Marriage Counseling Therapists in Oakland, CA

Photo of Christine Woods, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Christine Woods
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and I specialize in working with individuals/couples in recovery from sex addiction, pornography addiction, and/or love addiction. I support betrayed partners who are struggling to make sense of how best to move forward in the wake of traumatic discovery. In my work with couples impacted by sexual addiction, betrayal, or infidelity, I emphasize the relationship repair process through therapy sessions designed to provide immediate structure and tools. These sessions aim to facilitate authentic communication skills and rebuild trust and connection. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and I specialize in working with individuals/couples in recovery from sex addiction, pornography addiction, and/or love addiction. I support betrayed partners who are struggling to make sense of how best to move forward in the wake of traumatic discovery. In my work with couples impacted by sexual addiction, betrayal, or infidelity, I emphasize the relationship repair process through therapy sessions designed to provide immediate structure and tools. These sessions aim to facilitate authentic communication skills and rebuild trust and connection. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
(510) 892-5137 x17 View (510) 892-5137 x17
Photo of Lindsay Conner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Lindsay Conner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have been working in this field since 2012, and I have expertise and experience treating depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, trauma, postpartum, marital issues including infidelity, and more. My clinical framework tends to be a Cognitive Behavioral approach as well as a solution focused approach. I believe that you are the driver of your life, and I am the passenger, providing direction, support and guidance.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have been working in this field since 2012, and I have expertise and experience treating depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, trauma, postpartum, marital issues including infidelity, and more. My clinical framework tends to be a Cognitive Behavioral approach as well as a solution focused approach. I believe that you are the driver of your life, and I am the passenger, providing direction, support and guidance.
(510) 851-8893 View (510) 851-8893
Photo of Michael Rochette, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Michael Rochette
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
I have a lifelong commitment to exploring our interconnections with our selves, our families, our significant others, our coworkers/neighbors, and our natural world. I see many of our personal challenges, which tend to manifest as anxiety and depression, correspond with disconnected patterns that leave us stuck, emotionally, cognitively, somatically, and spiritually. As a California registered associate marriage and family therapist, I work with clients to heal existing interconnections and cultivate new ways of being in connection.
I have a lifelong commitment to exploring our interconnections with our selves, our families, our significant others, our coworkers/neighbors, and our natural world. I see many of our personal challenges, which tend to manifest as anxiety and depression, correspond with disconnected patterns that leave us stuck, emotionally, cognitively, somatically, and spiritually. As a California registered associate marriage and family therapist, I work with clients to heal existing interconnections and cultivate new ways of being in connection.
(510) 298-3372 View (510) 298-3372
Photo of Lucia Grauman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Oakland, CA
Lucia Grauman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Awarded Oakland Magazine's "Best Therapist" 2018 & 2020, my specialties include: relationship issues (such as conflict resolution, dating, pre-marital counseling, divorce, blended families, infidelity); grief & loss; addiction, recovery & codependence; anxiety & depression. My approach is both warm and direct-- my clients experience me as accepting and empathic, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow and change. I am an integrative therapist, meaning I integrate more than one way/theory/model to view and treat psychological and/or relational concerns. See my website for education, experience and credentials.
Awarded Oakland Magazine's "Best Therapist" 2018 & 2020, my specialties include: relationship issues (such as conflict resolution, dating, pre-marital counseling, divorce, blended families, infidelity); grief & loss; addiction, recovery & codependence; anxiety & depression. My approach is both warm and direct-- my clients experience me as accepting and empathic, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow and change. I am an integrative therapist, meaning I integrate more than one way/theory/model to view and treat psychological and/or relational concerns. See my website for education, experience and credentials.
(415) 799-3799 View (415) 799-3799
Photo of Noelle Clason, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Noelle Clason
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I am currently a doctoral student in Human Sexuality with a research focus on trans/cis relationships, a sex educator endorsed by San Francisco Sex Information (SFSI), as well as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
I provide sex-positive therapy to individuals, relationships, and adult families. Most of my clients have non-mainstream sexual, gender, and/or relationship identities. Many identify as non-monogamous, are considering opening or creatively designing their relationship(s); I help them to create agreements, move through jealousy, heal from infidelities, build trust, and improve communication with partners and metamours. I work with queer, transgender, and nonbinary clients just beginning to question and explore their identities, and those who have been out for years and need therapy from a clinician familiar with queer issues.
