Photo of Dr. Mitch and Lisa Marriages/Couples Workshops in Gaithersburg, MD
Dr. Mitch and Lisa Marriages/Couples Workshops
PsyD, MSW, Life, Coach
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Relationships in Crisis: We Have Several Private Couples/Marriage Workshops & Individual Sessions, in order to Rapidly Accelerate Your Healing & Your Communication Process (Traditional 45 min. session Simply Does Not Work). During these 2 to 4 weeks, we will see both of you Together & Individually, as well as Help each of you Learn the Art of Empathy, Sensitivity & Compassion. These Workshops are Informative & Powerful, in order to Accelerate the Healing Process & Stop any further Damage from Occurring. In Addition, Our Success RATE is 85% of Our Couples that have Successfully Completed Our Couples Workshops or Alcohol Treatment.
Relationships in Crisis: We Have Several Private Couples/Marriage Workshops & Individual Sessions, in order to Rapidly Accelerate Your Healing & Your Communication Process (Traditional 45 min. session Simply Does Not Work). During these 2 to 4 weeks, we will see both of you Together & Individually, as well as Help each of you Learn the Art of Empathy, Sensitivity & Compassion. These Workshops are Informative & Powerful, in order to Accelerate the Healing Process & Stop any further Damage from Occurring. In Addition, Our Success RATE is 85% of Our Couples that have Successfully Completed Our Couples Workshops or Alcohol Treatment.
(301) 691-4094 View (301) 691-4094
Photo of Life Support Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gaithersburg, MD
Life Support Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Specialties include: Addiction Services, Individual and Group Therapy for Alcohol and Substance Abuse Issues; Depression; Anxiety; Military/Veteran issues and specializing in PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma, and Sleep Disorders; Life Transitions, Marital Problems, Grief & Loss, and much more.
As a result of COVID-19, all therapeutic services will be provided using Telehealth, by video conference. Telehealth makes mental health care more accessible. It brings mental health care options to those with limited mobility, those who lack transportation, and those with limited mental health care options in their community. It also allows those who would ordinarily be reluctant to seek treatment because of the perceived stigma associated with receiving mental health care' to get the help they need. Flexible scheduling, evenings and weekends available, all from the comfort of your home, car, wherever you are.
Specialties include: Addiction Services, Individual and Group Therapy for Alcohol and Substance Abuse Issues; Depression; Anxiety; Military/Veteran issues and specializing in PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma, and Sleep Disorders; Life Transitions, Marital Problems, Grief & Loss, and much more.
As a result of COVID-19, all therapeutic services will be provided using Telehealth, by video conference. Telehealth makes mental health care more accessible. It brings mental health care options to those with limited mobility, those who lack transportation, and those with limited mental health care options in their community. It also allows those who would ordinarily be reluctant to seek treatment because of the perceived stigma associated with receiving mental health care' to get the help they need. Flexible scheduling, evenings and weekends available, all from the comfort of your home, car, wherever you are.
(410) 376-5614 View (410) 376-5614
Photo of Elise Celli, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gaithersburg, MD
Elise Celli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20882  (Online Only)
Two providers; immediate openings starting 5/1/24. Hi, I'm Dr. Didi, resident and previous marriage ministry director. I work with couples, families, and adolescents 12+. If you'd like to work on unhealthy communication and relating patterns, I'm the provider for you! We will work on reducing repetitive conflicts, resentments and reactivity, restoring joy and emotional closeness via Gottman and attachment theories. For individuals, I also work with depression, anxiety and trauma via EMDR, CBT, TF-CBT, CPT and EMDR. Christian faith integration available upon request.
Two providers; immediate openings starting 5/1/24. Hi, I'm Dr. Didi, resident and previous marriage ministry director. I work with couples, families, and adolescents 12+. If you'd like to work on unhealthy communication and relating patterns, I'm the provider for you! We will work on reducing repetitive conflicts, resentments and reactivity, restoring joy and emotional closeness via Gottman and attachment theories. For individuals, I also work with depression, anxiety and trauma via EMDR, CBT, TF-CBT, CPT and EMDR. Christian faith integration available upon request.
