Photo of Lisa M. Demos, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Lisa M. Demos
Counselor, LCPC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60611
Clients may need support and guidance through life changes: dating, marriage, divorce, pregnancy, grief, loss.
With over 20 years of experience I have worked with a range of issues and populations. My main approach to therapy is cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) in order to process thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that contribute to distorted thinking and behavior, therefore affecting emotional well-being. The goal is to challenge and reframe so that the client achieves their personal goals, to cope with life transitions and obstacles. I also utilize Attachment Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I've assisted clients with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, life transitions, and various others.
Clients may need support and guidance through life changes: dating, marriage, divorce, pregnancy, grief, loss.
With over 20 years of experience I have worked with a range of issues and populations. My main approach to therapy is cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) in order to process thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that contribute to distorted thinking and behavior, therefore affecting emotional well-being. The goal is to challenge and reframe so that the client achieves their personal goals, to cope with life transitions and obstacles. I also utilize Attachment Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I've assisted clients with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, life transitions, and various others.
(773) 451-8172 View (773) 451-8172
Photo of Ileana Ungureanu, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chicago, IL
Ileana Ungureanu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MD, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640  (Online Only)
I am an assistant professor of marriage, couple and family counseling, teaching future therapists at Governors State University.
I am passionate in working with relational issues, either when helping individuals or couples and families. I believe that our relationships have an essential impact on our well-being. I am yet to hear a client or a friend or a family member talk about distress that is not somehow associated to a relational issue... Aren't we all longing to belong and to find safety and security in the arms of our loved ones (partners, parents or very dear friends that are like family)? And yet, these are precisely the people that can hurt us the most.
I am an assistant professor of marriage, couple and family counseling, teaching future therapists at Governors State University.
I am passionate in working with relational issues, either when helping individuals or couples and families. I believe that our relationships have an essential impact on our well-being. I am yet to hear a client or a friend or a family member talk about distress that is not somehow associated to a relational issue... Aren't we all longing to belong and to find safety and security in the arms of our loved ones (partners, parents or very dear friends that are like family)? And yet, these are precisely the people that can hurt us the most.
(312) 818-3684 View (312) 818-3684
Photo of Grace Ahn-Im, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Grace Ahn-Im
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60611
I also enjoy working with couples preparing for marriage.
As a therapist, I create a safe and supportive environment in which a collaborative and goal-oriented relationship can develop. Through this safe and supportive relationship I assist people in increasing awareness of themselves and begin the journey of healing, growth, and change.
I also enjoy working with couples preparing for marriage.
As a therapist, I create a safe and supportive environment in which a collaborative and goal-oriented relationship can develop. Through this safe and supportive relationship I assist people in increasing awareness of themselves and begin the journey of healing, growth, and change.
(312) 625-5130 View (312) 625-5130
Photo of Dr Robert John Zagar PC A Professional, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Dr Robert John Zagar PC A Professional
Psychologist, PhD, MPH
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60611
As a clinical & school psychologist & Cook County Circuit Court officer (Northwestern University, research design & statistics) with 2 fellowships (NIH sleep disorders, Rush, & NIMH public health, UIC), 2 years each premedical & basic medical sciences, I offer individual, family, marital therapy, forensic neuropsychological tests & expert witness testimony.
I discover objectively what is the issue, applying the best treatment for abuse, aging, alcohol/substance use, anger, anxiety, attention deficit, autism spectrum disorders, bereavement, cancer, career consultation, coping, criminal charges, custody, delinquency, dementia, depression, divorce, DUI, dyslexia, hyperactivity, hypnosis, individualized education plans, insomnia, job loss, learning disability, lower productivity, neuropsychological exams, panic attacks, parenting, personal injury, personality tests, post automobile accident, relationships, stress, trauma, TBI, underachievement, vocational guidance, workers compensation.
As a clinical & school psychologist & Cook County Circuit Court officer (Northwestern University, research design & statistics) with 2 fellowships (NIH sleep disorders, Rush, & NIMH public health, UIC), 2 years each premedical & basic medical sciences, I offer individual, family, marital therapy, forensic neuropsychological tests & expert witness testimony.
