Couples Counseling Therapists in Arlington, VA

Photo of Heidi Lapham Murphy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Arlington, VA
Heidi Lapham Murphy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
I treat eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, and exercise compulsion.
I believe in the power of therapy and the changes that can occur within each session. The most beautiful parts of therapy work are when both the client and therapist can be open, honest, and vulnerable with their struggles, observations, and successes. I seek to provide a supportive environment that can nurture vulnerability and true progress. By using mindfulness and grounding techniques, self-awareness can occur in order not to just live, but to thrive.
I treat eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, and exercise compulsion.
I believe in the power of therapy and the changes that can occur within each session. The most beautiful parts of therapy work are when both the client and therapist can be open, honest, and vulnerable with their struggles, observations, and successes. I seek to provide a supportive environment that can nurture vulnerability and true progress. By using mindfulness and grounding techniques, self-awareness can occur in order not to just live, but to thrive.
(703) 691-5478 View (703) 691-5478
Photo of Debo Katz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Arlington, VA
Debo Katz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW, LMSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22204
I am a queer-identified, trauma-informed, and person-centered therapist who works with clients of various identities, kinks, and relationship styles to help build skills to support curious self-reflection and empowerment.
Are you feeling stuck in repeated patterns that no longer serve you? Perhaps you are struggling to find a deeper level of self-awareness and connection in your relationships, identity, or sexuality. I aim to hold space in an environment of mutual respect where you can openly explore your desires and challenges free from judgment. Everyone deserves to feel validated, supported, and celebrated. Welcome!
I am a queer-identified, trauma-informed, and person-centered therapist who works with clients of various identities, kinks, and relationship styles to help build skills to support curious self-reflection and empowerment.
Are you feeling stuck in repeated patterns that no longer serve you? Perhaps you are struggling to find a deeper level of self-awareness and connection in your relationships, identity, or sexuality. I aim to hold space in an environment of mutual respect where you can openly explore your desires and challenges free from judgment. Everyone deserves to feel validated, supported, and celebrated. Welcome!
(571) 556-8295 View (571) 556-8295
Photo of Discover Me Therapy, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Arlington, VA
Discover Me Therapy, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22203
Coming out of the pandemic, all of us have gained insight regarding our ineffectiveness. For some of us, we have been drinking more frequently as a result of being overwhelmed, stressed, bored, fatigued, and hopeless. If you have been in recovery and/or have never struggled with the use of alcohol and/or substances, you may now observe yourself to have developed unhealthy habits related to unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, lifestyle, and relationship conflict. You may have noticed your loved ones are deteriorating in various ways, challenging your effectiveness and prompting feelings of hopelessness. Therapy helps!
Coming out of the pandemic, all of us have gained insight regarding our ineffectiveness. For some of us, we have been drinking more frequently as a result of being overwhelmed, stressed, bored, fatigued, and hopeless. If you have been in recovery and/or have never struggled with the use of alcohol and/or substances, you may now observe yourself to have developed unhealthy habits related to unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, lifestyle, and relationship conflict. You may have noticed your loved ones are deteriorating in various ways, challenging your effectiveness and prompting feelings of hopelessness. Therapy helps!
(703) 271-6509 View (703) 271-6509
Photo of Brian John Rink, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Arlington, VA
Brian John Rink
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22207
Brian Rink is currently accepting new VA or DC-based individual clients via telehealth or in person in Arlington, VA, and requests for relationship and couples counseling, particularly with LGBTQ-identifying couples.
With over 20+ years working in the mental health field, Brian Rink has his Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University and advanced training in Emotionally Focused and the Gottman Method for couples therapy and Sex Therapy. With a person-centered, attachment-lens approach aimed at reframing hurtful narratives, exploring the mind/body connection, and improving communication and relational skills, Brian wants his clients to feel empowered to create and maintain strong support systems and positive internal self-narratives. He specializes in the LGBTQ+ community.
