Couples Counseling Therapists in Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC
Krista Barringer
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MEd, NCC
Verified Verified
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
If postpartum feels hard, if pregnancy is harder than you thought, if you're trying to conceive, or if you feel distant from your partner now that you're parents- you are not alone.
I approach therapy with a trauma-informed lens and know that you are the expert on your own experience. We'll talk about ways that your early relationships affect your current relationships and the ways in which we can bring healing to those old wounds. This is a space where you get to show up exactly as you are on any given day and I will meet you there.
If postpartum feels hard, if pregnancy is harder than you thought, if you're trying to conceive, or if you feel distant from your partner now that you're parents- you are not alone.
I approach therapy with a trauma-informed lens and know that you are the expert on your own experience. We'll talk about ways that your early relationships affect your current relationships and the ways in which we can bring healing to those old wounds. This is a space where you get to show up exactly as you are on any given day and I will meet you there.
Joseph Baker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
I am Joseph Baker, a licensed clinical social worker who has extensive experience in providing psychotherapy to clients of all ages. My experiential training is in cognitive behavioral therapy; however, I am experienced in providing other therapeutic modalities including motivational interviewing, client centered therapy, reality-based therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, family and couples therapy. My approach is humanistic-based, with behavioral cognitive and insight-oriented interventions. My assessments and evaluations are comprehensive bio-psychosocial in nature.
I am Joseph Baker, a licensed clinical social worker who has extensive experience in providing psychotherapy to clients of all ages. My experiential training is in cognitive behavioral therapy; however, I am experienced in providing other therapeutic modalities including motivational interviewing, client centered therapy, reality-based therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, family and couples therapy. My approach is humanistic-based, with behavioral cognitive and insight-oriented interventions. My assessments and evaluations are comprehensive bio-psychosocial in nature.
Community Counseling, Education, & Research Ctr
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
The Community Counseling, Education, and Research Center (CCERC) of the NC State Counselor Education Program provides short-term and affordable counseling services to individuals, couples, and families.
Focus areas: Work and Career, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Family, Relationships, Trauma, Identity, LGBTQI+. Individuals with severe and persistent mental illness or who pose a threat to safety for self or others are not appropriate for the services offered. CCERC does not provide comprehensive mental health care (e.g., psychiatry, 24-hour crisis support).
The Community Counseling, Education, and Research Center (CCERC) of the NC State Counselor Education Program provides short-term and affordable counseling services to individuals, couples, and families.
Focus areas: Work and Career, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Family, Relationships, Trauma, Identity, LGBTQI+. Individuals with severe and persistent mental illness or who pose a threat to safety for self or others are not appropriate for the services offered. CCERC does not provide comprehensive mental health care (e.g., psychiatry, 24-hour crisis support).
Dr. Lucille Keenan
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27605
I find joy in assisting clients to be more of who they are, to enjoy life fully, and to realize their true potential, as well as in helping couples reconnect and find a place of healing that allows a secure and loving connection.
People make sense to me. We have good reasons for doing what we do, even though we may not like the results. As children, we all make the best decisions possible, and as adults, we tend to overuse these decisions. Together, using powerful, experiential models we can free up your options so that you achieve your goals and live your life with ease and comfort.
I find joy in assisting clients to be more of who they are, to enjoy life fully, and to realize their true potential, as well as in helping couples reconnect and find a place of healing that allows a secure and loving connection.
People make sense to me. We have good reasons for doing what we do, even though we may not like the results. As children, we all make the best decisions possible, and as adults, we tend to overuse these decisions. Together, using powerful, experiential models we can free up your options so that you achieve your goals and live your life with ease and comfort.
Marley Toben
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
For couples & polycules, I help untangle the ways your childhood survival strategies are hijacking your connection.
Life has a way of molding us into the person we had to be instead of the person we actually are. If you grew up with emotionally immature parents, you likely learned to shrink yourself or become the “reasonable one” while the adults acted like toddlers. Now, you're stuck in old patterns—choosing relationships that feel eerily familiar, doubting your needs, saddling yourself with responsibility for everyone else's joy while feeling chronically inadequate. It’s frustrating as hell, especially when you know what’s happening but can’t seem to shift it. Therapy with me is about dismantling the old M.O. and consciously choosing YOU.
