Photo of Katrina Will Colwick, Marriage & Family Therapist in Grapevine, TX
Katrina Will Colwick
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate and Play Therapist.
Our lives are filled with both joy and sadness, comforts and fears, strengths and weaknesses. At times we may feel that the negativity in our lives is more than we can handle. Those are times when seeking out counseling can provide a great benefit. It is my great pleasure to work with many people to help them achieve their goals, find comfort and peace, and live well adjusted, fulfilling lives. I am blessed to have provided services to those needing help with: childhood disorders, grief, abuse, marriage and family conflict, bullying, stress management, parenting, faith crises, premarital and many more.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate and Play Therapist.
Our lives are filled with both joy and sadness, comforts and fears, strengths and weaknesses. At times we may feel that the negativity in our lives is more than we can handle. Those are times when seeking out counseling can provide a great benefit. It is my great pleasure to work with many people to help them achieve their goals, find comfort and peace, and live well adjusted, fulfilling lives. I am blessed to have provided services to those needing help with: childhood disorders, grief, abuse, marriage and family conflict, bullying, stress management, parenting, faith crises, premarital and many more.
(817) 756-9684 View (817) 756-9684
Photo of Kathy Haecker, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grapevine, TX
Kathy Haecker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
My specialties include relationship issues, marriage, divorce, parenting, transitions, grief or loss, depression, anxiety or fear, self-image, abuse, and anger.
Are you hurting? Confused? Afraid? Need someone to talk to who can help you process what you are experiencing? As a woman who has been married for 49 years, had 5 teenagers at once, juggled home and family, worked as an advocate and teacher, I am willing to listen well. I believe we can work together and find solutions to your life's problems and pain.
My specialties include relationship issues, marriage, divorce, parenting, transitions, grief or loss, depression, anxiety or fear, self-image, abuse, and anger.
Are you hurting? Confused? Afraid? Need someone to talk to who can help you process what you are experiencing? As a woman who has been married for 49 years, had 5 teenagers at once, juggled home and family, worked as an advocate and teacher, I am willing to listen well. I believe we can work together and find solutions to your life's problems and pain.
(817) 591-1774 View (817) 591-1774
Photo of DeLisa Deutsch Perry, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grapevine, TX
DeLisa Deutsch Perry
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, CEDS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051  (Online Only)
I am an experienced marriage and family therapist and maintain a speciality as a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS). I am licensed in both Texas and California. I worked for many years at major eating disorder facilities in the DFW area, providing education and support to individuals and families at various stages in the recovery journey. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore issues together with my clients. I see the role of therapist as a facilitator to join, collaborate, and achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. I work from a systems perspective to address the individual as a whole.
I am an experienced marriage and family therapist and maintain a speciality as a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS). I am licensed in both Texas and California. I worked for many years at major eating disorder facilities in the DFW area, providing education and support to individuals and families at various stages in the recovery journey. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore issues together with my clients. I see the role of therapist as a facilitator to join, collaborate, and achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. I work from a systems perspective to address the individual as a whole.
(214) 717-6852 View (214) 717-6852
Photo of Tamra White, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grapevine, TX
Tamra White
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051
I specialize in several areas of human behavior, including depression, anxiety, marriage/divorce, as well as child/adolescent counseling.
It takes courage to reach out for assistance. I acknowledge that, and welcome you to an environment that asks questions, and promotes change! In my practice, I strive to make the client feel safe, comfortable, and understood from the moment we meet. The quality of the connection between the client and the therapist is fundamental to emotional growth and genuine change. I understand that there are certain feelings, problems, relationship dynamics and behaviors that one would like to feel better about as soon as possible. My practice does not ignore one's need for change in the here and now!
I specialize in several areas of human behavior, including depression, anxiety, marriage/divorce, as well as child/adolescent counseling.
It takes courage to reach out for assistance. I acknowledge that, and welcome you to an environment that asks questions, and promotes change! In my practice, I strive to make the client feel safe, comfortable, and understood from the moment we meet. The quality of the connection between the client and the therapist is fundamental to emotional growth and genuine change. I understand that there are certain feelings, problems, relationship dynamics and behaviors that one would like to feel better about as soon as possible. My practice does not ignore one's need for change in the here and now!
