Marriage Counseling Therapists in Nashville, TN

Photo of Chris Roberts in Nashville, TN
Chris Roberts
MA, LPC-MHS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
**EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE** I enjoy working with individuals, marriages, and couples who have the courage to enter the heartache of their past or current struggles, and creatively collaborate to find new ways to thrive and live and love more fully. I have experience with anxiety, depression, anger, grief, marital dissastifaction, OCD, and divorce. As a professional counselor, my goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where a person can acknowledge their current limitations and begin to move forward in positive strides.
**EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE** I enjoy working with individuals, marriages, and couples who have the courage to enter the heartache of their past or current struggles, and creatively collaborate to find new ways to thrive and live and love more fully. I have experience with anxiety, depression, anger, grief, marital dissastifaction, OCD, and divorce. As a professional counselor, my goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where a person can acknowledge their current limitations and begin to move forward in positive strides.
(615) 745-3874 View (615) 745-3874
Photo of India Lacerda, Pre-Licensed Professional in Nashville, TN
India Lacerda
Pre-Licensed Professional, MMFT
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37203
I have additional training in Brainspotting and am a certified SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) facilitator.
Have you been feeling stuck lately? When things feel unstable or uncertain, we tend to hide behind protective behaviors that we learn over time. While they serve a function in the present, if we stay there, they can keep us from fulfilling lives and relationships. Whether you’re lost in grief, caught up in an unproductive cycle within your relationships, or struggling to bridge the gap between you and your partner, feeling stuck can be an isolating and lonely experience. My passion is to help individuals and couples break free from the cycles, roles, and patterns keeping them disconnected from others.
I have additional training in Brainspotting and am a certified SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) facilitator.
Have you been feeling stuck lately? When things feel unstable or uncertain, we tend to hide behind protective behaviors that we learn over time. While they serve a function in the present, if we stay there, they can keep us from fulfilling lives and relationships. Whether you’re lost in grief, caught up in an unproductive cycle within your relationships, or struggling to bridge the gap between you and your partner, feeling stuck can be an isolating and lonely experience. My passion is to help individuals and couples break free from the cycles, roles, and patterns keeping them disconnected from others.
(615) 235-7248 View (615) 235-7248
Photo of Jason Hancock, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
Jason Hancock
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Shame. Fear. Weakness. Pain. Stigma. Just thinking about seeing a therapist can bring up these emotions for individuals or couples struggling with addictions, relationship or parenting issues, caregiving, abuse, infidelity… Thank goodness times are changing, mental health is being prioritized, and it's OK to not be OK. If you're struggling, help is available. I am fully-licensed, with a Masters' Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Lipscomb University. I'd love to talk with you. I offer sessions in-person or via telehealth. Call me at 615-414-6210.
Shame. Fear. Weakness. Pain. Stigma. Just thinking about seeing a therapist can bring up these emotions for individuals or couples struggling with addictions, relationship or parenting issues, caregiving, abuse, infidelity… Thank goodness times are changing, mental health is being prioritized, and it's OK to not be OK. If you're struggling, help is available. I am fully-licensed, with a Masters' Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Lipscomb University. I'd love to talk with you. I offer sessions in-person or via telehealth. Call me at 615-414-6210.
(615) 751-6163 View (615) 751-6163
Photo of Gilda Linder, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, TN
Gilda Linder
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, (temp)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204
As a therapist, I champion my clients to meet their goals and am passionate about working with clients who experience trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, marital and relationship issues, decision-making, and adjustment to change.
Everyone faces hardships and needs someone to walk alongside them through life’s challenges. I believe in holding space for my clients to feel seen, accepted, and safe within the therapeutic relationship. I view each individual as having unique and priceless value and feel collaborating with clients is an honor. I believe that strength, resilience, and growth are the rewards of those who dare to face and persevere through painful experiences toward healing.
As a therapist, I champion my clients to meet their goals and am passionate about working with clients who experience trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, marital and relationship issues, decision-making, and adjustment to change.
Everyone faces hardships and needs someone to walk alongside them through life’s challenges. I believe in holding space for my clients to feel seen, accepted, and safe within the therapeutic relationship. I view each individual as having unique and priceless value and feel collaborating with clients is an honor. I believe that strength, resilience, and growth are the rewards of those who dare to face and persevere through painful experiences toward healing.