(240) 775-1577 View (240) 775-1577
Photo of Norman W Smith, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Gaithersburg, MD
Norman W Smith
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MHS, LCPC, CRPS
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
I have been a Therapist for over twenty years.I have worked with many clients and understand the problems that people go through in everyday life. I help people work through them so that growth can occur in the Counseling Relationship.I believe that if you never confront and challenge your problems then nothing will change.There is hope for finding meaning in our lives. I provide Individual Pschotherapy,Couples,Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with adults and adolescents that have substance abuse and behavior problems. Recovery from lifes problems is an ongoing process that can be achieved through therapy.
I have been a Therapist for over twenty years.I have worked with many clients and understand the problems that people go through in everyday life. I help people work through them so that growth can occur in the Counseling Relationship.I believe that if you never confront and challenge your problems then nothing will change.There is hope for finding meaning in our lives. I provide Individual Pschotherapy,Couples,Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with adults and adolescents that have substance abuse and behavior problems. Recovery from lifes problems is an ongoing process that can be achieved through therapy.
(240) 380-9957 View (240) 380-9957
Photo of Sanaa Sharnoubi, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Gaithersburg, MD
Sanaa Sharnoubi
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MSc, LCPC, PhD
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
If life is a journey and you are at a wrong or unfamiliar juncture, I will be a trustworthy guide and companion as you chart your way to your destination. I can help with such roadblocks as depression, anxiety, fear or shame, substance abuse, difficulties in social, romantic, marital or family relationships. Other bumps in the road might involve professional or cultural issues. My promise is to support you consistently and unconditionally. Another promise is that you will (re)discover inner resources with which you can change/enhance any part(s) of your life that you are not satisfied with.
If life is a journey and you are at a wrong or unfamiliar juncture, I will be a trustworthy guide and companion as you chart your way to your destination. I can help with such roadblocks as depression, anxiety, fear or shame, substance abuse, difficulties in social, romantic, marital or family relationships. Other bumps in the road might involve professional or cultural issues. My promise is to support you consistently and unconditionally. Another promise is that you will (re)discover inner resources with which you can change/enhance any part(s) of your life that you are not satisfied with.
(301) 852-7872 View (301) 852-7872
Photo of Zachary Berman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Gaithersburg, MD
Zachary Berman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
He looks forward to helping clients with issues related to anxiety, depression, self-worth, couple and family connection and conflict, marital and premarital concerns, and sexuality.
Zack Berman believes that great therapeutic outcomes start with a strong therapeutic alliance. His style is warm and candid, inviting clients into an environment where they can be authentically themselves. Zack offers his clients an affirming, improvisational space in which they can feel safe to express uncomfortable truths and begin to play with new solutions. He often collaborates with clients on impromptu experiential exercises, utilizing a strengths-based stance to empower them to reach their goals.
He looks forward to helping clients with issues related to anxiety, depression, self-worth, couple and family connection and conflict, marital and premarital concerns, and sexuality.
Zack Berman believes that great therapeutic outcomes start with a strong therapeutic alliance. His style is warm and candid, inviting clients into an environment where they can be authentically themselves. Zack offers his clients an affirming, improvisational space in which they can feel safe to express uncomfortable truths and begin to play with new solutions. He often collaborates with clients on impromptu experiential exercises, utilizing a strengths-based stance to empower them to reach their goals.
(301) 638-8534 View (301) 638-8534
Photo of Camina Hirota-Lee, Marriage & Family Therapist in Gaithersburg, MD
Camina Hirota-Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LGMFT
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20878  (Online Only)
As a Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families. I have experience working with issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, and issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. I work from a multicultural perspective while utilizing techniques from solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy models. My counseling philosophy recognizes that the client is the expert in their own life and that everybody has the ability to grow and change. Therapy is a setting where you can help identify unresolved problems that are impacting your access to that ability.
