Marriage Counseling Therapists in Atlanta, GA

Photo of Andrea Bryant, Pre-Licensed Professional in Atlanta, GA
Andrea Bryant
Pre-Licensed Professional, MDiv
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30305  (Online Only)
My most common therapeutic areas include, but are not limited to, relationships, women’s concerns, spirituality, marriage,LBGTQIA, exploring self-love/esteem, attachment issues, divorce, anxiety and stress.
Are you seeking purpose and wholeness? Feeling detached and lost? Do you want to work on your relationship with yourself? Your relationships with others? Are you preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for the relationship you want? Are you redefining who you want to be? During our time together, the focus will be to meet you where you are and create room for you to feel accepted, respected and heard. With your commitment and effort, we can openly explore your sources of joy, fear, pain, and happiness to create realistic goals that honor who you are and who you want to become.
My most common therapeutic areas include, but are not limited to, relationships, women’s concerns, spirituality, marriage,LBGTQIA, exploring self-love/esteem, attachment issues, divorce, anxiety and stress.
Are you seeking purpose and wholeness? Feeling detached and lost? Do you want to work on your relationship with yourself? Your relationships with others? Are you preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for the relationship you want? Are you redefining who you want to be? During our time together, the focus will be to meet you where you are and create room for you to feel accepted, respected and heard. With your commitment and effort, we can openly explore your sources of joy, fear, pain, and happiness to create realistic goals that honor who you are and who you want to become.
(404) 600-0935 View (404) 600-0935
Photo of Kendall Louden, Marriage & Family Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Kendall Louden
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30341  (Online Only)
I am currently accepting clients via phone or secure video calls. I do not take insurance at this time. With help, you will be well. Asking for help can be a vulnerable and scary experience but together we will co-create meaning to make sense of your story. I will walk alongside you as you heal, grow, and learn. I specialize in maternal mental health through the journey of trying to conceive, pregnancy, and postpartum care for moms and dads. I also specialize in anxiety, depression, career counseling, and premarital/marital counseling, and family counseling.
I am currently accepting clients via phone or secure video calls. I do not take insurance at this time. With help, you will be well. Asking for help can be a vulnerable and scary experience but together we will co-create meaning to make sense of your story. I will walk alongside you as you heal, grow, and learn. I specialize in maternal mental health through the journey of trying to conceive, pregnancy, and postpartum care for moms and dads. I also specialize in anxiety, depression, career counseling, and premarital/marital counseling, and family counseling.
(404) 476-5992 View (404) 476-5992
Photo of Viorel Stefan Ispas, Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Viorel Stefan Ispas
Counselor, MA, LPC, AMFT
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30327  (Online Only)
Viorel's areas of expertise include premarital and marital counseling, parenting, trauma, spirituality, depression, and anxiety.
Viorel's passion is to help couples, families, and individuals overcome life challenges and achieve goals that they did not believe possible on their own. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmont Graduate University. He has invested almost three decades of work serving people, both internationally and in the United States. He combines his clinical skills with his life and work experience to help improve the lives of children, teens, and adults from various economic, social, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
Viorel's areas of expertise include premarital and marital counseling, parenting, trauma, spirituality, depression, and anxiety.
Viorel's passion is to help couples, families, and individuals overcome life challenges and achieve goals that they did not believe possible on their own. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmont Graduate University. He has invested almost three decades of work serving people, both internationally and in the United States. He combines his clinical skills with his life and work experience to help improve the lives of children, teens, and adults from various economic, social, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
(470) 450-4086 View (470) 450-4086
Photo of Malissa Collins, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Malissa Collins
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30306
Hi! I am Dr. Malissa Collins, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Georgia specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I have experience working with individuals from various backgrounds, families, and couples. My Ph.D. is in Marriage and Family Therapy. My approach is warm and compassionate. My focus is to meet clients where they are and teach them ways to successfully navigate through life to meet goals. My clients appreciate my warmth, nonjudgmental style. It helps to make them feel relaxed and confident.