(615) 709-5741 View (615) 709-5741
Photo of Jennifer Mason, Psychologist in Nashville, TN
Jennifer Mason
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
Waitlist for new clients
Navigating life’s inherent difficulties can be challenging. Sometimes therapy can help. From confronting issues such as loss/grief, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal problems, to facing significant life decisions or struggling with marital/relationship concerns, many factors can prevent any of us from engaging in our lives more fully. Whether you are new to therapy or you're returning to work through a new or lingering issue, creating a safe place to explore, understand, and respond to your concerns is crucial. Utilizing warmth and transparency, I hope to cultivate a trusting partnership with you.
Navigating life’s inherent difficulties can be challenging. Sometimes therapy can help. From confronting issues such as loss/grief, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal problems, to facing significant life decisions or struggling with marital/relationship concerns, many factors can prevent any of us from engaging in our lives more fully. Whether you are new to therapy or you're returning to work through a new or lingering issue, creating a safe place to explore, understand, and respond to your concerns is crucial. Utilizing warmth and transparency, I hope to cultivate a trusting partnership with you.
(615) 247-6923 View (615) 247-6923
Photo of Vanessa Yvette Reyes, Pre-Licensed Professional in Nashville, TN
Vanessa Yvette Reyes
Pre-Licensed Professional, MMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
I have a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University.
I believe that walking alongside my clients as they begin their journey of healing is both an honor and a privilege. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgemental place for my clients while acknowledging their individual barriers and circumstances. I am passionate about meeting clients where they are and seeing clients reach their full potential. I am able to provide services for Individuals, Couples, and Pre-Marital Couples.
I have a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University.
I believe that walking alongside my clients as they begin their journey of healing is both an honor and a privilege. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgemental place for my clients while acknowledging their individual barriers and circumstances. I am passionate about meeting clients where they are and seeing clients reach their full potential. I am able to provide services for Individuals, Couples, and Pre-Marital Couples.
(615) 819-1869 View (615) 819-1869
Photo of E Alyce Zellmer, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
E Alyce Zellmer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37204
I love helping clients make sense of their hidden stories and experiences. Often, these create chaos, make us unsure, and throw us off balance. I believe that everyone needs a comfortable place to rediscover balance and wholeness through unraveling their stories. While I see a variety of clients, I love pre-marital therapy, married couples struggling with intimacy, as well as singles and women who have experienced sexual trauma. I also have experience with Homeschool culture and the struggles and wins of the music industry. I offer flexible office hours including Saturdays.
I love helping clients make sense of their hidden stories and experiences. Often, these create chaos, make us unsure, and throw us off balance. I believe that everyone needs a comfortable place to rediscover balance and wholeness through unraveling their stories. While I see a variety of clients, I love pre-marital therapy, married couples struggling with intimacy, as well as singles and women who have experienced sexual trauma. I also have experience with Homeschool culture and the struggles and wins of the music industry. I offer flexible office hours including Saturdays.
(615) 492-3324 View (615) 492-3324
Photo of Liz Perez Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
Liz Perez Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37209
I use Prepare and Enrich for premarital counseling, and I offer Couples Intensives (marriage workshops) four times a year.
My passion is working with couples that feel stuck and pulled into destructive communication patterns in their relationship. I help couples heal from deep hurts and move towards intimate connection using Emotionally Focused Therapy, which is backed by research and a highly effective model for helping couples rebuild intimacy.
I use Prepare and Enrich for premarital counseling, and I offer Couples Intensives (marriage workshops) four times a year.
My passion is working with couples that feel stuck and pulled into destructive communication patterns in their relationship. I help couples heal from deep hurts and move towards intimate connection using Emotionally Focused Therapy, which is backed by research and a highly effective model for helping couples rebuild intimacy.
(615) 645-3758 View (615) 645-3758
Photo of Stephen Navyac, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
Stephen Navyac
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is practicing in the Hillsboro Village area.
