Therapists in Beverly Hills, CA
Dr. Mimi Shagaga
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
I hold a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology and a Master's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the states of California and Missouri. I take a collaborative approach to therapy and work with clients to establish goals. Together we identify problem areas and work to find a balanced solution. Often, I incorporate humor in my therapeutic approach as well as nontraditional therapy techniques such as creative arts therapy. I believe the key to an effective therapeutic relationship is one that entails trust, mutual respect, sensitivity and understanding. Currently I am offering virtual services throughout the states of California and Missouri.
I hold a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology and a Master's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the states of California and Missouri. I take a collaborative approach to therapy and work with clients to establish goals. Together we identify problem areas and work to find a balanced solution. Often, I incorporate humor in my therapeutic approach as well as nontraditional therapy techniques such as creative arts therapy. I believe the key to an effective therapeutic relationship is one that entails trust, mutual respect, sensitivity and understanding. Currently I am offering virtual services throughout the states of California and Missouri.
Divorce & Child Custody Mediation Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (Online Only)
PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELING / Relationship Issues / Communication Skills & Tools / Anxiety / Pre-Marital Counseling /Adult Children of Child Abuse / Grief & Loss SEPARATION, DIVORCE, & CHILD CUSTODY MEDIATION / High Conflict Co-Parenting / Customized Co-Parenting Plans /
PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELING / Relationship Issues / Communication Skills & Tools / Anxiety / Pre-Marital Counseling /Adult Children of Child Abuse / Grief & Loss SEPARATION, DIVORCE, & CHILD CUSTODY MEDIATION / High Conflict Co-Parenting / Customized Co-Parenting Plans /
Maythal Eshaghian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90213 (Online Only)
My name is Maythal Eshaghian and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I received my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University and my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at University California Los Angeles (UCLA). I specialize in the treatment of OCD, anxiety, and other related anxiety disorders including body-focused repetitive behaviors (Trichotillomania and Skin-Picking Disorder) in children, adolescents, and adults.
My name is Maythal Eshaghian and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I received my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University and my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at University California Los Angeles (UCLA). I specialize in the treatment of OCD, anxiety, and other related anxiety disorders including body-focused repetitive behaviors (Trichotillomania and Skin-Picking Disorder) in children, adolescents, and adults.
Sanaz Saeidian
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with adults around challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions including marriage and parenting.
I understand that each therapeutic journey is unique and that it takes courage to take steps towards gaining insight & clarity around your emotional and mental wellbeing. I tailor my approach based on your personal needs, values and preferences. I use a compassionate & trauma-informed approach to create a safe & supportive environment for you to develop inner strength & make meaningful changes in your life. We’ll work together to empower you with the tools you need to gain greater awareness into your past & help re-create your unique life story.
I specialize in working with adults around challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions including marriage and parenting.
I understand that each therapeutic journey is unique and that it takes courage to take steps towards gaining insight & clarity around your emotional and mental wellbeing. I tailor my approach based on your personal needs, values and preferences. I use a compassionate & trauma-informed approach to create a safe & supportive environment for you to develop inner strength & make meaningful changes in your life. We’ll work together to empower you with the tools you need to gain greater awareness into your past & help re-create your unique life story.
Rami M. Sadeghi
Psychologist, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Certifications: Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy; Gottman Couples Therapist, Gottman Program Leader for "The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work"; and Gottman Program Educator for "Bringing Baby Home" workshops.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20+ years' experience. In my work with individuals and couples, I help them develop an awareness of the dynamics and internal forces that affect their interactions, which helps to free individuals from gridlocked patterns of conflict. During times of crisis, emphasizing the positive aspects of interactions helps to relieve anxiety, and fosters growth and connection with others. Effective communication skills and understanding of underlying needs decreases resentment, heals old wounds, and leads to more loving relationships.
