Marriage Counseling Therapists in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA

Photo of Dr. Sherrill McMillan Duckett, Licensed Professional Counselor in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Dr. Sherrill McMillan Duckett
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD
Verified Verified
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22305  (Online Only)
I work with clients to help them through difficult issues involving marriage and family relationships, depression, anxiety, sexual assault and other trauma. My goal is to help my clients achieve the best results in the shortest amount of time so that they can get on with their lives.
I work with clients to help them through difficult issues involving marriage and family relationships, depression, anxiety, sexual assault and other trauma. My goal is to help my clients achieve the best results in the shortest amount of time so that they can get on with their lives.
(202) 759-6585 View (202) 759-6585
Photo of Tamara Powell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Tamara Powell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22305
Throughout my counseling experience, I have worked with variety of issues including marital and family dynamics issues, blended families, parenting and co-parenting issues, trauma, abuse, child welfare issues, grief, with concentration on cultural influences, in a wide age range starting early childhood to late adulthood.
My name is Tamara Powell LCSW, CSOTP, CCTP, RPT. I provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment in which my clients can explore the issues and challenges they face. I strongly believe in the power of the therapeutic partnership to help uncover the strengths and resources we all possess in order to bring about the changes we desire in our lives. I feel privileged to be able to offer my assistance to others on this shared journey and commend you for reaching out for help to make things better.
Throughout my counseling experience, I have worked with variety of issues including marital and family dynamics issues, blended families, parenting and co-parenting issues, trauma, abuse, child welfare issues, grief, with concentration on cultural influences, in a wide age range starting early childhood to late adulthood.
My name is Tamara Powell LCSW, CSOTP, CCTP, RPT. I provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment in which my clients can explore the issues and challenges they face. I strongly believe in the power of the therapeutic partnership to help uncover the strengths and resources we all possess in order to bring about the changes we desire in our lives. I feel privileged to be able to offer my assistance to others on this shared journey and commend you for reaching out for help to make things better.
(703) 639-4039 View (703) 639-4039
Photo of Michael A. Fronce, Marriage & Family Therapist in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Michael A. Fronce
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22320
Marriage counseling is my area of specialty. I'm a marriage and family therapist who has made relationship dynamics my exclusive focus and expertise. I specialize in working with couples who have experienced infidelity in their marriage, where one partner has had an affair. I also work with communication blockages, fighting all the time, lack of intimacy, and loss of the "loving feeling" for each other. Please visit my webpage at Well Marriage Center to learn all about my philosophy and marriage-friendly approach (one- click link on the left under my picture).
Marriage counseling is my area of specialty. I'm a marriage and family therapist who has made relationship dynamics my exclusive focus and expertise. I specialize in working with couples who have experienced infidelity in their marriage, where one partner has had an affair. I also work with communication blockages, fighting all the time, lack of intimacy, and loss of the "loving feeling" for each other. Please visit my webpage at Well Marriage Center to learn all about my philosophy and marriage-friendly approach (one- click link on the left under my picture).
(703) 988-6476 View (703) 988-6476
Photo of Naoji Andrew Watson, Psychologist in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Naoji Andrew Watson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in the following:Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant & Conduct Disorders, Substance Abuse counseling, Family & marital conflicts, Grief & Bereavement, and Issues of separation.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about helping individuals and families. I have lived in many states and in Okinawa, Japan, and in Virginia most recently. My diverse military and family background led me to undergraduate studies at The Pennsylvania State University, and doctoral degree in Psychology at Argosy University where I developed a special interest in multicultural competency and mental health treatment. I have over 15 years of clinical experience and find collaborative work essential with other mental and health professionals in order to provide the highest level of care in treating the whole person.
I specialize in the following:Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant & Conduct Disorders, Substance Abuse counseling, Family & marital conflicts, Grief & Bereavement, and Issues of separation.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about helping individuals and families. I have lived in many states and in Okinawa, Japan, and in Virginia most recently. My diverse military and family background led me to undergraduate studies at The Pennsylvania State University, and doctoral degree in Psychology at Argosy University where I developed a special interest in multicultural competency and mental health treatment. I have over 15 years of clinical experience and find collaborative work essential with other mental and health professionals in order to provide the highest level of care in treating the whole person.