For couples & polycules, I help untangle the ways your childhood survival strategies are hijacking your connection.
Life has a way of molding us into the person we had to be instead of the person we actually are. If you grew up with emotionally immature parents, you likely learned to shrink yourself or become the “reasonable one” while the adults acted like toddlers. Now, you're stuck in old patterns—choosing relationships that feel eerily familiar, doubting your needs, saddling yourself with responsibility for everyone else's joy while feeling chronically inadequate. It’s frustrating as hell, especially when you know what’s happening but can’t seem to shift it. Therapy with me is about dismantling the old M.O. and consciously choosing YOU.
I work with teens, adults and folks in relationships struggling with anxiety, depression, life adjustments, relationship and identity issues, burnout and career related concerns.
Do you find yourself struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings, unable to sleep at night and desperate for something to change? Maybe you find yourself struggling to manage your life and relationships, feeling stuck and beating yourself up about it. I understand how it feels to struggle in this messy and beautiful world, unsure if things will ever get better. If you’re still reading this then you’re ready to make a change. You’re ready to take a chance on therapy. Most of all, you’re ready to build a life that is full, rich and meaningful. I want to help you get there. If nothing changes, then nothing changes.
I work with teens, adults and folks in relationships struggling with anxiety, depression, life adjustments, relationship and identity issues, burnout and career related concerns.
Do you find yourself struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings, unable to sleep at night and desperate for something to change? Maybe you find yourself struggling to manage your life and relationships, feeling stuck and beating yourself up about it. I understand how it feels to struggle in this messy and beautiful world, unsure if things will ever get better. If you’re still reading this then you’re ready to make a change. You’re ready to take a chance on therapy. Most of all, you’re ready to build a life that is full, rich and meaningful. I want to help you get there. If nothing changes, then nothing changes.
Whitney Cain
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
Some of my specific areas of practice include work and career issues, relationship concerns, and stress and stress management.
My approach to therapy is highly collaborative. To this end, I highlight insight-oriented, interpersonal, and psychodynamic therapies. I also have training in EMDR, HeartMath, and meditation. These somatic approaches often complement traditional talk therapy. Thus, I work with clients to identify the approaches best meeting their strengths and goals.
Some of my specific areas of practice include work and career issues, relationship concerns, and stress and stress management.
My approach to therapy is highly collaborative. To this end, I highlight insight-oriented, interpersonal, and psychodynamic therapies. I also have training in EMDR, HeartMath, and meditation. These somatic approaches often complement traditional talk therapy. Thus, I work with clients to identify the approaches best meeting their strengths and goals.
Andrea Wallenbeck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27605
I partner with individuals and couples that want a life of peace and purpose.
I take a supportive and active approach to therapy. Sessions often include creating and practicing strategies together so that you have useful tools in your daily life. I have been working with university students, and adults, with stress, anxiety, cultural transition, addiction, self-esteem, identity, conflict, relationships, sexuality, and depression.
I partner with individuals and couples that want a life of peace and purpose.
I take a supportive and active approach to therapy. Sessions often include creating and practicing strategies together so that you have useful tools in your daily life. I have been working with university students, and adults, with stress, anxiety, cultural transition, addiction, self-esteem, identity, conflict, relationships, sexuality, and depression.
Brittani Procknow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCASA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
In your relationship, you want to deeply understand one another, break out of unhelpful patterns, and feel the energy you once had.
Clients come to me looking for a relatable therapist who provides space for insights to take aligned action. Together, we will help you implement new ways of living a relational life. We will always honor where you are with compassion. I host the How to Relate podcast, offer workshops for couples and individuals, and a newsletter for writing practices.
In your relationship, you want to deeply understand one another, break out of unhelpful patterns, and feel the energy you once had.
