Empowering Minds Together Inc
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
We believe every person is unique and therefore needs an individually-tailored therapy approach. The philosophy of our practice is to help individuals overcome the challenges that confront them in order to achieve psychological, emotional & mental well-being.
We believe every person is unique and therefore needs an individually-tailored therapy approach. The philosophy of our practice is to help individuals overcome the challenges that confront them in order to achieve psychological, emotional & mental well-being.
(747) 318-4270 x91301 View (747) 318-4270 x91301
Photo of Kenneth England, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kenneth England
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Kenneth England is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has worked at high-quality substance abuse programs such as Cri-Help, The Canyon at Peace Park, historic Promises Malibu and Valley Recovery Center - Agua Dulce. He applies this strong experience for his Private Practice clients, as well. Kenneth finds that it is very important for patients to receive quality service, empathy and guidance in their life-changing decisions. He has also worked with several professional athletes, from some of America's top sports leagues, helping them with problematic issues in their life, including substance use.
Kenneth England is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has worked at high-quality substance abuse programs such as Cri-Help, The Canyon at Peace Park, historic Promises Malibu and Valley Recovery Center - Agua Dulce. He applies this strong experience for his Private Practice clients, as well. Kenneth finds that it is very important for patients to receive quality service, empathy and guidance in their life-changing decisions. He has also worked with several professional athletes, from some of America's top sports leagues, helping them with problematic issues in their life, including substance use.
(818) 423-4804 View (818) 423-4804

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dianne Porchia, MA, DMBM
Dianne Porchia
MA, DMBM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Topanga, CA 90290
My unique approach includes somatic dialogue, inner child healing work, transforming an inner saboteur voice into an inner ally to support your goals for health, wellness, happiness, peace, relationship, professional success and spiritual connection, sacred anger work, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), meditation, heart-soul-centered communication skills.
Dianne Porchia is featured in HEAL Documentary film for her successful healing work with advance stage cancer client who remains cancer free over 5 years after diagnosis with stage IV colorectal cancer. Porchia's unique holistic approach to healing integrates the principles and practice of mind-body-heart-soul energy medicine, epigenetics, psychoneuroimmunology and heart-centered communication skills to reduce mental-emotional stress, support immune function and create and maintain successful and loving relationships through high stress life challenges such as divorce, death, loss of job, serious illness, disease and cancer.
My unique approach includes somatic dialogue, inner child healing work, transforming an inner saboteur voice into an inner ally to support your goals for health, wellness, happiness, peace, relationship, professional success and spiritual connection, sacred anger work, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), meditation, heart-soul-centered communication skills.
Dianne Porchia is featured in HEAL Documentary film for her successful healing work with advance stage cancer client who remains cancer free over 5 years after diagnosis with stage IV colorectal cancer. Porchia's unique holistic approach to healing integrates the principles and practice of mind-body-heart-soul energy medicine, epigenetics, psychoneuroimmunology and heart-centered communication skills to reduce mental-emotional stress, support immune function and create and maintain successful and loving relationships through high stress life challenges such as divorce, death, loss of job, serious illness, disease and cancer.
(310) 627-2585 View (310) 627-2585
Photo of Premarital Counseling Woodland Hills, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Premarital Counseling Woodland Hills
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Hello & welcome! Need a calm and knowledgeable Therapist to guide you through your PreMarital Counseling? I have 30 yrs exp helping engaged or ready to get engaged Couples lock in the best ways to communicate, solve problems together & manage differences that may happen before or after the wedding. My goal is to give you the tools that you need to create and maintain a resilient marriage. Exclusive discount on video sessions to make your life a little easier. Pre-Paid Package deals are available on my website.
Hello & welcome! Need a calm and knowledgeable Therapist to guide you through your PreMarital Counseling? I have 30 yrs exp helping engaged or ready to get engaged Couples lock in the best ways to communicate, solve problems together & manage differences that may happen before or after the wedding. My goal is to give you the tools that you need to create and maintain a resilient marriage. Exclusive discount on video sessions to make your life a little easier. Pre-Paid Package deals are available on my website.