Brian Rink is currently accepting new VA or DC-based individual clients via telehealth or in person in Arlington, VA, and requests for relationship and couples counseling, particularly with LGBTQ-identifying couples.
With over 20+ years working in the mental health field, Brian Rink has his Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University and advanced training in Emotionally Focused and the Gottman Method for couples therapy and Sex Therapy. With a person-centered, attachment-lens approach aimed at reframing hurtful narratives, exploring the mind/body connection, and improving communication and relational skills, Brian wants his clients to feel empowered to create and maintain strong support systems and positive internal self-narratives. He specializes in the LGBTQ+ community.
(703) 935-4987 View (703) 935-4987
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology--Virginia location, Psychologist in Arlington, VA
Silver Lake Psychology--Virginia location
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22201
Therapy is a process of self-reflection and conversation that honors the struggles of life: career uncertainty, relationship decisions, loneliness, grief, and the ongoing pursuit self-love.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
Therapy is a process of self-reflection and conversation that honors the struggles of life: career uncertainty, relationship decisions, loneliness, grief, and the ongoing pursuit self-love.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
(703) 783-3242 View (703) 783-3242
Photo of Gloria Quevedo, Licensed Professional Counselor in Arlington, VA
Gloria Quevedo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22203
Waitlist for new clients
I am a bilingual therapist (Spanish-English) with 23 years of experience working in a multicultural environment with individuals, couples and families.
Depression? Anxiety? Difficulties in your relationships? Trauma? ... If you believe that there is anything that you would like to change, or that is not allowing you to enjoy your life, I invite you to come to take a look at your world, and together to start the process of figuring out how to make it better. I believe that therapy is a collaboration between client and therapist in a supportive and safe environment where you can explore how your past has impacted who you are now and how to make changes in your thoughts and actions.
I am a bilingual therapist (Spanish-English) with 23 years of experience working in a multicultural environment with individuals, couples and families.
Depression? Anxiety? Difficulties in your relationships? Trauma? ... If you believe that there is anything that you would like to change, or that is not allowing you to enjoy your life, I invite you to come to take a look at your world, and together to start the process of figuring out how to make it better. I believe that therapy is a collaboration between client and therapist in a supportive and safe environment where you can explore how your past has impacted who you are now and how to make changes in your thoughts and actions.
(202) 618-9613 View (202) 618-9613
Photo of M&K Counseling Associates Inc, Licensed Professional Counselor in Arlington, VA
M&K Counseling Associates Inc
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
Hello everyone, I'm Emarie! I am a therapist at M&K Counseling Associates inc., which is a group private practice offering office and video psychotherapy sessions in DC and Virginia. Our staff are highly trained professionals who operate from a holistic, trauma-informed, and systemically aware perspective. We partner with our clients by providing a safe comfortable space so they can explore their life challenges, and collectively establish goals that foster self-empowerment and self-betterment. We specialize in working with young adults and professionals in the DMV area.
Hello everyone, I'm Emarie! I am a therapist at M&K Counseling Associates inc., which is a group private practice offering office and video psychotherapy sessions in DC and Virginia. Our staff are highly trained professionals who operate from a holistic, trauma-informed, and systemically aware perspective. We partner with our clients by providing a safe comfortable space so they can explore their life challenges, and collectively establish goals that foster self-empowerment and self-betterment. We specialize in working with young adults and professionals in the DMV area.
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Photo of John Rooney, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Arlington, VA
John Rooney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22206  (Online Only)
We will work together to create a safe, inviting, and secure relationship, with the goal to help you challenge the patterns of your past to give you more freedom in the present.
You are struggling. Maybe this is something you have grappled with for a long time, or maybe this is something that you have recently found yourself struggling with? Maybe this is about changes in your outside world, your internal world or both? You have already tried to address this, but it is still a problem. We will work together to identify and explore your behaviors, beliefs, feelings, and thoughts that have become problematic for you, As you gain more insight into yourself you will be better able to make more deliberate choices rather than fallback on your old ways of being, ways that probably worked well in your past.
