Couples Counseling Therapists in Evanston, IL
See all therapists in EvanstonWaitlist for new clients

Lauren Zerbst
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CST
Verified
Verified
I specialize in desire discrepancy, sexual functioning, and love working with creative sexual and
relationship
dynamics.
"We all need somebody to lean on." Lean on Me by Bill Withers is a song that articulates one of the best things you can do when life is challenging. Reaching out to family, friends, and a kind professional for help will enable you to get support and make positive changes in your life. Asking for help can be a vulnerable and scary experience, but the results are often worth it. I am devoted to manifesting growth and stability with all my clients. I am an active, enthusiastic clinician who gives thoughtful feedback after listening carefully to the problem.
Waitlist for new clients

Kevin Lanham
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor , MA, LCPC
Verified
Verified
A solid
relationship
between you and therapist is the strongest indicator of positive change.
I believe that relationships are fundamental to a person's health and happiness. Whether romantic, interpersonal, peer, parent-child, or work relationships I have found that the issues people bring to therapy stem from difficulties in connecting. Furthermore, I believe that a safe, open, and honest
relationship
in therapy is the key to personal mental health and creating healthy
relationship
's in one's life. I do interpersonal therapy with individuals,
couples
, and groups. In particular, I enjoy connecting with young men starting their careers, gamers, and adolescent boys.
Not accepting new clients

Allison O'Neill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My main treatment areas include: sexual trauma/abuse, complex trauma, LGBTQIA+ concerns, ADHD, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, shame, and
relationship
difficulties.
Do you frequently feel anxious, unsafe, or frozen in certain situations? Do you struggle to connect with others or communicate your wants and needs? Are you not living your life in a way that fits your values and fulfills you? My priority as a therapist is to support you in your time of struggle, in a way that centers your needs, circumstances, goals, and concerns. I can provide a compassionate space to process your feelings, nurture existing strengths, and heal from trauma, pain, or loss. If you’re ready, I’d love to assist you in finding a path forward, feeling better, and reconnecting with your truest self.
Not accepting new clients

Judith Aronson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with individuals one-on-one, as
couples
, or families and collaborate, when appropriate, with other professionals.
People who seek my services as a psychotherapist often feel stressed, stuck, or even hopeless. These feelings can stem from difficulties in personal relationships (couple/marital, parent/child, aging parents, boss), life transitions (parenthood, infertility, illness, career change), loss (of a loved one,employment), or self-destructive behaviors (abusive relationships, eating disorders, substance abuse). By analyzing the dynamics of these challenges in a confidential environment, utilizing time-tested theories, those with whom I work are often able to relieve their stress, "move-on" with confidence, and even see a clear path when previously all was bleak.

Paul Giblin
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MDiv, LMFT
I often work with young
couples
, older
couples
, and dual career
couples
who are surprised and in pain over the loss of intimacy and play in their
relationship
and who struggle to make their marriage a priority.
I specialize in
couples counseling
, family counseling, counseling with men, and premarital counseling. I help clients make meaning of their struggles, articulate their desires, and collaborate to reach their goals. I normalize and interpret conflict in terms of differences, identity, connection, and power issues. Intimacy and anger, stress and time constraints, are often the focus of our work together. I tend to be fairly transparent and strengths-focused. I also specialize in the integration of spirituality and psychotherapy.

Julia Mefferd
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
As a therapist specializing in neurodivergence, Julia has encountered many parents, families, and kids all trying to find clinician that both “gets” the mental health disorder their child is facing while equally understanding autism spectrum disorder, chromosomal differences, ADHD, developmental differences, and the neurodivergence of their child’s mind. Julia saw the huge demands on parents, sought to understand the hopes they have for their children and the hopes children have for themselves. In doing so, she has become a
partner
with parents, kids and families to reduce the stress of the therapy experience.
Not accepting new clients

Jodi Smith Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Many of us seek therapy when we are unhappy in our relationships or when we feel lonely. Sometimes, it is the
relationship
that we have with ourselves that concerns us. Therapy provides an opportunity for us to understand ourselves within the context of a
relationship
designed for self exploration. Sometimes individual therapy is appropriate. Other times, therapy is more helpful when our partners or other family members join us.
Waitlist for new clients

Ben Fogel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I specialize in helping people achieve lasting and meaningful change in their lives. My goal is to help you increase your understanding of yourself and your struggles, alleviate emotional pain, and help you lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. I frequently work with people who experience anxiety or depression, or feelings related to a life change or transition. I also work extensively with
couples
to re-establish intimacy and connection, and to communicate effectively.

Emily Lieber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
When working with
couples
and families, I will help you to navigate relational patterns that are causing any challenges in your life.
During life's challenging moments, most of us benefit from the support of a non judgmental guide. People have told me they feel safe with me. Whether you are dealing with work/school stress, struggling with anxiety or depression, coping with parenting, experiencing loss, or are looking for support with a
relationship
, I can help you to better understand stuck areas in your life. I see individuals,
couples
, adolescents and families. I have an interactive, supportive, and open approach. When working with individuals, we will work together to gain greater self understanding and discover workable solutions.

