to explore how your lived experiences shaped your perception of yourself and the world around you, your pattern of communication, and the relationship that you have with yourself and others. Key questions driving our work together: (1) Who are you? (2) How did you get here? (3) Where would you like to go from here?
I'm a retired professor with over 15+ years of teaching & research experience exploring the relationship between one's identities & lived experiences.
Have you experienced being in a space where there isn’t anyone who looks or feels like you? You felt different and unwelcomed somehow... Did you experience difference in a way that made small paper cuts in your heart? Using a trauma-informed integrative approach to self-discovery and healing, I invite you on a journey to explore how your lived experiences shaped your perception of yourself and the world around you, your pattern of communication, and the relationship that you have with yourself and others. Key questions driving our work together: (1) Who are you? (2) How did you get here? (3) Where would you like to go from here?
(425) 517-2472 View (425) 517-2472
Photo of Julianne Park, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kirkland, WA
Julianne Park
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98034
I want to help you heal your relationship with yourself and others, whether you are an adult child, parent, or a spouse.
Being vulnerable and feeling hopeless in a grief journey can be a vulnerable experience. I have witnessed many individuals’ emotional, relational, and spiritual struggles and their personal process of healing. With a compassionate stance, I will help you perceive yourself courageous for being vulnerable, both in restoring broken relationships and walking in the journey to find fulfillment in life. I have helped individuals, couples, and families work through emotional struggles such as grief and trauma, parenting related challenges as well as relational and communication issues in marriages and families.
I want to help you heal your relationship with yourself and others, whether you are an adult child, parent, or a spouse.
Being vulnerable and feeling hopeless in a grief journey can be a vulnerable experience. I have witnessed many individuals’ emotional, relational, and spiritual struggles and their personal process of healing. With a compassionate stance, I will help you perceive yourself courageous for being vulnerable, both in restoring broken relationships and walking in the journey to find fulfillment in life. I have helped individuals, couples, and families work through emotional struggles such as grief and trauma, parenting related challenges as well as relational and communication issues in marriages and families.
(206) 460-1499 View (206) 460-1499
Photo of Dan Kim, Counselor in Kirkland, WA
Dan Kim
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98034
I offer individual counseling for youth and adults, couples counseling, and parent support/coaching.
I offer a confidential space to talk, feel your emotions, gain insight, and grow. I am here to listen to you while offering reflections, feedback, and insight from a therapeutic lens. I believe that exploration leads to change and once you get started, you will begin to feel different in many areas of your life.
I offer individual counseling for youth and adults, couples counseling, and parent support/coaching.
I offer a confidential space to talk, feel your emotions, gain insight, and grow. I am here to listen to you while offering reflections, feedback, and insight from a therapeutic lens. I believe that exploration leads to change and once you get started, you will begin to feel different in many areas of your life.
(425) 533-9403 View (425) 533-9403
Photo of Rena Chinn, Counselor in Kirkland, WA
Rena Chinn
Counselor, MACP, MBA, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98033
I am available to help you heal, navigate relationships and transitions, and discover why you may face the same challenges again and again. If you feel trapped, uneasy or stalled in making decisions, I can help. The stresses of life squeeze our ability to think clearly and feel at the same time. As a result, our emotions rule us, resulting in depression, anxiety, anger, and relationship difficulties. I use evidence based practices, such as ACT and DBT to help clients regulate their emotions and reach their goals.
I am available to help you heal, navigate relationships and transitions, and discover why you may face the same challenges again and again. If you feel trapped, uneasy or stalled in making decisions, I can help. The stresses of life squeeze our ability to think clearly and feel at the same time. As a result, our emotions rule us, resulting in depression, anxiety, anger, and relationship difficulties. I use evidence based practices, such as ACT and DBT to help clients regulate their emotions and reach their goals.
