Marriage Counseling Therapists in Concord, CA

Photo of Erika Bianca Igarta, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Concord, CA
Erika Bianca Igarta
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC, NLP
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94518
I am here to help! As an associate marriage family therapist (AMFT) and certified life coach, I am here to help you, families, or couples understand where your healing needs to begin and understand your sole purpose in life.
I can imagine that everyone is experiencing some type of needs regarding their emotional and mental wellness. Are you experiencing deep sadness? Anxiety? Personal issues amongst your family members or spouse? Maybe even some parenting issues?
I am here to help! As an associate marriage family therapist (AMFT) and certified life coach, I am here to help you, families, or couples understand where your healing needs to begin and understand your sole purpose in life.
I can imagine that everyone is experiencing some type of needs regarding their emotional and mental wellness. Are you experiencing deep sadness? Anxiety? Personal issues amongst your family members or spouse? Maybe even some parenting issues?
(925) 722-6469 View (925) 722-6469
Photo of Jan Amber Steward-Davis, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
Jan Amber Steward-Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94518
I have over 25 years working with clients, who struggle with chemical dependency, codependency, depression, anxiety, anger, dysfunctional relationships, marital discord, family of origin issues, internet porn, pervasive negative patterns & phase of life problems. I work as an empathic guide by meeting you were you are, listening to your story, & creating attainable goals that fit into your life. I work with adults on an individual basis & provide couples counseling. When appropriate I like to invite family member(s) as a supportive means.
I have over 25 years working with clients, who struggle with chemical dependency, codependency, depression, anxiety, anger, dysfunctional relationships, marital discord, family of origin issues, internet porn, pervasive negative patterns & phase of life problems. I work as an empathic guide by meeting you were you are, listening to your story, & creating attainable goals that fit into your life. I work with adults on an individual basis & provide couples counseling. When appropriate I like to invite family member(s) as a supportive means.
(925) 304-4515 View (925) 304-4515
Photo of Jake Rivas-Duke, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
Jake Rivas-Duke
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LAADC
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520  (Online Only)
Having worked in mental health and substance use for 8 years, treating these issues both independently and in a co-occurring modality, I know the first challenge is reaching out and asking for help. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and other issues affecting wellness and hope commonly leads to the ineffective use of substances. I am an Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Lic#110007) and Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor certified by CCAPP, specializing in the treatment of co-occurring disorders in youths, adults, couples, and families utilizing strength-based therapy.
Having worked in mental health and substance use for 8 years, treating these issues both independently and in a co-occurring modality, I know the first challenge is reaching out and asking for help. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and other issues affecting wellness and hope commonly leads to the ineffective use of substances. I am an Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Lic#110007) and Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor certified by CCAPP, specializing in the treatment of co-occurring disorders in youths, adults, couples, and families utilizing strength-based therapy.
(925) 452-4387 View (925) 452-4387
Photo of Juana Soto, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Concord, CA
Juana Soto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520
Hi there, I’m Juana! My name is Juana Soto and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with individuals who are in need of support as they navigate the varied complexities and challenges of life, specifically, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. I offer psychodynamic psychotherapy rooted in humanistic traditions and use a creative and integrative approach to best meet my clients in their unique circumstances. I’m open to working with anyone who is looking to embark on a journey of exploration and understanding of their lived-experiences.
Hi there, I’m Juana! My name is Juana Soto and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with individuals who are in need of support as they navigate the varied complexities and challenges of life, specifically, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. I offer psychodynamic psychotherapy rooted in humanistic traditions and use a creative and integrative approach to best meet my clients in their unique circumstances. I’m open to working with anyone who is looking to embark on a journey of exploration and understanding of their lived-experiences.
(925) 438-0951 View (925) 438-0951
Photo of Michelle Ikeda, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
Michelle Ikeda
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with diverse experience in social services and healthcare fields. My expertise is in helping individuals/couples cope with depression, anxieties, differences in priorities, improve communication, and facilitate better understanding of each other. I have a variety of experiences working with children and families with issues related to child welfare system, court or non-court custody related issues, legal guardianship related issues and parenting issues.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with diverse experience in social services and healthcare fields. My expertise is in helping individuals/couples cope with depression, anxieties, differences in priorities, improve communication, and facilitate better understanding of each other. I have a variety of experiences working with children and families with issues related to child welfare system, court or non-court custody related issues, legal guardianship related issues and parenting issues.
