Photo of Valerie Werner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Evanston, IL
Valerie Werner
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60202
My graduate work is in marriage & family counseling.
I have many years of counseling with individuals, couples, families and children. Creating a safe, welcoming space where healing, learning, growing can occur is essential for the therapeutic process which takes many forms, and is based on the needs of each person, couple or family. The therapeutic process is a shared journey and in my counseling role I help support and guide the process.
My graduate work is in marriage & family counseling.
I have many years of counseling with individuals, couples, families and children. Creating a safe, welcoming space where healing, learning, growing can occur is essential for the therapeutic process which takes many forms, and is based on the needs of each person, couple or family. The therapeutic process is a shared journey and in my counseling role I help support and guide the process.
(224) 252-8815 View (224) 252-8815
Photo of Jennifer McComb, Marriage & Family Therapist in Evanston, IL
Jennifer McComb
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
My advanced training in Marriage and Family Therapy and Sex Therapy provide me with the skills and experience necessary to help you meet your treatment goals. I strive to create a safe, non judgmental, compassionate context for clients to explore their struggles and maximize their growth potential. I work with individuals and couples with a range of presenting concerns, including, but not limited to: relationship distress, sexual functioning and satisfaction, lack of emotional and sexual intimacy, low sexual desire and/or pleasure and hypersexual behaviors ("sex addiction").
My advanced training in Marriage and Family Therapy and Sex Therapy provide me with the skills and experience necessary to help you meet your treatment goals. I strive to create a safe, non judgmental, compassionate context for clients to explore their struggles and maximize their growth potential. I work with individuals and couples with a range of presenting concerns, including, but not limited to: relationship distress, sexual functioning and satisfaction, lack of emotional and sexual intimacy, low sexual desire and/or pleasure and hypersexual behaviors ("sex addiction").
(847) 379-1184 View (847) 379-1184
Photo of Rachel Hunter, Marriage & Family Therapist in Evanston, IL
Rachel Hunter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60201  (Online Only)
Hi there! I’m Rachel (she/her) and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Trained in Integrative Systemic Therapy at Northwestern University, I am most passionate about working with couples and individuals (older teens, young adults, adults) presenting with various needs, concerns, and presentations. These include depression/anxiety, trauma, complex PTSD, attachment issues, codependency, life transitions, and relational conflict.
Hi there! I’m Rachel (she/her) and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Trained in Integrative Systemic Therapy at Northwestern University, I am most passionate about working with couples and individuals (older teens, young adults, adults) presenting with various needs, concerns, and presentations. These include depression/anxiety, trauma, complex PTSD, attachment issues, codependency, life transitions, and relational conflict.
(708) 742-7634 View (708) 742-7634
Photo of Dan Gordon Gill, Counselor in Evanston, IL
Dan Gordon Gill
Counselor, LCPC, MSMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
My work years ago with adolescents led naturally to working more closely with parents, who often struggle themselves during this turbulent time for their children. A third of my practice is with adolescents (anxiety, depression, academic underachievement, identity issues), another third with parents and couples/marriage (with or without children), and the other third with individual adults (anxiety, depression, issues of generativity in personal and/or professional lives).
My work years ago with adolescents led naturally to working more closely with parents, who often struggle themselves during this turbulent time for their children. A third of my practice is with adolescents (anxiety, depression, academic underachievement, identity issues), another third with parents and couples/marriage (with or without children), and the other third with individual adults (anxiety, depression, issues of generativity in personal and/or professional lives).
(847) 513-9660 View (847) 513-9660
Photo of David Klow, Marriage & Family Therapist in Evanston, IL
David Klow
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who brings alternative modalities into the therapy when needed.
Therapy is a place to be with what hurts while stepping into being fully yourself. In the presence of a skillful, non-judgmental, compassionate therapist, you will have the opportunity to face these aspects of yourself so that new ways of living emerge.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who brings alternative modalities into the therapy when needed.
Therapy is a place to be with what hurts while stepping into being fully yourself. In the presence of a skillful, non-judgmental, compassionate therapist, you will have the opportunity to face these aspects of yourself so that new ways of living emerge.
(847) 850-0458 View (847) 850-0458
Photo of Paul Giblin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Evanston, IL
Paul Giblin
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MDiv, LMFT
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60202
I often work with young couples, older couples, and dual career couples who are surprised and in pain over the loss of intimacy and play in their relationship and who struggle to make their marriage a priority.