I work with individuals and couples and families who seek to improve their communication, intimacy and overall health in their own lives and relationships. I offer respectful, non-shaming, honest and insightful help for interacting with others in romantic, social and work environments. I have compassion, wisdom and insights for those that have experienced trauma, addiction, blurred boundaries and all levels (too much, or lack) of emotions in their upbringing, and current life situations and relationships. Life can be stressful, I offer tools and insights to help you navigate challenges.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is practicing in the Hillsboro Village area.
I work with individuals and couples and families who seek to improve their communication, intimacy and overall health in their own lives and relationships. I offer respectful, non-shaming, honest and insightful help for interacting with others in romantic, social and work environments. I have compassion, wisdom and insights for those that have experienced trauma, addiction, blurred boundaries and all levels (too much, or lack) of emotions in their upbringing, and current life situations and relationships. Life can be stressful, I offer tools and insights to help you navigate challenges.
(615) 392-3273 View (615) 392-3273
Photo of Heather Brown Tribble, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, TN
Heather Brown Tribble
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC/MHS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37217
Are you trying to figure out what marriage will look like before your special day? Are you a couple that needs to work through some issues and figure out “where do we go from here?”
Are you trying to figure out what marriage will look like before your special day? Are you a couple that needs to work through some issues and figure out “where do we go from here?”
(615) 437-7459 x5 View (615) 437-7459 x5
Photo of David Drennon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
David Drennon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
My areas of special clinical interest include adolescents and adults across the life cycle, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, boundary issues, communication issues, grief and loss, life transitions, academic issues, premarital/marital counseling, relationship conflict, family conflict, spirituality, sexual abuse, and emotional trauma.
The joy of therapy lies in tailoring my approach to fully leverage the unique strengths and skills of each individual client. I thoroughly enjoy cultivating an atmosphere of safety, encouragement, and hope for those whom I have the opportunity to serve. I endeavor to invite clients into a therapeutic relationship that enhances their ability to develop insight that leads to action.
My areas of special clinical interest include adolescents and adults across the life cycle, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, boundary issues, communication issues, grief and loss, life transitions, academic issues, premarital/marital counseling, relationship conflict, family conflict, spirituality, sexual abuse, and emotional trauma.
The joy of therapy lies in tailoring my approach to fully leverage the unique strengths and skills of each individual client. I thoroughly enjoy cultivating an atmosphere of safety, encouragement, and hope for those whom I have the opportunity to serve. I endeavor to invite clients into a therapeutic relationship that enhances their ability to develop insight that leads to action.
(615) 285-5202 View (615) 285-5202
Photo of Vanessa Pierre-Parker, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
Vanessa Pierre-Parker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, TF-CBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203  (Online Only)
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my specializations include issues relating to day-to-day stressors, childhood trauma, life transitions, anxiety, depression; pre-marital/post-marital counseling, conflict/infidelity; Intimate Partner Violence (IPV); families challenged with multi-generational conflict, blended families and parenting.
I believe when clients have a safe place with genuine understanding and free of judgement, they are able to be their true selves and do their best work. With support and some guidance, clients have the opportunity to rediscover their strengths, build self-awareness and experience true connection which can lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment. I believe if you are willing, you have the ability to take action and kindle the fire inside of you to kick-start the changes you want to see in your life. I am passionate about helping to empower you to achieve your goals by bringing hope and possibility through psychotherapy.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my specializations include issues relating to day-to-day stressors, childhood trauma, life transitions, anxiety, depression; pre-marital/post-marital counseling, conflict/infidelity; Intimate Partner Violence (IPV); families challenged with multi-generational conflict, blended families and parenting.
I believe when clients have a safe place with genuine understanding and free of judgement, they are able to be their true selves and do their best work. With support and some guidance, clients have the opportunity to rediscover their strengths, build self-awareness and experience true connection which can lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment. I believe if you are willing, you have the ability to take action and kindle the fire inside of you to kick-start the changes you want to see in your life. I am passionate about helping to empower you to achieve your goals by bringing hope and possibility through psychotherapy.