Hi! I am Dr. Malissa Collins, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Georgia specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I have experience working with individuals from various backgrounds, families, and couples. My Ph.D. is in Marriage and Family Therapy. My approach is warm and compassionate. My focus is to meet clients where they are and teach them ways to successfully navigate through life to meet goals. My clients appreciate my warmth, nonjudgmental style. It helps to make them feel relaxed and confident.
(470) 865-5960 View (470) 865-5960
Photo of Dr. Lisa Karla, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Dr. Lisa Karla
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30303  (Online Only)
Stop the pattern of emotional and physical self-destruction through the discord in marriage, alcohol and substance abuse, anxiety or depression.
Coming to therapy is a courageous effort, especially if it goes against your cultural, familial or religious beliefs. My initial job in the therapeutic journey is to create a therapeutic alliance that affirms you reached out at the right time, hope is possible and you can exhale! This journey we take together won't always be easy, However, knowing you can speak with someone who isn't fixated on fitting you into a mold of some kind of diagnostic criteria; but is more interested in your personal goals - and path to wellness, makes it all worthwhile! My job is to help you become a better YOU..through the renewing of your mind!
Stop the pattern of emotional and physical self-destruction through the discord in marriage, alcohol and substance abuse, anxiety or depression.
Coming to therapy is a courageous effort, especially if it goes against your cultural, familial or religious beliefs. My initial job in the therapeutic journey is to create a therapeutic alliance that affirms you reached out at the right time, hope is possible and you can exhale! This journey we take together won't always be easy, However, knowing you can speak with someone who isn't fixated on fitting you into a mold of some kind of diagnostic criteria; but is more interested in your personal goals - and path to wellness, makes it all worthwhile! My job is to help you become a better YOU..through the renewing of your mind!
(470) 536-4282 View (470) 536-4282
Photo of Dr. Taijah Davis, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Dr. Taijah Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30339  (Online Only)
Real quick...take a second...close your eyes, breath deep, let it out slowly, open your eyes...okay. Welcome - my name is Dr. Taijah Davis, EdD and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Atlanta, Georgia and working statewide via telehealth. I work with adults 19-45 and specialize in anxiety, depression, issues with self-esteem, and relationship problems using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Additionally, I specialize in couples/marriage counseling using The Gottman Approach to address conflict management and issues with communication.
Real quick...take a second...close your eyes, breath deep, let it out slowly, open your eyes...okay. Welcome - my name is Dr. Taijah Davis, EdD and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Atlanta, Georgia and working statewide via telehealth. I work with adults 19-45 and specialize in anxiety, depression, issues with self-esteem, and relationship problems using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Additionally, I specialize in couples/marriage counseling using The Gottman Approach to address conflict management and issues with communication.
(470) 863-1884 View (470) 863-1884
Photo of Gwendolyn McDowell, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Gwendolyn McDowell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30329
Is your child, preteen or teen experiencing personal, family or academic challenges? If so, give me a call. I am here for you. As a parent and education advocate, I am passionate about working with children and adolescents and can help your child identify more effective responses to stressors. I also enjoy working with adults who are experiencing life transitions (marriage, divorce, parenting, career, etc...) by integrating cognitive behavior and person centered approaches that fit each client's needs to achieve greater fulfillment in life.
Is your child, preteen or teen experiencing personal, family or academic challenges? If so, give me a call. I am here for you. As a parent and education advocate, I am passionate about working with children and adolescents and can help your child identify more effective responses to stressors. I also enjoy working with adults who are experiencing life transitions (marriage, divorce, parenting, career, etc...) by integrating cognitive behavior and person centered approaches that fit each client's needs to achieve greater fulfillment in life.
(678) 506-7130 View (678) 506-7130
Photo of Debra L Ainbinder, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Debra L Ainbinder
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, THTLMHC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30316  (Online Only)
I am a LPC and TLHT LMHC with a PhD in counseling and a specialization in Marriage and Family counseling.