We will work together to create a safe, inviting, and secure relationship, with the goal to help you challenge the patterns of your past to give you more freedom in the present.
You are struggling. Maybe this is something you have grappled with for a long time, or maybe this is something that you have recently found yourself struggling with? Maybe this is about changes in your outside world, your internal world or both? You have already tried to address this, but it is still a problem. We will work together to identify and explore your behaviors, beliefs, feelings, and thoughts that have become problematic for you, As you gain more insight into yourself you will be better able to make more deliberate choices rather than fallback on your old ways of being, ways that probably worked well in your past.
(571) 339-0292 View (571) 339-0292
Photo of Victoria Colborn Bathe, Psychologist in Arlington, VA
Victoria Colborn Bathe
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate relationship problems, difficult thoughts and feelings, painful experiences, existential issues, and life changes. Together, we’ll come to a shared understanding of your concerns, and develop a balance of emotional processing, skill-building, and action to help you meet your goals. My aim is to help you cultivate more adaptive ways of thinking, behaving, and relating to foster a life that is rich, meaningful, and connected to what matters most to you. In sessions, I am down-to-earth and warm. My patients tell me they appreciate my deep care, insight, and thoughtful questions.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate relationship problems, difficult thoughts and feelings, painful experiences, existential issues, and life changes. Together, we’ll come to a shared understanding of your concerns, and develop a balance of emotional processing, skill-building, and action to help you meet your goals. My aim is to help you cultivate more adaptive ways of thinking, behaving, and relating to foster a life that is rich, meaningful, and connected to what matters most to you. In sessions, I am down-to-earth and warm. My patients tell me they appreciate my deep care, insight, and thoughtful questions.
(202) 953-2925 View (202) 953-2925
Photo of Jelena Kecmanovic - Dr K., Psychologist in Arlington, VA
Jelena Kecmanovic - Dr K.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22201
Have anxiety or depression affected your life? Maybe you struggle with work or relationship problems? Therapy can help. I have over 25 years of clinical, research and teaching experience and am an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. I am committed to using the most effective treatments available, all while building a strong, supportive therapeutic relationship. I practice Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as it has been scientifically tested and proven to work. CBT is a solution-focused, active, collaborative approach, which brings about desired symptom and life changes.
Have anxiety or depression affected your life? Maybe you struggle with work or relationship problems? Therapy can help. I have over 25 years of clinical, research and teaching experience and am an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. I am committed to using the most effective treatments available, all while building a strong, supportive therapeutic relationship. I practice Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as it has been scientifically tested and proven to work. CBT is a solution-focused, active, collaborative approach, which brings about desired symptom and life changes.
(202) 800-2046 View (202) 800-2046
Photo of Keshanda Garland, Licensed Professional Counselor in Arlington, VA
Keshanda Garland
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22203
My name is Keshanda Garland. Please feel free to call me Kesha. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. and a Virginia Native. I have over 15 years of experience working with clients who have mental health issues. I enjoy working with adults and adolescents, and my specialty lies in working with clients with anxiety disorders, panic attacks, depression, stress and relationship issues, and trauma-related disorders. I am dedicated to helping her client's foster growth and healing through a collaborative therapeutic relationship.
My name is Keshanda Garland. Please feel free to call me Kesha. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. and a Virginia Native. I have over 15 years of experience working with clients who have mental health issues. I enjoy working with adults and adolescents, and my specialty lies in working with clients with anxiety disorders, panic attacks, depression, stress and relationship issues, and trauma-related disorders. I am dedicated to helping her client's foster growth and healing through a collaborative therapeutic relationship.
(703) 420-1049 View (703) 420-1049
Photo of Alex Holt, Resident in Counseling in Arlington, VA
Alex Holt
Resident in Counseling, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209  (Online Only)
Feeling stuck? Let's find a way to get unstuck. Therapy is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth that can help you enhance your relationships and foster deeper connections with others and, critically, with yourself. If you're looking at this page, it means you've already taken the first step towards healing, and I want to commend you for that and encourage you to continue. Together, we can establish a genuine and trusting relationship, providing a safe space for you to explore your inner world and unleash your potential.