I am currently a doctoral student in Human Sexuality with a research focus on trans/cis relationships, a sex educator endorsed by San Francisco Sex Information (SFSI), as well as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
I provide sex-positive therapy to individuals, relationships, and adult families. Most of my clients have non-mainstream sexual, gender, and/or relationship identities. Many identify as non-monogamous, are considering opening or creatively designing their relationship(s); I help them to create agreements, move through jealousy, heal from infidelities, build trust, and improve communication with partners and metamours. I work with queer, transgender, and nonbinary clients just beginning to question and explore their identities, and those who have been out for years and need therapy from a clinician familiar with queer issues.
(510) 907-6191 View (510) 907-6191
Photo of Alissa Benporat, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Alissa Benporat
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I believe that healing happens in relationship, and offer warmth and curiosity to help you explore and name the truth of your experience in order to heal from anxiety, relational trauma, and embrace life's challenges. I work with individuals & couples who want to improve boundaries and communication, create meaningful connection, and align their choices with their values. I support you through circumstances life throws at you - affairs, loss, aging, marriage, divorce, raising kids, job stress. I am keen to explore issues related to gender, culture, health, spirituality, sexuality, monogamy, polyamory, and psychedelic integration.
I believe that healing happens in relationship, and offer warmth and curiosity to help you explore and name the truth of your experience in order to heal from anxiety, relational trauma, and embrace life's challenges. I work with individuals & couples who want to improve boundaries and communication, create meaningful connection, and align their choices with their values. I support you through circumstances life throws at you - affairs, loss, aging, marriage, divorce, raising kids, job stress. I am keen to explore issues related to gender, culture, health, spirituality, sexuality, monogamy, polyamory, and psychedelic integration.
(510) 330-1145 View (510) 330-1145
Photo of Shirley Wong, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Shirley Wong
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MASW, MAC, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I have experience working with a diverse range of clients struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, marital conflict, low self-esteem, stress, parenting, loss, grief, and anger issues.
Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of anxiety? If you find it difficult to make friends or experience loneliness, come talk to me. Together, we will work on strategies that allow you to address your difficulties and build meaningful social connections. I am there to walk beside you, listen and offer you my insights, and support you as together we look into whatever it is you bring. Counseling can help you to explore your difficulties and understand the emotions behind them. The process aims to help you find ways of managing your life, perhaps by seeing things differently or gaining a deeper understanding.
I have experience working with a diverse range of clients struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, marital conflict, low self-esteem, stress, parenting, loss, grief, and anger issues.
Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of anxiety? If you find it difficult to make friends or experience loneliness, come talk to me. Together, we will work on strategies that allow you to address your difficulties and build meaningful social connections. I am there to walk beside you, listen and offer you my insights, and support you as together we look into whatever it is you bring. Counseling can help you to explore your difficulties and understand the emotions behind them. The process aims to help you find ways of managing your life, perhaps by seeing things differently or gaining a deeper understanding.
(510) 737-5476 View (510) 737-5476
Photo of Aaron Wilson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Aaron Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
Whether you are feeling stuck in your own life, or with your intimate partner/marriage, or navigating challenging dynamics with your family, I can support you to engage authentic and meaningful change.
AUTHENTICITY, ALIVENESS, and CONNECTION are vital ingredients to living a healthy and meaningful life. Unfortunately these qualities do not always receive the proper attention needed to thrive. As a result, we develop coping strategies that often lead us to not getting what we want in life, leaving us feeling stuck, anxious, depressed, and hopeless. Therapy provides a unique opportunity to explore the unconscious patterns that keep us stuck. Therapy can help you make meaningful change to live the life you wish and to create the relationships you long for.
Whether you are feeling stuck in your own life, or with your intimate partner/marriage, or navigating challenging dynamics with your family, I can support you to engage authentic and meaningful change.
AUTHENTICITY, ALIVENESS, and CONNECTION are vital ingredients to living a healthy and meaningful life. Unfortunately these qualities do not always receive the proper attention needed to thrive. As a result, we develop coping strategies that often lead us to not getting what we want in life, leaving us feeling stuck, anxious, depressed, and hopeless. Therapy provides a unique opportunity to explore the unconscious patterns that keep us stuck. Therapy can help you make meaningful change to live the life you wish and to create the relationships you long for.