Do you consider yourself resilient? My goal when working with clients is to assist them in finding their inner resilience which will help them to reach their ultimate goals in therapy. I have worked with clients and supervisees to empower them to use their strengths and competencies to improve and enhance their life situations. 
 
 Besides private practice, I have worked for agencies working with families, providing groups on systematic training for effective parenting, developing and implementing caregiver support groups, and running parent support groups.
I am a LPC and TLHT LMHC with a PhD in counseling and a specialization in Marriage and Family counseling.
Do you consider yourself resilient? My goal when working with clients is to assist them in finding their inner resilience which will help them to reach their ultimate goals in therapy. I have worked with clients and supervisees to empower them to use their strengths and competencies to improve and enhance their life situations. 
 
 Besides private practice, I have worked for agencies working with families, providing groups on systematic training for effective parenting, developing and implementing caregiver support groups, and running parent support groups.
(404) 974-2114 View (404) 974-2114
Photo of Duane Williams, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Duane Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30303  (Online Only)
Duane Williams is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners. He is also a Board-Approved Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (PLPC) Supervisor. He is also a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists. He is also a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Mr. Williams earned a Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance from Louisiana Tech University in 2002 and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northwestern State University.
Duane Williams is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners. He is also a Board-Approved Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (PLPC) Supervisor. He is also a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists. He is also a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Mr. Williams earned a Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance from Louisiana Tech University in 2002 and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northwestern State University.
(404) 458-8906 View (404) 458-8906
Photo of Wanda S Cager, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Wanda S Cager
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30331
In marriage and relationships it can be challenging to manage differences in opinions, values, communication, needs and goals.
Hello, I am Wanda S. Cager, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Board Certified Counselor. I accomplished my academic goals; while attending Mercer University. There are many reasons individuals, couples and families seek counseling. Perhaps you are having a difficult time with depression, anxiety, children behavioral issues, family conflict, couples conflict, sexual identity, grief, divorce, or suicidal thoughts. Well, I am here to offer you and/or your family professional counseling to assist you address your concerns and obtain your goals.
In marriage and relationships it can be challenging to manage differences in opinions, values, communication, needs and goals.
Hello, I am Wanda S. Cager, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Board Certified Counselor. I accomplished my academic goals; while attending Mercer University. There are many reasons individuals, couples and families seek counseling. Perhaps you are having a difficult time with depression, anxiety, children behavioral issues, family conflict, couples conflict, sexual identity, grief, divorce, or suicidal thoughts. Well, I am here to offer you and/or your family professional counseling to assist you address your concerns and obtain your goals.
(770) 809-6596 View (770) 809-6596
Photo of Rimsha Khan, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Atlanta, GA
Rimsha Khan
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30318
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, my specialization lies in nurturing healthier and more fulfilling relationships while supporting emotional well-being.
Hello! I'm delighted to welcome you here. The journey to find the right therapist can be quite challenging, and I deeply appreciate your commitment to taking this important step. In our therapeutic space, you can exhale and let go.My commitment is to provide a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where you can find the strength and insight to thrive. Your well-being is my utmost priority, and I look forward to supporting you on this path of transformation.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, my specialization lies in nurturing healthier and more fulfilling relationships while supporting emotional well-being.
Hello! I'm delighted to welcome you here. The journey to find the right therapist can be quite challenging, and I deeply appreciate your commitment to taking this important step. In our therapeutic space, you can exhale and let go.My commitment is to provide a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space where you can find the strength and insight to thrive. Your well-being is my utmost priority, and I look forward to supporting you on this path of transformation.
(470) 291-7131 View (470) 291-7131
Photo of Kimberly Smiley, Psychologist in Atlanta, GA
Kimberly Smiley
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30339  (Online Only)
The primary focus of my practice at this time is pre-marital counseling.
My approach to therapy is one of commitment and collaboration. By building a collaborative relationship with clients through genuine acceptance, empathy, and support, the foundation for change is established. It is my goal to help clients live more authentic lives by finding balance, resolving conflicts, and finding courage to take personal risks!