(424) 344-4076 View (424) 344-4076
Photo of Layla Ashley, LMFT, CCH, CPLC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Layla Ashley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCH, CPLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Malibu, CA 90265
Yes, I am accepting new clients and available for TELEHEALTH! Have you lost your passion and creativity? Do you feel stuck in your job or career path? Are you highly sensitive, feel overwhelmed or burned-out? Are your relationships suffering? I can help you transform your pain into feeling empowered, and use your gifts to fuel your relationships. I help you revive, focus, and succeed to bring your life and relationships to the highest potential. I bring 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist, specializing in treating couples, anxiety, PTSD, relationships/break-ups, life-purpose, creativity, grief/loss, and self-esteem building.
Yes, I am accepting new clients and available for TELEHEALTH! Have you lost your passion and creativity? Do you feel stuck in your job or career path? Are you highly sensitive, feel overwhelmed or burned-out? Are your relationships suffering? I can help you transform your pain into feeling empowered, and use your gifts to fuel your relationships. I help you revive, focus, and succeed to bring your life and relationships to the highest potential. I bring 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist, specializing in treating couples, anxiety, PTSD, relationships/break-ups, life-purpose, creativity, grief/loss, and self-esteem building.
(424) 326-0127 View (424) 326-0127
Photo of Suzanne Grace, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Suzanne Grace
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362  (Online Only)
Additionally, I truly have a passion for working with couples.
My desire is to help you live a full life, to listen openly and without bias and to understand you outside of your problems; to help you see that you have strengths and resources that will help you get through this difficult time or the challenges you face. My goal is to help you feel hopeful again. As a couple's therapist, (I also am a collaborative divorce therapist, mediator, coach, and parent coordinator) my goal is to help the couple heal or learn how to move forward in a positive manner. I am passionate about women's issues, including peri- and post-partum, loss, infertility, and grief and work with military and their families
Additionally, I truly have a passion for working with couples.
My desire is to help you live a full life, to listen openly and without bias and to understand you outside of your problems; to help you see that you have strengths and resources that will help you get through this difficult time or the challenges you face. My goal is to help you feel hopeful again. As a couple's therapist, (I also am a collaborative divorce therapist, mediator, coach, and parent coordinator) my goal is to help the couple heal or learn how to move forward in a positive manner. I am passionate about women's issues, including peri- and post-partum, loss, infertility, and grief and work with military and their families
(805) 288-8673 View (805) 288-8673
Photo of Marina Edelman, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marina Edelman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91361
This can help you address relationship issues with your co-workers or loved ones.
I have helped numerous couples, individuals & families find happiness, harmony, and coping strategies to life challenges. I use John Gottman's (research based) approach and EFT to help couples understand their strengths & areas that need improvement. By taking an online assessment couples save time & money & I can quickly assess areas of focus & recomend interventions. To help clients with anxiety/depression I challenge distorted beliefs and maladaptive behaviors using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This approach along with other interventions encourages clients to go out of their comfort zone & reduce problamatic symptoms.
This can help you address relationship issues with your co-workers or loved ones.
I have helped numerous couples, individuals & families find happiness, harmony, and coping strategies to life challenges. I use John Gottman's (research based) approach and EFT to help couples understand their strengths & areas that need improvement. By taking an online assessment couples save time & money & I can quickly assess areas of focus & recomend interventions. To help clients with anxiety/depression I challenge distorted beliefs and maladaptive behaviors using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This approach along with other interventions encourages clients to go out of their comfort zone & reduce problamatic symptoms.
(818) 253-9910 View (818) 253-9910
Photo of Dona Laressa Desmond - Marriage Counseling Woodland Hills, PHD , LMFT, CPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marriage Counseling Woodland Hills
Marriage & Family Therapist, PHD , LMFT, CPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
You'll feel emotional relief knowing that you have an experienced Couples Therapist working with you to generate positive results for your relationship.
30 years providing... Couples Therapy... Marriage Counseling.... PreMarital Counseling. When good love slides into bad patterns I can help you communicate, reduce anger & improve intimacy. It's frustrating when love gets out of sync. Learn how to diffuse resentments, lower tensions & solve problems together more smoothly. Need to rejuvenate your connection? We'll work together as you reduce arguments, increase cooperation & stop power struggles. Sessions are a safe, neutral atmosphere designed to reduce your stress & distractions, allowing you to focus on what's important to you & your partner.
You'll feel emotional relief knowing that you have an experienced Couples Therapist working with you to generate positive results for your relationship.
