Therapists in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY

Photo of Brenda A Lewis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Brenda A Lewis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10003
Related areas of expertise include: marital and relationship therapy, LGBTQ issues, infertility issues, assisted reproductive technology, parenting themes, creative blocks, career issues including start up stress & successful approaches to dating.
Experienced, effective therapist, focusing on sexuality, relationships & intimacy issues in individuals and couples. Embracing a wide range of ages, backgrounds and multi cultures and work with sexual dysfunction in men and women and all emotional themes involving intimacy. It's important and imperative to find the uniqueness of everyone's story and find healing ways to make the present fulfilling. I strive to understand the people I work with deeply and to address non-working elements in a supportive, non-judgmental and collaborative way. Together, we look to discover, understand and resolve recurring obstacles to your well-being.
Related areas of expertise include: marital and relationship therapy, LGBTQ issues, infertility issues, assisted reproductive technology, parenting themes, creative blocks, career issues including start up stress & successful approaches to dating.
Experienced, effective therapist, focusing on sexuality, relationships & intimacy issues in individuals and couples. Embracing a wide range of ages, backgrounds and multi cultures and work with sexual dysfunction in men and women and all emotional themes involving intimacy. It's important and imperative to find the uniqueness of everyone's story and find healing ways to make the present fulfilling. I strive to understand the people I work with deeply and to address non-working elements in a supportive, non-judgmental and collaborative way. Together, we look to discover, understand and resolve recurring obstacles to your well-being.
(646) 759-1681 View (646) 759-1681
Photo of Dr. Rosanne Capone, Counselor in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Dr. Rosanne Capone
Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10011
Dr. Rosanne (Rose) Capone holds a Ph.D in Addictions Counseling, and an M.A. in Counseling. I am a licensed mental health counselor with experience in integrative psychotherapy. Work with an empathic , sensitive counselor with postgraduate training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, focusing, and completion of practitioner program in Gestalt therapy. Extensive experience in couples and marital counseling.Improve your communication skills.Out of network fees $80-$150. In-network with Aetna.Call for consult 646-787-6828
Dr. Rosanne (Rose) Capone holds a Ph.D in Addictions Counseling, and an M.A. in Counseling. I am a licensed mental health counselor with experience in integrative psychotherapy. Work with an empathic , sensitive counselor with postgraduate training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, focusing, and completion of practitioner program in Gestalt therapy. Extensive experience in couples and marital counseling.Improve your communication skills.Out of network fees $80-$150. In-network with Aetna.Call for consult 646-787-6828
(646) 832-2795 View (646) 832-2795
Photo of Dana Lyn Koonce, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Dana Lyn Koonce
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10005
Do you want to feel greater overall satisfaction in your relationships with both yourself and others? Imagine starting and ending your day feeling confident, content, and focused. My main treatment goal is to help you acquire positive coping skills that you can take with you so that you do not need to remain in therapy forever. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with eight years of experience providing individual, family, couple, and group therapy to children, adolescents, and adults.
Do you want to feel greater overall satisfaction in your relationships with both yourself and others? Imagine starting and ending your day feeling confident, content, and focused. My main treatment goal is to help you acquire positive coping skills that you can take with you so that you do not need to remain in therapy forever. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with eight years of experience providing individual, family, couple, and group therapy to children, adolescents, and adults.
(201) 331-9008 View (201) 331-9008
Photo of Jane Hammerslough, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Jane Hammerslough
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10013
Waitlist for new clients
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, my work in both individual and relationship therapy is through the lens of family systems: What informs current relationships, behavior patterns, and sense of well-being? How can we change patterns of thought and behavior that may no longer work for us? .
I approach therapy as an active, collaborative process. I aim to provide a safe, compassionate and intelligent place to freely explore thoughts, feelings and experiences, take risks to work through past issues and current concerns, and identify and utilize core strengths to grow--and create more fulfilling lives and relationships. Years of clinical research and treatment with post-deployed combat veterans informs my practice: I believe that regardless of circumstances, we possess inherent strengths that, when harnessed, can move us toward wholeness, healing and extraordinary growth as individuals and in connection with others.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, my work in both individual and relationship therapy is through the lens of family systems: What informs current relationships, behavior patterns, and sense of well-being? How can we change patterns of thought and behavior that may no longer work for us? .