Certifications: Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy; Gottman Couples Therapist, Gottman Program Leader for "The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work"; and Gottman Program Educator for "Bringing Baby Home" workshops.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20+ years' experience. In my work with individuals and couples, I help them develop an awareness of the dynamics and internal forces that affect their interactions, which helps to free individuals from gridlocked patterns of conflict. During times of crisis, emphasizing the positive aspects of interactions helps to relieve anxiety, and fosters growth and connection with others. Effective communication skills and understanding of underlying needs decreases resentment, heals old wounds, and leads to more loving relationships.
Lisa Weiner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Lisa Weiner is a Marriage and Family Therapist in Los Angeles, California. She works with individuals, couples, and families with a variety of treatment needs. Areas of treatment include relationship counseling, families with divorce, substance abuse and addiction, loss and grief, stress management, anxiety, depression, creative and artistic development, and eating disorders.
Lisa Weiner is a Marriage and Family Therapist in Los Angeles, California. She works with individuals, couples, and families with a variety of treatment needs. Areas of treatment include relationship counseling, families with divorce, substance abuse and addiction, loss and grief, stress management, anxiety, depression, creative and artistic development, and eating disorders.
Hernando Chaves
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, DHS
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (Online Only)
CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC #50718), Pepperdine Malibu MFT human sexuality professor, Western Region past president and past board of directors member for the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS) with a Doctor of Human Sexuality degree (D.H.S.) from the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS). My philosophy is centered on empathetic, sex-positive support with a special emphasis on pleasure enhancement. People deserve erotic fulfillment within their relationships & a place to explore ways to live a more authentic & enjoyable sexual lifestyle free of guilt, shame, & self-judgment.
CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC #50718), Pepperdine Malibu MFT human sexuality professor, Western Region past president and past board of directors member for the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS) with a Doctor of Human Sexuality degree (D.H.S.) from the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS). My philosophy is centered on empathetic, sex-positive support with a special emphasis on pleasure enhancement. People deserve erotic fulfillment within their relationships & a place to explore ways to live a more authentic & enjoyable sexual lifestyle free of guilt, shame, & self-judgment.
Carl H. Shubs
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
YOUR LIFE'S NOT WORKING THE WAY YOU'D LIKE? Find out why, and we can change it together. Want to be heard and understood? Struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, gay/lesbian/bisexual issues, addictions (substances or behaviors including sex addiction), or infidelities? Want to stay together, but your marriage is rocky? Communication problems or behavior problems disrupting your relationship? DON'T LET OLD PATTERNS GET IN YOUR WAY. Visit my website for more information: http://www.DrCarlShubs.com. NEW BOOK: Traumatic Experiences of Normal Development, available on Amazon.
YOUR LIFE'S NOT WORKING THE WAY YOU'D LIKE? Find out why, and we can change it together. Want to be heard and understood? Struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, gay/lesbian/bisexual issues, addictions (substances or behaviors including sex addiction), or infidelities? Want to stay together, but your marriage is rocky? Communication problems or behavior problems disrupting your relationship? DON'T LET OLD PATTERNS GET IN YOUR WAY. Visit my website for more information: http://www.DrCarlShubs.com. NEW BOOK: Traumatic Experiences of Normal Development, available on Amazon.
Sharon Gardner
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
I'm a Psychologist and Marriage & Family Therapist.
I want to help people discover, think about, give meaning to, and find compassion for, alienated parts of themselves that are repressed and forbidden, containing unmet needs, historic conflicts, and unfulfilled dreams. Reunion with these parts can help people better understand their current behaviors, thoughts, and feelings and develop options for changing old patterns in their relationships with themselves, partners, and work that were once effective defenses against psychological pain. Therapy helps us become more fully alive, creative, connected to others, and free to be ourselves with less, and perhaps more realistic, fear-- individually, in our families, cultures, and society.
I'm a Psychologist and Marriage & Family Therapist.