I specialize in couples counseling, family counseling, counseling with men, and premarital counseling. I help clients make meaning of their struggles, articulate their desires, and collaborate to reach their goals. I normalize and interpret conflict in terms of differences, identity, connection, and power issues. Intimacy and anger, stress and time constraints, are often the focus of our work together. I tend to be fairly transparent and strengths-focused. I also specialize in the integration of spirituality and psychotherapy.
I often work with young couples, older couples, and dual career couples who are surprised and in pain over the loss of intimacy and play in their relationship and who struggle to make their marriage a priority.
I specialize in couples counseling, family counseling, counseling with men, and premarital counseling. I help clients make meaning of their struggles, articulate their desires, and collaborate to reach their goals. I normalize and interpret conflict in terms of differences, identity, connection, and power issues. Intimacy and anger, stress and time constraints, are often the focus of our work together. I tend to be fairly transparent and strengths-focused. I also specialize in the integration of spirituality and psychotherapy.
(773) 599-0980 View (773) 599-0980
Photo of Julie Oscherwitz Grant, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Evanston, IL
Julie Oscherwitz Grant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60201
I specialize in the following areas:grief and loss, depression, marital and other relationship difficulties, divorce, young adult transitions and challenges, parenting, and women's medical issues.
We all work hard to take care of ourselves and build positive relationships, but sometimes obstacles get in our way. For more than 20 years, I have worked with people to identify and remove those obstacles, so that they can lead fuller and more joyful lives. You may be derailed by the loss of a job or relationship; feel depressed and not know why, or struggle as a parent. I work with individuals, couples and families to pinpoint your concerns and work toward change. My emphasis is on building honest, open relationships and on using insight to fuel change.
I specialize in the following areas:grief and loss, depression, marital and other relationship difficulties, divorce, young adult transitions and challenges, parenting, and women's medical issues.
We all work hard to take care of ourselves and build positive relationships, but sometimes obstacles get in our way. For more than 20 years, I have worked with people to identify and remove those obstacles, so that they can lead fuller and more joyful lives. You may be derailed by the loss of a job or relationship; feel depressed and not know why, or struggle as a parent. I work with individuals, couples and families to pinpoint your concerns and work toward change. My emphasis is on building honest, open relationships and on using insight to fuel change.
(847) 416-0986 View (847) 416-0986
Photo of Rachel Goldsmith, Shoreline Psychotherapy, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Evanston, IL
Rachel Goldsmith, Shoreline Psychotherapy, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60202
*I am unable to accept new clients at this time* I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adult individuals, couples, and families. My areas of expertise are with emerging adults dealing with the unique challenges of transitioning into adulthood, couples in conflict or for whom trauma histories exist for one or both partners, and women coping with balancing the many roles they occupy. If you feel disconnected, either from yourself or others, I will join you in a process of being present and experiencing the transformative power of being seen and heard so that you can begin to see and hear your true self.
*I am unable to accept new clients at this time* I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adult individuals, couples, and families. My areas of expertise are with emerging adults dealing with the unique challenges of transitioning into adulthood, couples in conflict or for whom trauma histories exist for one or both partners, and women coping with balancing the many roles they occupy. If you feel disconnected, either from yourself or others, I will join you in a process of being present and experiencing the transformative power of being seen and heard so that you can begin to see and hear your true self.
(847) 260-9950 View (847) 260-9950
Photo of Michele M Martin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Evanston, IL
Michele M Martin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60201
As a marriage and family therapist, I work on communication, creating quality time and understanding unmet needs now and from the past.
The future feels uncertain and we are more anxious or depressed. We are busy with long "to do" lists, yet feel lonely and disconnected from others. We rely more on partners/spouses to meet our needs or simply avoid them by scrolling on our phones. Our children are caught up on social media and we worry about their chances for happiness and success. How do we manage what feels overwhelming and outside our control? How do we find time to think? Therapy is a space to slow it down and make needed changes. I will help you quiet the racing thoughts and create a better understanding of who you are and what you want in your life.
As a marriage and family therapist, I work on communication, creating quality time and understanding unmet needs now and from the past.
The future feels uncertain and we are more anxious or depressed. We are busy with long "to do" lists, yet feel lonely and disconnected from others. We rely more on partners/spouses to meet our needs or simply avoid them by scrolling on our phones. Our children are caught up on social media and we worry about their chances for happiness and success. How do we manage what feels overwhelming and outside our control? How do we find time to think? Therapy is a space to slow it down and make needed changes. I will help you quiet the racing thoughts and create a better understanding of who you are and what you want in your life.