I approach therapy as an active, collaborative process. I aim to provide a safe, compassionate and intelligent place to freely explore thoughts, feelings and experiences, take risks to work through past issues and current concerns, and identify and utilize core strengths to grow--and create more fulfilling lives and relationships. Years of clinical research and treatment with post-deployed combat veterans informs my practice: I believe that regardless of circumstances, we possess inherent strengths that, when harnessed, can move us toward wholeness, healing and extraordinary growth as individuals and in connection with others.
(347) 417-5362 View (347) 417-5362
Photo of Jonathan Tuller, Counselor in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Jonathan Tuller
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10007
As an experienced marriage and relationship therapist, I believe that everybody can have the great relationship they want with the right communication tools.
Are you having difficulty with your relationship? Do you feel disconnected from your partner? You may be fed up with the constant arguing, feeling alone and unloved, or feeling unsure about your future together. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to have good communication. You’re ready to feel reconnected with your partner. Most of all, you’re ready to feel excited about your relationship like you did when you first met.
As an experienced marriage and relationship therapist, I believe that everybody can have the great relationship they want with the right communication tools.
Are you having difficulty with your relationship? Do you feel disconnected from your partner? You may be fed up with the constant arguing, feeling alone and unloved, or feeling unsure about your future together. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to have good communication. You’re ready to feel reconnected with your partner. Most of all, you’re ready to feel excited about your relationship like you did when you first met.
(718) 473-9969 View (718) 473-9969
Photo of Nataliya Rusetskaya, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Nataliya Rusetskaya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10003
Do you yearn to be in a fulfilling relationship, where you feel alive, desired, and connected to your partner? It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your relationship problems are "just a cycle" or that "all marriages go through this”. You may find yourself feeling sad and hopeless about your marriage being stuck in a rut for too long, but you can turn this around. You can transform your intimate relationship into a vibrant and sexy connection with your partner. With me, you’ll learn how to explore, experiment, and express your intimate desires, plus gain access to effective communication tools to take home.
Do you yearn to be in a fulfilling relationship, where you feel alive, desired, and connected to your partner? It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your relationship problems are "just a cycle" or that "all marriages go through this”. You may find yourself feeling sad and hopeless about your marriage being stuck in a rut for too long, but you can turn this around. You can transform your intimate relationship into a vibrant and sexy connection with your partner. With me, you’ll learn how to explore, experiment, and express your intimate desires, plus gain access to effective communication tools to take home.
(917) 300-0122 View (917) 300-0122
Photo of Christina Curtis, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Christina Curtis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10011
Waitlist for new clients
Premarital counseling operates as an open dialogue, in which couple and counselor explore expectations for marriage, strengthen communication and conflict resolution skills and create a reflective space apart from the stresses of wedding planning.
I have a passion for working with couples at all stages of the life cycle. Premaritals, empty nesters, LGBT couples, couples with young children seeking to balance parenting with time for self and partner, couples needing support around sexuality and commitment issues, couples at a crossroads.... Much of my early therapeutic training was in Hospice bereavement counseling. Through that experience I became drawn to therapeutic encounters with the potential for spiritual renewal. In recent years I've connected with that initial sense of generativity and meaning through the practice of couples therapy, most notably in work as a premarital counselor.
Premarital counseling operates as an open dialogue, in which couple and counselor explore expectations for marriage, strengthen communication and conflict resolution skills and create a reflective space apart from the stresses of wedding planning.
I have a passion for working with couples at all stages of the life cycle. Premaritals, empty nesters, LGBT couples, couples with young children seeking to balance parenting with time for self and partner, couples needing support around sexuality and commitment issues, couples at a crossroads.... Much of my early therapeutic training was in Hospice bereavement counseling. Through that experience I became drawn to therapeutic encounters with the potential for spiritual renewal. In recent years I've connected with that initial sense of generativity and meaning through the practice of couples therapy, most notably in work as a premarital counselor.