(940) 202-8321 View (940) 202-8321
Photo of Ami Evans, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grapevine, TX
Ami Evans
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
You may have experienced disappointment or hurt in your relationship or feeling insecure and want more for your marriage. I want to empower and encourage you to heal the past, find emotional freedom, cultivate healthy relationships and give you tools for living your best life in whatever phase of life you are in.
You may have experienced disappointment or hurt in your relationship or feeling insecure and want more for your marriage. I want to empower and encourage you to heal the past, find emotional freedom, cultivate healthy relationships and give you tools for living your best life in whatever phase of life you are in.
(817) 783-4337 View (817) 783-4337
Photo of Ashley Cook-Rovira, PLLC , Marriage & Family Therapist in Grapevine, TX
Ashley Cook-Rovira, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051
I offer individual, marital, and family therapy and prioritize working collaboratively with my clients which involves active involvement and proven to be best practice for the best/most desired outcome.
Are you feeling stuck by some life circumstance or feel as though you need help getting through a particularly troubling season of life? I help my clients work on their individual goals by meeting the client where they are at and working with them to find solutions to whatever issues are holding them back. I primarily work with clients struggling with trauma, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, dual-diagnoses (substance abuse in combination with other mental health diagnoses/presentations) for the past 12 years.
I offer individual, marital, and family therapy and prioritize working collaboratively with my clients which involves active involvement and proven to be best practice for the best/most desired outcome.
Are you feeling stuck by some life circumstance or feel as though you need help getting through a particularly troubling season of life? I help my clients work on their individual goals by meeting the client where they are at and working with them to find solutions to whatever issues are holding them back. I primarily work with clients struggling with trauma, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, dual-diagnoses (substance abuse in combination with other mental health diagnoses/presentations) for the past 12 years.
(817) 330-9730 View (817) 330-9730
Photo of Charity Kelly, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Grapevine, TX
Charity Kelly
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFT-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
In my practice, I specialize in working with women who may struggle with self-esteem, self-worth, and finding their voice. Women need someone they can trust and support them to gain confidence in who they are. I work with couples navigating the challenges of pre-marital preparation or seeking guidance to strengthen their existing partnership. Family life is hard whether that's parenting, blending families, communicating, or connecting. It can be challenging to work on those things alone. We can only do so much alone and I'm here to help you find the change you need.
In my practice, I specialize in working with women who may struggle with self-esteem, self-worth, and finding their voice. Women need someone they can trust and support them to gain confidence in who they are. I work with couples navigating the challenges of pre-marital preparation or seeking guidance to strengthen their existing partnership. Family life is hard whether that's parenting, blending families, communicating, or connecting. It can be challenging to work on those things alone. We can only do so much alone and I'm here to help you find the change you need.
(682) 382-9292 View (682) 382-9292
Photo of Cheryl Rutherford, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grapevine, TX
Cheryl Rutherford
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
Life is hard! Let's talk about it! This life is a series of changes and stages. It is easy to find ourselves stuck in an unhealthy relationship, find ourselves feeling down and hopeless because of a loss, or in a toxic environment at work. Solution focused brief therapy, right thinking and clear boundaries creates good fruit in our lives in every area - work, parenting, marriage, self-esteem, boundaries, etc. I love working with blended families to help every member of the family find their balance in your family. I specialize in helping married couples walk through challenges together to stabilize the relationship.
Life is hard! Let's talk about it! This life is a series of changes and stages. It is easy to find ourselves stuck in an unhealthy relationship, find ourselves feeling down and hopeless because of a loss, or in a toxic environment at work. Solution focused brief therapy, right thinking and clear boundaries creates good fruit in our lives in every area - work, parenting, marriage, self-esteem, boundaries, etc. I love working with blended families to help every member of the family find their balance in your family. I specialize in helping married couples walk through challenges together to stabilize the relationship.
(214) 761-6364 View (214) 761-6364
Photo of Melody Brooke, MA, LPC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Grapevine, TX
Melody Brooke, MA, LPC, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051  (Online Only)
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, counselor, life coach, career consultant, and national expert on the bedroom, and at work. ​For thirty years, I have helped couples find their way back to each other. Many of the clients I've worked with have been to multiple other counselors before finding me. I have been where you are emotionally. I am a survivor of sexual trauma, emotional neglect, and have had relationship problems. This has put me in a unique position to help you. My own experience with neurodivergence, trauma and failed relationships informs my approach to your advantage.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, counselor, life coach, career consultant, and national expert on the bedroom, and at work. ​For thirty years, I have helped couples find their way back to each other. Many of the clients I've worked with have been to multiple other counselors before finding me. I have been where you are emotionally. I am a survivor of sexual trauma, emotional neglect, and have had relationship problems. This has put me in a unique position to help you. My own experience with neurodivergence, trauma and failed relationships informs my approach to your advantage.