(704) 461-0541 View (704) 461-0541
Photo of Dr. King A Counts, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
Dr. King A Counts
Marriage & Family Therapist, DMin, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37221
My aim is to serve my clients by providing excellent caring and effective therapy while respecting each client's individuality. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and a Christian minister. I love helping people heal and progress. I provide online therapy. I have extensive experience helping people not only as a clinical therapist but also as a consultant and approved supervisor. I am very experienced helping with trauma, anxiety, depression, and anger using EMDR and many other approaches. I am also highly skilled in doing marriage and family therapy and have helped many couples and families develop happy relationships.
My aim is to serve my clients by providing excellent caring and effective therapy while respecting each client's individuality. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and a Christian minister. I love helping people heal and progress. I provide online therapy. I have extensive experience helping people not only as a clinical therapist but also as a consultant and approved supervisor. I am very experienced helping with trauma, anxiety, depression, and anger using EMDR and many other approaches. I am also highly skilled in doing marriage and family therapy and have helped many couples and families develop happy relationships.
(615) 697-4077 View (615) 697-4077
Photo of Pamela K Haga / Wound Light Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, TN
Pamela K Haga / Wound Light Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37216
I am also trained in Relational Life Therapy, a couples' therapy created by Terry Real (author of "The New Rules of Marriage").
"The Wound is the Place Where the Light Enters You." ~ Rumi~ In one way or another, our souls have been bruised. Depression, anxiety, divorce/relationship issues, trauma, family crisis, & many other issues can slowly chip away at our self-worth, our sense of belonging, our hope. Do you seek a true, raw connection with yourself & others? Are you tired of fighting the "uphill battle" & seek peace in your life? I have no magic wand. I cannot make troubles disappear. I can, however, walk with you & give you the tools to find inner peace & love in the midst of chaos.
I am also trained in Relational Life Therapy, a couples' therapy created by Terry Real (author of "The New Rules of Marriage").
"The Wound is the Place Where the Light Enters You." ~ Rumi~ In one way or another, our souls have been bruised. Depression, anxiety, divorce/relationship issues, trauma, family crisis, & many other issues can slowly chip away at our self-worth, our sense of belonging, our hope. Do you seek a true, raw connection with yourself & others? Are you tired of fighting the "uphill battle" & seek peace in your life? I have no magic wand. I cannot make troubles disappear. I can, however, walk with you & give you the tools to find inner peace & love in the midst of chaos.
(615) 610-1454 View (615) 610-1454
Photo of Julie Cousin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, TN
Julie Cousin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, CIMHP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37216  (Online Only)
I offer marital counseling and premarital counseling for seriously committed couples.
Offering Christian Therapy, Wellness and Life Coaching. Go to: Juliecousintherapy.com to request your free initial 10 min call. Broken relationships, addictions, spiritual issues, or an overall sense of dissatisfaction can distract from your true purpose. Do you find yourself stuck and frustrated? I can provide a confidential and nurturing environment to help you restore your physical, emotional, and spiritual wholeness. Health, peace, and purpose are closer than you think. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
I offer marital counseling and premarital counseling for seriously committed couples.
Offering Christian Therapy, Wellness and Life Coaching. Go to: Juliecousintherapy.com to request your free initial 10 min call. Broken relationships, addictions, spiritual issues, or an overall sense of dissatisfaction can distract from your true purpose. Do you find yourself stuck and frustrated? I can provide a confidential and nurturing environment to help you restore your physical, emotional, and spiritual wholeness. Health, peace, and purpose are closer than you think. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
(615) 645-2351 View (615) 645-2351
Photo of Paige McNeilly Blackwell, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
Paige McNeilly Blackwell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
My areas of special clinical interest include: boundary setting, anxiety, depression, self-care, life transitions, pre-marital counseling, children and adolescents, trauma, family conflict, communication issues, couple conflict, and adding experiential elements to therapy, such as art and sand tray work.
This private practice is unlike most others. I am a licensed therapist at The Briggs Institute, Inc. The therapists at the Institute are graduates of Lipscomb University's Master of Marriage and Family Therapy Program. As the only COAMFTE accredited program in Nashville, the Lipscomb MFT program has earned its fine reputation by meeting the highest academic and clinical experience standards in the country. Because we practice under the supervision of the Lipscomb MFT program core faculty, we remain connected to academia. This means our work is informed by state-of-the-art scientific research.
