Marriage Counseling Therapists in Sacramento, CA

Photo of Yvette Wilhite, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Yvette Wilhite
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
Hello, I am Yvette Wilhite, a Licensed Marriage, and Family Therapist, based in Sacramento, California, where I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-based techniques. With a client-centered approach, I prioritize creating a safe and empathetic space to explore and address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress management. My goal is to empower clients to develop coping skills, foster resilience, and achieve greater well-being and fulfillment.
Hello, I am Yvette Wilhite, a Licensed Marriage, and Family Therapist, based in Sacramento, California, where I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-based techniques. With a client-centered approach, I prioritize creating a safe and empathetic space to explore and address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress management. My goal is to empower clients to develop coping skills, foster resilience, and achieve greater well-being and fulfillment.
(747) 298-8749 View (747) 298-8749
Photo of Gita Seshadri, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Gita Seshadri
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
I offer psychotherapy & a relational view regarding anxiety, grief/loss, body image/self esteem/ weight issues, intimacy problems, divorce, pre-marital, and culture (& interracial/intercultural/interfaith).
Frustrated? Unhappy? Anxious? In emotional pain? Want some validation, insight, and change? I believe that everyone is the expert of their own experience; you have lived your life longer than I have known you. With encouragement, I often use the metaphor of being a flashlight in a dark cave, shedding light on different things, however, you, as the client are in the driver's seat; I am in the passenger seat, as a co-driver. Together, we will explore your personal meanings and experiences while making larger connections to your goals. I invite you to our journey together in creating new meaning.
I offer psychotherapy & a relational view regarding anxiety, grief/loss, body image/self esteem/ weight issues, intimacy problems, divorce, pre-marital, and culture (& interracial/intercultural/interfaith).
Frustrated? Unhappy? Anxious? In emotional pain? Want some validation, insight, and change? I believe that everyone is the expert of their own experience; you have lived your life longer than I have known you. With encouragement, I often use the metaphor of being a flashlight in a dark cave, shedding light on different things, however, you, as the client are in the driver's seat; I am in the passenger seat, as a co-driver. Together, we will explore your personal meanings and experiences while making larger connections to your goals. I invite you to our journey together in creating new meaning.
(949) 441-5655 View (949) 441-5655
Photo of Jenna Ramirez-Kirgan, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Sacramento, CA
Jenna Ramirez-Kirgan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95821
I enjoy working with a diverse population surrounding attachment, life transitions, stressful life events/trauma, and close relationships. I am passionate about working with young adults, couples, pre-marital counseling, and LGBTQIA+ populations. Each and every one of my clients is a unique person coming in with unique experiences and challenges, meaning they require a unique approach that best fits their goals. The therapeutic relationship between a client and therapist is one of the most important factors to client success. This is why I value building trust and confidence with my clients in the beginning of therapy.
I enjoy working with a diverse population surrounding attachment, life transitions, stressful life events/trauma, and close relationships. I am passionate about working with young adults, couples, pre-marital counseling, and LGBTQIA+ populations. Each and every one of my clients is a unique person coming in with unique experiences and challenges, meaning they require a unique approach that best fits their goals. The therapeutic relationship between a client and therapist is one of the most important factors to client success. This is why I value building trust and confidence with my clients in the beginning of therapy.