(847) 416-0909 View (847) 416-0909
Photo of Jamie Amitrano, Marriage & Family Therapist in Evanston, IL
Jamie Amitrano
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Using a mix of attachment theory, strategic therapy, and experiential approaches, you can be sure I will keep you engaged and motivated to show up to sessions where you will participate in more than just talk therapy. I obtained my master's degree in marriage and family therapy from Wheaton College and describe myself as a "systems thinker." I welcome the opportunity to meet with families, couples, or adult individuals. I also have a special interest in working with couples navigating ADHD, families with older children, and individuals struggling with codependency.
Using a mix of attachment theory, strategic therapy, and experiential approaches, you can be sure I will keep you engaged and motivated to show up to sessions where you will participate in more than just talk therapy. I obtained my master's degree in marriage and family therapy from Wheaton College and describe myself as a "systems thinker." I welcome the opportunity to meet with families, couples, or adult individuals. I also have a special interest in working with couples navigating ADHD, families with older children, and individuals struggling with codependency.
(224) 487-8181 View (224) 487-8181
Photo of Randy L. Kettering, Psychologist in Evanston, IL
Randy L. Kettering
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60201  (Online Only)
I am a very experienced, energetic, interactive psychologist who listens carefully and empathically in order to assist in creating solutions to your life difficulties. For relationship difficulties-marital, pre-marital or employment based- I focus on previous and current relationship experiences to clarify expectations and characteristic modes of interacting that are unproductive and unrewarding. Treating anxiety, depression and low self-esteem and are my forte. I offer evening hours Monday-Thursday to accommodate hectic and demanding schedules.
I am a very experienced, energetic, interactive psychologist who listens carefully and empathically in order to assist in creating solutions to your life difficulties. For relationship difficulties-marital, pre-marital or employment based- I focus on previous and current relationship experiences to clarify expectations and characteristic modes of interacting that are unproductive and unrewarding. Treating anxiety, depression and low self-esteem and are my forte. I offer evening hours Monday-Thursday to accommodate hectic and demanding schedules.
(224) 366-9407 View (224) 366-9407
Photo of DALIA Vaisaite, Marriage & Family Therapist in Evanston, IL
DALIA Vaisaite
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60202
I believe in everyone's uniqueness, authenticity, resiliency, and strength. I will guide you through the process of self-discovery, self-growth, self-love, and clarity. I assist individuals in setting personal goals and visions and working toward desired results and healthy life. Also, I work with couples who may need some guidance and support while navigating their relationships. My goal is for these couples to leave therapy feeling more connected and secure in their relationships. When working with families, I look at the family as a whole, and address transitions, divorce, trauma, grief, and marital/financial problem.
I believe in everyone's uniqueness, authenticity, resiliency, and strength. I will guide you through the process of self-discovery, self-growth, self-love, and clarity. I assist individuals in setting personal goals and visions and working toward desired results and healthy life. Also, I work with couples who may need some guidance and support while navigating their relationships. My goal is for these couples to leave therapy feeling more connected and secure in their relationships. When working with families, I look at the family as a whole, and address transitions, divorce, trauma, grief, and marital/financial problem.
(847) 641-2680 View (847) 641-2680
Peter A. Reiner
Psychologist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
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 Kathi M Marks, Psychologist in Evanston, IL
Kathi M Marks
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60201
Drawing from the latest clinical research on individual and marital therapy, I suggest books and articles as well as teach meditation and relaxation practices.
Anxiety and stress are pervasive in our society. Whether your challenges evolve from your career, personal, or familial life, I have many techniques and strategies that can help you manifest the life you want to live. If you are ready to release fear and embrace peace, identify and remove obstacles to living your full potential, and open to making a real shift in your life - I invite you to work with me.
Drawing from the latest clinical research on individual and marital therapy, I suggest books and articles as well as teach meditation and relaxation practices.
Anxiety and stress are pervasive in our society. Whether your challenges evolve from your career, personal, or familial life, I have many techniques and strategies that can help you manifest the life you want to live. If you are ready to release fear and embrace peace, identify and remove obstacles to living your full potential, and open to making a real shift in your life - I invite you to work with me.
(847) 917-4305 View (847) 917-4305
Photo of Nosh Family Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Evanston, IL
Nosh Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
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 Sarah Wynn, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Evanston, IL
Sarah Wynn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, ACSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60201
My special expertise is working with people who want to feel better. People who want to explore themselves, who want help in figuring out why they feel bad, and what they can do in order to feel better. I create space where you can feel comfortable to talk about uncomfortable things. I help people dealing with depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, substance abuse; those having relationship issues, that would include couples/marital, parent-child, brothers-sisters, coworkers, or friends. You'll find out that you're not so different from everyone else; we all struggle.