I want to help people discover, think about, give meaning to, and find compassion for, alienated parts of themselves that are repressed and forbidden, containing unmet needs, historic conflicts, and unfulfilled dreams. Reunion with these parts can help people better understand their current behaviors, thoughts, and feelings and develop options for changing old patterns in their relationships with themselves, partners, and work that were once effective defenses against psychological pain. Therapy helps us become more fully alive, creative, connected to others, and free to be ourselves with less, and perhaps more realistic, fear-- individually, in our families, cultures, and society.
Pine Psychological Services, Inc.
Psychologist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Given that I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst, one might deduce that I am very intelligent and really good at what I do. Of course, there are other possibilities like I'm a glutton for punishment or just another ordinary obsessive over-achiever. The point is that credentials and education are but one important factor that go into making a good psychotherapist. I strive to NOT make assumtions, but to listen, understand, respect, be sensitive yet objective and flexible, tailoring the treatment to the needs of my patient instead of the other way around.
Given that I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst, one might deduce that I am very intelligent and really good at what I do. Of course, there are other possibilities like I'm a glutton for punishment or just another ordinary obsessive over-achiever. The point is that credentials and education are but one important factor that go into making a good psychotherapist. I strive to NOT make assumtions, but to listen, understand, respect, be sensitive yet objective and flexible, tailoring the treatment to the needs of my patient instead of the other way around.
Jennifer Jasmin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn In life, there are going to be things that you have no control over. Your only choices are to quit, adapt, or learn something from it. Which choice will you make? Learn to surf or stay out of the ocean?
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn In life, there are going to be things that you have no control over. Your only choices are to quit, adapt, or learn something from it. Which choice will you make? Learn to surf or stay out of the ocean?
15 Second Videos
Carl H. Shubs
Kim Nielsen
Ellie Adhami
Dr. Wendy Schwartz O'Connor & Assoc.
David McKnight
Don ( Dr Don ) Etkes
Bill Benson
Rossana Sida
Affinity Therapy
Tara A Hernandez, MA, LMFT
Antoinette De Leon
Liliya George
Viviana A. Coles
Olga Olivia Grant
The Conscious Partnership™
Lisa Perlson
Nicole Barkopoulos, LMFT
Regina Hernandez Specializing In Trauma
Ronald Ochoa
Isabell Springer
David McKnight
Your Counseling Services dba Therapy Corner
Rebecca Ishida
Dr. Thomas O' Malley & Associates
Richard Achiro
Catalina Lawsin
David McKnight
Haleh Stahl
Laura Tejada
Flora Zaken-Greenberg
Sherry S. Nafeh
Uriah Cty
Marcia Nimmer
Christian Holmes
Cheryl Arutt
Shantel Daniels
Ross Phillips
Sepideh Gidanian
Gina Gonzalez
Reconnect Relationship - Dr. Gilbert Chalepas
Courtney Parker
Shannon Jones Therapy
Sean Brosnan
Charles Zeng
Maryam Dalili
Reconnect Relationship - Dr. Gilbert Chalepas
Nicholas Russi
Helena Rosenberg
Quinney & Associates Inc
James Guay
Sarah Knowlton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with specialized training in sexual compulsivity and issues of sexual health and integrity, and am competent working with both individuals and couples.
In my experience, approaching treatment with the dual aim of increasing insight and self-awareness as well as behavior modification and tangible goals yields the best results. Ram Dass said, "Remember your Buddha nature... and your social security number." I strive to offer both reflective as well as pragmatic resources. If we decide to work together, we will identify the specific issues that brought you to seek help and keep your therapy focused on these issues. We all get stuck, whether it be in unwanted behaviors, an unhealthy relationship, emotional ruts, or just stuck in ourselves. Let's talk and see if we might be a match.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with specialized training in sexual compulsivity and issues of sexual health and integrity, and am competent working with both individuals and couples.
In my experience, approaching treatment with the dual aim of increasing insight and self-awareness as well as behavior modification and tangible goals yields the best results. Ram Dass said, "Remember your Buddha nature... and your social security number." I strive to offer both reflective as well as pragmatic resources. If we decide to work together, we will identify the specific issues that brought you to seek help and keep your therapy focused on these issues. We all get stuck, whether it be in unwanted behaviors, an unhealthy relationship, emotional ruts, or just stuck in ourselves. Let's talk and see if we might be a match.