As a Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families. I have experience working with issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, and issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. I work from a multicultural perspective while utilizing techniques from solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy models. My counseling philosophy recognizes that the client is the expert in their own life and that everybody has the ability to grow and change. Therapy is a setting where you can help identify unresolved problems that are impacting your access to that ability.
(240) 873-1498 View (240) 873-1498
Photo of Sherri Robbins, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Gaithersburg, MD
Sherri Robbins
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
My main treatment approaches are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (a form of Cognitive Behavior Therapy), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Marriage Method, and EMDR therapy.
I am licensed in Maryland and North Carolina: offering virtual sessions for those in Maryland and in-person and virtual in North Carolina. I see families, couples, and individuals from teens to adults, from all backgrounds and beliefs, who are dealing with a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, family and relationship issues, and identity struggles. www.soundmindlkn.com
My main treatment approaches are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (a form of Cognitive Behavior Therapy), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Marriage Method, and EMDR therapy.
I am licensed in Maryland and North Carolina: offering virtual sessions for those in Maryland and in-person and virtual in North Carolina. I see families, couples, and individuals from teens to adults, from all backgrounds and beliefs, who are dealing with a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, family and relationship issues, and identity struggles. www.soundmindlkn.com
(704) 237-0608 View (704) 237-0608
Photo of Khameelah L Tomlin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gaithersburg, MD
Khameelah L Tomlin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, TF-CBT
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20878  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping clients who struggle with childhood trauma and family issues, manifesting as anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. They desire a deeper understanding of their past, effective coping mechanisms, and paths to healing. My approach, rooted in empathy and practical strategies, aims to empower them with resilience and self-awareness, guiding them towards a life of clarity, growth, and fulfillment.
I specialize in helping clients who struggle with childhood trauma and family issues, manifesting as anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. They desire a deeper understanding of their past, effective coping mechanisms, and paths to healing. My approach, rooted in empathy and practical strategies, aims to empower them with resilience and self-awareness, guiding them towards a life of clarity, growth, and fulfillment.
(301) 307-5594 View (301) 307-5594
Photo of Elizabeth D Robinson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Gaithersburg, MD
Elizabeth D Robinson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20877  (Online Only)
Have you been experiencing increased anxiety, depression, fear or loneliness? Are you struggling with emotions and behaviors you would like to change? As humans, we need connections to others for encouragement, especially when we are suffering from the unexpected challenges this world brings. With support and feedback we can find meaning and purpose even through painful events. I combine Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, DBT, to provide a safe, confidential environment where you are free to explore, empower yourself and develop into the person you want to be.
Have you been experiencing increased anxiety, depression, fear or loneliness? Are you struggling with emotions and behaviors you would like to change? As humans, we need connections to others for encouragement, especially when we are suffering from the unexpected challenges this world brings. With support and feedback we can find meaning and purpose even through painful events. I combine Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, DBT, to provide a safe, confidential environment where you are free to explore, empower yourself and develop into the person you want to be.
(240) 949-2409 View (240) 949-2409
Photo of Lev Grotel, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gaithersburg, MD
Lev Grotel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20878  (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients! Are you struggling in your relationship? Do you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just stuck? It is easy to become annoyed with your partner or yourself, during these difficult times. Maybe you are concerned about communication, parenting, infidelity, or intimacy. Perhaps you want to learn from the previous relationships to improve current or future ones. If you are struggling with any of these types of issues, therapy and counseling can help. My approach, in working with couples and individuals, is empathic, non-judgmental, insightful, collaborative, engaging, and supportive.
Accepting New Clients! Are you struggling in your relationship? Do you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just stuck? It is easy to become annoyed with your partner or yourself, during these difficult times. Maybe you are concerned about communication, parenting, infidelity, or intimacy. Perhaps you want to learn from the previous relationships to improve current or future ones. If you are struggling with any of these types of issues, therapy and counseling can help. My approach, in working with couples and individuals, is empathic, non-judgmental, insightful, collaborative, engaging, and supportive.