I discover objectively what is the issue, applying the best treatment for abuse, aging, alcohol/substance use, anger, anxiety, attention deficit, autism spectrum disorders, bereavement, cancer, career consultation, coping, criminal charges, custody, delinquency, dementia, depression, divorce, DUI, dyslexia, hyperactivity, hypnosis, individualized education plans, insomnia, job loss, learning disability, lower productivity, neuropsychological exams, panic attacks, parenting, personal injury, personality tests, post automobile accident, relationships, stress, trauma, TBI, underachievement, vocational guidance, workers compensation.
(312) 266-3411 View (312) 266-3411
Photo of Vanessa Harper, Pre-Licensed Professional in Chicago, IL
Vanessa Harper
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, ALMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist specialized in working with individuals and relationships on a variety of issues including race-related stress, anxiety, self-esteem and identity development, as well as intimacy and rebuilding trust and communication. I use a client-centered and collaborative approach to establish treatment goals, build upon strengths and growing edges, and to lift constraints which may be keeping you from achieving your goals.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist specialized in working with individuals and relationships on a variety of issues including race-related stress, anxiety, self-esteem and identity development, as well as intimacy and rebuilding trust and communication. I use a client-centered and collaborative approach to establish treatment goals, build upon strengths and growing edges, and to lift constraints which may be keeping you from achieving your goals.
(312) 313-8479 x533 View (312) 313-8479 x533
Photo of Nosh Family Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chicago, IL
Nosh Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602
I earned my Masters degree from Northwestern University in Marriage and Family Therapy.
As a therapist, I believe in the power of self-awareness in helping people overcome adversity. Trained in Systems Therapy at the Family Institute at Northwestern University, my orientation is to use relationships to strengthen our understanding of one another, and of ourselves. I value the humanistic experience most of all, and strive to learn as much as possible about one's past motivations and ways of coping. I also believe that the therapeutic relationship is the key ingredient in effecting change. I use compassion and acceptance as tools to help create space for that change.
I earned my Masters degree from Northwestern University in Marriage and Family Therapy.
As a therapist, I believe in the power of self-awareness in helping people overcome adversity. Trained in Systems Therapy at the Family Institute at Northwestern University, my orientation is to use relationships to strengthen our understanding of one another, and of ourselves. I value the humanistic experience most of all, and strive to learn as much as possible about one's past motivations and ways of coping. I also believe that the therapeutic relationship is the key ingredient in effecting change. I use compassion and acceptance as tools to help create space for that change.
(630) 560-6733 View (630) 560-6733
Photo of Myra Castañeda, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chicago, IL
Myra Castañeda
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
I work to help people gain awareness of why and how they have lost access to meaningful parts of themselves, find ways to remove blocks to emotional growth and move towards a life that feels more connected and alive. I attend to past and present circumstances, behaviors, feelings, thoughts, and the body. I am open, authentic, engaged, and gently challenging in my interactions with clients. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, I intend to support you in enhancing your relationships and offer guidance for healing and growth in any other domains of your life that you'd like to examine.
I work to help people gain awareness of why and how they have lost access to meaningful parts of themselves, find ways to remove blocks to emotional growth and move towards a life that feels more connected and alive. I attend to past and present circumstances, behaviors, feelings, thoughts, and the body. I am open, authentic, engaged, and gently challenging in my interactions with clients. As a Marriage & Family Therapist, I intend to support you in enhancing your relationships and offer guidance for healing and growth in any other domains of your life that you'd like to examine.
(773) 801-7282 View (773) 801-7282
Photo of Kathleen Gettelfinger, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chicago, IL
Kathleen Gettelfinger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families. I know firsthand the power of a safe and secure space that allows for exploration and examination. Seeking help is an act of both courage and vulnerability, and I meet these strengths with compassion, warmth, and understanding. Together, I work with clients to co-create an experience that facilitates honest reflection and a movement toward the change they seek. In addition to talk therapy, I also utilize EMDR therapy. It is my privilege to accompany and support clients on this powerful journey of self-discovery.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families. I know firsthand the power of a safe and secure space that allows for exploration and examination. Seeking help is an act of both courage and vulnerability, and I meet these strengths with compassion, warmth, and understanding. Together, I work with clients to co-create an experience that facilitates honest reflection and a movement toward the change they seek. In addition to talk therapy, I also utilize EMDR therapy. It is my privilege to accompany and support clients on this powerful journey of self-discovery.