Jonathan Baker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
I am a dual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I earned my Master's of Science in Counseling from California State University, Fullert in 2018. My specialties include working with client’s experiecing anxiety, depression, impaired self esteem, relational difficulties and those who have experienced trauma. In addition, I have extensive experiencing working with couples, students, and LGBTQ+ identifying individuals. Whoever you are and whatever you’re moving through, I am here to support and empower you.
I am a dual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I earned my Master's of Science in Counseling from California State University, Fullert in 2018. My specialties include working with client’s experiecing anxiety, depression, impaired self esteem, relational difficulties and those who have experienced trauma. In addition, I have extensive experiencing working with couples, students, and LGBTQ+ identifying individuals. Whoever you are and whatever you’re moving through, I am here to support and empower you.
Kevin Yu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Kevin Yu, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I appreciate you taking a proactive step towards enriching your relationship in anticipation of marriage. This period is not just exciting but deeply transformative, and it's my privilege to support you through this significant journey. In our sessions, we'll navigate together through the common challenges couples often encounter as they prepare to unite their lives. From financial planning and blending families to navigating conflict resolution and setting achievable expectations, our goal is to make this preparatory phase not only insightful but genuinely enjoyable.
Hello, I'm Kevin Yu, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I appreciate you taking a proactive step towards enriching your relationship in anticipation of marriage. This period is not just exciting but deeply transformative, and it's my privilege to support you through this significant journey. In our sessions, we'll navigate together through the common challenges couples often encounter as they prepare to unite their lives. From financial planning and blending families to navigating conflict resolution and setting achievable expectations, our goal is to make this preparatory phase not only insightful but genuinely enjoyable.
Jillian Ziesmer
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (Online Only)
I am here to help you find a deeper understanding of yourself, cultivate personal growth, and improve your relationships. In a collaborative relationship with the client, I explore family dynamics, relationship patterns, and underlying feelings and unconscious drives that impede a sense of well being. Some of the issues I treat include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, recovery, trauma (emotional, physical, sexual), suicidal ideation, grief/loss, cancer survivors, LGBTQ, and pre-marital counseling/relationship/marital issues. I help clients explore their feelings, past experiences, present situations, and hopes for the future.
I am here to help you find a deeper understanding of yourself, cultivate personal growth, and improve your relationships. In a collaborative relationship with the client, I explore family dynamics, relationship patterns, and underlying feelings and unconscious drives that impede a sense of well being. Some of the issues I treat include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, recovery, trauma (emotional, physical, sexual), suicidal ideation, grief/loss, cancer survivors, LGBTQ, and pre-marital counseling/relationship/marital issues. I help clients explore their feelings, past experiences, present situations, and hopes for the future.
Sarah S Omid
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (Online Only)
I have a multicultural practice and have been practicing in the Beverly Hills area for over 25 years. I treat individuals, couples and families struggling with depression, loss, grief, anxiety, communication and relationship issues. I believe each individual is unique in thier strenghts, needs and abilities. I help my clients by empowering them to achieve greater awareness and self esteem. I also provide guidance for my clients whom are going through life transitions such as pre-marital counseling, divorce, or death of a loved one. I am very passionate about my work and have a very compassionate, and respectful approach in working with my clients.
I have a multicultural practice and have been practicing in the Beverly Hills area for over 25 years. I treat individuals, couples and families struggling with depression, loss, grief, anxiety, communication and relationship issues. I believe each individual is unique in thier strenghts, needs and abilities. I help my clients by empowering them to achieve greater awareness and self esteem. I also provide guidance for my clients whom are going through life transitions such as pre-marital counseling, divorce, or death of a loved one. I am very passionate about my work and have a very compassionate, and respectful approach in working with my clients.
Trina Chan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
I obtained my MA degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, CA, and my MA and BA degrees in English, and Drama with Education Studies from the University of Cambridge, UK.
