Photo of Cynthia Poorbaugh, Licensed Psychoanalyst in 10516, NY
Cynthia Poorbaugh
Licensed Psychoanalyst, MFA, LP
Verified Verified
Cold Spring, NY 10516
We all have the fundamental need to grow into and express who we are meant to be. However, this natural process can be inhibited by our need to adapt to pressures of family and society, by trauma, or by seemingly unresolvable contradictions in our personality. The goal of therapy is to bring this latent process to life, and to make it more conscious. A good therapeutic relationship will help you to be more receptive to yourself and to notice and honor these inner workings.
We all have the fundamental need to grow into and express who we are meant to be. However, this natural process can be inhibited by our need to adapt to pressures of family and society, by trauma, or by seemingly unresolvable contradictions in our personality. The goal of therapy is to bring this latent process to life, and to make it more conscious. A good therapeutic relationship will help you to be more receptive to yourself and to notice and honor these inner workings.
(646) 699-3948 View (646) 699-3948
Photo of Robin S. Brown, Licensed Psychoanalyst in 10516, NY
Robin S. Brown
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD, LP, NCPsyA
Verified Verified
Cold Spring, NY 10516
We seek therapy when we find ourselves stuck. My role is to help you get unstuck so that you can live a happier and more rewarding life. Working collaboratively, we will identify and explore unrecognized patterns of relationship. Our basic experience of the world is largely determined by the nature of these patterns. I can help you change these patterns, and in this way to discover new possibilities for living.
We seek therapy when we find ourselves stuck. My role is to help you get unstuck so that you can live a happier and more rewarding life. Working collaboratively, we will identify and explore unrecognized patterns of relationship. Our basic experience of the world is largely determined by the nature of these patterns. I can help you change these patterns, and in this way to discover new possibilities for living.
(646) 461-4605 View (646) 461-4605

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Marriage Counseling Therapists

How does marriage counseling work?

Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.

How long does marriage counseling typically last?

Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.

Is marriage counseling effective?

Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.

Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?

Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.