(469) 995-8304 View (469) 995-8304
Photo of The Vine Counseling & Wellness, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grapevine, TX
The Vine Counseling & Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051
Sharon Fulcher-Estes is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Advanced Certified Trauma Practitioner and EMDR Trained. Mrs. Fulcher-Estes’ goal is to help individuals discover their purpose and strengths which leads to developing healthy relationships, attitudes and environments that flourish. Her clinical experience includes working with trauma and loss, children and adolescents, stress, work-related struggles, pre-marital, marriage, parenting, anger, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, sexual abuse, and women’s issues. She enjoys working with individuals, couples and families.
Sharon Fulcher-Estes is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Advanced Certified Trauma Practitioner and EMDR Trained. Mrs. Fulcher-Estes’ goal is to help individuals discover their purpose and strengths which leads to developing healthy relationships, attitudes and environments that flourish. Her clinical experience includes working with trauma and loss, children and adolescents, stress, work-related struggles, pre-marital, marriage, parenting, anger, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, sexual abuse, and women’s issues. She enjoys working with individuals, couples and families.
(682) 233-4325 View (682) 233-4325
Photo of Stephanie Thurston-Simmons Lpc Lsotp Ch, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grapevine, TX
Stephanie Thurston-Simmons Lpc Lsotp Ch
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LSOTP, License, Dereg
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051
As an EMDR (trauma/headache/migraine, addictions) provider, Certified Hypnotherapist, & licensed in sexual offending/abuse, I specialize in marriage/family, trauma/anxiety, sexual issues, sex addiction, infidelity, divorce, ADHD, & others.
At New Solutions Counseling, as an experienced clinician of 25 years, I treat various needs with extensive trainings & have a passion for healing. Needs may include relationship/marital issues, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, chronic pain/illness, headache/migraines, sexual addiction, infidelity, abuse, addictions, sex trafficking, First Responder/military trauma, & everything in between. Clients seek help that is directive, objective, yet empathetic. Treatment is tailored to a client's specific needs & the approach is research-supported (EMDR/hypnotherapy/EFT). But, the therapeutic relationship is the most important and what I most enjoy.
As an EMDR (trauma/headache/migraine, addictions) provider, Certified Hypnotherapist, & licensed in sexual offending/abuse, I specialize in marriage/family, trauma/anxiety, sexual issues, sex addiction, infidelity, divorce, ADHD, & others.
At New Solutions Counseling, as an experienced clinician of 25 years, I treat various needs with extensive trainings & have a passion for healing. Needs may include relationship/marital issues, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, chronic pain/illness, headache/migraines, sexual addiction, infidelity, abuse, addictions, sex trafficking, First Responder/military trauma, & everything in between. Clients seek help that is directive, objective, yet empathetic. Treatment is tailored to a client's specific needs & the approach is research-supported (EMDR/hypnotherapy/EFT). But, the therapeutic relationship is the most important and what I most enjoy.
(817) 385-9646 View (817) 385-9646
Photo of Jackie Farmer Keish, Marriage & Family Therapist in Grapevine, TX
Jackie Farmer Keish
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LPC, LMFT, BCIA-EE
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
As a marriage and family therapist, a licensed professional counselor, and a neurofeedback clinician, I provide care for adults, couples, families,& children, in North Tarrant County. Serving the Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, Colleyville, Trophy Club, Irving,and surrounding communities, I focus on identifying personal strengths, and solutions that are often hidden within. Additionally, I utilize Neurofeedback, Interactive Metronome, Hypnotherapy, E.M.D.R., cognitive behavorial, solution focused and R.E.B.,T. therapies in assisting clients with attention, attachment, anxiety, depression, trauma, P.T.S.D., phobias and other issues. Please read about neurofeedback at these sites: www.eeginfo and eegspectrum.com, www.neurofeedbackoftexas.com
As a marriage and family therapist, a licensed professional counselor, and a neurofeedback clinician, I provide care for adults, couples, families,& children, in North Tarrant County. Serving the Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, Colleyville, Trophy Club, Irving,and surrounding communities, I focus on identifying personal strengths, and solutions that are often hidden within. Additionally, I utilize Neurofeedback, Interactive Metronome, Hypnotherapy, E.M.D.R., cognitive behavorial, solution focused and R.E.B.,T. therapies in assisting clients with attention, attachment, anxiety, depression, trauma, P.T.S.D., phobias and other issues. Please read about neurofeedback at these sites: www.eeginfo and eegspectrum.com, www.neurofeedbackoftexas.com
(817) 532-5227 View (817) 532-5227
Photo of Dana M Lewin, Marriage & Family Therapist in Grapevine, TX
Dana M Lewin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
Waitlist for new clients
Asking for help can be the hardest thing that some us will ever do. Life is messy. Choosing to grow is intentional and requires work. It's courageous to say, "I don't want to do this alone." Everyone needs support at some point whether you are battling depression or anxiety, working your way through grief, navigating through a life transition or marriage and family problems. I want to help you find your strengths and explore the patterns that are keeping you stuck. My passion is helping people have the healthy relationships that strengthen and validate the people they are.