(240) 293-3603 View (240) 293-3603
Photo of Elsie Gordon, Psychologist in Gaithersburg, MD
Elsie Gordon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
I appreciate the time you have taken to look up my profile, as the process of finding a therapist can be daunting. But it is well worth the effort when you find one with whom you can work collaboratively in your journey of growth and healing.
I appreciate the time you have taken to look up my profile, as the process of finding a therapist can be daunting. But it is well worth the effort when you find one with whom you can work collaboratively in your journey of growth and healing.
(240) 575-6449 View (240) 575-6449
Photo of Amy Whaling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gaithersburg, MD
Amy Whaling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20878  (Online Only)
Accepting new clients in Maryland! My practice style is rooted in our human need to not go through life on our own. Within our sessions, you can expect a space that will promote creativity and honesty. This will help us build a working relationship to reach goals and lasting change through an analysis of environments, relationships, and thoughts. Our first few sessions will include an intake and discussion to determine the end goals. From there we will use these goals, both short-term and long-term, to tailor the sessions. My main focus is to stay abreast with techniques and make sure my clients feel prioritized during our sessions.
Accepting new clients in Maryland! My practice style is rooted in our human need to not go through life on our own. Within our sessions, you can expect a space that will promote creativity and honesty. This will help us build a working relationship to reach goals and lasting change through an analysis of environments, relationships, and thoughts. Our first few sessions will include an intake and discussion to determine the end goals. From there we will use these goals, both short-term and long-term, to tailor the sessions. My main focus is to stay abreast with techniques and make sure my clients feel prioritized during our sessions.
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Photo of Natalie Osoria, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gaithersburg, MD
Natalie Osoria
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
***CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** Natalie Osoria, LCSW-C, is a Licensed Clinical Social worker passionate about empowering her clients to overcome life’s challenges and achieve the goals they envision for themselves. Natalie has extensive experience working with clients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds from various treatment settings, including inpatient residential and outpatient mental healthcare. She works with adults and adolescents (ages 14 and up) and specializes in issues such as anxiety, depression, addictions, substance use, relationship issues, and life transitions.
***CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** Natalie Osoria, LCSW-C, is a Licensed Clinical Social worker passionate about empowering her clients to overcome life’s challenges and achieve the goals they envision for themselves. Natalie has extensive experience working with clients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds from various treatment settings, including inpatient residential and outpatient mental healthcare. She works with adults and adolescents (ages 14 and up) and specializes in issues such as anxiety, depression, addictions, substance use, relationship issues, and life transitions.
(240) 213-9206 View (240) 213-9206
Photo of Janice N. Vassallo, MA, LCPC, NCC, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Gaithersburg, MD
Janice N. Vassallo, MA, LCPC, NCC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20878  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! Please feel free to call me for a free 15-minute telephone consultation to discuss your needs and goals and to make the best decision to start therapy. I am committed to creating an emotionally safe, confidential, healing environment with you to successfully make the changes you most desire in your life. My integral psychotherapy approach activates the change process by addressing all aspects of one's individual, relationship (couples, families, peers) and work needs including cognitive/intellectual functioning, emotional health, physical health, spiritual outlook and environmental influences.
Hello and welcome! Please feel free to call me for a free 15-minute telephone consultation to discuss your needs and goals and to make the best decision to start therapy. I am committed to creating an emotionally safe, confidential, healing environment with you to successfully make the changes you most desire in your life. My integral psychotherapy approach activates the change process by addressing all aspects of one's individual, relationship (couples, families, peers) and work needs including cognitive/intellectual functioning, emotional health, physical health, spiritual outlook and environmental influences.
(240) 348-6049 View (240) 348-6049
Photo of Joanne Bagshaw & Associates , Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Gaithersburg, MD
Joanne Bagshaw & Associates
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
You may feel like you’re the only one experiencing sexual challenges in your relationship, but difficulties like low desire, painful sex, or premature ejaculation are more common than you think. If you’ve been afraid to talk about your sexual challenges, you probably feel alone, overwhelmed, and unsure about what to do. If you’re in a relationship, you and your partner may have stopped talking about sex, deepening the disconnection and feelings of loneliness and shame. Fortunately, there is a way out of this negative cycle, and you can create the sex life and relationship you desire.