(916) 776-5855 View (916) 776-5855
Photo of William Schult, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
William Schult
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PPS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95825
I treat adult individuals and couples who are motivated, open-minded and committed to their own success. I enjoy working with insightful and reflective people struggling with relational issues like infidelity, intimacy, moving on from a relationship and poly/open relationships. I'm experienced working with high-demand professionals, fellow therapists, doctors and LGBT clients seeking to repair their relationships or overcome personal obstacles. I'm also the Founder/Executive Director for Couples Resource Collective and served two terms as Treasurer for the Sacramento Valley California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
I treat adult individuals and couples who are motivated, open-minded and committed to their own success. I enjoy working with insightful and reflective people struggling with relational issues like infidelity, intimacy, moving on from a relationship and poly/open relationships. I'm experienced working with high-demand professionals, fellow therapists, doctors and LGBT clients seeking to repair their relationships or overcome personal obstacles. I'm also the Founder/Executive Director for Couples Resource Collective and served two terms as Treasurer for the Sacramento Valley California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
(916) 458-4017 View (916) 458-4017
Photo of Lola Haag, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Lola Haag
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95828
Hello, my name is Lola Haag, and I am a licensed Marriage, Family Therapist with 25 years of experience working to reduce stress and improve relationships. I thoroughly enjoy helping clients deal with the multitude of life's challenges. I have worked extensively with individuals who are struggling with transitions, relationship struggles, or emotional overwhelm. Many times, in adulthood, prior abuse or dysfunctional family of origin issues resurface to cause distress. I work to help adults resolve the past from over-influencing the present and the future. Teens have so many stressors that they have to manage.
Hello, my name is Lola Haag, and I am a licensed Marriage, Family Therapist with 25 years of experience working to reduce stress and improve relationships. I thoroughly enjoy helping clients deal with the multitude of life's challenges. I have worked extensively with individuals who are struggling with transitions, relationship struggles, or emotional overwhelm. Many times, in adulthood, prior abuse or dysfunctional family of origin issues resurface to cause distress. I work to help adults resolve the past from over-influencing the present and the future. Teens have so many stressors that they have to manage.
(916) 520-3972 View (916) 520-3972
Photo of Joe Monroe, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Sacramento, CA
Joe Monroe
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
Waitlist for new clients
I hold an Associate Marriage and Family Therapy license and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in California.
My philosophy is that therapy is a team approach, and I view myself as a fellow traveler walking alongside my clients on their therapeutic journey. I believe that we all deserve a place where we can explore our thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental setting. People's thoughts, ideals, values, and opinions are important to them, and I offer a therapeutic environment that allows individuals to explore these without bias or judgment. In addition, I have a deep passion for helping individuals explore life transitions at any stage, as well as those suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and relationship issues.
I hold an Associate Marriage and Family Therapy license and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in California.
My philosophy is that therapy is a team approach, and I view myself as a fellow traveler walking alongside my clients on their therapeutic journey. I believe that we all deserve a place where we can explore our thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental setting. People's thoughts, ideals, values, and opinions are important to them, and I offer a therapeutic environment that allows individuals to explore these without bias or judgment. In addition, I have a deep passion for helping individuals explore life transitions at any stage, as well as those suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and relationship issues.
(916) 659-5411 View (916) 659-5411
Photo of Darlene A. Obregon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Darlene A. Obregon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
Hi, my name is Darlene. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I am have experience working with couples in re-establishing safety and connection in relationships. I have worked with couples with infidelity, separation and high conflict. I am also passionate about working with individuals in helping them unpack childhood emotional trauma wounds, to foster new healthy attachments. I have 10 years experience working with children and families. In family work, I help to restore connection, trust and belonging.
Hi, my name is Darlene. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I am have experience working with couples in re-establishing safety and connection in relationships. I have worked with couples with infidelity, separation and high conflict. I am also passionate about working with individuals in helping them unpack childhood emotional trauma wounds, to foster new healthy attachments. I have 10 years experience working with children and families. In family work, I help to restore connection, trust and belonging.
(916) 943-4076 View (916) 943-4076
Photo of La Fawn Carey-Toles, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
La Fawn Carey-Toles
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95821
Hello! My name is La Fawn, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. I provide support to individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, anger, marital discord, sexual identity, infertility, and grief and loss. My practice is based on a narrative and solution-focused approach geared towards helping individuals find their voice and become experts in their own lives while actively working towards solutions.
