Photo of Kim Oliver, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 65203, MO
Kim Oliver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Columbia, MO 65203
Whether the concerns are related to adjustment, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, chemical dependency, marriage or relationship issues, I can provide tools that reveal many paths to wellness.
I have learned that no one is immune to mental health stress, trauma, OR substance abuse. Most really can find recovery and wellness. In 2000, I began my career providing counseling services in a treatment center and have continued to specialize in coping methods vs. "using." Relationships are sacred. I work with all arrangements of families (CNM & polyamory). Expert family/couples counseling requires expert training. The Gottman Method is taught in three levels and I completed all three in 2017. My intensive couples approach is successful in improving communication and provides many tools and results in a reasonable time frame.
Whether the concerns are related to adjustment, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, chemical dependency, marriage or relationship issues, I can provide tools that reveal many paths to wellness.
I have learned that no one is immune to mental health stress, trauma, OR substance abuse. Most really can find recovery and wellness. In 2000, I began my career providing counseling services in a treatment center and have continued to specialize in coping methods vs. "using." Relationships are sacred. I work with all arrangements of families (CNM & polyamory). Expert family/couples counseling requires expert training. The Gottman Method is taught in three levels and I completed all three in 2017. My intensive couples approach is successful in improving communication and provides many tools and results in a reasonable time frame.
(573) 340-4179 View (573) 340-4179
Photo of Ashlea Burry, Pre-Licensed Professional in 65203, MO
Ashlea Burry
Pre-Licensed Professional, PLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MO 65203
I operate from a holistic and integrative approach; valuing each individual, their strengths and honoring their experiences. I believe you have innate behaviors and skills that you can draw upon to overcome challenges and move toward becoming a better you. I enjoy working with both individuals and couples, and can assist you in your journey to new beginnings. I primarily focus my work on helping clients navigate and work through depression, anxiety, trauma, intrapersonal and interpersonal issues.
I operate from a holistic and integrative approach; valuing each individual, their strengths and honoring their experiences. I believe you have innate behaviors and skills that you can draw upon to overcome challenges and move toward becoming a better you. I enjoy working with both individuals and couples, and can assist you in your journey to new beginnings. I primarily focus my work on helping clients navigate and work through depression, anxiety, trauma, intrapersonal and interpersonal issues.
(573) 652-3855 View (573) 652-3855
Photo of Michael V Stanfield, Marriage & Family Therapist in 65203, MO
Michael V Stanfield
Marriage & Family Therapist, DMin, LMFT
Verified Verified
Columbia, MO 65203
Let me first say that the fact that you are searching online for help is a sign that there is a part of you that has had enough. I want to address that part of you because it holds the key to your wholeness. Whether you see the root of your difficulty as a primary relationship or some other unknown source, I want to aid you in engaging in the kind of self examination that will see you through your current pain to the new life that is surely waiting on the other side.
Let me first say that the fact that you are searching online for help is a sign that there is a part of you that has had enough. I want to address that part of you because it holds the key to your wholeness. Whether you see the root of your difficulty as a primary relationship or some other unknown source, I want to aid you in engaging in the kind of self examination that will see you through your current pain to the new life that is surely waiting on the other side.
(865) 816-9104 View (865) 816-9104
Photo of Stacy Zorn, Licensed Professional Counselor in 65203, MO
Stacy Zorn
Licensed Professional Counselor, CCATP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia, MO 65203
Your past doesn't define you; it informs you. Painful feelings and many of life's experiences can be difficult to work through alone. I work with individuals who want to examine their self-limiting thoughts, understand how to process/regulate their emotions and elevate their self-esteem, self-compassion and confidence. Others need someone who understands how to heal from relational abuse and parent wounds. Maybe it's relief from stress and anxiety that brought you here, or relationship distress. My intention is to support you with curiosity and compassion and help you heal the wounds that have kept you from knowing peace & thriving.
