Photo of Charles A Garcia, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Charles A Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95818
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over fifteen years of experience. Much of my career has focused on working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My approach is client-centered, collaborative, strengths based, and sincerely concerned for the well-being of my clients. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, my goal is to partner with clients in overcoming obstacles to well-being and success in the domains of relationships, family, work, and school.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over fifteen years of experience. Much of my career has focused on working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My approach is client-centered, collaborative, strengths based, and sincerely concerned for the well-being of my clients. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, my goal is to partner with clients in overcoming obstacles to well-being and success in the domains of relationships, family, work, and school.
(916) 659-8118 View (916) 659-8118
Photo of Susan B O'Connell, Counselor in Sacramento, CA
Susan B O'Connell
Counselor, MA, MEd
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95866  (Online Only)
When you need help - and all of us need help sometime - you want to tell your story to someone who is warm and supportive. Someone who is intelligent, trained, and familiar with the problems you face. These problems may involve family or marital relationships, insecurity, anxiety, depression, loss, or grief. Or the problems may be specific to people undergoing divorce, immigrants struggling with American language and culture, or artists striving to make their mark. All of us want someone on our side who is caring and helpful, someone who can clarify and show the way. My goal is to be that person for my clients.
When you need help - and all of us need help sometime - you want to tell your story to someone who is warm and supportive. Someone who is intelligent, trained, and familiar with the problems you face. These problems may involve family or marital relationships, insecurity, anxiety, depression, loss, or grief. Or the problems may be specific to people undergoing divorce, immigrants struggling with American language and culture, or artists striving to make their mark. All of us want someone on our side who is caring and helpful, someone who can clarify and show the way. My goal is to be that person for my clients.
(916) 318-3663 View (916) 318-3663
Photo of Family Blueprint, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Family Blueprint
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95822
As a parent, you just want to know that you’re doing a great job. We want something that feels like it should be simple: deep connections with our children, meeting their needs, creating beautiful memories, and preparing them to succeed as adults without sacrificing your own ambitions. The truth is that it’s really complicated to parent when chaos and distraction abound - whether it be the bigger social issues that add stress to your life like pandemics, political distrust, and the economy, or the household ones like conflict with your children, cell phones and technology, bullying, marital problems, or mental health issues.
As a parent, you just want to know that you’re doing a great job. We want something that feels like it should be simple: deep connections with our children, meeting their needs, creating beautiful memories, and preparing them to succeed as adults without sacrificing your own ambitions. The truth is that it’s really complicated to parent when chaos and distraction abound - whether it be the bigger social issues that add stress to your life like pandemics, political distrust, and the economy, or the household ones like conflict with your children, cell phones and technology, bullying, marital problems, or mental health issues.
(530) 428-8280 View (530) 428-8280
Photo of Stephanie Iott, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Stephanie Iott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95821
With over 20 years experience as a Marriage & Family Therapist, and as a graduate of California Institute of Integral Studies, I am passionate about my private practice and work with a broad spectrum of clients.
As a Certified Relational Life Therapist, I am passionate about relationships of all kinds! From our relationship with ourselves, family members, parents, young adults, partners, friends... relationships are the backbone of life. I enjoy working with individuals, families and couples. I work with young adults and adults, and have clinical experience treating chronic mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. My practice includes couples and marriage counseling, working through divorce/separation issues, co-parenting issues, grief and loss, and phase-of-life issues.
With over 20 years experience as a Marriage & Family Therapist, and as a graduate of California Institute of Integral Studies, I am passionate about my private practice and work with a broad spectrum of clients.
As a Certified Relational Life Therapist, I am passionate about relationships of all kinds! From our relationship with ourselves, family members, parents, young adults, partners, friends... relationships are the backbone of life. I enjoy working with individuals, families and couples. I work with young adults and adults, and have clinical experience treating chronic mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. My practice includes couples and marriage counseling, working through divorce/separation issues, co-parenting issues, grief and loss, and phase-of-life issues.