(209) 370-2646 View (209) 370-2646
Photo of Marian T Okamura, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Concord, CA
Marian T Okamura
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520
I have been in private practice for over 30 years. I have had extensive experience with ethnically diverse women, men, couples, Veterans and immigrants, from young to older adults. I work with issues, such as depression, anxiety, relationships, marriage, work, disability, aging, loss, bereavement, identity and cross cultural/bi-cultural conflict. I am interested in exploring these issues through a dynamic process of understanding your emotional life and thoughts; and, how it manifests in your behavior in the world. Available for clinical consultation or supervising licensing hours. By appointment: Office, phone or virtual.
I have been in private practice for over 30 years. I have had extensive experience with ethnically diverse women, men, couples, Veterans and immigrants, from young to older adults. I work with issues, such as depression, anxiety, relationships, marriage, work, disability, aging, loss, bereavement, identity and cross cultural/bi-cultural conflict. I am interested in exploring these issues through a dynamic process of understanding your emotional life and thoughts; and, how it manifests in your behavior in the world. Available for clinical consultation or supervising licensing hours. By appointment: Office, phone or virtual.
(925) 854-4468 View (925) 854-4468
Photo of Stephen Sperber, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
Stephen Sperber
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94519  (Online Only)
My areas of specialization include but are not limited to: improving problem solving and communication, couples/marriage counseling, premarital counseling, parenting/step-parenting, adolescent issues, anxiety/depression, divorce recovery and addiction/codependency.
We can all use help dealing with life's challenges. I have more than thirty years of experience helping adolescents, adults, couples and families through tough times. My goal is to help you deal with problems, become more aware of your feelings, face sensitive issues and achieve personal growth. Our work together will enable you to develop the strengths and skills that allow you to deal effectively with life's challenges. Clients have reported that I am a good listener and create a warm and friendly environment in which they feel supported in the pursuit of solutions to their problems. I use a variety of theoretical approaches,
My areas of specialization include but are not limited to: improving problem solving and communication, couples/marriage counseling, premarital counseling, parenting/step-parenting, adolescent issues, anxiety/depression, divorce recovery and addiction/codependency.
We can all use help dealing with life's challenges. I have more than thirty years of experience helping adolescents, adults, couples and families through tough times. My goal is to help you deal with problems, become more aware of your feelings, face sensitive issues and achieve personal growth. Our work together will enable you to develop the strengths and skills that allow you to deal effectively with life's challenges. Clients have reported that I am a good listener and create a warm and friendly environment in which they feel supported in the pursuit of solutions to their problems. I use a variety of theoretical approaches,
(925) 403-4147 View (925) 403-4147
Photo of David Shragai, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
David Shragai
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94518
My specialties include relationships and communication, couples/marriage therapy, depression, anxiety, stress management, difficulties of older age, addiction and bi-cultural issues.
Do you want to improve your emotional well being or to learn how to deal more effectively with stress, anxiety, depression or addiction? Do you want to improve your relationship and communication with your partner? For over 30 years I've provided psychotherapy in a supportive, caring and safe atmosphere helping individuals and couples to address emotional difficulties and achieve a better quality of life.
My specialties include relationships and communication, couples/marriage therapy, depression, anxiety, stress management, difficulties of older age, addiction and bi-cultural issues.
Do you want to improve your emotional well being or to learn how to deal more effectively with stress, anxiety, depression or addiction? Do you want to improve your relationship and communication with your partner? For over 30 years I've provided psychotherapy in a supportive, caring and safe atmosphere helping individuals and couples to address emotional difficulties and achieve a better quality of life.
