Photo of Andrea Colombu, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94523, CA
Andrea Colombu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
My work is informed by Transpersonal, Humanistic-Existential, Contemplative, Buddhist & Somatic Psychology, and Nondual Wisdom With COUPLES I focus particular attention in creating & supporting conscious relationships, communication issues, per-marital counseling, separation & divorce, trust & infidelity.
The interface between contemporary psychology and the wisdom of contemplative practice spirituality is central to my work with individuals and couples and to my general approach to therapy. With the use of MINDFULNESS based therapy and a non-judgmental and non-pathological approach I create a healing and supportive environment were growth and transformation can take place through our in depth process of exploration. From this general holistic and contemplative perspective I address a variety of issues of emotional, existential and relational nature with both individuals and couples and would be very happy to help you as well!
My work is informed by Transpersonal, Humanistic-Existential, Contemplative, Buddhist & Somatic Psychology, and Nondual Wisdom With COUPLES I focus particular attention in creating & supporting conscious relationships, communication issues, per-marital counseling, separation & divorce, trust & infidelity.
The interface between contemporary psychology and the wisdom of contemplative practice spirituality is central to my work with individuals and couples and to my general approach to therapy. With the use of MINDFULNESS based therapy and a non-judgmental and non-pathological approach I create a healing and supportive environment were growth and transformation can take place through our in depth process of exploration. From this general holistic and contemplative perspective I address a variety of issues of emotional, existential and relational nature with both individuals and couples and would be very happy to help you as well!
(925) 247-3565 View (925) 247-3565
Photo of Draven Garrett, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94523, CA
Draven Garrett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I work with a myriad of life/relationship stressors and am a sex therapist. I have received post-licensure education through CIIS (California Institute of Integral Studies). I find that therapy is most beneficial when it is a conversation between you and I; not you feeling like you're talking to a brick wall. Occasional use of humor and/or swearing is welcomed as it can lower stress when stuck in fear, anger, or judgement. I believe an uncensored, authentic, and safe atmosphere leads to an honest and deep therapeutic relationship. For me, "sex positivity" means supporting beneficial, consensual relationships and activities.
I work with a myriad of life/relationship stressors and am a sex therapist. I have received post-licensure education through CIIS (California Institute of Integral Studies). I find that therapy is most beneficial when it is a conversation between you and I; not you feeling like you're talking to a brick wall. Occasional use of humor and/or swearing is welcomed as it can lower stress when stuck in fear, anger, or judgement. I believe an uncensored, authentic, and safe atmosphere leads to an honest and deep therapeutic relationship. For me, "sex positivity" means supporting beneficial, consensual relationships and activities.
(925) 523-7375 View (925) 523-7375
Photo of Maya Attia, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94523, CA
Maya Attia
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Maya Attia, LMFT 139693, is a sex-positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, polyamory, kink, and BDSM-friendly therapist. She offers space to express, explore, and learn about your whole self to find ease and greater satisfaction in life. My approach is humanistic and tender. I facilitate conversations that inspire insight and change. I enjoy using the practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), and other modalities, but at my core, I am relational.
Maya Attia, LMFT 139693, is a sex-positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, polyamory, kink, and BDSM-friendly therapist. She offers space to express, explore, and learn about your whole self to find ease and greater satisfaction in life. My approach is humanistic and tender. I facilitate conversations that inspire insight and change. I enjoy using the practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), and other modalities, but at my core, I am relational.
(949) 806-3433 View (949) 806-3433
Photo of Larry Yavorsky Therapy & Relationship Enhancement, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94523, CA
Larry Yavorsky Therapy & Relationship Enhancement
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RN, MA
Verified Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
You can be happier, healthier & find life more fulfilling, by engaging in therapy with Larry Yavorsky. I am LMFT and RN with 40 years of experience in the areas of enhancing individual, sexual, and relationship health and satisfaction. I invite you to call me at (510) 401-3935 for free phone consultation. My passion is to help clients explore and understand themselves, to become free of troubling symptoms and of relationship distress. Using methods which promote emotional, mental, and physical awareness and health, I have had success in treating a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety,PTSD, relationship/sexual distress.
You can be happier, healthier & find life more fulfilling, by engaging in therapy with Larry Yavorsky. I am LMFT and RN with 40 years of experience in the areas of enhancing individual, sexual, and relationship health and satisfaction. I invite you to call me at (510) 401-3935 for free phone consultation. My passion is to help clients explore and understand themselves, to become free of troubling symptoms and of relationship distress. Using methods which promote emotional, mental, and physical awareness and health, I have had success in treating a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety,PTSD, relationship/sexual distress.
(510) 401-3935 View (510) 401-3935
Photo of Lacy Martinez, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94523, CA
Lacy Martinez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Couples/Relationship Counseling. LGBTQ, Poly, & Kink friendly. Clients that like my style seek therapy mostly for anxiety or depression that comes from the feeling that life lacks purpose, feels stuck, or stale; especially during times of heartache, misunderstanding, break-ups, or even death. Many useful moments, crucial moments, can arise at the end of something - unresolved past hurts, spiritual dilemmas, a sudden urgency and passion for figuring out "why we're here" - understanding them and integrating them is what I offer. Closing the old stuff up well means new, exciting beginnings are possible...often in the same relationship!
Couples/Relationship Counseling. LGBTQ, Poly, & Kink friendly. Clients that like my style seek therapy mostly for anxiety or depression that comes from the feeling that life lacks purpose, feels stuck, or stale; especially during times of heartache, misunderstanding, break-ups, or even death. Many useful moments, crucial moments, can arise at the end of something - unresolved past hurts, spiritual dilemmas, a sudden urgency and passion for figuring out "why we're here" - understanding them and integrating them is what I offer. Closing the old stuff up well means new, exciting beginnings are possible...often in the same relationship!
(510) 379-7124 View (510) 379-7124
Photo of Kathleen E Sims, Pastoral Counselor in 94523, CA
Kathleen E Sims
Pastoral Counselor, CHT, CRC
Not Verified Not Verified
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
I assist clients in healing their mind, emotions & history - creating permanent change - which clears the way so they can Live the Life for which their heart yearns. I specialize in Conscious Love Relationships that can last a lifetime. Along with Creating a Life of Meaning and Purpose, I have developed very powerful, permanent Change Processes and Coaching Tools - which can also help with self-esteem issues, anxiety, stress, panic, and PTSD. My sessions range from 75 minutes to 2 hours. Feel free to call 925 914-0098 for a Complimentary 30-minute consultation.
I assist clients in healing their mind, emotions & history - creating permanent change - which clears the way so they can Live the Life for which their heart yearns. I specialize in Conscious Love Relationships that can last a lifetime. Along with Creating a Life of Meaning and Purpose, I have developed very powerful, permanent Change Processes and Coaching Tools - which can also help with self-esteem issues, anxiety, stress, panic, and PTSD. My sessions range from 75 minutes to 2 hours. Feel free to call 925 914-0098 for a Complimentary 30-minute consultation.
(925) 914-0098 View (925) 914-0098

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.