30 years providing... Couples Therapy... Marriage Counseling.... PreMarital Counseling. When good love slides into bad patterns I can help you communicate, reduce anger & improve intimacy. It's frustrating when love gets out of sync. Learn how to diffuse resentments, lower tensions & solve problems together more smoothly. Need to rejuvenate your connection? We'll work together as you reduce arguments, increase cooperation & stop power struggles. Sessions are a safe, neutral atmosphere designed to reduce your stress & distractions, allowing you to focus on what's important to you & your partner.
View
Photo of Adria Scovel, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Adria Scovel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
My therapeutic approach combines psychotherapy and neuro-science concepts to transform outdated neuro-belief systems, unconscious states of behaviors and unconscious wiring that often manifests in depression, anxiety, conflict, stress, and relationship issues which inhibits the power of true potential.
The current unprecedented state of our world has presented many challenges and taken a toll on mental health and wellness, triggering the body's stress response, de-activating the immune system, and putting our mind/body in survival mode. This has the propensity to escalate anxiety, depression, addiction, and disease and reactivates outdated coping skills and keeps our body in fight or flight. Let's work together to create a strong support system to manage and navigate the stress and uncertainty and minimize the toll on our mental health, physical health, and relationships, and empower ourselves for the future.
My therapeutic approach combines psychotherapy and neuro-science concepts to transform outdated neuro-belief systems, unconscious states of behaviors and unconscious wiring that often manifests in depression, anxiety, conflict, stress, and relationship issues which inhibits the power of true potential.
The current unprecedented state of our world has presented many challenges and taken a toll on mental health and wellness, triggering the body's stress response, de-activating the immune system, and putting our mind/body in survival mode. This has the propensity to escalate anxiety, depression, addiction, and disease and reactivates outdated coping skills and keeps our body in fight or flight. Let's work together to create a strong support system to manage and navigate the stress and uncertainty and minimize the toll on our mental health, physical health, and relationships, and empower ourselves for the future.
(747) 203-0951 View (747) 203-0951
Photo of Lizzy Glick, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Lizzy Glick
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake Village, CA 91362
In my work with couples and families; in addition to bringing awareness to dynamics at play, I seek to learn about and support each individual involved in the relationship(s) to communicate effectively with the ultimate goal of feeling understood and productive across connections.
I’m a personal person. When you come into my office, I will ask you to tell me where it hurts and I will help you be very honest with yourself. This is your hour. I prefer an action-oriented approach, with the intention of tuning into all areas of wellness in your life. I will lead the way with authenticity, respect, curiosity, and an open heart as we discover our therapeutic relationship and how we can help you live fully in support of you.
In my work with couples and families; in addition to bringing awareness to dynamics at play, I seek to learn about and support each individual involved in the relationship(s) to communicate effectively with the ultimate goal of feeling understood and productive across connections.
I’m a personal person. When you come into my office, I will ask you to tell me where it hurts and I will help you be very honest with yourself. This is your hour. I prefer an action-oriented approach, with the intention of tuning into all areas of wellness in your life. I will lead the way with authenticity, respect, curiosity, and an open heart as we discover our therapeutic relationship and how we can help you live fully in support of you.
(818) 452-1866 View (818) 452-1866
Photo of Melissa Cline, MSLCE, NLP
Melissa Cline
MSLCE, NLP
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91302  (Online Only)
Things have shifted. It appears something has changed, but you're unsure what it is. I get it. As a parent, you want your child to feel confident, secure, and safe - from society, anxiety, social media, bullying, and unfortunate circumstances. The truth is... events, people, and things have affected them, but getting your child to open up and divulge all that is happening inside is VERY difficult. I understand! Sometimes the most confident child still can't find the words to say. Certain feelings and emotions live deep within your child. You're not alone, and I can help uncover the ROOT.
Things have shifted. It appears something has changed, but you're unsure what it is. I get it. As a parent, you want your child to feel confident, secure, and safe - from society, anxiety, social media, bullying, and unfortunate circumstances. The truth is... events, people, and things have affected them, but getting your child to open up and divulge all that is happening inside is VERY difficult. I understand! Sometimes the most confident child still can't find the words to say. Certain feelings and emotions live deep within your child. You're not alone, and I can help uncover the ROOT.
(818) 273-5862 View (818) 273-5862
Photo of Diana Barrett, MA, LMFT, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Diana Barrett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91301
Are you feeling stressed, sad or stuck in any area of your life? Experiencing problems in your relationships, with your children, at work or socially? Difficult times require support to get through. I'm here to help! I focus on working with you in counseling from a holistic perspective (on the physical, mental, emotional & energetic level), to assist you in getting back in touch with your true self. It is my purpose to help you successfully navigate the tough times, reclaim your clarity, joy and balance, and achieve your goals. It's never too early or too late to get the support you need! Call or email us for your free consultation.