(425) 292-6366 View (425) 292-6366
Photo of Elizabeth Thayil, Counselor in Kirkland, WA
Elizabeth Thayil
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98033  (Online Only)
I’m a relational depth-oriented therapist which means that I believe our therapeutic relationship is the transformative engine in therapy for long-term healing. I hold faith in and listen deeply for the inner wisdom of my clients that is sometimes overlooked because of doubt, shame, trauma, and external voices that promote self-abandonment. I believe this work is sacred and that it is as much about creating more capacity for joy and vitality as it is about processing harm. I consider it an honor to journey with each person who walks into our shared therapeutic space.
I’m a relational depth-oriented therapist which means that I believe our therapeutic relationship is the transformative engine in therapy for long-term healing. I hold faith in and listen deeply for the inner wisdom of my clients that is sometimes overlooked because of doubt, shame, trauma, and external voices that promote self-abandonment. I believe this work is sacred and that it is as much about creating more capacity for joy and vitality as it is about processing harm. I consider it an honor to journey with each person who walks into our shared therapeutic space.
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Photo of Kyong I Yim, Counselor in Kirkland, WA
Kyong I Yim
Counselor, MEd, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98033  (Online Only)
As an Asian-American, my passion is to work alongside adults and couples from various cultures, navigating persistent worries, unhealthy thoughts, establish healthy boundaries and communication, identify causes including cultural burdens you might be carrying that leads to feeling stuck. Are you struggling in your marriage or relationships with others? Experiencing extreme anxiety and sadness you can't shake off, or unable to let go of unhealthy relationships? You might ask, "is something wrong with me? What's wrong with my marriage?" You are not alone. Allow me the opportunity to join you in your journey of healing and restoration.
As an Asian-American, my passion is to work alongside adults and couples from various cultures, navigating persistent worries, unhealthy thoughts, establish healthy boundaries and communication, identify causes including cultural burdens you might be carrying that leads to feeling stuck. Are you struggling in your marriage or relationships with others? Experiencing extreme anxiety and sadness you can't shake off, or unable to let go of unhealthy relationships? You might ask, "is something wrong with me? What's wrong with my marriage?" You are not alone. Allow me the opportunity to join you in your journey of healing and restoration.
(425) 249-3850 View (425) 249-3850
Photo of Jeff Johnson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kirkland, WA
Jeff Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98034  (Online Only)
With over 20 years of mental health experience and 14 years practicing therapy, I have learned to specialize in relationship/couples therapy and work as well as individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other life and circumstantial issues. If you are looking to repair, strengthen, regain connection, improve intimacy, or generally work on your relationships or your mental health I can help you find that path. My experience has also led me to work with trauma in a systemic and experiential way and utilize EMDR, mindfulness and trauma informed interventions.
With over 20 years of mental health experience and 14 years practicing therapy, I have learned to specialize in relationship/couples therapy and work as well as individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other life and circumstantial issues. If you are looking to repair, strengthen, regain connection, improve intimacy, or generally work on your relationships or your mental health I can help you find that path. My experience has also led me to work with trauma in a systemic and experiential way and utilize EMDR, mindfulness and trauma informed interventions.
(425) 242-3988 View (425) 242-3988
Photo of Nicole Ruston, Counselor in Kirkland, WA
Nicole Ruston
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98033  (Online Only)
We approach therapy as a collaborative relationship between therapist and client, utilizing a variety of modalities to best suit the client's needs and style to help clarify limiting perspectives, develop meaningful goals, and explore new ways to cope with barriers.
Each person has the ability to learn, grow and make necessary changes in their personal life, relationships, and situations. We aim at exploring and understanding ways of thinking and patterns of behavior one may be completely unaware of, resulting in repetitive patterns of behavior that ultimately lead to dissatisfaction and emotional turmoil in a person's life. We are driven by a belief that each individual has potential to grow from their life experiences, whether it be good or bad. As a group of highly qualified and trained therapists, we are passionate about solving critical challenges and inspiring personal growth.
We approach therapy as a collaborative relationship between therapist and client, utilizing a variety of modalities to best suit the client's needs and style to help clarify limiting perspectives, develop meaningful goals, and explore new ways to cope with barriers.