(703) 468-4547 View (703) 468-4547
Photo of Carrie Holland-Lee, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Carrie Holland-Lee
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
I use a client centered approach where I help the client focus on the skills and resources they have in order to help solve the problems they have in their life. I offer a warm, non-judgmental approach to therapy and am happy to help my clients learn and grow through their experiences. I am trained in EMDR and use this technique to help clients with a trauma work through and heal from their past. I also do marriage and couples counseling with all types of couples including those in non-monogamous relationships.
I use a client centered approach where I help the client focus on the skills and resources they have in order to help solve the problems they have in their life. I offer a warm, non-judgmental approach to therapy and am happy to help my clients learn and grow through their experiences. I am trained in EMDR and use this technique to help clients with a trauma work through and heal from their past. I also do marriage and couples counseling with all types of couples including those in non-monogamous relationships.
(443) 424-6237 View (443) 424-6237
Photo of Eagles Wings Counseling, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Eagles Wings Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Compassionate, Bilingual Therapist uniquely trained to treat the sensitive needs of the whole person, integrating Spirituality with Psychology in helping you overcome personal obstacles to living your best life! Specializing in inner healing, resolving simple and complex marital issues, career changes, midlife and adolescent struggles, treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual abuse and domestic violence. I also offer Clinical Assessments for Immigration Situations dealing with Asylum, Hardship Waivers, U Visa and VAWA cases. Christian Counseling available upon request.
Compassionate, Bilingual Therapist uniquely trained to treat the sensitive needs of the whole person, integrating Spirituality with Psychology in helping you overcome personal obstacles to living your best life! Specializing in inner healing, resolving simple and complex marital issues, career changes, midlife and adolescent struggles, treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual abuse and domestic violence. I also offer Clinical Assessments for Immigration Situations dealing with Asylum, Hardship Waivers, U Visa and VAWA cases. Christian Counseling available upon request.
(706) 550-9567 View (706) 550-9567
Photo of The Family Therapy Center of Old Town in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
The Family Therapy Center of Old Town
RNMSNCS, LMFT, PMHCNS-
Verified Verified
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Our team members are each Clinical Members of The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
At the Family Therapy Center of Old Town we provide mental health services to Individuals and families of all ages. Like the family physician, we will be there as needed when mental health issues arise within families and individuals. Using an integrative bio-psycho-social approach, we provide a comprehensive assessment, evaluation and individualized treatment plan for each client. We work together with each client to implement a treatment plan using the tools that will be most affective in reaching their goals.Together, we help our clients get "unstuck" and move forward to a healthy life balance.
Our team members are each Clinical Members of The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
At the Family Therapy Center of Old Town we provide mental health services to Individuals and families of all ages. Like the family physician, we will be there as needed when mental health issues arise within families and individuals. Using an integrative bio-psycho-social approach, we provide a comprehensive assessment, evaluation and individualized treatment plan for each client. We work together with each client to implement a treatment plan using the tools that will be most affective in reaching their goals.Together, we help our clients get "unstuck" and move forward to a healthy life balance.
(703) 997-2610 View (703) 997-2610
Photo of Tyra Berger, Counselor in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Tyra Berger
Counselor, MSMFT, LCPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301  (Online Only)
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), I specialize in Couple & Marriage Counseling and Infidelity Repair. I work with individuals, couples, & families struggling with personal and relationship issues. I am licensed in both Maryland & Virginia. I am also a Board Approved Clinical Supervisor in Maryland. I am supportive, encouraging and compassionate and I try to create a safe and comfortable environment where we can work together to identify the issues and reasonable solutions. I am certified in the Prepare-Enrich Pre-Marital Assessment, a thorough tool that helps couples explore & strengthen their relationships.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), I specialize in Couple & Marriage Counseling and Infidelity Repair. I work with individuals, couples, & families struggling with personal and relationship issues. I am licensed in both Maryland & Virginia. I am also a Board Approved Clinical Supervisor in Maryland. I am supportive, encouraging and compassionate and I try to create a safe and comfortable environment where we can work together to identify the issues and reasonable solutions. I am certified in the Prepare-Enrich Pre-Marital Assessment, a thorough tool that helps couples explore & strengthen their relationships.