Clients come to me looking for a relatable therapist who provides space for insights to take aligned action. Together, we will help you implement new ways of living a relational life. We will always honor where you are with compassion. I host the How to Relate podcast, offer workshops for couples and individuals, and a newsletter for writing practices.
My practice is grounded in a commitment to understanding and addressing the specific needs of each individual and relationship, and fostering a supportive and inclusive therapeutic environment for all.
I serve adults, couples, LGBTQIA2S+ identifying individuals seeking affirming and inclusive care, and college students addressing the unique mental health challenges associated with their academic and personal journeys. I have expertise working with couples on a wide range of relationship concerns and those seeking to enhance relationship health.
My practice is grounded in a commitment to understanding and addressing the specific needs of each individual and relationship, and fostering a supportive and inclusive therapeutic environment for all.
I serve adults, couples, LGBTQIA2S+ identifying individuals seeking affirming and inclusive care, and college students addressing the unique mental health challenges associated with their academic and personal journeys. I have expertise working with couples on a wide range of relationship concerns and those seeking to enhance relationship health.
Shelly Hummel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27605
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in couples therapy and love what I do.
I believe that a professional should provide services that are shown to be most effective. Because of this desire, I am a Certified Gottman Therapist and also utilize emotionally-focused therapy. This means that I have extra training and specialty in utilizing the latest research-based methods in working with couples. I also offer retreat-style intensives.
I specialize in couples therapy and love what I do.
I believe that a professional should provide services that are shown to be most effective. Because of this desire, I am a Certified Gottman Therapist and also utilize emotionally-focused therapy. This means that I have extra training and specialty in utilizing the latest research-based methods in working with couples. I also offer retreat-style intensives.
Meet Our Couples Counseling Therapists
A.r. Ditesheim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
Perhaps you’re feeling disconnected, whether it’s from yourself, your partner, or your family, and are searching for ways to reconnect.
I approach this work with a strong belief that our lives are shaped by the systems we’re part of, from family dynamics to cultural influences. Together, we’ll explore how these factors influence your experiences, relationships, and self-perception, uncovering patterns and discovering ways to move forward in alignment with your values.
Perhaps you’re feeling disconnected, whether it’s from yourself, your partner, or your family, and are searching for ways to reconnect.
I approach this work with a strong belief that our lives are shaped by the systems we’re part of, from family dynamics to cultural influences. Together, we’ll explore how these factors influence your experiences, relationships, and self-perception, uncovering patterns and discovering ways to move forward in alignment with your values.
Martha Hope Rollins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW, PLLC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
I have expertise in working with individuals and couples with dysfunctional communication patterns.
I have over 25 years of experience in working in the mental health field. Over the years, I have honed the skills of listening and helping my clients feel heard. We will use that knowledge to create a better understanding of yourself. You will find that you are making healthier choices in your personal and professional relationships.
I have expertise in working with individuals and couples with dysfunctional communication patterns.
I have over 25 years of experience in working in the mental health field. Over the years, I have honed the skills of listening and helping my clients feel heard. We will use that knowledge to create a better understanding of yourself. You will find that you are making healthier choices in your personal and professional relationships.
Cassandra Calin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
In my relational work, I've offered tailored support to clients in polyamorous or kink-based relationship dynamics for five years.
Over the course of our lives, we are told stories about ourselves. Oftentimes those stories aren't true. Sometimes they're harmful. Usually they get in the way of us being able to truly understand ourselves and grow in the ways we want to. I work with clients to explore the stories they hold about themselves, their own definition of mental wellness, and the tools that might help them to move toward it. I am excited to offer individuals, partners, families, and friends a sacred, therapeutic space to sift through those stories, where they come from, and whether they serve you or block you from a fuller taste of joy.
In my relational work, I've offered tailored support to clients in polyamorous or kink-based relationship dynamics for five years.
Over the course of our lives, we are told stories about ourselves. Oftentimes those stories aren't true. Sometimes they're harmful. Usually they get in the way of us being able to truly understand ourselves and grow in the ways we want to. I work with clients to explore the stories they hold about themselves, their own definition of mental wellness, and the tools that might help them to move toward it. I am excited to offer individuals, partners, families, and friends a sacred, therapeutic space to sift through those stories, where they come from, and whether they serve you or block you from a fuller taste of joy.