Each person has the ability to learn, grow and make necessary changes in their personal life, relationships, and situations. We aim at exploring and understanding ways of thinking and patterns of behavior one may be completely unaware of, resulting in repetitive patterns of behavior that ultimately lead to dissatisfaction and emotional turmoil in a person's life. We are driven by a belief that each individual has potential to grow from their life experiences, whether it be good or bad. As a group of highly qualified and trained therapists, we are passionate about solving critical challenges and inspiring personal growth.
(206) 312-5722 View (206) 312-5722
Photo of Cindy Ha, Pre-Licensed Professional in Kirkland, WA
Cindy Ha
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98033
Waitlist for new clients
Welcoming new clients / I value the collaborative nature of therapy where you are the expert of your experiences leading your healing journey. And as your therapist, I get to walk beside you, offering insight and support while you rediscover your innate truth and align with your authentic selves. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and identity navigating through life's challenges. I particularly enjoy working with those who may be experiencing identity loss/exploration, challenges with self-worth, chronic mental/physical health, parenthood, postpartum, relationship conflict, or life transitions.
Welcoming new clients / I value the collaborative nature of therapy where you are the expert of your experiences leading your healing journey. And as your therapist, I get to walk beside you, offering insight and support while you rediscover your innate truth and align with your authentic selves. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and identity navigating through life's challenges. I particularly enjoy working with those who may be experiencing identity loss/exploration, challenges with self-worth, chronic mental/physical health, parenthood, postpartum, relationship conflict, or life transitions.
(206) 237-5390 View (206) 237-5390
Photo of Justin Ibrahim, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kirkland, WA
Justin Ibrahim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSWAIC, MSW
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98033  (Online Only)
I work with adults managing anxiety, perfectionism, life transitions, religious/ spiritual harm, relationship and cultural adjustment challenges.
Accepting New Clients- My name is Justin and I'm a social worker and therapist. I help my clients understand who they are and how they fit into the world around them. First-generation Asian Americans Pacific Islanders, and Black Americans experience this in unique ways. I specialize in working with AAPI and BIPOC clients and their loved ones. We can find solutions to improve quality of life while honoring important cultural/ identity values and needs for today. This work can be so empowering for you engaging relationships, dating life, marriage, partnerships and family life!
I work with adults managing anxiety, perfectionism, life transitions, religious/ spiritual harm, relationship and cultural adjustment challenges.
Accepting New Clients- My name is Justin and I'm a social worker and therapist. I help my clients understand who they are and how they fit into the world around them. First-generation Asian Americans Pacific Islanders, and Black Americans experience this in unique ways. I specialize in working with AAPI and BIPOC clients and their loved ones. We can find solutions to improve quality of life while honoring important cultural/ identity values and needs for today. This work can be so empowering for you engaging relationships, dating life, marriage, partnerships and family life!
(206) 593-4358 View (206) 593-4358
Photo of Amisha Gandhi, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Kirkland, WA
Amisha Gandhi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98033
Have you ever wanted to come to therapy but do not know where to begin? Sometimes, taking the first step may be scary, especially if this is your first time or you have had a bad experience. I have a passion not only for helping but also for listening to individuals, couples, and families. However, I am incredibly passionate about helping women of color, adolescents (12+), families, and adults of all ages address life's challenges, such as anxiety, depression, school issues, divorce, relationships, families, and work-life balance.
Have you ever wanted to come to therapy but do not know where to begin? Sometimes, taking the first step may be scary, especially if this is your first time or you have had a bad experience. I have a passion not only for helping but also for listening to individuals, couples, and families. However, I am incredibly passionate about helping women of color, adolescents (12+), families, and adults of all ages address life's challenges, such as anxiety, depression, school issues, divorce, relationships, families, and work-life balance.
(425) 399-5891 x56 View (425) 399-5891 x56
Photo of Michelle Mathew, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kirkland, WA
Michelle Mathew
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98033  (Online Only)
Now accepting new clients! Are you struggling with mental illness, relationship issues, or difficult life transitions? Let’s work together to help you develop coping skills and navigate these issues. My therapeutic approach uses culturally-sensitive and evidence-based techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Person-Centered Therapy to help you access your inner strengths and define the future you want to have. I am also trained in the Gottman method and can help you develop constructive communication, create shared goals, and foster an environment of love and appreciation in your relationships.