(510) 746-8114 View (510) 746-8114
Photo of Jonel Mizerak, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
Jonel Mizerak
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Concord, CA 94518
I am a Marriage & Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
By seeking therapy you have begun your journey towards positive change. Counseling can help you create healthier choices, gain emotional self-awareness, and better communication and relationship patterns. I welcome individuals, couples, adults and teens who present with a variety of life challenges and from diverse backgrounds. I use an integrative approach to best fit the needs of each client. My style is empathic, supportive, interactive, collaborative and relational. I believe in creating a supportive space for each person to find their authentic self in order to live a more productive, peaceful, and joyful life.
I am a Marriage & Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
By seeking therapy you have begun your journey towards positive change. Counseling can help you create healthier choices, gain emotional self-awareness, and better communication and relationship patterns. I welcome individuals, couples, adults and teens who present with a variety of life challenges and from diverse backgrounds. I use an integrative approach to best fit the needs of each client. My style is empathic, supportive, interactive, collaborative and relational. I believe in creating a supportive space for each person to find their authentic self in order to live a more productive, peaceful, and joyful life.
(925) 548-8841 View (925) 548-8841
Photo of Donna McCulloch, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
Donna McCulloch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520
I've completed Level I and II trainings in EMDR and am a member of the California Association of Marriage/Family Therapists.
There comes a time in everyone's life when stressful events overwhelm us and our usual ways of coping don't work anymore. It is at this juncture that the perspective of a caring, experienced professional can make a life-changing difference. My name is Donna McCulloch and I am a Licensed MFT. I have maintained a busy private practice in Benicia, CA. for 19 years. My areas of specialization include depression and anxiety, relationship/communication problems, trauma reduction...including EMDR, and empowerment/ assertiveness for women who struggle with the ability to set reasonable limits with others.
I've completed Level I and II trainings in EMDR and am a member of the California Association of Marriage/Family Therapists.
There comes a time in everyone's life when stressful events overwhelm us and our usual ways of coping don't work anymore. It is at this juncture that the perspective of a caring, experienced professional can make a life-changing difference. My name is Donna McCulloch and I am a Licensed MFT. I have maintained a busy private practice in Benicia, CA. for 19 years. My areas of specialization include depression and anxiety, relationship/communication problems, trauma reduction...including EMDR, and empowerment/ assertiveness for women who struggle with the ability to set reasonable limits with others.
(707) 746-6620 View (707) 746-6620
Photo of Brian Needleman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
Brian Needleman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94518  (Online Only)
I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist with 25+ years experience working with adults, adolescents, children and couples in several clinical settings. I use respectful, straightforward and practical approaches when working with clients. I draw on my experience, intuition, sense of humor, and imagination when working with clients to help create a supportive and empowering environment for clients to get help for many of life's challenges. Albert Schweitzer said, "Truth has no special time of its own. Its time is now...always." Now is the time to develop your potential for strength and growth. Take the first step and call.
I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist with 25+ years experience working with adults, adolescents, children and couples in several clinical settings. I use respectful, straightforward and practical approaches when working with clients. I draw on my experience, intuition, sense of humor, and imagination when working with clients to help create a supportive and empowering environment for clients to get help for many of life's challenges. Albert Schweitzer said, "Truth has no special time of its own. Its time is now...always." Now is the time to develop your potential for strength and growth. Take the first step and call.
(925) 941-4677 View (925) 941-4677
Photo of Cindi Rivera, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
Cindi Rivera
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94522
Also offering Couples Therapy Intensives to create an oasis for your marriage where you can improve intimacy & communication, reconnect, deal with the discovery of an affair, stop repeating negative relational patterns onto your kids, reduce arguments or distancing, & make lasting change in 2 days, without months of couples therapy, and without interruption.
I am a bilingual bicultural psychotherapist working with adults and couples who are having problems in their relationships and/or who feel badly about themselves or their life situation. The in-depth work I do focuses on one's feelings and significant relationships - past and present. With compassion and deep personal respect, I help my clients to deal with the painful issues, losses and complex struggles of living. I work well with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting issues, inter-racial couples, life transitions, loss, and trauma; toward repairing the relationships that are inevitably affected by these problems.