The primary focus of my practice at this time is pre-marital counseling.
My approach to therapy is one of commitment and collaboration. By building a collaborative relationship with clients through genuine acceptance, empathy, and support, the foundation for change is established. It is my goal to help clients live more authentic lives by finding balance, resolving conflicts, and finding courage to take personal risks!
(678) 582-2906 View (678) 582-2906
Photo of Tiffany Haya Devonish, Pre-Licensed Professional in Atlanta, GA
Tiffany Haya Devonish
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30329
I work with clients in the following areas: Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions (new moms, marriage, divorce, etc.) Self-Esteem, Couples Counseling, Maternal Mental Health, Pre-Marital Counseling, Co-parenting, Grief, ENM Relationship dynamics, Imposter Syndrome, Feeling Stuck
I work with clients in the following areas: Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions (new moms, marriage, divorce, etc.) Self-Esteem, Couples Counseling, Maternal Mental Health, Pre-Marital Counseling, Co-parenting, Grief, ENM Relationship dynamics, Imposter Syndrome, Feeling Stuck
(470) 619-5543 View (470) 619-5543
Photo of Abby Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Abby Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30303  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with addictions, anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma/attachment issues, couples counseling, and marriage counseling.
My name is Abby Jones. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I currently practice in the state of Georgia. I am currently in my 6th year practicing counseling. I have previously worked for a community service board, accountability courts, and local school system.
I specialize in working with addictions, anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma/attachment issues, couples counseling, and marriage counseling.
My name is Abby Jones. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I currently practice in the state of Georgia. I am currently in my 6th year practicing counseling. I have previously worked for a community service board, accountability courts, and local school system.
(404) 856-3570 View (404) 856-3570
Photo of Robert W Patterson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Robert W Patterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30307
Getting The Love You Want workshop, which I present with my 25-year marriage partner, Wendy Palmer Patterson, is a powerful method for deepening connection, safety and trust.
Committed love relationships are the most powerful and prized of all human healing. Yet, for many, being in a relationship can bring frustration as well as comfort, heartache as well as joy. My specialty is to help couples improve and connect through proven processes and tools developed by Dr Harville Hendrix, author of the seminal New York Times Best Seller, Getting The Love You Want: a guide for couples. As a Certified Imago Therapist and Workshop Presenter, I help couples regain the safety, compassion and energy that brought them together in the first place.
Getting The Love You Want workshop, which I present with my 25-year marriage partner, Wendy Palmer Patterson, is a powerful method for deepening connection, safety and trust.
Committed love relationships are the most powerful and prized of all human healing. Yet, for many, being in a relationship can bring frustration as well as comfort, heartache as well as joy. My specialty is to help couples improve and connect through proven processes and tools developed by Dr Harville Hendrix, author of the seminal New York Times Best Seller, Getting The Love You Want: a guide for couples. As a Certified Imago Therapist and Workshop Presenter, I help couples regain the safety, compassion and energy that brought them together in the first place.
(404) 369-4887 x3 View (404) 369-4887 x3
Photo of Crystal N. Whetstone, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Crystal N. Whetstone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30308
I am highly skilled in working with individuals, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem, attachment issues, differences in parenting styles, relationship or marital issues, and more.
Everyone experiences the usual ups & downs that life throws at you. Sometimes, these moments in our lives become more than we can handle alone. Do you find yourself overwhelmed and not knowing when it's okay to ask for help? It’s not easy, but it can be the first step toward healthier functioning, improved relationships, & personal growth. Together, in a safe & supportive environment, we can uncover destructive patterns, identify strengths, & develop healthier ways of coping. Let me help guide you on your journey to find peace, strength, healing, & to become the best version of yourself.
I am highly skilled in working with individuals, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem, attachment issues, differences in parenting styles, relationship or marital issues, and more.