Now accepting new clients! Are you struggling with mental illness, relationship issues, or difficult life transitions? Let’s work together to help you develop coping skills and navigate these issues. My therapeutic approach uses culturally-sensitive and evidence-based techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Person-Centered Therapy to help you access your inner strengths and define the future you want to have. I am also trained in the Gottman method and can help you develop constructive communication, create shared goals, and foster an environment of love and appreciation in your relationships.
(509) 397-7771 View (509) 397-7771
Photo of Eastside Counseling Center in Kirkland, WA
Eastside Counseling Center
LMFT, LMHC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98034
Are relationship issues, anxiety and/or depression keeping you up at night? The counselors at ECC will work with you to help you improve the quality of your your life and your relationships. Our dynamic team of counselors seek to understand and resolve the real-life, everyday challenges many of us face. We work with a wide range of issues and have a diverse team of therapists trained in a variety of specialties. This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan to meet your individual needs.
Are relationship issues, anxiety and/or depression keeping you up at night? The counselors at ECC will work with you to help you improve the quality of your your life and your relationships. Our dynamic team of counselors seek to understand and resolve the real-life, everyday challenges many of us face. We work with a wide range of issues and have a diverse team of therapists trained in a variety of specialties. This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan to meet your individual needs.
(425) 405-7857 View (425) 405-7857
Photo of Robert Espiau, Counselor in Kirkland, WA
Robert Espiau
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98033
I have over 30 years experience, and can help you to resolve panic attacks, anxiety, complex trauma, religious trauma and/or sexual abuse; I also work with couples counseling, Military and Combat-related PTSD, sexual addictions, nightmares, sexual abuse, and depression. I also have a strong background in cross-cultural psychology, having lived in 7 countries and studied the nature of consciousness as a monastic for six years; this has given me a diverse and complex perspective on life and people. I currently live in Vietnam and the US.
I have over 30 years experience, and can help you to resolve panic attacks, anxiety, complex trauma, religious trauma and/or sexual abuse; I also work with couples counseling, Military and Combat-related PTSD, sexual addictions, nightmares, sexual abuse, and depression. I also have a strong background in cross-cultural psychology, having lived in 7 countries and studied the nature of consciousness as a monastic for six years; this has given me a diverse and complex perspective on life and people. I currently live in Vietnam and the US.
(206) 875-2731 x125339 View (206) 875-2731 x125339
Photo of Timothy Tam, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kirkland, WA
Timothy Tam
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98034  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You’ll find that my sessions are genuine, open, exploratory, and meaningful. I value collaboration, meaning we will work together to process what’s happening for you and work together to make things better. I will provide an empathetic ear, ask questions, and provide reflection so that I can really understand your goals, life experiences, beliefs, and your values. My goal is to support you in creating a healthy relationship with yourself and healthy, secure dynamic relationships with others. My hope is that the work we do will aid you in translating your newly developed strategies in a positively adaptive way in your life.
You’ll find that my sessions are genuine, open, exploratory, and meaningful. I value collaboration, meaning we will work together to process what’s happening for you and work together to make things better. I will provide an empathetic ear, ask questions, and provide reflection so that I can really understand your goals, life experiences, beliefs, and your values. My goal is to support you in creating a healthy relationship with yourself and healthy, secure dynamic relationships with others. My hope is that the work we do will aid you in translating your newly developed strategies in a positively adaptive way in your life.
(425) 414-8017 View (425) 414-8017
Photo of Pornpan Gering, Counselor in Kirkland, WA
Pornpan Gering
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98033  (Online Only)
My approach to treatment is a client-centered approach based on cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, dialectical behavior therapy, and Gottman’s theory for couples therapy.
Do you feel trapped, depress, or misunderstood? Or do you feel confused and unsure what is next for you? You are not alone. I work with clients who experience a wide range of mental health challenges. As your therapist, we will work as a team to meet your mental health goals. I thoroughly believe that connecting with clients, building safe spaces, and developing a mutual sense of trust are the first steps to success.