(415) 592-6652 View (415) 592-6652
Photo of Nicole Kat Laby, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Nicole Kat Laby
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
For the past 30 years I've helped people navigate through depression, anxiety, marital/spousal problems, issues with intimacy, significant life transitions, trauma, artists with difficulty producing work, LGBTQ communities, substance abuse, chemical dependencies, eating disorders and infertility.
Sometimes the belief that you will find the right therapist and get through difficulties feels so far away. Depression and anxiety can complicate your efforts to reach out and begin the process of telling your story. I am here to listen to your story and collaborate with you to get past hardships and make realistic and sustainable changes. I have an interactive style which helps to draw out the difficult parts and ground you in your pursuit of a more fulfilling life. Thank you for visiting and please let me know if you’d like to talk for a bit first in order to see if I could be of help. For more info please visit NicoleLaby.com
For the past 30 years I've helped people navigate through depression, anxiety, marital/spousal problems, issues with intimacy, significant life transitions, trauma, artists with difficulty producing work, LGBTQ communities, substance abuse, chemical dependencies, eating disorders and infertility.
Sometimes the belief that you will find the right therapist and get through difficulties feels so far away. Depression and anxiety can complicate your efforts to reach out and begin the process of telling your story. I am here to listen to your story and collaborate with you to get past hardships and make realistic and sustainable changes. I have an interactive style which helps to draw out the difficult parts and ground you in your pursuit of a more fulfilling life. Thank you for visiting and please let me know if you’d like to talk for a bit first in order to see if I could be of help. For more info please visit NicoleLaby.com
(628) 333-2198 View (628) 333-2198
Photo of Cindi Rivera, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Cindi Rivera
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602
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 Michelle Grebe, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Michelle Grebe
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94603
I'm dually licensed as a marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor.
Are you looking for a more joyous and purposeful life? I'm here to help! I believe you enter therapy already equipped for the transformation you seek.
I'm dually licensed as a marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor.
Are you looking for a more joyous and purposeful life? I'm here to help! I believe you enter therapy already equipped for the transformation you seek.
(341) 758-5197 View (341) 758-5197
Photo of Tayina Fenelus, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Oakland, CA
Tayina Fenelus
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
Axis Mundi would like to present Tayina Fenelus: Tayina is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and is supervised weekly by Natalie Webster, LMFT 126065. You might be dealing with life's challenges, just like we all are, and are on the lookout for a space where you can truly be yourself and see a face that looks like yours. What you need is connection, healing, and a place where you won't feel judged. Your goal isn't just to tackle immediate issues, it's to create a cozy spot for self-discovery and growth. You're not after your typical therapy—you want something deeper, a mix of everyday life and something more profound.
Axis Mundi would like to present Tayina Fenelus: Tayina is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and is supervised weekly by Natalie Webster, LMFT 126065. You might be dealing with life's challenges, just like we all are, and are on the lookout for a space where you can truly be yourself and see a face that looks like yours. What you need is connection, healing, and a place where you won't feel judged. Your goal isn't just to tackle immediate issues, it's to create a cozy spot for self-discovery and growth. You're not after your typical therapy—you want something deeper, a mix of everyday life and something more profound.
(510) 319-1427 View (510) 319-1427
Photo of Rachel Boyes, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Rachel Boyes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Hello, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist who supports my clients in discovering and achieving what they most want in life. As we begin to look more deeply at who we are, we can move toward a life that has increased balance and fulfillment. Many of us suffer in our relationships, careers and internal worlds due to a lack of awareness of the ways in which our past wounds impact current choices and ways of interacting with others. By taking a deeper look at these processes, problematic belief systems can begin to change.
Hello, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist who supports my clients in discovering and achieving what they most want in life. As we begin to look more deeply at who we are, we can move toward a life that has increased balance and fulfillment. Many of us suffer in our relationships, careers and internal worlds due to a lack of awareness of the ways in which our past wounds impact current choices and ways of interacting with others. By taking a deeper look at these processes, problematic belief systems can begin to change.
(510) 319-0136 View (510) 319-0136
Photo of Marissza Cavin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Marissza Cavin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I work with those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, and relational issues. I use a variety of approaches to build understanding of your inner dialogue, your values, and how to create more fulfillment in your life. While working with couples, I support building trust through assertion practice, role playing, shifting toward appreciation, and improving communication techniques especially when in conflict.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I work with those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, and relational issues. I use a variety of approaches to build understanding of your inner dialogue, your values, and how to create more fulfillment in your life. While working with couples, I support building trust through assertion practice, role playing, shifting toward appreciation, and improving communication techniques especially when in conflict.
