Marriage Counseling Therapists in 60204
Nadia Greenspan
Counselor, LCPC, NCC, CGP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60204
When I was looking for my first therapist, I wanted someone older and smarter to tell me what to do, how to take the pain away. Twenty five years and six therapists later, I want a Sherpa - someone who's been where I have yet to go to show me that it's possible. I've already lived through several lifetimes. I've sat through the havoc of a divorce and the shame of causing pain to my children, the confusion of starting anew, the anxiety of dating, the elation of a new love and a crushing heartbreak of a betrayal. The agonizing loneliness of falling asleep in an empty bed and the complete inability to get up the next morning.
When I was looking for my first therapist, I wanted someone older and smarter to tell me what to do, how to take the pain away. Twenty five years and six therapists later, I want a Sherpa - someone who's been where I have yet to go to show me that it's possible. I've already lived through several lifetimes. I've sat through the havoc of a divorce and the shame of causing pain to my children, the confusion of starting anew, the anxiety of dating, the elation of a new love and a crushing heartbreak of a betrayal. The agonizing loneliness of falling asleep in an empty bed and the complete inability to get up the next morning.
Ugochi Ohale
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60204
Often people see therapy as a one-sided conversation, with the therapist listening to your problems, issues and providing quick solutions. My goal as a therapist is to allow people the space to be honest, vulnerable, and direct in a safe environment. Therapy is a process that requires commitment to vulnerability and an openness to exploring different ways of thinking, approaching problems, and tackling it onward! Therapy does not have to be painful and intimidating! My goal as a therapist is to understand you as a whole person and your thought process and challenge some of those existing thought patterns, behaviors, and frameworks.
Often people see therapy as a one-sided conversation, with the therapist listening to your problems, issues and providing quick solutions. My goal as a therapist is to allow people the space to be honest, vulnerable, and direct in a safe environment. Therapy is a process that requires commitment to vulnerability and an openness to exploring different ways of thinking, approaching problems, and tackling it onward! Therapy does not have to be painful and intimidating! My goal as a therapist is to understand you as a whole person and your thought process and challenge some of those existing thought patterns, behaviors, and frameworks.
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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.