(312) 548-6186 View (312) 548-6186
Photo of Errie Counseling and Therapy Inc in Chicago, IL
Errie Counseling and Therapy Inc
PhD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60645
I am Dr. Sylvia Kobe, and I am a Licensed Clinical psychologist. My associate Dr. Mary-Zitta Muabe and I collaborate to cover a broad counseling spectrum. Together Dr. Muabe and I specialize in marriage, family therapy, and spiritual maturity. We also work with teens, young adults, and individuals battling anxiety, depression, or struggles to cope with every-life issues. We believe in empowering our clients, encouraging them to see that life is all about second chances, and with the right kind of intervention, the best is yet to come.
I am Dr. Sylvia Kobe, and I am a Licensed Clinical psychologist. My associate Dr. Mary-Zitta Muabe and I collaborate to cover a broad counseling spectrum. Together Dr. Muabe and I specialize in marriage, family therapy, and spiritual maturity. We also work with teens, young adults, and individuals battling anxiety, depression, or struggles to cope with every-life issues. We believe in empowering our clients, encouraging them to see that life is all about second chances, and with the right kind of intervention, the best is yet to come.
(847) 796-8905 View (847) 796-8905
Photo of Jody Kroll Rotblatt, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Jody Kroll Rotblatt
Psychologist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
In family/marital, we seek to understand each family member and work to improve communication, trust, balance and harmony.
The therapists in our practice joined together because of our shared belief that our clients, who have reached out for help in managing and overcoming the challenges their lives, each have a unique set of strengths that often need to be better understood and developed. In our own styles, we each use the therapeutic relationship to understand what is interfering with an individual's sense of fulfillment in life. We approach therapy from the perspective that, at our core, our clients are health seeking but may be repeating old patterns that are not serving them well.
In family/marital, we seek to understand each family member and work to improve communication, trust, balance and harmony.
The therapists in our practice joined together because of our shared belief that our clients, who have reached out for help in managing and overcoming the challenges their lives, each have a unique set of strengths that often need to be better understood and developed. In our own styles, we each use the therapeutic relationship to understand what is interfering with an individual's sense of fulfillment in life. We approach therapy from the perspective that, at our core, our clients are health seeking but may be repeating old patterns that are not serving them well.
(847) 457-0213 View (847) 457-0213
Photo of Claudia Minner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chicago, IL
Claudia Minner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60606
I specialize in helping clients holistically work through anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, marital/relationship issues, communication, and family of origin issues. Whether it is managing anxious symptoms, navigating inhibiting conflict, or even just tackling the stressors that come up in the day-to-day, I work with you to uncover your inherent strengths, and help you leverage them with quality strategies to achieve healthy, desired change. Each session, I collaborate with you to lift your biggest constraints, offer quality guidance, and provide the tools to connect with yourself and others more freely.
I specialize in helping clients holistically work through anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, marital/relationship issues, communication, and family of origin issues. Whether it is managing anxious symptoms, navigating inhibiting conflict, or even just tackling the stressors that come up in the day-to-day, I work with you to uncover your inherent strengths, and help you leverage them with quality strategies to achieve healthy, desired change. Each session, I collaborate with you to lift your biggest constraints, offer quality guidance, and provide the tools to connect with yourself and others more freely.
(773) 830-3693 x1 View (773) 830-3693 x1
Photo of Angelika Danek, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Angelika Danek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CRADC, SAP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60631
I am a psychotherapist with extensive experience offering in-person and online counseling. My great passion is helping people to regain their emotional wellbeing and strengthen their relationships so they can feel peaceful, complete, whole and safe. I work with individuals, couples and families and specialize in treating depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma and marital problems. Being a certified Metabolic Balance coach, I offer a holistic weight management program. Also, I provide psychological immigration evaluations: Hardship; VAWA, U Visa; T Visa; Asylum; Cancelation of Removal etc.
I am a psychotherapist with extensive experience offering in-person and online counseling. My great passion is helping people to regain their emotional wellbeing and strengthen their relationships so they can feel peaceful, complete, whole and safe. I work with individuals, couples and families and specialize in treating depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma and marital problems. Being a certified Metabolic Balance coach, I offer a holistic weight management program. Also, I provide psychological immigration evaluations: Hardship; VAWA, U Visa; T Visa; Asylum; Cancelation of Removal etc.