My approach to treatment is a client-centered approach based on cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, dialectical behavior therapy, and Gottman’s theory for couples therapy.
Do you feel trapped, depress, or misunderstood? Or do you feel confused and unsure what is next for you? You are not alone. I work with clients who experience a wide range of mental health challenges. As your therapist, we will work as a team to meet your mental health goals. I thoroughly believe that connecting with clients, building safe spaces, and developing a mutual sense of trust are the first steps to success.
(425) 243-1444 View (425) 243-1444
Photo of Salveo Counseling Center in Kirkland, WA
Salveo Counseling Center
LMHC, LICSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98034
Salveo therapists offer compassionate care for a wide variety of concerning issues including couples counseling, life-transitions support, children, teens and young adult counseling, family counseling, addiction and eating disorder counseling and supportive treatments for trauma and PTSD.
Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship or work stress? Our therapists are standing by and ready to help. We accept all major insurance plans, offer a sliding scale and can set up your first appointment within days. You are in the right place! We offer in-person appointments at four office locations in Redmond, Kirkland and in Seattle on West Lake Union.
Salveo therapists offer compassionate care for a wide variety of concerning issues including couples counseling, life-transitions support, children, teens and young adult counseling, family counseling, addiction and eating disorder counseling and supportive treatments for trauma and PTSD.
Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship or work stress? Our therapists are standing by and ready to help. We accept all major insurance plans, offer a sliding scale and can set up your first appointment within days. You are in the right place! We offer in-person appointments at four office locations in Redmond, Kirkland and in Seattle on West Lake Union.
(425) 202-7748 View (425) 202-7748
Photo of Brian Carlton, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kirkland, WA
Brian Carlton
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98033
Everyone needs hope. We despair and turn to alcohol, food, shopping, sex and the infinite screen to fill our void. We think we know what we want: intimacy, confidence, inner peace and a sense of achievement. We want to matter. We are tortured at times by self doubt implanted by past traumas. I offer a secure place to be yourself to unravel your secrets, fears, shame and guilt. I have 26 years post-doctoral clinical experience counseling individuals, couples and families. I view human problems from a social systemic perspective addressing the individual and their social context.
Everyone needs hope. We despair and turn to alcohol, food, shopping, sex and the infinite screen to fill our void. We think we know what we want: intimacy, confidence, inner peace and a sense of achievement. We want to matter. We are tortured at times by self doubt implanted by past traumas. I offer a secure place to be yourself to unravel your secrets, fears, shame and guilt. I have 26 years post-doctoral clinical experience counseling individuals, couples and families. I view human problems from a social systemic perspective addressing the individual and their social context.
(425) 483-3830 View (425) 483-3830
Photo of Sulfiati's Threshold Counseling, Counselor in Kirkland, WA
Sulfiati's Threshold Counseling
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98034  (Online Only)
I have 20+ years experience, grounded in Jungian psychology, Trauma/Disaster Recovery, Attachment Theory and I'm a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist.
Are you at a crossroads? Throughout life, we experience "little deaths" that change our life’s course. Loss of a dream, health, family, the earth we stand on, job, marriage, relationship, country or beliefs can suddenly take us over a threshold, chosen or not into a new world where life no longer makes any sense. Our old tools and ways of coping or understanding our self or our world are no longer enough to pilot us to the other side of what can feel like a vast, deep and turbulent river. While often terrifying, these are the golden opportunities in which our true nature, our soul or purpose in life can be revealed.
I have 20+ years experience, grounded in Jungian psychology, Trauma/Disaster Recovery, Attachment Theory and I'm a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist.
Are you at a crossroads? Throughout life, we experience "little deaths" that change our life’s course. Loss of a dream, health, family, the earth we stand on, job, marriage, relationship, country or beliefs can suddenly take us over a threshold, chosen or not into a new world where life no longer makes any sense. Our old tools and ways of coping or understanding our self or our world are no longer enough to pilot us to the other side of what can feel like a vast, deep and turbulent river. While often terrifying, these are the golden opportunities in which our true nature, our soul or purpose in life can be revealed.
(626) 727-8053 View (626) 727-8053
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.