Couples Counselling in Central London, London

Photo of Natasha Lewis, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Natasha Lewis
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central London, London EC2M
I am a fully trained and accredited Integrative Relational Counsellor and EMDR Practitioner. Available for in person sessions and online via secure video conferencing (zoom or skype). Issues that I can support you with are: Trauma / PTSD, Stress and Anxiety, Marriage, Separation and Divorce issues, Personal relationship and Work relationship issues, Depression, Bereavement and Loss, Infertility, Miscarriages, IVF treatment and Infant Mortality Domestic abuse, Sexual abuse. I am a registered and accredited member of the BACP (Member No. 084911) and abide by the BACP’s ethical framework.
I am a fully trained and accredited Integrative Relational Counsellor and EMDR Practitioner. Available for in person sessions and online via secure video conferencing (zoom or skype). Issues that I can support you with are: Trauma / PTSD, Stress and Anxiety, Marriage, Separation and Divorce issues, Personal relationship and Work relationship issues, Depression, Bereavement and Loss, Infertility, Miscarriages, IVF treatment and Infant Mortality Domestic abuse, Sexual abuse. I am a registered and accredited member of the BACP (Member No. 084911) and abide by the BACP’s ethical framework.
01728 443987 View 01728 443987
Photo of Mina De Pasquale, MBACP, Counsellor
Mina De Pasquale
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC2R
Empathy, congruence and acceptance are central to creating a trusting relationship.
Counselling is a confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, beliefs or experiences over a period of time with the support of a trained listener. It is a non-judgmental, safe space, which helps to be able to reflect what is happening in your life and find alternative ways of handling them. Talking it through with a trusted counsellor helps to develop self-awareness and insight into how a person relates both to themselves and to those around them, along with finding new methods of dealing with everyday life experiences.
Empathy, congruence and acceptance are central to creating a trusting relationship.
Counselling is a confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, beliefs or experiences over a period of time with the support of a trained listener. It is a non-judgmental, safe space, which helps to be able to reflect what is happening in your life and find alternative ways of handling them. Talking it through with a trusted counsellor helps to develop self-awareness and insight into how a person relates both to themselves and to those around them, along with finding new methods of dealing with everyday life experiences.
07401 248158 View 07401 248158
Photo of Natalia Solovieva, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Natalia Solovieva
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central London, London WC1B
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is helpful to people with a wide range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, sexual difficulties, bipolar and other mood disorders, personality disorders and psychotic spectrum presentations (schizophrenia and manic depressive psychosis). Majority of individuals who feel helped by this approach present for therapy struggling with feeling very stuck in their lives, not fulfilling their potential, feeling empty or unable to move on. They are help with overcoming relationship problems, blocks in the careers or sense of having lost direction.
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is helpful to people with a wide range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, sexual difficulties, bipolar and other mood disorders, personality disorders and psychotic spectrum presentations (schizophrenia and manic depressive psychosis). Majority of individuals who feel helped by this approach present for therapy struggling with feeling very stuck in their lives, not fulfilling their potential, feeling empty or unable to move on. They are help with overcoming relationship problems, blocks in the careers or sense of having lost direction.
020 3912 9797 View 020 3912 9797
Photo of Hannah Jackson-McCamley, MUKCP, Counsellor
Hannah Jackson-McCamley
Counsellor, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC4A
You might be navigating confusing feelings around your identity, relationship or career.
Whether you’re going through a major life change, reflecting on trauma from the past, grieving the loss of a loved one or of a dream, or something just doesn’t feel quite right, as an individual, group or couple, I’m here to help you explore your inner world, understand your patterns of behaviour and be the you you want to be. Together, we will work on you so that you feel seen, heard and understood. With over a decade of experience working in the creative industries, I understand the stress surrounding those careers. I also have expertise in bereavement, supporting hundreds of clients facing significant loss.
You might be navigating confusing feelings around your identity, relationship or career.
Whether you’re going through a major life change, reflecting on trauma from the past, grieving the loss of a loved one or of a dream, or something just doesn’t feel quite right, as an individual, group or couple, I’m here to help you explore your inner world, understand your patterns of behaviour and be the you you want to be. Together, we will work on you so that you feel seen, heard and understood. With over a decade of experience working in the creative industries, I understand the stress surrounding those careers. I also have expertise in bereavement, supporting hundreds of clients facing significant loss.