Your past doesn't define you; it informs you. Painful feelings and many of life's experiences can be difficult to work through alone. I work with individuals who want to examine their self-limiting thoughts, understand how to process/regulate their emotions and elevate their self-esteem, self-compassion and confidence. Others need someone who understands how to heal from relational abuse and parent wounds. Maybe it's relief from stress and anxiety that brought you here, or relationship distress. My intention is to support you with curiosity and compassion and help you heal the wounds that have kept you from knowing peace & thriving.
(573) 641-8680 View (573) 641-8680
Photo of The Intensive, Licensed Professional Counselor in 65203, MO
The Intensive
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Columbia, MO 65203
Maybe you've "been there, done that." Tried that program or seen that counselor or taken that medication. Nothing seems to be working. Once-per-week therapy doesn't seem like enough to get you over the hump, yet, spending 30 days away from home isn't an option, either. It's a good thing we believe there's no right way to do treatment for mental health issues including depression and anxiety, mood disorders, substance use, compulsive behaviors, disordered eating/eating disorders, the list goes on and on. Plus, the "problem" is never the actual problem, right?
Maybe you've "been there, done that." Tried that program or seen that counselor or taken that medication. Nothing seems to be working. Once-per-week therapy doesn't seem like enough to get you over the hump, yet, spending 30 days away from home isn't an option, either. It's a good thing we believe there's no right way to do treatment for mental health issues including depression and anxiety, mood disorders, substance use, compulsive behaviors, disordered eating/eating disorders, the list goes on and on. Plus, the "problem" is never the actual problem, right?
(573) 240-8238 x106 View (573) 240-8238 x106
Photo of Bill Clark, Licensed Professional Counselor in 65203, MO
Bill Clark
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, MO 65203  (Online Only)
We all go through difficult times at different parts of our life. It can help to have someone to talk to. I have particular experience with adults in midlife crisis, couples counseling, and adolescents experiencing, school problems, behavior problems, parent/child conflict, and trauma. I have experience with individual therapy, parent/child conflict, divorce, alternative relationships and LGBTQIA issues. I specialize in trauma treatment for all age groups. CURRENTLY OFFERING TELEMEDICINE SESSIONS VIA ZOOM OR SKYPE.
We all go through difficult times at different parts of our life. It can help to have someone to talk to. I have particular experience with adults in midlife crisis, couples counseling, and adolescents experiencing, school problems, behavior problems, parent/child conflict, and trauma. I have experience with individual therapy, parent/child conflict, divorce, alternative relationships and LGBTQIA issues. I specialize in trauma treatment for all age groups. CURRENTLY OFFERING TELEMEDICINE SESSIONS VIA ZOOM OR SKYPE.
(573) 312-2953 View (573) 312-2953
Photo of Open Arms Wellness - Columbia, MO, Licensed Professional Counselor in 65203, MO
Open Arms Wellness - Columbia, MO
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia, MO 65203
Frustrated with calling therapists and not receiving a call back? We pride ourselves in finding expert clinicians in each specialty in the greater St. Louis area and we have immediate openings. We can help match you to a clinician that has proven success helping clients with similar issues. Our approach assists clients in exploring the source of their problems. We listen. We find unique strategies that build on your passions to bring healing to your life. You won't believe how much better it can get when you work with our handpicked professionals. Locations: Ballwin, Central West End, Brentwood and Columbia, Missouri.
Frustrated with calling therapists and not receiving a call back? We pride ourselves in finding expert clinicians in each specialty in the greater St. Louis area and we have immediate openings. We can help match you to a clinician that has proven success helping clients with similar issues. Our approach assists clients in exploring the source of their problems. We listen. We find unique strategies that build on your passions to bring healing to your life. You won't believe how much better it can get when you work with our handpicked professionals. Locations: Ballwin, Central West End, Brentwood and Columbia, Missouri.
(573) 284-2893 View (573) 284-2893
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.