(301) 683-5364 View (301) 683-5364
Photo of Carrie Elizabeth Collier, Licensed Professional Counselor in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Carrie Elizabeth Collier
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-DC, LPC-Va
Verified Verified
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Relationship conflicts, marital distress, conflict, and distance, parental dilemmas, marital tensions, anxiety, depression, physical illness, losses, parenting anxiety, childhood and adolescent problems, concerns about aging, workplace stress, and grief and trauma.
I have been a licensed professional counselor since 2001. I offer individual, couples and family therapy. I focus on family and life challenges pertaining to marriage, partners, family cut offs and estrangements, friends, and parenting using Bowen Family Systems Theory. I work online with individuals, couples, parents, and families from all walks of life with a wide array of family and marital challenges, emotional and relationship concerns.
Relationship conflicts, marital distress, conflict, and distance, parental dilemmas, marital tensions, anxiety, depression, physical illness, losses, parenting anxiety, childhood and adolescent problems, concerns about aging, workplace stress, and grief and trauma.
I have been a licensed professional counselor since 2001. I offer individual, couples and family therapy. I focus on family and life challenges pertaining to marriage, partners, family cut offs and estrangements, friends, and parenting using Bowen Family Systems Theory. I work online with individuals, couples, parents, and families from all walks of life with a wide array of family and marital challenges, emotional and relationship concerns.
View
Photo of Julia Berlin, Pre-Licensed Professional in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Julia Berlin
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
I am a licensed Resident in Marriage and Family therapy. I received my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from the College of William and Mary and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Political Science from the University of South Carolina. I have experience working with individuals, families, couples, and groups. These experiences solidified my passion for working with a diverse population of families and individuals. I have experience working with military families, LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families, and adolescents.
I am a licensed Resident in Marriage and Family therapy. I received my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from the College of William and Mary and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Political Science from the University of South Carolina. I have experience working with individuals, families, couples, and groups. These experiences solidified my passion for working with a diverse population of families and individuals. I have experience working with military families, LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families, and adolescents.
(571) 621-7640 View (571) 621-7640
Photo of Healing Touch Counseling and Wellness, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Healing Touch Counseling and Wellness, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, LMHC, CSAT, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Where did things go so wrong? Your marriage used to be a source of strength and comfort. Now, it feels like a cage that you can’t escape from. You and your husband avoid each other – staying late at work, running unnecessary chores, and always taking the long way home. When you do spend time together, it feels more like being around a hostile roommate than your “soulmate.” A part of you wants to just call it quits – cut your losses and start over. But what about the kids? What about the future you’ve worked so hard to build? You’re not ready to throw in the towel yet, but you don’t if there’s a way forward. It feels hopeless.
Where did things go so wrong? Your marriage used to be a source of strength and comfort. Now, it feels like a cage that you can’t escape from. You and your husband avoid each other – staying late at work, running unnecessary chores, and always taking the long way home. When you do spend time together, it feels more like being around a hostile roommate than your “soulmate.” A part of you wants to just call it quits – cut your losses and start over. But what about the kids? What about the future you’ve worked so hard to build? You’re not ready to throw in the towel yet, but you don’t if there’s a way forward. It feels hopeless.
(571) 200-7119 View (571) 200-7119
Photo of Ngozi Wellness, Licensed Professional Counselor in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Ngozi Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301  (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients. Joy Onukogu is a Licensed Professional Counselor whose clinical counseling experience is with mental health disorders, personality disorders, relationship issues, trauma, and grief. Joy’s primary focus is providing therapy to children, pregnant women, moms, and couples. Joy completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State University and her master’s degree in marriage and family counseling at Webster Univeristy. Joy provides an environment that fosters healing with a person centered approach, openness and creates a safe space.