020 3835 4678 View 020 3835 4678
Photo of Kim Goodwin-Wheatle - Connect Relationship & Sex Therapy , COSRT General, Psychotherapist
Connect Relationship & Sex Therapy
Psychotherapist, COSRT General
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1A
A relationship and psychosexual therapist, devoted to providing a safe, sexually affirmative space in which to support individuals & couples to address their communication &/ or sexual concerns. I offer therapy for couples & individuals experiencing intimacy & sexual difficulties. My experience has been gained by working in private practice as well as with the NHS. My integrative therapeutic approach enables me to provide a tailored approach best suited to you. I recognise the importance of cultural difference and diversity in the helping relationship, with respect to age, disability, gender, sexuality & ethnicity.
A relationship and psychosexual therapist, devoted to providing a safe, sexually affirmative space in which to support individuals & couples to address their communication &/ or sexual concerns. I offer therapy for couples & individuals experiencing intimacy & sexual difficulties. My experience has been gained by working in private practice as well as with the NHS. My integrative therapeutic approach enables me to provide a tailored approach best suited to you. I recognise the importance of cultural difference and diversity in the helping relationship, with respect to age, disability, gender, sexuality & ethnicity.
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Photo of Dr Paul Kong, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Paul Kong
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1V
Over 20 years of rich clinical experience. Long track record of serving patients with mental health problems in public hospitals in Hong Kong and held the role of Adult Psychiatry Service Team In-charge. Skilled in assessing and treating a wide variety of psychological problems of adolescents and adults, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, addiction problem, eating disorders, couple relationship problem, emotional and stress problems, etc. Appointed as Guest Lecturer of the University of Hong Kong and Honorary Clinical Supervisor of the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Over 20 years of rich clinical experience. Long track record of serving patients with mental health problems in public hospitals in Hong Kong and held the role of Adult Psychiatry Service Team In-charge. Skilled in assessing and treating a wide variety of psychological problems of adolescents and adults, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, addiction problem, eating disorders, couple relationship problem, emotional and stress problems, etc. Appointed as Guest Lecturer of the University of Hong Kong and Honorary Clinical Supervisor of the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
020 4538 3071 View 020 4538 3071
Photo of Joanna Parkinson, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Joanna Parkinson
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC2M
I am an existential psychotherapist and a supervisor. My approach helps clients gain insight, facilitating change where necessary. Existential therapy offers clients a chance to engage with their emotions, reflect on their relationships and look at how they are living their lives. I have worked with anxiety, bereavement, identity crisis, gender dysphoria, and relationship issues amongst many other existential crises that most of us experience throughout our life span.
I am an existential psychotherapist and a supervisor. My approach helps clients gain insight, facilitating change where necessary. Existential therapy offers clients a chance to engage with their emotions, reflect on their relationships and look at how they are living their lives. I have worked with anxiety, bereavement, identity crisis, gender dysphoria, and relationship issues amongst many other existential crises that most of us experience throughout our life span.
01992 929840 View 01992 929840
Photo of Dr Maria Smaga, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Maria Smaga
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central London, London EC2M
My specialties also include relationship problems, fertility difficulties, loss, and low self-esteem.
As an established Principal Counseling Psychologist in London registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) I have over 16 years of clinical practice and rigorous NHS training in various psychological therapeutic approaches and modalities. The therapy approach I take is integrative drawing from Person Centred, CBT, and Psychodynamic theories and I have a special interest in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and Mindfulness based practices.
My specialties also include relationship problems, fertility difficulties, loss, and low self-esteem.
As an established Principal Counseling Psychologist in London registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) I have over 16 years of clinical practice and rigorous NHS training in various psychological therapeutic approaches and modalities. The therapy approach I take is integrative drawing from Person Centred, CBT, and Psychodynamic theories and I have a special interest in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and Mindfulness based practices.
020 3835 3389 View 020 3835 3389
Photo of Ben Blair, MBACP, Counsellor
Ben Blair
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC1V
I’m a BACP registered integrative psychodynamic counsellor. I see clients as individuals with your own unique issues & life experiences, so draw on a wide range of humanistic, psychodynamic & CBT approaches to tailor therapy to your specific needs. I provide a safe, reliable & confidential space where we can develop a trusting relationship to help you feel supported in therapy & free to talk about the issues affecting your life without fear of judgement. Together we can explore the aspects of your life that are troubling you, helping you increase self-awareness & process difficult feelings in order to live in a more satisfying way.