(773) 830-3743 View (773) 830-3743
Photo of Joseph Shoshana, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Joseph Shoshana
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60607
My practice is comprised of a team of certified professionals skilled in general mental health issues, marriage and families, and neuropsychological testing.
I have been in private practice for over 20 years and have treated thousands of clients including individuals, families, children and adults. People often come in seeking relief from a range of struggles including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and family conflicts. Through my work with many families I began to also address issues of parenting and family dynamics as well as children and adolescents facing a variety of disorders, self-esteem issues, and acting out behaviors. Over the span of my career I have also treated substance abuse, bipolar, psychotic and personality disorders.
My practice is comprised of a team of certified professionals skilled in general mental health issues, marriage and families, and neuropsychological testing.
I have been in private practice for over 20 years and have treated thousands of clients including individuals, families, children and adults. People often come in seeking relief from a range of struggles including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and family conflicts. Through my work with many families I began to also address issues of parenting and family dynamics as well as children and adolescents facing a variety of disorders, self-esteem issues, and acting out behaviors. Over the span of my career I have also treated substance abuse, bipolar, psychotic and personality disorders.
(847) 457-4046 View (847) 457-4046
Photo of Alexandra Joseph, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Alexandra Joseph
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
I have current openings in my practice for adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s, marital and pre-marital couples who are experiencing anxiety, depression, experiences of trauma, problematic drug and alcohol use, and relational difficulties. I am part of a group practice, North Shore Psychotherapy, that is located in the Lakeview neighborhood. My priority is to create a non-judgmental space for my clients in which they feel safe and supported. Additional specialties: emerging adulthood, building self-confidence, significant life transitions, disordered eating patterns, and women's issues.
I have current openings in my practice for adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s, marital and pre-marital couples who are experiencing anxiety, depression, experiences of trauma, problematic drug and alcohol use, and relational difficulties. I am part of a group practice, North Shore Psychotherapy, that is located in the Lakeview neighborhood. My priority is to create a non-judgmental space for my clients in which they feel safe and supported. Additional specialties: emerging adulthood, building self-confidence, significant life transitions, disordered eating patterns, and women's issues.
(224) 803-3872 View (224) 803-3872
Peter A. Reiner
Psychologist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60611
I am a warm, flexible, thoughtful and experienced licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and psychoanalyst located just north Chicago's Loop. I establish supportive and comfortable therapeutic relationships with individuals and couples. Sessions are customized to the unique needs, goals, and strengths of each client. Typical challenges include the following: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, work difficulties, grief or loss, relationship issues or patterns, substance or alcohol abuse, divorce, parenting, stress management, painful emotional symptoms, personality disorders, and renewing hope.
I am a warm, flexible, thoughtful and experienced licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and psychoanalyst located just north Chicago's Loop. I establish supportive and comfortable therapeutic relationships with individuals and couples. Sessions are customized to the unique needs, goals, and strengths of each client. Typical challenges include the following: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, work difficulties, grief or loss, relationship issues or patterns, substance or alcohol abuse, divorce, parenting, stress management, painful emotional symptoms, personality disorders, and renewing hope.
(312) 854-2036 View (312) 854-2036
Photo of Timothy Lo, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Timothy Lo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60642  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
He takes a similar approach in pre-marital and relationship counseling, with a special focus on communication and problem solving.
Tim (he/him) believes good therapy is not just about connecting to another person, but also about understanding the context of our internal world: our thoughts, emotions, memories, desires, compulsions, and more. His approach is to help people change how they interact with their internal world in an effort to pursue a more fulfilling life, sometimes helping people define what that means to them along the way. In his experience this generally involves a lot of education, trust, and practicing how to use tools and exercises outside of sessions.
He takes a similar approach in pre-marital and relationship counseling, with a special focus on communication and problem solving.
Tim (he/him) believes good therapy is not just about connecting to another person, but also about understanding the context of our internal world: our thoughts, emotions, memories, desires, compulsions, and more. His approach is to help people change how they interact with their internal world in an effort to pursue a more fulfilling life, sometimes helping people define what that means to them along the way. In his experience this generally involves a lot of education, trust, and practicing how to use tools and exercises outside of sessions.
