Therapists in 93023

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT

Verified Verified

1 Endorsed

Ojai, CA 93023 (Online Only)

I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with 15 yrs working with women, children and families. I work with new mothers or pregnant women who are struggling with changes in mood and functioning due to their changing bodies and hormones. I also work with school age children, young adults and women. I have a background in child development and enjoy working with little ones and their families to increase attachment, decrease behavioral issues and promote healthy development. I welcome parents to work with me around parenting concerns, life transitions, relationship difficulties and identity. Individual or family sessions available.

(805) 706-8940 View (805) 706-8940

Melinda Meeks

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT

Verified Verified

1 Endorsed

Ojai, CA 93023

Not accepting new clients

I honor your first step in seeking the extra support and guidance you may be desiring at this time. I can offer specific skills and strategies that strengthen your confidence in handling whatever life experiences you are encountering right now. And equally important, I offer a safe and compassionate space as you begin the path of exploration into yourself and your life goals.

(805) 921-7067 View (805) 921-7067

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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.