Asking for help can be the hardest thing that some us will ever do. Life is messy. Choosing to grow is intentional and requires work. It's courageous to say, "I don't want to do this alone." Everyone needs support at some point whether you are battling depression or anxiety, working your way through grief, navigating through a life transition or marriage and family problems. I want to help you find your strengths and explore the patterns that are keeping you stuck. My passion is helping people have the healthy relationships that strengthen and validate the people they are.
(817) 591-4531 View (817) 591-4531
Photo of Ann Marie Leist, Psychologist in Grapevine, TX
Ann Marie Leist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051
Issues I frequently work with include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, chronic pain, substance abuse, behavior problems and marital problems.
All individuals experience difficult times or crises in their lives. As an experienced, licensed psychologist, I would like to help you work through life's challenges. I am committed to helping my clients overcome obstacles and meet goals that will lead to lasting and meaningful changes in their lives. I have extensive training in treating children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families in therapy.
Issues I frequently work with include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, chronic pain, substance abuse, behavior problems and marital problems.
All individuals experience difficult times or crises in their lives. As an experienced, licensed psychologist, I would like to help you work through life's challenges. I am committed to helping my clients overcome obstacles and meet goals that will lead to lasting and meaningful changes in their lives. I have extensive training in treating children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families in therapy.
(817) 522-3291 View (817) 522-3291
Photo of Daphne Goolsbee, Marriage & Family Therapist in Grapevine, TX
Daphne Goolsbee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051
Are you and your partner wanting to lay the foundation for a fulfilling marriage? Maybe you’re wanting to do things differently than you experienced growing up or you’re finding yourselves caught in cycles of conflict or miscommunication that you want to work through before committing to a life together. Perhaps you’d like to do some work personally in order to be the best future spouse possible. Ultimately, you want to create healthy communication patterns, understand yourself and your partner on a deeper level, and process important questions now as a way of investing in the health of your future marriage, home, and family.
Are you and your partner wanting to lay the foundation for a fulfilling marriage? Maybe you’re wanting to do things differently than you experienced growing up or you’re finding yourselves caught in cycles of conflict or miscommunication that you want to work through before committing to a life together. Perhaps you’d like to do some work personally in order to be the best future spouse possible. Ultimately, you want to create healthy communication patterns, understand yourself and your partner on a deeper level, and process important questions now as a way of investing in the health of your future marriage, home, and family.
(281) 623-1914 View (281) 623-1914
Photo of Kari Knott, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grapevine, TX
Kari Knott
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051
Integrating these specialized skills into relationship and marriage counseling adds a profound dimension to the therapeutic process.
For the past 20 years, I've devoted myself to supporting individuals navigating through the complexities of mental health. My passion lies in assisting clients grappling with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship or parenting concerns. My approach is rooted in multiple therapeutic modalities. Trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), I merge this powerful technique with Mindful Self-Compassion, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotional Focus Therapy. This allows for a tailored, holistic journey toward healing and growth,respecting each client's unique narrative
Integrating these specialized skills into relationship and marriage counseling adds a profound dimension to the therapeutic process.