You may feel like you’re the only one experiencing sexual challenges in your relationship, but difficulties like low desire, painful sex, or premature ejaculation are more common than you think. If you’ve been afraid to talk about your sexual challenges, you probably feel alone, overwhelmed, and unsure about what to do. If you’re in a relationship, you and your partner may have stopped talking about sex, deepening the disconnection and feelings of loneliness and shame. Fortunately, there is a way out of this negative cycle, and you can create the sex life and relationship you desire.
(301) 288-3723 View (301) 288-3723
Photo of Micah Brady, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gaithersburg, MD
Micah Brady
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CTC, CCATP, CATP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
*Currently have limited in person and virtual openings* I am easy to talk to and believe in collaborative and evidence-based treatment.
*Currently have limited in person and virtual openings* I am easy to talk to and believe in collaborative and evidence-based treatment.
(240) 816-3637 View (240) 816-3637
Photo of Murray Kramer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gaithersburg, MD
Murray Kramer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Murray Kramer has been a holistic psychotherapist for over 30 years. He graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from City College of New York in 1967. He went on to study Folklore and Folklife at the University of Pennsylvania, and received an M.A. in 1970. He then became intensively involved Zen meditation, and was in residence in Zen centers for 17 years. His approach to working with children, adolescents, adults and families, is to start with where the individual is, and to bring to bear psychodynamic principles, within a supportive, open space encouraging insight and healing.
Murray Kramer has been a holistic psychotherapist for over 30 years. He graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from City College of New York in 1967. He went on to study Folklore and Folklife at the University of Pennsylvania, and received an M.A. in 1970. He then became intensively involved Zen meditation, and was in residence in Zen centers for 17 years. His approach to working with children, adolescents, adults and families, is to start with where the individual is, and to bring to bear psychodynamic principles, within a supportive, open space encouraging insight and healing.
(301) 842-6073 View (301) 842-6073
Photo of Laurie R. Levin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gaithersburg, MD
Laurie R. Levin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Do you find yourself repeating the same behaviors over and over again, hoping for a different outcome? This is a pattern that can be changed, and as a therapist with over 30 years of experience, I can help you to make these changes. By understanding and working through how one's early experiences influence one’s current behaviors, lasting changes can be made. Concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and relationship issues are among the areas I treat. I believe in the importance of developing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment in which we can explore your feelings.
Do you find yourself repeating the same behaviors over and over again, hoping for a different outcome? This is a pattern that can be changed, and as a therapist with over 30 years of experience, I can help you to make these changes. By understanding and working through how one's early experiences influence one’s current behaviors, lasting changes can be made. Concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and relationship issues are among the areas I treat. I believe in the importance of developing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment in which we can explore your feelings.
(240) 702-2945 View (240) 702-2945
Photo of Rebecca Austin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gaithersburg, MD
Rebecca Austin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
I am a Licensed Social Worker with a passion for decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting the health and well being of my clients. For my undergraduate degree, I moved from Central Jersey (Yes! It exists!) to South Jersey to attend Stockton University. I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work with a Minor in Behavioral Neuroscience from Stockton, and then moved on to attend graduate school in Philadelphia. I received my Master of Social Work Degree with a clinical concentration from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice in May of 2020.
I am a Licensed Social Worker with a passion for decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting the health and well being of my clients. For my undergraduate degree, I moved from Central Jersey (Yes! It exists!) to South Jersey to attend Stockton University. I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work with a Minor in Behavioral Neuroscience from Stockton, and then moved on to attend graduate school in Philadelphia. I received my Master of Social Work Degree with a clinical concentration from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice in May of 2020.
(240) 759-2276 View (240) 759-2276

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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.