Feeling stuck? Let's find a way to get unstuck. Therapy is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth that can help you enhance your relationships and foster deeper connections with others and, critically, with yourself. If you're looking at this page, it means you've already taken the first step towards healing, and I want to commend you for that and encourage you to continue. Together, we can establish a genuine and trusting relationship, providing a safe space for you to explore your inner world and unleash your potential.
(571) 946-7505 View (571) 946-7505
Photo of Diana Gaydusek, Psychologist in Arlington, VA
Diana Gaydusek
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22207
Dr. Gaydusek specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and body image, mood and anxiety disorders, and relationship concerns. Dr. Gaydusek's approach to therapy is collaborative, supportive, and empathetic and she integrates empirically supported client-centered interventions into her practice to provide symptom relief. Dr. Gaydusek strongly believes in the importance of using scientific evidence-based treatments and tailoring these treatments to the individual.
Dr. Gaydusek specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and body image, mood and anxiety disorders, and relationship concerns. Dr. Gaydusek's approach to therapy is collaborative, supportive, and empathetic and she integrates empirically supported client-centered interventions into her practice to provide symptom relief. Dr. Gaydusek strongly believes in the importance of using scientific evidence-based treatments and tailoring these treatments to the individual.
(571) 450-9307 View (571) 450-9307
Photo of Tamer Mattar, Psychologist in Arlington, VA
Tamer Mattar
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22206
Hello! My name is Tamer Mattar, and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. My approach in therapy focuses on helping you take charge of your life. You will learn about yourself, the world, and the tools you will need to grow and to heal. I work with adult clients dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, job stress, difficulties with adapting to new situations, as well as phase of life changes.
Hello! My name is Tamer Mattar, and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. My approach in therapy focuses on helping you take charge of your life. You will learn about yourself, the world, and the tools you will need to grow and to heal. I work with adult clients dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, job stress, difficulties with adapting to new situations, as well as phase of life changes.
(703) 382-5649 View (703) 382-5649
Photo of Sarah Nealy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Arlington, VA
Sarah Nealy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22207
SC Nealy currently specializes in self-esteem, religious trauma or "church hurt," sexual trauma and other trauma, complex PTSD, body image issues, resilience building, depression/anxiety, mindfulness, LGBTQIA+ issues (especially premarital and queer couples counseling in LGBTQ+ relationships), couples counseling, premarital counseling, & women's issues.
With over 15 years working in the mental health field, Sarah "SC" Nealy has their second Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is the Clinical Director at LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative, a group therapy practice for queer therapists for queer clients and their allies/families. With a person-centered, emotion-focused approach aimed at finding solutions, healing trauma, building resilience, improving interpersonal relationships, connecting the mind and body, and working through triggers and past pain, SC wants their clients to feel heard, understood, and valued in the therapeutic space and in their lives.
SC Nealy currently specializes in self-esteem, religious trauma or "church hurt," sexual trauma and other trauma, complex PTSD, body image issues, resilience building, depression/anxiety, mindfulness, LGBTQIA+ issues (especially premarital and queer couples counseling in LGBTQ+ relationships), couples counseling, premarital counseling, & women's issues.
With over 15 years working in the mental health field, Sarah "SC" Nealy has their second Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is the Clinical Director at LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative, a group therapy practice for queer therapists for queer clients and their allies/families. With a person-centered, emotion-focused approach aimed at finding solutions, healing trauma, building resilience, improving interpersonal relationships, connecting the mind and body, and working through triggers and past pain, SC wants their clients to feel heard, understood, and valued in the therapeutic space and in their lives.
(703) 688-8812 View (703) 688-8812
Photo of Kathy Manning, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Arlington, VA
Kathy Manning
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22203  (Online Only)
I use the Internal Family Systems framework for individual and couples telehealth psychotherapy.