My special expertise is working with people who want to feel better. People who want to explore themselves, who want help in figuring out why they feel bad, and what they can do in order to feel better. I create space where you can feel comfortable to talk about uncomfortable things. I help people dealing with depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, substance abuse; those having relationship issues, that would include couples/marital, parent-child, brothers-sisters, coworkers, or friends. You'll find out that you're not so different from everyone else; we all struggle.
(773) 580-7282 View (773) 580-7282
Photo of Jackie Carson, Pre-Licensed Professional in Evanston, IL
Jackie Carson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
Jacquelyn is a Marriage and Family Therapist with specialized training in working systemically with individuals, couples, and families. She experience in both community mental health and partial hospitalization settings, treating issues of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and (sexual) trauma. She is adamant about addressing matters surrounding high conflict relationships, communication, first and second-generation challenges, grief and loss and complex family dynamics.
Jacquelyn is a Marriage and Family Therapist with specialized training in working systemically with individuals, couples, and families. She experience in both community mental health and partial hospitalization settings, treating issues of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and (sexual) trauma. She is adamant about addressing matters surrounding high conflict relationships, communication, first and second-generation challenges, grief and loss and complex family dynamics.
(708) 809-8110 View (708) 809-8110
Photo of Amy B Freed, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Evanston, IL
Amy B Freed
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60201
The decision to begin psychotherapy is a significant one and finding the right therapist is half the battle. The therapeutic relationship plays an important role in our work together. My goal is to provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings about your circumstances including developmental transitions such as entering college, young adulthood; experiencing work or parenting concerns; pre-marital and marital transitions such as those almost or newly married, infidelity, divorce, relational strain; and concerns of general life dissatisfaction resulting in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The decision to begin psychotherapy is a significant one and finding the right therapist is half the battle. The therapeutic relationship plays an important role in our work together. My goal is to provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings about your circumstances including developmental transitions such as entering college, young adulthood; experiencing work or parenting concerns; pre-marital and marital transitions such as those almost or newly married, infidelity, divorce, relational strain; and concerns of general life dissatisfaction resulting in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
(224) 970-2307 View (224) 970-2307
Photo of Megan Gaumond-Oval, Pre-Licensed Professional in Evanston, IL
Megan Gaumond-Oval
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60201
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I am here to help you better understand yourself, your relationships, and how you show up in those relationships. I have a warm and collaborative therapeutic style, and use curiosity and compassion to help clients discover new ways of thinking. I work from a strength-based lens to meet clients where they are and support them as they grow. I provide a nonjudgmental and safe therapeutic environment for my clients, and my ultimate goal is for my clients of all identities to feel seen, heard, and understood.
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I am here to help you better understand yourself, your relationships, and how you show up in those relationships. I have a warm and collaborative therapeutic style, and use curiosity and compassion to help clients discover new ways of thinking. I work from a strength-based lens to meet clients where they are and support them as they grow. I provide a nonjudgmental and safe therapeutic environment for my clients, and my ultimate goal is for my clients of all identities to feel seen, heard, and understood.
(847) 649-6392 View (847) 649-6392
Photo of Rossana Sierra-Swiech, Counselor in Evanston, IL
Rossana Sierra-Swiech
Counselor, PhD, LCPC
Verified Verified
Evanston, IL 60209  (Online Only)
Treating Anxiety and Phobia, Child & Adolescent Trauma, Treating Sexual Trauma, and Marriage and Couple's therapy.
Trauma is an adverse emotional, mental, and physical reaction that individuals encounter when confronted with negative experiences such as abuse, sexual assault, interpersonal violence, emotional/psychological harm, neglect, disaster, terrorism, and war. In some cases, when trauma has occurred during early developmental stages, a person can experience complex trauma, which can result in severe posttraumatic stress disorder (e.g., intrusive memories, images, thoughts, dreams), including emotional dysregulation, acute depression, anxiety, dissociation/numbness, relational problems, and suicidal ideation.
Treating Anxiety and Phobia, Child & Adolescent Trauma, Treating Sexual Trauma, and Marriage and Couple's therapy.
Trauma is an adverse emotional, mental, and physical reaction that individuals encounter when confronted with negative experiences such as abuse, sexual assault, interpersonal violence, emotional/psychological harm, neglect, disaster, terrorism, and war. In some cases, when trauma has occurred during early developmental stages, a person can experience complex trauma, which can result in severe posttraumatic stress disorder (e.g., intrusive memories, images, thoughts, dreams), including emotional dysregulation, acute depression, anxiety, dissociation/numbness, relational problems, and suicidal ideation.
(872) 241-1008 View (872) 241-1008
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.