My areas of special clinical interest include: boundary setting, anxiety, depression, self-care, life transitions, pre-marital counseling, children and adolescents, trauma, family conflict, communication issues, couple conflict, and adding experiential elements to therapy, such as art and sand tray work.
This private practice is unlike most others. I am a licensed therapist at The Briggs Institute, Inc. The therapists at the Institute are graduates of Lipscomb University's Master of Marriage and Family Therapy Program. As the only COAMFTE accredited program in Nashville, the Lipscomb MFT program has earned its fine reputation by meeting the highest academic and clinical experience standards in the country. Because we practice under the supervision of the Lipscomb MFT program core faculty, we remain connected to academia. This means our work is informed by state-of-the-art scientific research.
(901) 519-2207 View (901) 519-2207
Photo of alter-nativehealing, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
alter-nativehealing
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, EFT
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215  (Online Only)
I have been in the field for over 27 years. I have experience helping people of all ages with anxiety, panic, disorder, and trauma. I am a License Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner, and Herbalist. I have found that combining cognitive behavior therapy, E.F.T., and exploring an individual's core limiting beliefs can be practical tools. As many of these tools have been helpful to me in my own healing journey.
I have been in the field for over 27 years. I have experience helping people of all ages with anxiety, panic, disorder, and trauma. I am a License Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner, and Herbalist. I have found that combining cognitive behavior therapy, E.F.T., and exploring an individual's core limiting beliefs can be practical tools. As many of these tools have been helpful to me in my own healing journey.
(203) 349-6672 View (203) 349-6672
Photo of Natali Efstathiou, Psychologist in Nashville, TN
Natali Efstathiou
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203  (Online Only)
I have over 10 years of experience in the mental health field in a variety of settings (private practice, community mental health, university counseling center, state hospital, and in-home services). My services include individual, family, and couples/marital therapy. I primarily work with adults and couples. I believe that disturbances of thought, feeling, and behavior are caused by ‘obstacles’ to healthy brain functioning. My role as a therapist is to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of you having 100% of your intellect, wisdom, passion, humor, curiosity, energy, logic, creativity, and joyfulness available to you!
I have over 10 years of experience in the mental health field in a variety of settings (private practice, community mental health, university counseling center, state hospital, and in-home services). My services include individual, family, and couples/marital therapy. I primarily work with adults and couples. I believe that disturbances of thought, feeling, and behavior are caused by ‘obstacles’ to healthy brain functioning. My role as a therapist is to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of you having 100% of your intellect, wisdom, passion, humor, curiosity, energy, logic, creativity, and joyfulness available to you!
(615) 697-4169 View (615) 697-4169
Photo of Shannon Frazier, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN
Shannon Frazier
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
Shannon is Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about working towards emotional healing in couples and individuals, specifically in the area of relational distress. Shannon focuses on minimizing stress, addressing unresolved trauma, and identifying emotional barriers in order to help clients move past their "stuck places" and into healthier lives and relationships.
Shannon is Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about working towards emotional healing in couples and individuals, specifically in the area of relational distress. Shannon focuses on minimizing stress, addressing unresolved trauma, and identifying emotional barriers in order to help clients move past their "stuck places" and into healthier lives and relationships.
(615) 471-7774 View (615) 471-7774
Photo of Will Messer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Nashville, TN
Will Messer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Hey I’m Will Messer LCSW/LICSW and I provide Marriage Intensives, Couples Counseling, Individual Counseling, and Enneagram Coaching. I serve clients in person in Nashville and Clarksville, TN as well as clients on telehealth who reside all over Tennessee and West Virginia. I love helping people thrive in their life by harnessing the healing power of relationships. I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist (EFT), Level 2 Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy Therapist (AEDP), and a Certified Enneagram Coach/Trainer.
Hey I’m Will Messer LCSW/LICSW and I provide Marriage Intensives, Couples Counseling, Individual Counseling, and Enneagram Coaching. I serve clients in person in Nashville and Clarksville, TN as well as clients on telehealth who reside all over Tennessee and West Virginia. I love helping people thrive in their life by harnessing the healing power of relationships. I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist (EFT), Level 2 Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy Therapist (AEDP), and a Certified Enneagram Coach/Trainer.
(931) 202-9099 View (931) 202-9099
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.