Photo of Tom Rodriguez - Houston Mind Body Counseling, PhD, RN, ANP, PMHCNS, CCH, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Houston Mind Body Counseling
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, RN, ANP, PMHCNS, CCH
Verified Verified
They may have problems with opening up or connecting to others, low self-esteem, self-hatred, marital difficulties, interpersonal communication issues, parent-child problems, addictions, depression, mood swings, obsessions/compulsions, or even paranoia or hallucinations.
I am an adult psychiatric clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner. My practice is located at HWY 290 and Hollister in Houston, Texas. I provide psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, medication, and psychotherapy. I treat individuals, couples, families, and groups. My Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program was completed through the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology. Additionally, I have training in cognitive behavioral therapy, couple's counseling, family therapy, group therapy, and as a clinical hypnotherapist.
They may have problems with opening up or connecting to others, low self-esteem, self-hatred, marital difficulties, interpersonal communication issues, parent-child problems, addictions, depression, mood swings, obsessions/compulsions, or even paranoia or hallucinations.
I am an adult psychiatric clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner. My practice is located at HWY 290 and Hollister in Houston, Texas. I provide psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, medication, and psychotherapy. I treat individuals, couples, families, and groups. My Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program was completed through the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology. Additionally, I have training in cognitive behavioral therapy, couple's counseling, family therapy, group therapy, and as a clinical hypnotherapist.
(713) 234-6185 View (713) 234-6185
Marriage Counseling Psychiatrists

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.