Accepting New Clients. Joy Onukogu is a Licensed Professional Counselor whose clinical counseling experience is with mental health disorders, personality disorders, relationship issues, trauma, and grief. Joy’s primary focus is providing therapy to children, pregnant women, moms, and couples. Joy completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State University and her master’s degree in marriage and family counseling at Webster Univeristy. Joy provides an environment that fosters healing with a person centered approach, openness and creates a safe space.
(540) 584-8316 View (540) 584-8316
Photo of Kendra Jackson-Ralph - Love Sex And Intimacy, Counselor in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Kendra Jackson-Ralph - Love Sex And Intimacy
Counselor, LPC, CST, NBCCH
Verified Verified
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
As a therapist, she helps her clients with extra marital affairs, low sexual desires, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, female pelvic pain, female arousal, paraphilias, sexual identity, pornography, divorce and separation.
Kendra Jackson-Ralph is a licensed professional counselor in DC, MD, and VA. She is also a practicing AASECT certified Sex Therapist and certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. In addition, for years she began advocating against domestic violence with survivors and treating the batterers for change within intimate relationships. Mrs. Ralph works with individuals and couples to address mental health issues; in addition, to rebuild and improve what's missing in the intimate relationship. Do you need to rebuild trust or communication in your relationship, create a satisfying sexual connection or decrease sexual dysfunctions?
As a therapist, she helps her clients with extra marital affairs, low sexual desires, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, female pelvic pain, female arousal, paraphilias, sexual identity, pornography, divorce and separation.
Kendra Jackson-Ralph is a licensed professional counselor in DC, MD, and VA. She is also a practicing AASECT certified Sex Therapist and certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. In addition, for years she began advocating against domestic violence with survivors and treating the batterers for change within intimate relationships. Mrs. Ralph works with individuals and couples to address mental health issues; in addition, to rebuild and improve what's missing in the intimate relationship. Do you need to rebuild trust or communication in your relationship, create a satisfying sexual connection or decrease sexual dysfunctions?
(757) 568-7277 View (757) 568-7277
Photo of Valerie Larkin, Psychologist in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Valerie Larkin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
As a Clinical Psychologist for the past 30+ years, I have worked with individuals, couples and families with a wide variety of issues and concerns. While problems need to be identified, I prefer to focus on the strengths that are often obscured by the stress and the immediate crisis. As the stress becomes manageable, so too can we together discover the strengths that will result in solutions, growth and improvement. I look forward to sharing that challenge with you.
As a Clinical Psychologist for the past 30+ years, I have worked with individuals, couples and families with a wide variety of issues and concerns. While problems need to be identified, I prefer to focus on the strengths that are often obscured by the stress and the immediate crisis. As the stress becomes manageable, so too can we together discover the strengths that will result in solutions, growth and improvement. I look forward to sharing that challenge with you.
(703) 594-4045 View (703) 594-4045
Photo of Laura Tozier, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Laura Tozier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22305  (Online Only)
I specialize in premarital counseling and couple therapy. I have been inspired by the diversity of experiences and strengths of those I have had the pleasure to work with. We all go through challenging times in our lives. Exploring our situation offers the opportunity to learn and grow. Together, we will focus on a clear purpose, taking small consistent steps toward change.
I specialize in premarital counseling and couple therapy. I have been inspired by the diversity of experiences and strengths of those I have had the pleasure to work with. We all go through challenging times in our lives. Exploring our situation offers the opportunity to learn and grow. Together, we will focus on a clear purpose, taking small consistent steps toward change.
(571) 536-7457 View (571) 536-7457
Photo of Michael Payne, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Michael Payne
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Whether you're looking to set a new course in life, heal a wounded heart, break from unhealthy habits, I can teach you strategies and skills to become the person you want to be. Any positive change requires awareness, determination, and effort. At heartsandmindshealth, my goal is to improve your mental health and well-being. I take an insight-oriented, solution-focused approach to our work, After setting mutually-determined treatment objectives, I help individuals, couples, and groups achieve life goals, heal emotional wounds, become "unstuck", or break free from unhealthy patterns.