Are you feeling stressed, sad or stuck in any area of your life? Experiencing problems in your relationships, with your children, at work or socially? Difficult times require support to get through. I'm here to help! I focus on working with you in counseling from a holistic perspective (on the physical, mental, emotional & energetic level), to assist you in getting back in touch with your true self. It is my purpose to help you successfully navigate the tough times, reclaim your clarity, joy and balance, and achieve your goals. It's never too early or too late to get the support you need! Call or email us for your free consultation.
(747) 239-5377 View (747) 239-5377
Photo of Brionna Schroeder, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brionna Schroeder
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Hi! I'm Brionna Morse, LMFT. I have expertise working with adolescents, teens, and their families. I combine CBT, play/art therapy, as well as somatics and breathwork to rewire the nervous system. My approach is based on the client. I can easily tell what is needed to help you move forward, and have a tool belt of skills that will take you there!
Hi! I'm Brionna Morse, LMFT. I have expertise working with adolescents, teens, and their families. I combine CBT, play/art therapy, as well as somatics and breathwork to rewire the nervous system. My approach is based on the client. I can easily tell what is needed to help you move forward, and have a tool belt of skills that will take you there!
(805) 856-6924 View (805) 856-6924
Photo of Paul J Hannig, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Paul J Hannig
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93065
You are unique. Your history, journey, lifestyle and goals are yours alone. In order for change and transformation to occur, a method and program dedicated to your individual situation - designed to get results - is needed. As such, I've devised a therapy model that integrates many different approaches central to the mind, soul, consciousness and YOUR needs, the client. With my knowledge of how early emotional pain and trauma are linked to the formation of personality, mood and anxiety disorders, I create a therapy approach that is best suited to your needs, lifestyle, proclivities and ultimate goals.
You are unique. Your history, journey, lifestyle and goals are yours alone. In order for change and transformation to occur, a method and program dedicated to your individual situation - designed to get results - is needed. As such, I've devised a therapy model that integrates many different approaches central to the mind, soul, consciousness and YOUR needs, the client. With my knowledge of how early emotional pain and trauma are linked to the formation of personality, mood and anxiety disorders, I create a therapy approach that is best suited to your needs, lifestyle, proclivities and ultimate goals.
(818) 330-1154 View (818) 330-1154
Photo of Bennett I Goldberg, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bennett I Goldberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Are you concerned about your child's wellbeing? I specialize in working with children and I am passionate about my work with adolescents and young adults. Growing up is difficult enough; dealing with the intense pressure of school, family, friends and intimate relationships is often overwhelming. It is equally difficult establishing one's self and who you will be the remainder of your life. Homework, test anxiety, divorce, bullying and or peer pressure frequently overwhelm children and teens while major transitions --college, relationships and career-- leave us feeling inadequate.
Are you concerned about your child's wellbeing? I specialize in working with children and I am passionate about my work with adolescents and young adults. Growing up is difficult enough; dealing with the intense pressure of school, family, friends and intimate relationships is often overwhelming. It is equally difficult establishing one's self and who you will be the remainder of your life. Homework, test anxiety, divorce, bullying and or peer pressure frequently overwhelm children and teens while major transitions --college, relationships and career-- leave us feeling inadequate.
(818) 793-8008 View (818) 793-8008
Photo of Cheri Mcdonald - A Place To Turn, Inc, PhD, LMFT, PATP, Marriage & Family Therapist
A Place To Turn, Inc
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, PATP
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91362
At A Place to Turn, we understand that your journey to well-being is unique, and our approach to holistic healing is tailored to meet your individual needs. Our ideal client is someone seeking not just relief from symptoms but a comprehensive transformation that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Their goal is beyond symptom relief but a profound sense of balance, purpose, and vitality. Our clients desire a holistic approach seeking the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. A Place to Turn becomes the refuge where their needs for deep healing, personal growth, and a renewed sense of purpose converge.