I believe strongly in creating a safe, open and non-judgmental environment in order for individuals to feel comfortable expressing themselves and to work through difficult and complex issues. I am a therapist bilingual in English and Mandarin, and I have experience working with anxiety, trauma, depression, grief and loss, family and relationship issues, life transitions, amongst others. I work mainly with adults and adolescents.
I obtained my MA degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, CA, and my MA and BA degrees in English, and Drama with Education Studies from the University of Cambridge, UK.
I believe strongly in creating a safe, open and non-judgmental environment in order for individuals to feel comfortable expressing themselves and to work through difficult and complex issues. I am a therapist bilingual in English and Mandarin, and I have experience working with anxiety, trauma, depression, grief and loss, family and relationship issues, life transitions, amongst others. I work mainly with adults and adolescents.
Richard Fontenot
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, MMC
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (Online Only)
I prep individuals for marriage counseling when both partners are not ready to meet with a couples therapist and talk about what changes are needed.
Richard trained at Harvard Medical School in Narrative Medicine and M.I.T. Sloan School of Management in Neuroscience for Business. His experience as a producer’s assistant to Academy Award and Emmy Award winners (working on Billion $ revenue teams) has allowed him to understand the demands of success while balancing creativity, career, family, and relationship goals. He works with creatives, actors, writers, producers, Alphabet engineers, tech start-up docs, students, and teachers. Using CBT and Interpersonal Neurobiological approaches, he meets patients where they most need him to overcome obstacles and achieve optimum health.
I prep individuals for marriage counseling when both partners are not ready to meet with a couples therapist and talk about what changes are needed.
Richard trained at Harvard Medical School in Narrative Medicine and M.I.T. Sloan School of Management in Neuroscience for Business. His experience as a producer’s assistant to Academy Award and Emmy Award winners (working on Billion $ revenue teams) has allowed him to understand the demands of success while balancing creativity, career, family, and relationship goals. He works with creatives, actors, writers, producers, Alphabet engineers, tech start-up docs, students, and teachers. Using CBT and Interpersonal Neurobiological approaches, he meets patients where they most need him to overcome obstacles and achieve optimum health.
Carole A Chasinm.a.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (Online Only)
As a Marriage and Family therapist and relationship specialist in Beverly Hills, I help smart successful people learn to recognize and find a loving partner and have the relationship they want and be able to translate their career success into relationship success. If you're looking for a new relationship or wanting to improve the one you're in, it's time to invest in yourself, your relationship, and your future by getting expert help now. Discover how to find the love you deserve. I’ll guide you into a loving, lasting and fulfilling relationship or marriage. Even partners who argue can have highly successful relationship. Call me
As a Marriage and Family therapist and relationship specialist in Beverly Hills, I help smart successful people learn to recognize and find a loving partner and have the relationship they want and be able to translate their career success into relationship success. If you're looking for a new relationship or wanting to improve the one you're in, it's time to invest in yourself, your relationship, and your future by getting expert help now. Discover how to find the love you deserve. I’ll guide you into a loving, lasting and fulfilling relationship or marriage. Even partners who argue can have highly successful relationship. Call me
Tom Jair Cohn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSc, LMFT
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” ― Thomas A. Edison talking about his attempts to invent the light bulb. At times we feel that we are failing. In our relationships, our jobs, day-to-day struggles or life itself. However, often our so-called "failed attempts" are crucial steps towards increased well-being and healing. In more than 18 years as a marital and family therapist I have been continuously humbled by clients' creativity, resilience and curiosity in bringing about that healing.
“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” ― Thomas A. Edison talking about his attempts to invent the light bulb. At times we feel that we are failing. In our relationships, our jobs, day-to-day struggles or life itself. However, often our so-called "failed attempts" are crucial steps towards increased well-being and healing. In more than 18 years as a marital and family therapist I have been continuously humbled by clients' creativity, resilience and curiosity in bringing about that healing.
See more therapy options for Beverly Hills
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.