Whether you're looking to set a new course in life, heal a wounded heart, break from unhealthy habits, I can teach you strategies and skills to become the person you want to be. Any positive change requires awareness, determination, and effort. At heartsandmindshealth, my goal is to improve your mental health and well-being. I take an insight-oriented, solution-focused approach to our work, After setting mutually-determined treatment objectives, I help individuals, couples, and groups achieve life goals, heal emotional wounds, become "unstuck", or break free from unhealthy patterns.
(703) 957-7068 View (703) 957-7068
Photo of Adam C. Prestegord, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Adam C. Prestegord
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22305
Sex, identity, and relationships can be integral parts of our lives. However, shame, miscommunication, and other life stress might prevent us from having the connections we want. Although these frustrations may seem insurmountable at times, change is possible. Looking for a therapist is a positive first step. Whether you are looking to gain personal insight, develop coping strategies, or improve your relationships and sexual functioning, we can work together to achieve your goals. I work with individuals and couples. I am licensed in VA, DC, and MD and certified as a sex therapist by AASECT.
Sex, identity, and relationships can be integral parts of our lives. However, shame, miscommunication, and other life stress might prevent us from having the connections we want. Although these frustrations may seem insurmountable at times, change is possible. Looking for a therapist is a positive first step. Whether you are looking to gain personal insight, develop coping strategies, or improve your relationships and sexual functioning, we can work together to achieve your goals. I work with individuals and couples. I am licensed in VA, DC, and MD and certified as a sex therapist by AASECT.
(571) 200-5235 View (571) 200-5235
Photo of Sarah Pitkin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Sarah Pitkin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LSATP, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Waitlist for new clients
As the demands of daily life become increasingly complex, many people find themselves struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relational conflicts, difficulty with managing life-work balance, and unresolved trauma from earlier experiences.
As the demands of daily life become increasingly complex, many people find themselves struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relational conflicts, difficulty with managing life-work balance, and unresolved trauma from earlier experiences.
(571) 200-1027 x507 View (571) 200-1027 x507
Photo of Catherine Peterson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Catherine Peterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22305
Waitlist for new clients
We all face challenges in life where we need more support and understanding. Therapy can be the key to help identify problems, offer solutions, and lead to the changes you are seeking. Acceptance and compassion are the foundation of my work. I help individuals, couples, and families deal with stress related to trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, maternal mental health, complicated relationships, infidelity, parenting, and self-esteem. I have also worked extensively with Veterans and family members and understand the stressors unique to the military community.
We all face challenges in life where we need more support and understanding. Therapy can be the key to help identify problems, offer solutions, and lead to the changes you are seeking. Acceptance and compassion are the foundation of my work. I help individuals, couples, and families deal with stress related to trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, maternal mental health, complicated relationships, infidelity, parenting, and self-esteem. I have also worked extensively with Veterans and family members and understand the stressors unique to the military community.
(571) 380-8370 View (571) 380-8370
Photo of Sunflowers Healing and Wellness in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Sunflowers Healing and Wellness
MHt, RMT, HCBE
Verified Verified
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
At our practice, we specialize in empowering our clients to discover healthier lifestyles through integrative wellness services solutions. We provide a variety of healing modalities, including hypnotherapy, life coaching, couples coaching, Reiki energy healing, and intuitive healing. Our clients choose us because we are committed to techniques that offer fast and effective healing.
At our practice, we specialize in empowering our clients to discover healthier lifestyles through integrative wellness services solutions. We provide a variety of healing modalities, including hypnotherapy, life coaching, couples coaching, Reiki energy healing, and intuitive healing. Our clients choose us because we are committed to techniques that offer fast and effective healing.
(703) 884-2144 View (703) 884-2144

See more therapy options for Potomac West, Alexandria

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.