Hello! My name is La Fawn, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. I provide support to individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, anger, marital discord, sexual identity, infertility, and grief and loss. My practice is based on a narrative and solution-focused approach geared towards helping individuals find their voice and become experts in their own lives while actively working towards solutions.
(916) 674-0254 View (916) 674-0254
Photo of Traci Bianchi Templin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Traci Bianchi Templin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, #96632.
Welcome! I offer support for your journey to a balanced, peaceful, and happy life. I have a passion for guiding clients through their journey of finding peace, balance, and happiness in life. I view therapy as a collaborative effort between the client and the therapist. I support my client's unique individuality, life experience, and their personal story. I value openness, acceptance, and laughter, and I strongly believe that we are all in a lifelong process of growth and change. Using empathy and compassion, I provide support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, #96632.
Welcome! I offer support for your journey to a balanced, peaceful, and happy life. I have a passion for guiding clients through their journey of finding peace, balance, and happiness in life. I view therapy as a collaborative effort between the client and the therapist. I support my client's unique individuality, life experience, and their personal story. I value openness, acceptance, and laughter, and I strongly believe that we are all in a lifelong process of growth and change. Using empathy and compassion, I provide support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns.
(916) 727-6454 View (916) 727-6454
Photo of Korlany Roche, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Korlany Roche
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95838
My name is Dr. Korlany Chhun Roche, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Sacramento, California, providing telehealth services to clients statewide. I work with adolescents, young adults, couples, and families, and specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, and trauma. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adolescents, young adults, and couples who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions and relational problems.
My name is Dr. Korlany Chhun Roche, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Sacramento, California, providing telehealth services to clients statewide. I work with adolescents, young adults, couples, and families, and specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, and trauma. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adolescents, young adults, and couples who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions and relational problems.
(916) 932-9629 View (916) 932-9629
Photo of Maria Curameng Teresi, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Maria Curameng Teresi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95821  (Online Only)
Maria Curameng Teresi is a licensed marriage, family and child therapist, and has worked in mental health and behavioral health since 2004. She works with people who have been abused and experienced different types of trauma. She helps her clients reduce the effects of trauma including anxiety, depression, stress, starting and completing tasks, and struggles with relationships, with career goals, with life changes and with managing mood changes. She supports her clients to reach their life goals and live their lives in healthy, productive and effective ways that is unique to her individual clients.
Maria Curameng Teresi is a licensed marriage, family and child therapist, and has worked in mental health and behavioral health since 2004. She works with people who have been abused and experienced different types of trauma. She helps her clients reduce the effects of trauma including anxiety, depression, stress, starting and completing tasks, and struggles with relationships, with career goals, with life changes and with managing mood changes. She supports her clients to reach their life goals and live their lives in healthy, productive and effective ways that is unique to her individual clients.
(916) 571-0913 View (916) 571-0913
Photo of Jesus Sanchez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Jesus Sanchez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
Mr. Sanchez is a trained Marriage and Family Therapist with a background in Indigenous arts and cultural traditions. By engaging traditional approaches of psychotherapy, art, and culture, he works with clients to identify their strengths as determined by the health of their social, cultural, family, spiritual and behavioral cycles. His approach offers strength based therapeutic interventions, while utilizing art and culture to support clients in creating practices to strengthen coping skills, relationship patterns, systems of support, concepts of self, and increasing awareness of their role in creating their healing process.
Mr. Sanchez is a trained Marriage and Family Therapist with a background in Indigenous arts and cultural traditions. By engaging traditional approaches of psychotherapy, art, and culture, he works with clients to identify their strengths as determined by the health of their social, cultural, family, spiritual and behavioral cycles. His approach offers strength based therapeutic interventions, while utilizing art and culture to support clients in creating practices to strengthen coping skills, relationship patterns, systems of support, concepts of self, and increasing awareness of their role in creating their healing process.
(916) 597-1146 View (916) 597-1146
Photo of Dan Douglas, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Dan Douglas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
I earned my Master's of Arts in Marital & Family Therapy in 2013 from Western Seminary in Sacramento, CA.