Diane Ofarim
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified
Verified
I work with individuals,
couples
and families.
Feelings of anxiety and depression are signals. They are NOT your fault. They tell us about unresolved and repressed feelings originating from painful situations - past or present. They usually occur either in the work arena or in relationships or both. Unresolved events can block development and subsequently produce a sense of despair. I specialize in getting to the 'root' of issues; helping to resolve that which has not been adequately dealt with, thereby facilitating development to resume.
Not accepting new clients

Hannah Espinoza
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have worked with
couples
and families with varying problems from infidelity to communication barriers as well as struggles in blended families.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. In Michigan, I worked at an elementary school with children who had mood disorders, trauma and behavioral issues which were impacting them in school. I also worked with adults and
couples
who were struggling with depression, anxiety and communication barriers. In Illinois, I worked primarily with adults struggling with severe mental illness. Some diagnoses included schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and PTSD. I use many different therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Imago Therapy, Family Therapy and Psycho-education.
Not accepting new clients

Jamie Edwards
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My specialties include trauma/stress response, grief,
relationship
issues, and life transitions.
We all have a natural resilience to heal from trauma, loss, and unexpected setbacks, however stories created about who we are can get in the way. They tell us we are not good enough, that we will fail, that we are not safe. They disconnect us from others, the world around us, and the goals we seek, they wreak havoc in our bodies. Together, we will
partner
to make sense of and transform these stories, allowing for growth and connection. I believe that even our adversities can be a source of strength and an opportunity to better ourselves.

Private Practice of Arica Barton, LCPC
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
My specializations include restorative justice, parent-child
relationship
issues, family communication problems, effective discipline approaches, and behavioral problems.
I have a restorative and relational approach with the clients I serve. I embrace a strengths perspective which encourages self-sufficiency and acknowledges that individuals have the capability to engage in problem-solving work and improve their own functioning. I also recognize the important role of parents and other significant adults in youths' lives and strive to work together in addressing youth behavior and promoting appropriate parent leadership and family capabilities. I have a collaborative, trauma informed lens to treatment, and provide a warm, comforting environment to address difficult yet important issues in your life.

Megan E McDaniel
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As a therapist I seek to foster and provide a calm, inviting and compassionate space for my clients. I work to create a space where my clients feel intentional and complete support as they navigate difficult as well as joyful circumstances in their lives. Through therapeutic support and an understanding that every person and situation necessitates a uniquely crafted approach, I engage the needs of individuals,
couples
, and families.

Desiree Linderman-Jareo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Whether you are looking to manage life stressors, explore
relationship
issues, or process trauma, we will work together to reach your goals.
I offer various therapeutic interventions including, but not limited to, DBT, CPT, and motivational interviewing. In addition to therapy, I also conduct neuropsychological and psychological assessments that are helpful to address concerns related to diagnosis, cognitive functioning, emotional concerns, and learning disorders. I enjoy working with all age groups, though I specialize in adolescents.

Mark Vaughan - Sex Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
The decision to seek therapy is positive and courageous. It is important to find the right therapist to help you with your problems, to make it possible to feel capable and resilient. If you're someone for whom anxiety, depression or other issues seem to get in the way of enjoying life, we can work together so you can create a fulfilling life of your choice. For
couples
trying to rediscover that spark in your
relationship
, together you can move past hurts to forge the
relationship
you want. If you are struggling with not knowing your life path or career, we can focus on your inherent strengths and personality to develop your vision.

Mehgan Devine, PsyD
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
While I believe that most of us attempt to manage the best we can given our current circumstances, struggles and challenges can still seem insurmountable. I want you to know that change is possible, but doing it alone may feel like an added burden. I am hoping for the opportunity to work collaboratively with you to navigate the challenges at hand. Within the context of psychotherapy, I believe that healing begins by ensuring the goodness-of-fit of the therapeutic
relationship
; which is a connection that develops through a shared understanding of the experiences of the human condition.

ARC Professional Group
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Dr. Sarah Warren is Founder of ARC Professional Group, a boutique concierge group practice that offers outstanding insight-oriented therapy for struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and autism. We work with people who address their
relationship
to alcohol, drugs or other compulsive behavior. We work with clients though out the arc of their lives, through transitions such as divorce or launching as young adults. Our clients work in a variety of high stakes careers. We also offer a novel team-based level of care for individuals with complex needs such as dual diagnosis.
Waitlist for new clients

Nancy Shlaes Bruski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Are you worried about your child? Struggling to be the best parent you can be? Not feeling satisfied with family relationships? I believe in the mutuality of healthy relationships, in which people are able to have their own needs met as well as to respond to the needs of their loved ones. Respect, empathy, validation, and reflection are essential components of a successful therapeutic
relationship
and form the cornerstone of my practice. My special areas of expertise are in work with children and parents, challenges related to parental separation/divorce, as well as individual adult personal growth issues.

Tara N. Holstein
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Engaging in therapy is a courageous, commendable task. I have enormous respect for the individuals,
couples
, and families I work with, and endeavor to create a solid base of trust and a collaborative connection. Depending on your needs and goals, our work may focus on improving your quality of life, shifting patterns, and/or deepening your overall self-awareness. I find that, along the way, healing often occurs as one gains clarity and begins moving toward the desires, needs, and truths that may have gotten lost amidst the 'shoulds' and various other messages absorbed over time.
See more therapy options for Evanston
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.