My aim is to establish a supportive relationship with you where we can work together to promote your wellbeing.
As a LCMHC, I have worked in a variety of settings including a therapeutic community, private practice, and college counseling center. I offer individual, couple, and family counseling services informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Multicultural approaches. Telecounseling available.
My aim is to establish a supportive relationship with you where we can work together to promote your wellbeing.
As a LCMHC, I have worked in a variety of settings including a therapeutic community, private practice, and college counseling center. I offer individual, couple, and family counseling services informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Multicultural approaches. Telecounseling available.
I specialize in treating adults throughout the life cycle who have anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and/or relationship issues.
Having professional experience in both the United States and Mexico, I am acutely aware of and deeply committed to cultural strengths and diversity, including ethnicity, gender identity, sexual identity, and race. I draw on my professional and life experience to create an environment of wellness, clinical expertise, and inclusion.
I specialize in treating adults throughout the life cycle who have anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and/or relationship issues.
Having professional experience in both the United States and Mexico, I am acutely aware of and deeply committed to cultural strengths and diversity, including ethnicity, gender identity, sexual identity, and race. I draw on my professional and life experience to create an environment of wellness, clinical expertise, and inclusion.
Brianna Hicks
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, MA, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hillsborough, Raleigh, NC 27603
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ adults exploring their gender, sexuality, or relationship structure later in life.
Therapy with me is an active, dynamic process—not just talking in circles. We’ll explore what’s holding you back, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and practice setting boundaries (yes, even with your mother). Some days, it’s skill-building. Other days, it’s deep processing. Every session is tailored to you and what you need in the moment.
I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ adults exploring their gender, sexuality, or relationship structure later in life.
Therapy with me is an active, dynamic process—not just talking in circles. We’ll explore what’s holding you back, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and practice setting boundaries (yes, even with your mother). Some days, it’s skill-building. Other days, it’s deep processing. Every session is tailored to you and what you need in the moment.
I specialize in helping clients navigate relationship challenges, queer identities, difficulties with family members, acceptance of self, intimacy, chronic illnesses, and transitional life changes. Situating yourself as a unique person in a complex world is hard, especially when you try to do it alone, and asking for help takes courage. I’m here to help you figure out the hard stuff, cancel out the noise, and delight in the joy.
I specialize in helping clients navigate relationship challenges, queer identities, difficulties with family members, acceptance of self, intimacy, chronic illnesses, and transitional life changes. Situating yourself as a unique person in a complex world is hard, especially when you try to do it alone, and asking for help takes courage. I’m here to help you figure out the hard stuff, cancel out the noise, and delight in the joy.
Let's work together to uncover how your early life experiences impact your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which may be contributing to relationship difficulties and negative self-image.
Are you struggling with the heavy burden of relational difficulties, low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety? It's time to lighten that load. As a compassionate therapist, I offer a safe place to explore your experiences and embark on a journey of healing. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, which is why I tailor my evidence-based techniques to fit your unique needs.
Let's work together to uncover how your early life experiences impact your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which may be contributing to relationship difficulties and negative self-image.
Are you struggling with the heavy burden of relational difficulties, low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety? It's time to lighten that load. As a compassionate therapist, I offer a safe place to explore your experiences and embark on a journey of healing. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, which is why I tailor my evidence-based techniques to fit your unique needs.
I have extensive experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders and addictions.
One of my specialties is helping Neurodiverse (ASD and/or ADHD) adults whether they are currently diagnosed or just exploring the idea that they may be part of this community. I also enjoy working with people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues and/or addiction.
I have extensive experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders and addictions.
One of my specialties is helping Neurodiverse (ASD and/or ADHD) adults whether they are currently diagnosed or just exploring the idea that they may be part of this community. I also enjoy working with people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues and/or addiction.
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.