Also offering Couples Therapy Intensives to create an oasis for your marriage where you can improve intimacy & communication, reconnect, deal with the discovery of an affair, stop repeating negative relational patterns onto your kids, reduce arguments or distancing, & make lasting change in 2 days, without months of couples therapy, and without interruption.
I am a bilingual bicultural psychotherapist working with adults and couples who are having problems in their relationships and/or who feel badly about themselves or their life situation. The in-depth work I do focuses on one's feelings and significant relationships - past and present. With compassion and deep personal respect, I help my clients to deal with the painful issues, losses and complex struggles of living. I work well with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting issues, inter-racial couples, life transitions, loss, and trauma; toward repairing the relationships that are inevitably affected by these problems.
(510) 470-7374 View (510) 470-7374
Photo of Shevan Breaux, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
Shevan Breaux
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520
My Name is Shevan Breaux, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Riverside, California. Through the telehealth process, I am working with clients statewide. I work with adolescents and adults specializing in anxiety, depression, and stress management using a variety of methods including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
My Name is Shevan Breaux, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Riverside, California. Through the telehealth process, I am working with clients statewide. I work with adolescents and adults specializing in anxiety, depression, and stress management using a variety of methods including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
(916) 623-7188 View (916) 623-7188
Photo of Laura Madsen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
Laura Madsen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520
Marriage can be stressful and couples can end up stuck in negative patterns and not know how to get out.
In today's world, adolescents are exposed to some overwhelming internal and external battles, such as peer pressure, self-esteem and body image, stress from home and school, bullying, anxiety, and depression. I am passionate about coming alongside today's adolescents to create a safe, non-judgemental, understanding atmosphere, process their struggles and gain positive, healthy tools to use as they grow. In addition, I also have a heart for helping individuals examine their present life issues and deal effectively with the circumstances they are facing. Come visit us on Facebook under Hope Counseling Services
Marriage can be stressful and couples can end up stuck in negative patterns and not know how to get out.
In today's world, adolescents are exposed to some overwhelming internal and external battles, such as peer pressure, self-esteem and body image, stress from home and school, bullying, anxiety, and depression. I am passionate about coming alongside today's adolescents to create a safe, non-judgemental, understanding atmosphere, process their struggles and gain positive, healthy tools to use as they grow. In addition, I also have a heart for helping individuals examine their present life issues and deal effectively with the circumstances they are facing. Come visit us on Facebook under Hope Counseling Services
(925) 261-7637 View (925) 261-7637
Photo of Julio Hernandez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
Julio Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94521
Hello, my name is Julio Hernandez, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles working with clients throughout California via telehealth. I work with all people from young adults to older adults and I specialize in trauma, depression, stress, and life changes using Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Rogerian Person-Centered Therapy to support my clients through their life challenges and help them feel better. I specialize in fostering meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds, spanning from young adults to seasoned individuals facing life's formidable challenges and transitions.
Hello, my name is Julio Hernandez, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles working with clients throughout California via telehealth. I work with all people from young adults to older adults and I specialize in trauma, depression, stress, and life changes using Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Rogerian Person-Centered Therapy to support my clients through their life challenges and help them feel better. I specialize in fostering meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds, spanning from young adults to seasoned individuals facing life's formidable challenges and transitions.
(805) 669-3110 View (805) 669-3110
Photo of Teena Barbre, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
Teena Barbre
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520
Hello, I’m Dr. Barbre, or just Teena if it's easier. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I am based in Orange County, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples. I set goals for myself and my clients and treat every session as an opportunity to make progress. I approach therapy with an eclectic assortment of approaches and tools to individualize our work together to meet your needs best.
Hello, I’m Dr. Barbre, or just Teena if it's easier. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I am based in Orange County, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples. I set goals for myself and my clients and treat every session as an opportunity to make progress. I approach therapy with an eclectic assortment of approaches and tools to individualize our work together to meet your needs best.