(773) 455-1698 View (773) 455-1698
Photo of Maria Alejandra Ramirez, Pre-Licensed Professional in Chicago, IL
Maria Alejandra Ramirez
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60622  (Online Only)
Common issues targeted include and are not limited to: working through relationship issues, Identifying patterns, needs, communication patterns, healing from trauma, navigating new stages in the relationship, grieving and loss, and coping with perinatal and post partum marital challenges.
My therapeutic approach is to fosters a space where the past, present, and future intersect in a way that healing, empowerment, and clear direction can flourish. I understand that life can at times be challenging, change can be destabilizing, and loss will cause pain. Through these life transitions one may at times need a safe space to cultivate hope and grow. I employ evidence based practices, cultural sensitivity and awareness to assist you in achieving your therapeutic goals.
Common issues targeted include and are not limited to: working through relationship issues, Identifying patterns, needs, communication patterns, healing from trauma, navigating new stages in the relationship, grieving and loss, and coping with perinatal and post partum marital challenges.
My therapeutic approach is to fosters a space where the past, present, and future intersect in a way that healing, empowerment, and clear direction can flourish. I understand that life can at times be challenging, change can be destabilizing, and loss will cause pain. Through these life transitions one may at times need a safe space to cultivate hope and grow. I employ evidence based practices, cultural sensitivity and awareness to assist you in achieving your therapeutic goals.
(872) 231-3776 View (872) 231-3776
Ardent Counseling Center
PsyD, LCPC, LMFT, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657
Our therapists on staff are specially trained, clinical professional counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapist who provide, group therapy, and family therapy, Christian counseling, LGBT issues, eating disorders and a range of other specialized therapies.
The Ardent Counseling Center is a comprehensive psychotherapy practice providing counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families since 1988. We have 9 Chicagoland locations including, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Lakeview (Chicago) and 5 Iowa Locations.
Our therapists on staff are specially trained, clinical professional counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapist who provide, group therapy, and family therapy, Christian counseling, LGBT issues, eating disorders and a range of other specialized therapies.
The Ardent Counseling Center is a comprehensive psychotherapy practice providing counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families since 1988. We have 9 Chicagoland locations including, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Lakeview (Chicago) and 5 Iowa Locations.
(312) 766-9320 View (312) 766-9320
Photo of Bailey Kraft, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chicago, IL
Bailey Kraft
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647  (Online Only)
Bailey Kraft graduated from Purdue University with a Masters Degree in Child Development and Family Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois (license no. 166.001459) and Indiana (license no. 35002245A). Bailey is a LGBTQ-affirmative therapist and has worked with a variety of clients, including children, adolescents, families, and couples. She utilizes a solution-focused approach with an emphasis on how our lives are affected by the many different intersectional aspects of ourselves, our relationships, and our world.
Bailey Kraft graduated from Purdue University with a Masters Degree in Child Development and Family Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois (license no. 166.001459) and Indiana (license no. 35002245A). Bailey is a LGBTQ-affirmative therapist and has worked with a variety of clients, including children, adolescents, families, and couples. She utilizes a solution-focused approach with an emphasis on how our lives are affected by the many different intersectional aspects of ourselves, our relationships, and our world.
(872) 713-5251 View (872) 713-5251
Photo of Natasha Lentner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Chicago, IL
Natasha Lentner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPHA, QMHP
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60631
Helping individuals, couples and families on their journey to well-being, mental health and connection as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
www.HopeLandTherapy.com 708-274-7991 Call or e-mail for scheduling information. Improve: Relationship with self, Couple relationship, Family relationships, Self-esteem, Anxiety, ADHD, Self-improvement, Relaxation, Grounding, PTSD, Sexual trauma, Childhood trauma, Life transitions, and more! Get help now with Therapy or Life Coaching. Call today and start your journey to well-being.
Helping individuals, couples and families on their journey to well-being, mental health and connection as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
www.HopeLandTherapy.com 708-274-7991 Call or e-mail for scheduling information. Improve: Relationship with self, Couple relationship, Family relationships, Self-esteem, Anxiety, ADHD, Self-improvement, Relaxation, Grounding, PTSD, Sexual trauma, Childhood trauma, Life transitions, and more! Get help now with Therapy or Life Coaching. Call today and start your journey to well-being.
(224) 298-7296 View (224) 298-7296
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.