(646) 681-7527 View (646) 681-7527
Photo of Lana James in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Lana James
MA, MFT-LP
Verified Verified
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10007  (Online Only)
Lana’s areas of expertise include: teen & young adult issues (anxiety, post-secondary planning, college & career stress, relationships, sexuality), family issues (parenting, blended families, divorce), change of career, couples (pre-marital, newlyweds, long-term, polyamorous, interracial, LGBTQ, sex therapy).
Are you seeking to define who you are? Know what you want? Identify and grow your strengths? Identify personal or professional passions? Finish high school strong and start to “adult?” Adult better? Parent or Family better? Explore self care strategies to feel empowered and grounded? Love and be loved with confidence? Enjoy your relationship again? Start over in a new career or after divorce? End negative patterns that stunt you? “Health” truly “is wealth,” and we’re fortunate to enjoy the biggest humankind awareness to date that this too includes mental health.
Lana’s areas of expertise include: teen & young adult issues (anxiety, post-secondary planning, college & career stress, relationships, sexuality), family issues (parenting, blended families, divorce), change of career, couples (pre-marital, newlyweds, long-term, polyamorous, interracial, LGBTQ, sex therapy).
Are you seeking to define who you are? Know what you want? Identify and grow your strengths? Identify personal or professional passions? Finish high school strong and start to “adult?” Adult better? Parent or Family better? Explore self care strategies to feel empowered and grounded? Love and be loved with confidence? Enjoy your relationship again? Start over in a new career or after divorce? End negative patterns that stunt you? “Health” truly “is wealth,” and we’re fortunate to enjoy the biggest humankind awareness to date that this too includes mental health.
(718) 550-7214 View (718) 550-7214
Photo of Cari Sans, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Cari Sans
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10012
Are you tired of feeling disconnected, unhappy, or unfulfilled in your marriage or partnership? Our coaching program is designed to help you achieve the transformation you seek. Our ideal client is someone who recognizes the need for improvement in their relationship and is willing to put in the effort to make things better. We can help you develop the skills and habits necessary for a healthier, more fulfilling relationship, whether you're struggling with communication, intimacy, conflict, infidelity, parenting differences, or other issues.
Are you tired of feeling disconnected, unhappy, or unfulfilled in your marriage or partnership? Our coaching program is designed to help you achieve the transformation you seek. Our ideal client is someone who recognizes the need for improvement in their relationship and is willing to put in the effort to make things better. We can help you develop the skills and habits necessary for a healthier, more fulfilling relationship, whether you're struggling with communication, intimacy, conflict, infidelity, parenting differences, or other issues.
(315) 864-5364 View (315) 864-5364
Photo of Carole Gladstone-Ramos, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Carole Gladstone-Ramos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10016
Finding the right therapist can be life changing. I believe in working together as a team in a safe and non-judgmental environment to help create lasting changes. As you learn more about yourself, overwhelming patterns of confusion, negativity, relationship struggles and self-sabotage fall away, revealing your true self. My goal is to help you achieve greater emotional balance and well-being as you change old patterns and create new meaning in the areas of your life that aren't working for you.
Finding the right therapist can be life changing. I believe in working together as a team in a safe and non-judgmental environment to help create lasting changes. As you learn more about yourself, overwhelming patterns of confusion, negativity, relationship struggles and self-sabotage fall away, revealing your true self. My goal is to help you achieve greater emotional balance and well-being as you change old patterns and create new meaning in the areas of your life that aren't working for you.
(646) 760-1655 View (646) 760-1655
Photo of Sandra Lugo Psychotherapy Services, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Sandra Lugo Psychotherapy Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, MS, DCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10011
Therapy shouldn't be an expensive luxury. I accept many commercial in-network insurances. More than ever, with the recovery from a pandemic, inflation, and lifestyle changes, there is an increase in anxiety, depressed mood, social fears and worry about the future and unknowns. Therefore, therapy is more of a necessity for many of us.
Therapy shouldn't be an expensive luxury. I accept many commercial in-network insurances. More than ever, with the recovery from a pandemic, inflation, and lifestyle changes, there is an increase in anxiety, depressed mood, social fears and worry about the future and unknowns. Therefore, therapy is more of a necessity for many of us.