At A Place to Turn, we understand that your journey to well-being is unique, and our approach to holistic healing is tailored to meet your individual needs. Our ideal client is someone seeking not just relief from symptoms but a comprehensive transformation that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Their goal is beyond symptom relief but a profound sense of balance, purpose, and vitality. Our clients desire a holistic approach seeking the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. A Place to Turn becomes the refuge where their needs for deep healing, personal growth, and a renewed sense of purpose converge.
(818) 495-8678 View (818) 495-8678
Photo of Lacey Marie Morris, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lacey Marie Morris
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Calabasas, CA 91302  (Online Only)
As a child I was always very sensitive and curious about the world that surrounded me. It came natural to help people and I knew that I wanted to give back to the world at large. Just like you I suffered from some childhood wounds. My parents did the best they could with the tools they had. But due to their struggles I became a very codependent child wanting to save and fix my parents to simply gain the love I desired. Later on I would be able to understand this cycle and name some of the patterns I lived out. People pleasing, losing myself in toxic relationships and not fully loving that little girl inside of me.
As a child I was always very sensitive and curious about the world that surrounded me. It came natural to help people and I knew that I wanted to give back to the world at large. Just like you I suffered from some childhood wounds. My parents did the best they could with the tools they had. But due to their struggles I became a very codependent child wanting to save and fix my parents to simply gain the love I desired. Later on I would be able to understand this cycle and name some of the patterns I lived out. People pleasing, losing myself in toxic relationships and not fully loving that little girl inside of me.
(408) 207-4475 View (408) 207-4475

Online Therapists

Photo of Michelle Ikeda, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michelle Ikeda
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90504  (Online Only)
Life is difficult to navigate alone. Together, we can explore and focus on how you would like to live your life, rather than focusing on how you lived your life so far. My expertise is in helping individuals and couples cope with life's various challenges. Throughout the years of my helping profession, I have worked with clients from 0 to 110 years old of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds! I have experiences providing intensive case management services to caregivers/families and elderly residents, particularly family members of dementia patients in convalescent facility settings.
Life is difficult to navigate alone. Together, we can explore and focus on how you would like to live your life, rather than focusing on how you lived your life so far. My expertise is in helping individuals and couples cope with life's various challenges. Throughout the years of my helping profession, I have worked with clients from 0 to 110 years old of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds! I have experiences providing intensive case management services to caregivers/families and elderly residents, particularly family members of dementia patients in convalescent facility settings.
(310) 943-3453 View (310) 943-3453
Photo of Debbie A. Freeman, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debbie A. Freeman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740  (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping you with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, infertility, grief, life transitions or anything challenging you.
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 26 years of experience. As a former Director of Clinical Services and current adjunct professor, I have trained hundreds of upcoming therapists in both the science as well as the art of providing quality, enriching therapy. I am dedicated to helping you to "process" through your challenges allowing you to build healthier relationships and having a successful life. The hardest step is getting started, so feel free to reach out and we can have a conversation. Because of my experience I will be able to zero in on what you need and the best path forward.
I am passionate about helping you with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, infertility, grief, life transitions or anything challenging you.
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 26 years of experience. As a former Director of Clinical Services and current adjunct professor, I have trained hundreds of upcoming therapists in both the science as well as the art of providing quality, enriching therapy. I am dedicated to helping you to "process" through your challenges allowing you to build healthier relationships and having a successful life. The hardest step is getting started, so feel free to reach out and we can have a conversation. Because of my experience I will be able to zero in on what you need and the best path forward.
(615) 656-8663 View (615) 656-8663
Photo of Lou Figueroa, LMFT, MS, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lou Figueroa
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS, CHT
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
I am an experienced bilingual clinician who works with adolescents, adults, couples and families dealing with a variety of mental health issues. I utilize a number of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, clinical hypnosis and hypnotically-facilitated psychotherapy. My areas of specialization include addiction, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, grief/loss, and bipolar disorder. My life experience has given me broad exposure to divorce, blended families, bi-cultural families, midlife career changes, families with special needs members, special needs advocacy, and sports performance.
I am an experienced bilingual clinician who works with adolescents, adults, couples and families dealing with a variety of mental health issues. I utilize a number of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, clinical hypnosis and hypnotically-facilitated psychotherapy. My areas of specialization include addiction, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, grief/loss, and bipolar disorder. My life experience has given me broad exposure to divorce, blended families, bi-cultural families, midlife career changes, families with special needs members, special needs advocacy, and sports performance.
(424) 772-4403 View (424) 772-4403

See more therapy options for Agoura Hills

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.