Everyone experiences the usual ups & downs that life throws at you. Sometimes, these moments in our lives become more than we can handle alone. Do you find yourself overwhelmed and not knowing when it's okay to ask for help? It’s not easy, but it can be the first step toward healthier functioning, improved relationships, & personal growth. Together, in a safe & supportive environment, we can uncover destructive patterns, identify strengths, & develop healthier ways of coping. Let me help guide you on your journey to find peace, strength, healing, & to become the best version of yourself.
(478) 249-5415 View (478) 249-5415
Photo of Melanie Kenner, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Melanie Kenner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30311
I am a true Georgia peach, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I have the training and experience but during sessions, you will never feel as if you are being judged or analyzed. I believe we are all human and we can't ignore that the main key to being human is empathy.​I earned my Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Troy University and Master of Science in Marriage Family Counseling Therapy from Capella University.
I am a true Georgia peach, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I have the training and experience but during sessions, you will never feel as if you are being judged or analyzed. I believe we are all human and we can't ignore that the main key to being human is empathy.​I earned my Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Troy University and Master of Science in Marriage Family Counseling Therapy from Capella University.
(229) 518-6296 View (229) 518-6296
Photo of Meg McLeroy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Meg McLeroy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30324
Waitlist for new clients
I work with couples, both pre-marital stage and long term partners who are navigating difficult decisions around marriage or divorce.
Do you nurture fear or hope? Investing in therapy is a positive step towards facing your fears and uncovering new possibilities. Identify insights, wisdom and truth whether you are struggling with issues related to depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, grief or major life transitions. We'll clarify your values and develop custom skills and tools to support change. Integrating experiential interventions with systems theory and mindfulness strategies helps you understand new ways for dealing with challenges.
I work with couples, both pre-marital stage and long term partners who are navigating difficult decisions around marriage or divorce.
Do you nurture fear or hope? Investing in therapy is a positive step towards facing your fears and uncovering new possibilities. Identify insights, wisdom and truth whether you are struggling with issues related to depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, grief or major life transitions. We'll clarify your values and develop custom skills and tools to support change. Integrating experiential interventions with systems theory and mindfulness strategies helps you understand new ways for dealing with challenges.
(404) 721-3596 View (404) 721-3596
Photo of Lori A Scott, Marriage & Family Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Lori A Scott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30354  (Online Only)
My name is Lori and I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist as well as a certified relationship and transformation coach.
Are you at your wits' end due to conflicts and communication breakdown? Are you having second thoughts about getting married or staying in your relationship? Are you feeling angry, anxious, or depressed most days? Issues in your relationship can easily spill over into other areas of your life, negatively impacting your health and well-being. The great news is this - your situation can change for the better TODAY!
My name is Lori and I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist as well as a certified relationship and transformation coach.
Are you at your wits' end due to conflicts and communication breakdown? Are you having second thoughts about getting married or staying in your relationship? Are you feeling angry, anxious, or depressed most days? Issues in your relationship can easily spill over into other areas of your life, negatively impacting your health and well-being. The great news is this - your situation can change for the better TODAY!
(678) 952-2149 View (678) 952-2149
Photo of Anne Shimsky, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
Anne Shimsky
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30342
Are you awake at night again thinking, "What am I going to do?" Do you have difficulty waking up in the morning? Are you feeling stuck with grief, anxiety, depression, and feeling lost? Do you look in the mirror and cringe? Are the typical losses in life more than you can handle? How much longer do you want to suffer? Help is available.I am trained as a professional counselor, an affiliate member of American Marriage and Family Therapists, and am a Registered Play Therapist.
Are you awake at night again thinking, "What am I going to do?" Do you have difficulty waking up in the morning? Are you feeling stuck with grief, anxiety, depression, and feeling lost? Do you look in the mirror and cringe? Are the typical losses in life more than you can handle? How much longer do you want to suffer? Help is available.I am trained as a professional counselor, an affiliate member of American Marriage and Family Therapists, and am a Registered Play Therapist.
(404) 594-8130 View (404) 594-8130
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.