(718) 831-6567 View (718) 831-6567
Michla Ekstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10003
I work with clients (individuals and couples) seeking therapeutic support regarding relationship goals, and have specific training in intimacy challenges and how previous experiences affect our current relationships. I bring a sensitive therapeutic approach and utilize various methods to provide my clients with strategies and tools for understanding themselves. I create a safe and supportive space for non-judgmental and reflective growth. I feel that successful therapy involves identifying and bridging gaps between where we are and where we want to be.
I work with clients (individuals and couples) seeking therapeutic support regarding relationship goals, and have specific training in intimacy challenges and how previous experiences affect our current relationships. I bring a sensitive therapeutic approach and utilize various methods to provide my clients with strategies and tools for understanding themselves. I create a safe and supportive space for non-judgmental and reflective growth. I feel that successful therapy involves identifying and bridging gaps between where we are and where we want to be.
(929) 207-9296 View (929) 207-9296
Photo of Avi Klein, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Avi Klein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10003
Are you living the life you want? Is your relationship a source of pain for you? Are you arguing more, trusting less, or finding yourself not looking forward to spending time together? Maybe your relationship feels stuck, like you're just replaying the same disagreement over and over again. Do you not like the person you are when you're in a relationship or wonder why you keep repeating patterns in the type of person you date? Human beings are wired for connection, yet somehow the people we are closest with also seem to cause us the most pain.
Are you living the life you want? Is your relationship a source of pain for you? Are you arguing more, trusting less, or finding yourself not looking forward to spending time together? Maybe your relationship feels stuck, like you're just replaying the same disagreement over and over again. Do you not like the person you are when you're in a relationship or wonder why you keep repeating patterns in the type of person you date? Human beings are wired for connection, yet somehow the people we are closest with also seem to cause us the most pain.
(646) 759-9686 View (646) 759-9686
Photo of Footprints Mental Health Counseling , Pre-Licensed Professional in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Footprints Mental Health Counseling
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10011
Footprints was started by a therapist who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities were confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Feel Better Therapy began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.
Footprints was started by a therapist who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities were confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Feel Better Therapy began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.
(718) 550-5392 View (718) 550-5392
Photo of Maryjane Nelson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Maryjane Nelson, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10038
Clients begin therapy to address issues related to relationship problems, anxiety, job issues, social anxiety, low self-esteem, coping with the loss of an important relationship and having to make significant life decisions or life transitions. The therapeutic relationship is paramount to successful therapeutic outcomes To that end, my style of practice is collaborative and supportive. I work to provide an emotionally safe environment to develop trust and relationship. I utilize cognitive behavioral interventions, mindfulness and CBT and specialize in couples work. I am fully trained in Gottman and Couples Institute work.
Clients begin therapy to address issues related to relationship problems, anxiety, job issues, social anxiety, low self-esteem, coping with the loss of an important relationship and having to make significant life decisions or life transitions. The therapeutic relationship is paramount to successful therapeutic outcomes To that end, my style of practice is collaborative and supportive. I work to provide an emotionally safe environment to develop trust and relationship. I utilize cognitive behavioral interventions, mindfulness and CBT and specialize in couples work. I am fully trained in Gottman and Couples Institute work.
(917) 383-0868 View (917) 383-0868
Photo of Gina Campanella, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Gina Campanella
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10007
When you lose the ability to connect with others or your connections are unfulfilling, you may choose to settle for just getting by. You may put on a happy face because it seems easier while pushing more painful emotions aside. Maybe you fear if you show your true self you will lose control or worse, be seen as unlovable. You feel stuck - perhaps struggling to even identify what is causing you pain. I get it. Facing fear, shame, self-doubt or past injuries can be overwhelming and the prospect of change daunting, especially when you think you have to do it by yourself.
When you lose the ability to connect with others or your connections are unfulfilling, you may choose to settle for just getting by. You may put on a happy face because it seems easier while pushing more painful emotions aside. Maybe you fear if you show your true self you will lose control or worse, be seen as unlovable. You feel stuck - perhaps struggling to even identify what is causing you pain. I get it. Facing fear, shame, self-doubt or past injuries can be overwhelming and the prospect of change daunting, especially when you think you have to do it by yourself.