For the past 20 years, I've devoted myself to supporting individuals navigating through the complexities of mental health. My passion lies in assisting clients grappling with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship or parenting concerns. My approach is rooted in multiple therapeutic modalities. Trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), I merge this powerful technique with Mindful Self-Compassion, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotional Focus Therapy. This allows for a tailored, holistic journey toward healing and growth,respecting each client's unique narrative
(469) 382-3519 View (469) 382-3519
Photo of Nicole Catlett, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grapevine, TX
Nicole Catlett
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, Intern
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051  (Online Only)
My name is Nicole Catlett and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern underneath the supervision of Sascha L. Webb at the Well Counseling Center in Coppell, Texas. My passion for serving others lies in the belief that everyone has the capacity to choose change no matter the circumstances that life may bring. I have experience working with marital issues associated with affairs, post traumatic stress disorder, changes in job status, financial set backs, communication and trust issues.
My name is Nicole Catlett and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern underneath the supervision of Sascha L. Webb at the Well Counseling Center in Coppell, Texas. My passion for serving others lies in the belief that everyone has the capacity to choose change no matter the circumstances that life may bring. I have experience working with marital issues associated with affairs, post traumatic stress disorder, changes in job status, financial set backs, communication and trust issues.
(214) 427-8249 View (214) 427-8249
Photo of Patti D. Bolle, MS, LPC-S, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grapevine, TX
Patti D. Bolle, MS, LPC-S, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051
I specialize in adolescent self injury and suicidal ideation, PTSD, grief and bereavement, budgeting time and money, BPD issues, family and marital issues, parenting issues, work related issues, insecurity and self-confidence issues, body image and eating disorder issues, organization and planning, medication education, homeopathic solutions, depression and anxiety.
I believe people are put in front of one another for a specific reason, whether it be good or bad. If you're seeking me out, you must need help in some way and just can't figure it out on your own. I can help you get to a point where you are strong and making healthy choices to better your life. My goal is to get you to a point where you don't need me...because you will receive the coping tools you need to succeed in life on your own. Remember...this is for you.
I specialize in adolescent self injury and suicidal ideation, PTSD, grief and bereavement, budgeting time and money, BPD issues, family and marital issues, parenting issues, work related issues, insecurity and self-confidence issues, body image and eating disorder issues, organization and planning, medication education, homeopathic solutions, depression and anxiety.
I believe people are put in front of one another for a specific reason, whether it be good or bad. If you're seeking me out, you must need help in some way and just can't figure it out on your own. I can help you get to a point where you are strong and making healthy choices to better your life. My goal is to get you to a point where you don't need me...because you will receive the coping tools you need to succeed in life on your own. Remember...this is for you.
(817) 382-6760 View (817) 382-6760
Photo of Kristen L Diamond, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grapevine, TX
Kristen L Diamond
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051
Marital and couples therapy are also a large part of my practice.
I work with clients in an interactive, supportive, and solution focused approach. I believe that clients benefit from learning about their own existing strengths, as well as the different approaches which can help them achieve their goals. This applies whether I'm working with adults, couples, adolescents, sexual abuse survivors, individuals with depression, grief, anxiety, PTSD, self-harm, or addiction issues. I always try to be straightforward, honest, and down-to-earth. I emphasize that everybody sometimes experiences stress and problems in daily life, and that most of these issues can be worked through.
Marital and couples therapy are also a large part of my practice.
I work with clients in an interactive, supportive, and solution focused approach. I believe that clients benefit from learning about their own existing strengths, as well as the different approaches which can help them achieve their goals. This applies whether I'm working with adults, couples, adolescents, sexual abuse survivors, individuals with depression, grief, anxiety, PTSD, self-harm, or addiction issues. I always try to be straightforward, honest, and down-to-earth. I emphasize that everybody sometimes experiences stress and problems in daily life, and that most of these issues can be worked through.
(817) 601-7716 View (817) 601-7716
Photo of Melanie A Burman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Grapevine, TX
Melanie A Burman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051
I have years on experience in marriage and family counseling.
I have been in private practice in the Grapevine area for over 30 years. I treat adults, adolescents and couples in both individual and group therapy. I address issues such as anxiety, depression, parent/teen relationships, family relations, alcohol and drug abuse recovery and marital counseling.
I have years on experience in marriage and family counseling.
I have been in private practice in the Grapevine area for over 30 years. I treat adults, adolescents and couples in both individual and group therapy. I address issues such as anxiety, depression, parent/teen relationships, family relations, alcohol and drug abuse recovery and marital counseling.
(817) 382-6866 View (817) 382-6866
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.