I’m a BACP registered integrative psychodynamic counsellor. I see clients as individuals with your own unique issues & life experiences, so draw on a wide range of humanistic, psychodynamic & CBT approaches to tailor therapy to your specific needs. I provide a safe, reliable & confidential space where we can develop a trusting relationship to help you feel supported in therapy & free to talk about the issues affecting your life without fear of judgement. Together we can explore the aspects of your life that are troubling you, helping you increase self-awareness & process difficult feelings in order to live in a more satisfying way.
020 4538 8235 View 020 4538 8235
Photo of Dr Tej ., PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Tej .
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1B
Dr Tej is Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 25 years clinical experience across Infant, Child and Adult mental health services. In her clinical practice with adults, her expertise is in helping identify and work through intergenerational cycles of trauma – or trauma with a small ‘t’, such as complex developmental trauma/family trauma/narcissistic abuse, scapegoating, chronic shame, feeling stuck not knowing how to break relational patterns. Clients she has worked with report these difficulties in the context of bullying at work, couple /marital/relationship difficulties and attachment/parenting and birth trauma/difficulties.
Dr Tej is Consultant Clinical Psychologist with 25 years clinical experience across Infant, Child and Adult mental health services. In her clinical practice with adults, her expertise is in helping identify and work through intergenerational cycles of trauma – or trauma with a small ‘t’, such as complex developmental trauma/family trauma/narcissistic abuse, scapegoating, chronic shame, feeling stuck not knowing how to break relational patterns. Clients she has worked with report these difficulties in the context of bullying at work, couple /marital/relationship difficulties and attachment/parenting and birth trauma/difficulties.
020 3870 3028 View 020 3870 3028
Photo of Justin David Duwe Bsc Ma Sac Dip Mbacp (Accred), MA, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Justin David Duwe Bsc Ma Sac Dip Dip Mbacp (Accred)
Psychologist, MA, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1X  (Online Only)
My name is Justin Duwe, I am an award winning Psychologist, Sexologist, Columnist and Author working in private practice in Central London. I offer practical, tailored online counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples and groups. The main body of my work is in the areas of Addiction treatment, Sex/Relationship Matters, Chemsex, Self-Esteem, Body Image, Anxiety disorders, Depression, Existential issues and more.
My name is Justin Duwe, I am an award winning Psychologist, Sexologist, Columnist and Author working in private practice in Central London. I offer practical, tailored online counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples and groups. The main body of my work is in the areas of Addiction treatment, Sex/Relationship Matters, Chemsex, Self-Esteem, Body Image, Anxiety disorders, Depression, Existential issues and more.
020 3962 0374 View 020 3962 0374
Photo of Fabio D'Apice - Working Through, MA, COSRT General, Counsellor
Working Through
Counsellor, MA, COSRT General
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC2M
I work with people who might be struggling with sexual or relationship difficulties such as erectile dysfunction, rapid or delayed ejaculation, anxiety around sex, relationships and intimacy issues, sexual abuse or assault, sexual health issues, compulsive sexual behaviours, vulval pain conditions, vaginismus, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), sexual orientation questions or insecurities, pornography issues, orgasmic or anorgasmic problems, sexual phobias or aversions, fears around lack of sexual experience, loss of desire, affairs, marital break ups, open relationships, kinks, bdsm, polyamory, addictions, codependency, trauma.
I work with people who might be struggling with sexual or relationship difficulties such as erectile dysfunction, rapid or delayed ejaculation, anxiety around sex, relationships and intimacy issues, sexual abuse or assault, sexual health issues, compulsive sexual behaviours, vulval pain conditions, vaginismus, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), sexual orientation questions or insecurities, pornography issues, orgasmic or anorgasmic problems, sexual phobias or aversions, fears around lack of sexual experience, loss of desire, affairs, marital break ups, open relationships, kinks, bdsm, polyamory, addictions, codependency, trauma.
020 8103 5619 View 020 8103 5619
Photo of Donita Rodrigues, MA, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Donita Rodrigues
Psychologist, MA, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC2A  (Online Only)
I offer short and long term online psychotherapy to adults, couples and families dealing with psychological distress or clinical conditions.
When we are trying to keep up with our personal, social, and/or work lives, it is understandable that we may sometimes find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, despondent, irritable, sad, lonely, and anxious about what lies ahead. Psychotherapy can help us unpack why we feel this way - looking into the implicit and explicit agreements we've made with ourselves and others, and how our past experiences and relationships influence our present.