Hello You! Welcome to this brief introduction about me and the modality I use. My hope in working with you, is to help you liberate extreme emotions, restore trust in yourself to live in balance, harmony, and wholeness. So many of us are living in overwhelm, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts; it is time to become emotionally whole and connected to others. This is an inside job, and it is worth it to be reflective, to see why you do the things you do and feel the emotions you do. The work is hard and ultimately worth, you are worthy of this journey to a fuller connection to your true self and those you love.
I use the Internal Family Systems framework for individual and couples telehealth psychotherapy.
Hello You! Welcome to this brief introduction about me and the modality I use. My hope in working with you, is to help you liberate extreme emotions, restore trust in yourself to live in balance, harmony, and wholeness. So many of us are living in overwhelm, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts; it is time to become emotionally whole and connected to others. This is an inside job, and it is worth it to be reflective, to see why you do the things you do and feel the emotions you do. The work is hard and ultimately worth, you are worthy of this journey to a fuller connection to your true self and those you love.
(571) 568-7847 View (571) 568-7847
Ara Thomas-Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22203
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with clinical expertise in the areas of relationship issues, marriage and family, work-life balance, stress management, anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress and bereavement. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with clinical expertise in the areas of relationship issues, marriage and family, work-life balance, stress management, anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress and bereavement. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
(703) 940-0150 View (703) 940-0150
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology--Virginia location, Psychologist in Arlington, VA
Silver Lake Psychology--Virginia location
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22201
Therapy is a process of self-reflection and conversation that honors the struggles of life: career uncertainty, relationship decisions, loneliness, grief, and the ongoing pursuit self-love.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
Therapy is a process of self-reflection and conversation that honors the struggles of life: career uncertainty, relationship decisions, loneliness, grief, and the ongoing pursuit self-love.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
(703) 468-1530 x90029 View (703) 468-1530 x90029
Photo of Sandra Novkovic, Resident in Counseling in Arlington, VA
Sandra Novkovic
Resident in Counseling, MEd, RIC, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22204  (Online Only)
If you find yourself feeling stuck in your personal life, career, or relationships, you've come to the right place. I blend various evidence-based methods of therapy to help people heal and discover their true, authentic selves. I believe that the therapy process is sacred. I am passionate about creating a comfortable, safe space for clients to process and explore their emotions. Some of my main areas of interest include helping clients increase their overall self-esteem and body image, navigating interpersonal and romantic relationships, life/career transitions, and healing from heartbreak. I work with adults and couples 18+.
If you find yourself feeling stuck in your personal life, career, or relationships, you've come to the right place. I blend various evidence-based methods of therapy to help people heal and discover their true, authentic selves. I believe that the therapy process is sacred. I am passionate about creating a comfortable, safe space for clients to process and explore their emotions. Some of my main areas of interest include helping clients increase their overall self-esteem and body image, navigating interpersonal and romantic relationships, life/career transitions, and healing from heartbreak. I work with adults and couples 18+.
(571) 487-7420 View (571) 487-7420
Photo of Dr. Seth Allen Sampson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Arlington, VA
Dr. Seth Allen Sampson
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD , LPC-S, NCC, CSC
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209  (Online Only)
from the University of Texas at San Antonio and have experience in counseling adolescents, couples, families, and small groups.
My goal as a licensed professional counselor is to assist clients in fostering positive, sustainable self-growth within a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. I strive to work collaboratively with clients to establish achievable goals, while providing support in understanding the thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to the issues they are experiencing in life.
from the University of Texas at San Antonio and have experience in counseling adolescents, couples, families, and small groups.
My goal as a licensed professional counselor is to assist clients in fostering positive, sustainable self-growth within a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. I strive to work collaboratively with clients to establish achievable goals, while providing support in understanding the thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to the issues they are experiencing in life.
(571) 600-6381 View (571) 600-6381
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.