Negative habits can hinder personal progress and stand in the way of your aspirations. I possess extensive experience assisting men navigating challenges related to addictions, including but not limited to, addressing unwanted sexual behaviors, alcohol consumption, illicit substance use, fixation on performance, workaholism, co-dependency dynamics, struggles with assertiveness, as well as issues surrounding identity and self-worth. Additionally, I am deeply committed to offering couples a supportive environment where they can mend and cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
I earned my Master's of Arts in Marital & Family Therapy in 2013 from Western Seminary in Sacramento, CA.
Negative habits can hinder personal progress and stand in the way of your aspirations. I possess extensive experience assisting men navigating challenges related to addictions, including but not limited to, addressing unwanted sexual behaviors, alcohol consumption, illicit substance use, fixation on performance, workaholism, co-dependency dynamics, struggles with assertiveness, as well as issues surrounding identity and self-worth. Additionally, I am deeply committed to offering couples a supportive environment where they can mend and cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
(916) 439-8373 View (916) 439-8373
Photo of Megan McColley, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Sacramento, CA
Megan McColley
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95825
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist experienced in working with adolescences, teens, children, adults, and families. My experience encompasses work within Placer and Sacramento County, multiple schools, and non profits. My mission is to empower, strengthen, and provide clients with hope through difficult seasons in their lives.
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist experienced in working with adolescences, teens, children, adults, and families. My experience encompasses work within Placer and Sacramento County, multiple schools, and non profits. My mission is to empower, strengthen, and provide clients with hope through difficult seasons in their lives.
(916) 378-1873 View (916) 378-1873
Photo of Penelope Chui, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Penelope Chui
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95822  (Online Only)
Having difficulties in your life? Experiencing emotional distress? Having relationship, family or work difficulties? Feeling anxious and overwhelmed with the demands from your spouse, children and boss? Finding you and your spouse get stuck in negative communication patterns? Are you and your family feel difficulty facing emotional, spiritual, social and physical changes or limitations? Cancer knocks at your door. You feel sacred, overwhelmed and don't know what will happen to you. As an experienced Marriage & Family Therapist, I will work with you to undergo the challenges affecting your body, mind, family, career and every aspect of your life.
Having difficulties in your life? Experiencing emotional distress? Having relationship, family or work difficulties? Feeling anxious and overwhelmed with the demands from your spouse, children and boss? Finding you and your spouse get stuck in negative communication patterns? Are you and your family feel difficulty facing emotional, spiritual, social and physical changes or limitations? Cancer knocks at your door. You feel sacred, overwhelmed and don't know what will happen to you. As an experienced Marriage & Family Therapist, I will work with you to undergo the challenges affecting your body, mind, family, career and every aspect of your life.
(916) 546-1120 View (916) 546-1120
Photo of Edythe Swidler, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Edythe Swidler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95864
During these stressful times, many of us are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and/or sadness. Are you worried about your child or teen, concerned about your marriage or struggling with family relationships? Do you need new tools to help you feel more confident in parenting your adopted or special needs child/teen? Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community who is looking for a supportive therapist who understands your unique strengths and challenges. I created American River Family Counseling because I believe that we all deserve happy, healthy and connected relationships.
During these stressful times, many of us are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and/or sadness. Are you worried about your child or teen, concerned about your marriage or struggling with family relationships? Do you need new tools to help you feel more confident in parenting your adopted or special needs child/teen? Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community who is looking for a supportive therapist who understands your unique strengths and challenges. I created American River Family Counseling because I believe that we all deserve happy, healthy and connected relationships.
(916) 304-8410 View (916) 304-8410
Photo of Resiliency In Life in Sacramento, CA
Resiliency In Life
MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95814  (Online Only)
With a blend of corporate and psychology expertise, I offer support in career, leadership, marriage, parenting, and overcoming challenges.