I offer short and long term online psychotherapy to adults, couples and families dealing with psychological distress or clinical conditions.
When we are trying to keep up with our personal, social, and/or work lives, it is understandable that we may sometimes find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, despondent, irritable, sad, lonely, and anxious about what lies ahead. Psychotherapy can help us unpack why we feel this way - looking into the implicit and explicit agreements we've made with ourselves and others, and how our past experiences and relationships influence our present.
020 7123 9240 View 020 7123 9240
Photo of Simone Bose - Simone Bose, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Simone Bose
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central London, London WC1A
I am a BACP registered counsellor, with a Masters in Relationship Therapy. I offer individual, couples and family therapy. I’m very passionate about working with clients to help them resolve issues that are creating problems, stress and blocks in their lives. With me I hope you will find a secure space without judgement, I aim to get to know you and to listen with empathy, and work with you based on your personal needs in therapy. I am also a media spokesperson for Relate, regularly appearing on the BBC and contributing to articles in the national press.
I am a BACP registered counsellor, with a Masters in Relationship Therapy. I offer individual, couples and family therapy. I’m very passionate about working with clients to help them resolve issues that are creating problems, stress and blocks in their lives. With me I hope you will find a secure space without judgement, I aim to get to know you and to listen with empathy, and work with you based on your personal needs in therapy. I am also a media spokesperson for Relate, regularly appearing on the BBC and contributing to articles in the national press.
020 3962 1986 View 020 3962 1986
Photo of Lee Valls - The London Practice, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
The London Practice
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC2H
We have experience with a wide variety of issues, including: Relationship, Family issues, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, HIV, Sexuality, Life threatening illness, Addiction, Bereavement, Loss of meaning and purpose, Identity issues, Low self-esteem, Relationship issues, Sexual abuse, Suicidal thoughts and Employment issues.
We believe that everyone is unique and therefore is dealt with in a way that best caters to his or her individual needs. We work with you by exploring your world to see how you engage with your life and the people around you. Along the journey, we will explore your past, look at your present and see how you perceive the future. We will help you become more aware of your values, beliefs and limitations and help you connect and improve your relationship with yourself. This process may be challenging, yet extremely rewarding as we access the changes you want to make towards living the life that you want to live.
We have experience with a wide variety of issues, including: Relationship, Family issues, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, HIV, Sexuality, Life threatening illness, Addiction, Bereavement, Loss of meaning and purpose, Identity issues, Low self-esteem, Relationship issues, Sexual abuse, Suicidal thoughts and Employment issues.
We believe that everyone is unique and therefore is dealt with in a way that best caters to his or her individual needs. We work with you by exploring your world to see how you engage with your life and the people around you. Along the journey, we will explore your past, look at your present and see how you perceive the future. We will help you become more aware of your values, beliefs and limitations and help you connect and improve your relationship with yourself. This process may be challenging, yet extremely rewarding as we access the changes you want to make towards living the life that you want to live.
020 3962 0673 View 020 3962 0673
Photo of Jack Williamson - Jack Williamson - Individual & Couples Therapist., DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Jack Williamson - Individual & Couples Therapist.
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central London, London WC2H
Hello there! I'm Jack Williamson, a compassionate and dedicated therapist, working with individuals, groups, and couples specializing in individual well-being and fostering healthy relationships with oneself and others. With a wealth of experience, my passion lies in helping individuals & couples navigate life's challenges, empowering them to find fulfillment & discover their true potential. I believe in the power of a supportive authentic therapeutic relationship. In my practice, I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences freely.
Hello there! I'm Jack Williamson, a compassionate and dedicated therapist, working with individuals, groups, and couples specializing in individual well-being and fostering healthy relationships with oneself and others. With a wealth of experience, my passion lies in helping individuals & couples navigate life's challenges, empowering them to find fulfillment & discover their true potential. I believe in the power of a supportive authentic therapeutic relationship. In my practice, I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences freely.
020 3835 4378 View 020 3835 4378
Photo of Rafi Hirsch - Gay Men's Therapy, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Gay Men's Therapy
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1H
We offer short and long-term therapy for individuals and couples.