(916) 436-7011 View (916) 436-7011
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 Stephanie Barkett in Sacramento, CA
Stephanie Barkett
MS, PPS
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
People seeking help are often looking for real-world guidance and solutions. For 23 years I have worked with couples, families and individuals to do just that. As a coach I will help with identifying goals, building confidence, and increasing your overall happiness by being your best self. You will find a trusting, knowledgeable environment that allows you to freely explore, identify your needs, and create a path to success. My past experience includes marriage and family therapy, school counseling with all ages, domestic violence counseling and currently divorce and custody mediation and life and relationship coaching.
People seeking help are often looking for real-world guidance and solutions. For 23 years I have worked with couples, families and individuals to do just that. As a coach I will help with identifying goals, building confidence, and increasing your overall happiness by being your best self. You will find a trusting, knowledgeable environment that allows you to freely explore, identify your needs, and create a path to success. My past experience includes marriage and family therapy, school counseling with all ages, domestic violence counseling and currently divorce and custody mediation and life and relationship coaching.
(615) 285-5338 View (615) 285-5338
Photo of Earnest Jeffery Wiles, Counselor in Sacramento, CA
Earnest Jeffery Wiles
Counselor, PhD, LPCC, NCC, BCPC
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95827  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In my 32 years of working with Children, Adolescents, Couples, and Multi-Cultural, Single Parent, Traditional/Non-Traditional Families, I have found the greatest success by using Albert Ellis' Rational Emotional Cognitive Behavioral approach to treatment. As an Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor/Marriage Family Child Counselor (BBS Board approved to provide assessment and therapy to Couples and Families), my work involves psychological assessment and testing, performing in-home/in-school functional behavior analysis for Spectrum Disorder, IEP mental health representation, collateral work with medical professionals, substance abuse, and transition from trauma.
In my 32 years of working with Children, Adolescents, Couples, and Multi-Cultural, Single Parent, Traditional/Non-Traditional Families, I have found the greatest success by using Albert Ellis' Rational Emotional Cognitive Behavioral approach to treatment. As an Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor/Marriage Family Child Counselor (BBS Board approved to provide assessment and therapy to Couples and Families), my work involves psychological assessment and testing, performing in-home/in-school functional behavior analysis for Spectrum Disorder, IEP mental health representation, collateral work with medical professionals, substance abuse, and transition from trauma.
(916) 458-5611 View (916) 458-5611
Photo of Stacy Cordero, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Stacy Cordero
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95828
I am excited to introduce myself to you. My name is Stacy Cordero, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, 142545. It can be uncomfortable to begin therapy. The foundation must include a safe space in which I consider it my responsibility to work hard in building a therapeutic relationship built on trust and mutual respect. I have an extensive background working with individuals affected by relationship challenges. Our connections to others are complex and vital. These connections are vital throughout our lives - no matter how young or how old.
I am excited to introduce myself to you. My name is Stacy Cordero, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, 142545. It can be uncomfortable to begin therapy. The foundation must include a safe space in which I consider it my responsibility to work hard in building a therapeutic relationship built on trust and mutual respect. I have an extensive background working with individuals affected by relationship challenges. Our connections to others are complex and vital. These connections are vital throughout our lives - no matter how young or how old.
(916) 655-9780 View (916) 655-9780
Photo of Christina Villanueva, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Christina Villanueva
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816  (Online Only)
Many times while on our journey through life we can become confused and experience difficulty finding our way. My hope is to help you process difficulties that you might be facing and help you focus on what matters most to you. I treat many issues and areas of concern such as, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, life transitions, separation, loss, self-esteem, codependency, anger, co-parenting, childhood trauma, teen issues and concerns, sexuality, and marital concerns. Availability: Monday - Wednesday early evenings and Saturday mornings and afternoons.
Many times while on our journey through life we can become confused and experience difficulty finding our way. My hope is to help you process difficulties that you might be facing and help you focus on what matters most to you. I treat many issues and areas of concern such as, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, life transitions, separation, loss, self-esteem, codependency, anger, co-parenting, childhood trauma, teen issues and concerns, sexuality, and marital concerns. Availability: Monday - Wednesday early evenings and Saturday mornings and afternoons.