As a seasoned life and career coach, I am dedicated to empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals. With 20 years of experience in coaching, mentoring, and guiding clients from diverse backgrounds, I have cultivated a deep understanding of the challenges people face in navigating life transitions, career changes, and personal growth journeys. My approach is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and a genuine desire to see my clients thrive. I believe in the transformative power of coaching to inspire self-discovery, cultivate resilience, and foster meaningful change.
With a blend of corporate and psychology expertise, I offer support in career, leadership, marriage, parenting, and overcoming challenges.
As a seasoned life and career coach, I am dedicated to empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals. With 20 years of experience in coaching, mentoring, and guiding clients from diverse backgrounds, I have cultivated a deep understanding of the challenges people face in navigating life transitions, career changes, and personal growth journeys. My approach is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and a genuine desire to see my clients thrive. I believe in the transformative power of coaching to inspire self-discovery, cultivate resilience, and foster meaningful change.
(279) 972-8748 View (279) 972-8748
Photo of Troy Mickle, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Troy Mickle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816
For those seeking an adept, compassionate, and well-versed marriage and family therapist, I invite you to work together to pursue holistic well-being.
In my therapeutic practice, I emphasize a secure environment for those seeking therapeutic support. With a foundation in empathy, I establish a professional alliance, enabling clients to express their innermost thoughts and concerns. Leveraging evidence-based modalities, I tailor strategies to each client's unique needs. Through active listening and strategic guidance, I aid clients in achieving clarity and enhancing coping skills. My ultimate goal is to empower individuals and couples to harness their innate resilience, deepen self-awareness, and foster personal growth.
For those seeking an adept, compassionate, and well-versed marriage and family therapist, I invite you to work together to pursue holistic well-being.
In my therapeutic practice, I emphasize a secure environment for those seeking therapeutic support. With a foundation in empathy, I establish a professional alliance, enabling clients to express their innermost thoughts and concerns. Leveraging evidence-based modalities, I tailor strategies to each client's unique needs. Through active listening and strategic guidance, I aid clients in achieving clarity and enhancing coping skills. My ultimate goal is to empower individuals and couples to harness their innate resilience, deepen self-awareness, and foster personal growth.
(916) 237-8393 View (916) 237-8393
Photo of Karessa Kelly, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Karessa Kelly
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95864
My specialties include: Individuals, kids/teens, family, co-parenting, couples and marriage counseling.
The therapeutic journey begins internally by listening to the heart when it tells us there is a need for change in our lives. Second is having the courage to admit when we need outside support to begin this change, and finally being bold enough to use our voices to seek out the assistance of a therapist. Therapy with the right therapist can be helpful to everyone. my preferred theoretical approach is client-centered. A client-centered therapeutic approach allows me to meet my clients where they are at and together develop the appropriate path forward. Other theoretical approaches include; CBT, DBT, experiential, & psychodynamic.
My specialties include: Individuals, kids/teens, family, co-parenting, couples and marriage counseling.
The therapeutic journey begins internally by listening to the heart when it tells us there is a need for change in our lives. Second is having the courage to admit when we need outside support to begin this change, and finally being bold enough to use our voices to seek out the assistance of a therapist. Therapy with the right therapist can be helpful to everyone. my preferred theoretical approach is client-centered. A client-centered therapeutic approach allows me to meet my clients where they are at and together develop the appropriate path forward. Other theoretical approaches include; CBT, DBT, experiential, & psychodynamic.
(916) 237-1619 View (916) 237-1619
Photo of Ann C Leber, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Ann C Leber
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95821
I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 25 years. I believe that clients come to counseling not only to gain a better understanding of themselves, but with a desire to learn new skills and tools to apply to their lives. Please call me personally to discuss your needs.
I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 25 years. I believe that clients come to counseling not only to gain a better understanding of themselves, but with a desire to learn new skills and tools to apply to their lives. Please call me personally to discuss your needs.
(916) 741-5426 View (916) 741-5426

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.