(424) 227-5579 View (424) 227-5579
Photo of Soul Connection Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
Soul Connection Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94518  (Online Only)
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Hello Beloved! The fact that you are here in this moment is evidence you have what it takes to create the life you deserve. My name is Fabiana Vega and I want to help you cultivate your strengths with the resources that are living inside of you. Every single person has superpowers that are unlike any other human being in the world and I want to show you how to harness that energy to heal your life.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Hello Beloved! The fact that you are here in this moment is evidence you have what it takes to create the life you deserve. My name is Fabiana Vega and I want to help you cultivate your strengths with the resources that are living inside of you. Every single person has superpowers that are unlike any other human being in the world and I want to show you how to harness that energy to heal your life.
(707) 207-8696 View (707) 207-8696
Photo of Tara McKinney, Marriage & Family Therapist in Concord, CA
Tara McKinney
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94523
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 18 years of experience treating people with relationship, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment, and substance use difficulties, and who would like better tools to reach their goals and improve their lives. I use a combination of cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and supportive therapy to give individuals, couples, and families better ability to enhance healing, growth, and connection. Our thinking impacts our feelings, and our feelings impact our behavior.
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 18 years of experience treating people with relationship, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment, and substance use difficulties, and who would like better tools to reach their goals and improve their lives. I use a combination of cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and supportive therapy to give individuals, couples, and families better ability to enhance healing, growth, and connection. Our thinking impacts our feelings, and our feelings impact our behavior.
(657) 298-8025 View (657) 298-8025
Photo of Ken Kaiser, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Concord, CA
Ken Kaiser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94521
Hello everyone, my name is Ken Kaiser. I am a licensed clinical social worker who has been working as a therapist for over 20 years. I treat all ages, from children to seniors. I see clients of all ages. The areas I am most helpful are people with anxiety, depression, attention problems, obsessive compulsive issues, anger, marital concerns, and sexual issues. I have a compassionate approach using multiple modalities to help people accomplish their therapy goals. Primarily I use a cognitive behavioral approach but use what every would be most helpful and am comfortable with spirituality.
Hello everyone, my name is Ken Kaiser. I am a licensed clinical social worker who has been working as a therapist for over 20 years. I treat all ages, from children to seniors. I see clients of all ages. The areas I am most helpful are people with anxiety, depression, attention problems, obsessive compulsive issues, anger, marital concerns, and sexual issues. I have a compassionate approach using multiple modalities to help people accomplish their therapy goals. Primarily I use a cognitive behavioral approach but use what every would be most helpful and am comfortable with spirituality.
(657) 571-3984 View (657) 571-3984
Photo of Yana Kononovich, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Concord, CA
Yana Kononovich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Concord, CA 94520
My Specialties: Biopsychosocial Assessment, Trauma, PTSD, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Psychoeduction, Life Transitions, Adjustment to Illness, Coping Skills, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Loss, Stress, Burn out, Restoration of a Positive Self-Concept and Self-Esteem, Marital issues, Interpersonal Relationships.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a Bachelor and Master of Social Work, in addition to Master's in Gerontology. I am passionate about helping children, adults and families. I offer in person and tele-therapy through video and/or phone. Home visits are optional for special circumstances. I also offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy that will help you to replace the negative images in the mind. This is a unique approach that combines the enormous power of eye movements. If you are looking for a quicker resolution of your problem, please reach out for a consultation.
My Specialties: Biopsychosocial Assessment, Trauma, PTSD, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Psychoeduction, Life Transitions, Adjustment to Illness, Coping Skills, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Loss, Stress, Burn out, Restoration of a Positive Self-Concept and Self-Esteem, Marital issues, Interpersonal Relationships.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a Bachelor and Master of Social Work, in addition to Master's in Gerontology. I am passionate about helping children, adults and families. I offer in person and tele-therapy through video and/or phone. Home visits are optional for special circumstances. I also offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy that will help you to replace the negative images in the mind. This is a unique approach that combines the enormous power of eye movements. If you are looking for a quicker resolution of your problem, please reach out for a consultation.
(925) 403-4053 View (925) 403-4053
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.