(510) 480-3987 View (510) 480-3987
Photo of Alex Momtchiloff, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Alex Momtchiloff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.
I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.
(510) 640-8569 View (510) 640-8569
Photo of Steven Herrmann, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Steven Herrmann
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I am a Jungian analyst and a Marriage Family Therapist (MFT Lic.
Jungian Analyst Steven Herrmann, Ph.D., MFT, Montclair, Oakland, California. Are you looking to find ways to make changes in order to live a more satisfying and meaningful life? Are you finding yourself in repetitive patterns that are no longer working for you? Then I may be of assistance to you. I bring an in-depth approach that builds on your strengths and aims to untangle the roots to what is causing problems. This may lead to a reduction in painful symptoms, an opening of vocational possibilities, a newly found sense of joy, and to the transformation of your personality. Please feel free to visit my website at stevenherrmann.com
I am a Jungian analyst and a Marriage Family Therapist (MFT Lic.
Jungian Analyst Steven Herrmann, Ph.D., MFT, Montclair, Oakland, California. Are you looking to find ways to make changes in order to live a more satisfying and meaningful life? Are you finding yourself in repetitive patterns that are no longer working for you? Then I may be of assistance to you. I bring an in-depth approach that builds on your strengths and aims to untangle the roots to what is causing problems. This may lead to a reduction in painful symptoms, an opening of vocational possibilities, a newly found sense of joy, and to the transformation of your personality. Please feel free to visit my website at stevenherrmann.com
(510) 531-2534 View (510) 531-2534
Photo of Jessica Knott, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Jessica Knott
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Jessica Knott, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Client-Centered approaches. In sessions, my communication style is empathetic, supportive, and non-judgmental. I create a safe and open environment where clients feel heard and understood. Working with me is collaborative, focused on your unique needs, and aimed at fostering a sense of empowerment and positive change.
Jessica Knott, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Client-Centered approaches. In sessions, my communication style is empathetic, supportive, and non-judgmental. I create a safe and open environment where clients feel heard and understood. Working with me is collaborative, focused on your unique needs, and aimed at fostering a sense of empowerment and positive change.
(510) 345-0750 View (510) 345-0750
Photo of Frances Jones, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Frances Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
You've got some things going right in your life "on paper," but you still have fears: about the future; about changes on the horizon; about your relationships with your parents and maybe your children; about where your partnership (your marriage, your life, your career . . .) is headed. And there's still grief about time "lost" since 2020. And uncertainty about the unknowns.
You've got some things going right in your life "on paper," but you still have fears: about the future; about changes on the horizon; about your relationships with your parents and maybe your children; about where your partnership (your marriage, your life, your career . . .) is headed. And there's still grief about time "lost" since 2020. And uncertainty about the unknowns.
(510) 851-9540 View (510) 851-9540
Photo of Happy Heart Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Oakland, CA
Happy Heart Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Hello all, I am an African-American marriage and family therapist who provides services in the Bay Area & So. Cal. I specialize in somatic therapy modalities that work well with individuals or couples who have experienced any trauma whether acute or developmental. I also work with client's experiencing grief, depression, and relational issues. My clients' find me easy to talk to and non-judgmental, this coupled with my life experience, creates a safe environment for healing to happen.
Hello all, I am an African-American marriage and family therapist who provides services in the Bay Area & So. Cal. I specialize in somatic therapy modalities that work well with individuals or couples who have experienced any trauma whether acute or developmental. I also work with client's experiencing grief, depression, and relational issues. My clients' find me easy to talk to and non-judgmental, this coupled with my life experience, creates a safe environment for healing to happen.
(424) 354-2814 View (424) 354-2814
Photo of Adriana Gonzalez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
Adriana Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
Hi, I'm Adriana! My name is Adriana Gonzalez and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Riverside, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I am dedicated to serving adolescents and their families and specialize in treating anxiety, stress, and behavioral health disorders using solution-focused and family-centered treatment to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I work to help my clients navigate these transition periods and to build the necessary skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life.
Hi, I'm Adriana! My name is Adriana Gonzalez and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Riverside, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I am dedicated to serving adolescents and their families and specialize in treating anxiety, stress, and behavioral health disorders using solution-focused and family-centered treatment to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I work to help my clients navigate these transition periods and to build the necessary skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life.
(510) 680-2302 View (510) 680-2302
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.