(916) 621-5507 View (916) 621-5507
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 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 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 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 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 James McLaughlin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
James McLaughlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
Hi! I'm James McLaughlin, I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Located in the city of Sacramento. I consider myself a clinical generalist, working with individuals, couples, and families who are looking for help navigating the challenges of life. I focus on getting to the core of what may be getting in the way of fulfillment and work actively and collaboratively to re-write your life story.
Hi! I'm James McLaughlin, I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Located in the city of Sacramento. I consider myself a clinical generalist, working with individuals, couples, and families who are looking for help navigating the challenges of life. I focus on getting to the core of what may be getting in the way of fulfillment and work actively and collaboratively to re-write your life story.
(916) 892-1279 View (916) 892-1279
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 Patience Silva (Dayton), Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Patience Silva (Dayton)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
Training and Experience: Individuals and couples (children, teens, adults); Christian marriage; Theology of the Body; trauma and crisis; 12 step recovery, alcoholism, addictions; self-esteem issues; OCD/anxiety; depression; Autism, ADHD; Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) & Trauma Focused CBT; Narrative Therapy; Solution Focused; EMDR.
I am a Catholic Christian therapist. I provide therapeutic services that stay true to traditional Catholic and Christian values. I especially enjoy integrating the faith into sessions, while utilizing evidenced based practices and counseling techniques. I work with individuals of all faith backgrounds, though my speciality is working with the Catholic & Christian population.
Training and Experience: Individuals and couples (children, teens, adults); Christian marriage; Theology of the Body; trauma and crisis; 12 step recovery, alcoholism, addictions; self-esteem issues; OCD/anxiety; depression; Autism, ADHD; Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) & Trauma Focused CBT; Narrative Therapy; Solution Focused; EMDR.
I am a Catholic Christian therapist. I provide therapeutic services that stay true to traditional Catholic and Christian values. I especially enjoy integrating the faith into sessions, while utilizing evidenced based practices and counseling techniques. I work with individuals of all faith backgrounds, though my speciality is working with the Catholic & Christian population.
(916) 252-5030 View (916) 252-5030
Photo of Christina Harner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Christina Harner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95823
Hi! I'm Christina Harner, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I'm also an active-duty military spouse and a veteran myself. believe therapy works for those that want to make change. I have worked extensively with couples dealing with domestic violence, cultural concerns, work-life balance, and military communities. I typically work with adults (over 18) that experience anxiety, depression, and stress due to relationship issues, work-life balance (or lack of), and family issues. As a parent (and one of 9 siblings) I relate well to the complex dynamics in merging family life and work life.
Hi! I'm Christina Harner, a licensed marriage and family therapist. I'm also an active-duty military spouse and a veteran myself. believe therapy works for those that want to make change. I have worked extensively with couples dealing with domestic violence, cultural concerns, work-life balance, and military communities. I typically work with adults (over 18) that experience anxiety, depression, and stress due to relationship issues, work-life balance (or lack of), and family issues. As a parent (and one of 9 siblings) I relate well to the complex dynamics in merging family life and work life.
(916) 252-5569 View (916) 252-5569
Photo of Stephen Taft, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Stephen Taft
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816  (Online Only)
Hello! I am Stephen Taft, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. We all reach points in our life when we need some additional support to break out of problem patterns or to manage difficult issues. If you have been experiencing trouble in your relationships, anxiety, depression or have been feeling overwhelmed; it may be a good time to start therapy. Together we can work to build upon your personal strengths to support your growth in order to create a happier and healthier life.
Hello! I am Stephen Taft, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. We all reach points in our life when we need some additional support to break out of problem patterns or to manage difficult issues. If you have been experiencing trouble in your relationships, anxiety, depression or have been feeling overwhelmed; it may be a good time to start therapy. Together we can work to build upon your personal strengths to support your growth in order to create a happier and healthier life.
(530) 517-6130 View (530) 517-6130
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
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.