(646) 881-4996 View (646) 881-4996
Photo of Jeffrey Ing, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Jeffrey Ing
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10002
Are you a non-traditional person looking for a non-traditional therapist? Maybe one that looks like you or that they can personally understand what you are going through, maybe that is me. I am a member of the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities and am familiar with non-traditional lifestyles. I am kink, non-monogamy, LGBTQ+ friendly, and friendly to both traditional and non-traditional faiths and spiritualities. I specialize in working with relationships and families in particular relationship issues, life transitions, family conflict, and opening up previously monogamous relationships.
Are you a non-traditional person looking for a non-traditional therapist? Maybe one that looks like you or that they can personally understand what you are going through, maybe that is me. I am a member of the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities and am familiar with non-traditional lifestyles. I am kink, non-monogamy, LGBTQ+ friendly, and friendly to both traditional and non-traditional faiths and spiritualities. I specialize in working with relationships and families in particular relationship issues, life transitions, family conflict, and opening up previously monogamous relationships.
(332) 378-1272 View (332) 378-1272
Photo of Tina Puccio, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Tina Puccio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10007
I am a licensed Social Worker and Certified Life Coach committed to working with adults to break through limiting barriers and help achieve their optimum potential in their personal and professional lives. My clinical approach addresses issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, and career transitions. Patient and compassionate I encourage and motivate my clients through challenging and upfront conversation. Life and work balance can be difficult to manage. Proper tools and the ability to use effective coping strategies can support you to interact with these situations in a much healthier manner.
I am a licensed Social Worker and Certified Life Coach committed to working with adults to break through limiting barriers and help achieve their optimum potential in their personal and professional lives. My clinical approach addresses issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, and career transitions. Patient and compassionate I encourage and motivate my clients through challenging and upfront conversation. Life and work balance can be difficult to manage. Proper tools and the ability to use effective coping strategies can support you to interact with these situations in a much healthier manner.
(917) 924-8974 View (917) 924-8974
Photo of Jamie Downie, Licensed Master Social Worker in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Jamie Downie
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW, DBT, REBT, CBT
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10006
Jamie Downie LMSW, DBT, CBT, REBT is an experienced mental health professional determined to create a welcoming and productive environment to foster growth for people of all ages and walks of life. Are you feeling like you want to make changes in your life, yet are unsure of how to get there? Do you feel down, anxious, or repetitive patterns of behavior are getting in your way? You may be in need of a safe place to process past trauma, support in understanding and changing unhealthy patterns, healthy coping skills, and/or a gentle push toward your goals. Seeking out therapy can be a great and empowering first step to creating change
Jamie Downie LMSW, DBT, CBT, REBT is an experienced mental health professional determined to create a welcoming and productive environment to foster growth for people of all ages and walks of life. Are you feeling like you want to make changes in your life, yet are unsure of how to get there? Do you feel down, anxious, or repetitive patterns of behavior are getting in your way? You may be in need of a safe place to process past trauma, support in understanding and changing unhealthy patterns, healthy coping skills, and/or a gentle push toward your goals. Seeking out therapy can be a great and empowering first step to creating change
(347) 934-4819 View (347) 934-4819
Photo of Antoinette Bonafede, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
Antoinette Bonafede
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, DBT, REBT, CBT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10006
Antoinette Bonafede, LMSW, DBT, CBT, REBT is an experienced clinician that treats people of all ages. A client is usually struggling but feels connected enough with me as their therapist to speak openly and freely about their experience. They can accept feedback with an understanding that we are both on the same team. When we touch on something out of their comfort zone, I hope they recognize they are safe and can stay engaged in the process. Together, we push past the barriers preventing them from feeling better, and they gain a better understanding of themselves to meet their potential.
Antoinette Bonafede, LMSW, DBT, CBT, REBT is an experienced clinician that treats people of all ages. A client is usually struggling but feels connected enough with me as their therapist to speak openly and freely about their experience. They can accept feedback with an understanding that we are both on the same team. When we touch on something out of their comfort zone, I hope they recognize they are safe and can stay engaged in the process. Together, we push past the barriers preventing them from feeling better, and they gain a better understanding of themselves to meet their potential.
(646) 791-4260 View (646) 791-4260

See more therapy options for Lower Manhattan, New York

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.