Gay Men’s Therapy is a psychotherapy service for gay men provided by gay men. Reaching out to a therapist can be daunting. However, we are not just therapist – we are a group of people who share the diverse backgrounds and experiences you may have, which gives us a deeper understanding of your needs. We offer a specialist service by a group of therapists that come together regularly to learn from each other about how best to serve your psychological needs. We aim to create a safe, understanding environment in which you can explore, understand and unfold yourself to become who you truly feel you are.
We offer short and long-term therapy for individuals and couples.
Gay Men’s Therapy is a psychotherapy service for gay men provided by gay men. Reaching out to a therapist can be daunting. However, we are not just therapist – we are a group of people who share the diverse backgrounds and experiences you may have, which gives us a deeper understanding of your needs. We offer a specialist service by a group of therapists that come together regularly to learn from each other about how best to serve your psychological needs. We aim to create a safe, understanding environment in which you can explore, understand and unfold yourself to become who you truly feel you are.
020 3667 9077 View 020 3667 9077
Photo of Stephanie M D Gerra, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Stephanie M D Gerra
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC1R
I offer long and short term counselling and psychotherapy for individuals and couples in central London.
Psychotherapy and counselling are immensely helpful tools when life challenges us beyond what we can cope with: the sudden loss of a job, the breakup of a relationship or the loss of a loved one. But even when we are not dealing with something that big and may simply feel adrift, or like we are struggling to reconnect to a sense of enthusiasm either professionally or personally, psychotherapy and counselling can help us to see these crises as opportunities for growth and change; portals to go beyond the limitations set by old patterns which no longer serve us, so that we may evolve into a better version of ourselves.
I offer long and short term counselling and psychotherapy for individuals and couples in central London.
Psychotherapy and counselling are immensely helpful tools when life challenges us beyond what we can cope with: the sudden loss of a job, the breakup of a relationship or the loss of a loved one. But even when we are not dealing with something that big and may simply feel adrift, or like we are struggling to reconnect to a sense of enthusiasm either professionally or personally, psychotherapy and counselling can help us to see these crises as opportunities for growth and change; portals to go beyond the limitations set by old patterns which no longer serve us, so that we may evolve into a better version of ourselves.
020 7383 5083 View 020 7383 5083
Photo of Scott Houston, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Scott Houston
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1X
Hello, I'm Scott. I am a practising Counsellor and Psychotherapist who works with individuals and couples across a variety of presentations including anxiety, stress, depression, psychosexual issues, relationship issues, and LGBTQI+ matters. My talking therapy approach offers empathy, understanding, is non judgemental, and is conducted in an environment that is confidential and safe, as we sensitively explore your thoughts, feelings, relationships, family history and past traumas or deficits, to make sense of these issues, so that you feel relief from your distress and you once again have greater control of your own life.
Hello, I'm Scott. I am a practising Counsellor and Psychotherapist who works with individuals and couples across a variety of presentations including anxiety, stress, depression, psychosexual issues, relationship issues, and LGBTQI+ matters. My talking therapy approach offers empathy, understanding, is non judgemental, and is conducted in an environment that is confidential and safe, as we sensitively explore your thoughts, feelings, relationships, family history and past traumas or deficits, to make sense of these issues, so that you feel relief from your distress and you once again have greater control of your own life.
020 3667 1672 View 020 3667 1672
Photo of Ailey Jolie, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Ailey Jolie
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC2V
I have also trained as a couples therapist pursuing education in both the Gottman Method and the Psychobiological approach to Couples Therapy.
I am passionate about supporting you to live fully within the wisdom of your body. I support those who have experienced a disconnection from their body due to sexual trauma, relational abuse, an eating disorder/disordered eating, and reproductive health trauma. I assist clients in coming home to their bodies through a multidisciplinary and personalized approach that relies on depth psychology, relational somatics, intersectional feminism, and mindfulness. I acknowledge that women's relationship with their bodies is complex; my education honours that complexity.
I have also trained as a couples therapist pursuing education in both the Gottman Method and the Psychobiological approach to Couples Therapy.
I am passionate about supporting you to live fully within the wisdom of your body. I support those who have experienced a disconnection from their body due to sexual trauma, relational abuse, an eating disorder/disordered eating, and reproductive health trauma. I assist clients in coming home to their bodies through a multidisciplinary and personalized approach that relies on depth psychology, relational somatics, intersectional feminism, and mindfulness. I acknowledge that women's relationship with their bodies is complex; my education honours that complexity.
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Couples Counselling

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.