Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Carson, CA

Photo of Enelida Alvarez - Aiming Forward Counseling Services Inc, LCSW, ACT, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Aiming Forward Counseling Services Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACT, MSW
Verified Verified
Carson, CA 90746
I have over ten years of experience providing individual, family, and couples therapeutic services in English and Spanish. I work with all age groups, ranging from toddlers to seniors, from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, including homeless people, veterans, homemakers, students, members of the LBGTQ community, and blue- and white-collar workers. I have hands-on experience working with various diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), and psychosis (schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar).
I have over ten years of experience providing individual, family, and couples therapeutic services in English and Spanish. I work with all age groups, ranging from toddlers to seniors, from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, including homeless people, veterans, homemakers, students, members of the LBGTQ community, and blue- and white-collar workers. I have hands-on experience working with various diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), and psychosis (schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar).
(310) 889-0513 View (310) 889-0513
Photo of Kristen Sherman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristen Sherman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carson, CA 90745
Hello, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with adults and adolescents. I provide client centered therapy to help clients who are looking to improve their life worth living. I help those who suffer from painful emotions, dysregulating thoughts and ineffective behaviors that leads them to feel numb or avoid life. The most important part of therapy is the relationship we build together. I am passionate about helping individuals and families break the stigma of mental health issues and create a life worth living.
Hello, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with adults and adolescents. I provide client centered therapy to help clients who are looking to improve their life worth living. I help those who suffer from painful emotions, dysregulating thoughts and ineffective behaviors that leads them to feel numb or avoid life. The most important part of therapy is the relationship we build together. I am passionate about helping individuals and families break the stigma of mental health issues and create a life worth living.
(562) 526-1430 View (562) 526-1430
Photo of Eshawn Williams, PsyD, Psychologist
Eshawn Williams
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Carson, CA 90746
Reaching out for help is a difficult thing to do. However, you are closer to your healing by viewing this. You may have felt misunderstood throughout your life, but self acceptance is the primary goal. My desire is for you to improve your daily functioning and satisfaction in your life. Engaging in individual, family, couples, and group therapy, you will enhance your communication skills, coping strategies, and a sense of emotional and mental wellness. Opportunities for a happier and more fulfilling life are developed through compassion, collaboration, and support. By picking up the phone and dialing my number you have displayed self love and hope.
Reaching out for help is a difficult thing to do. However, you are closer to your healing by viewing this. You may have felt misunderstood throughout your life, but self acceptance is the primary goal. My desire is for you to improve your daily functioning and satisfaction in your life. Engaging in individual, family, couples, and group therapy, you will enhance your communication skills, coping strategies, and a sense of emotional and mental wellness. Opportunities for a happier and more fulfilling life are developed through compassion, collaboration, and support. By picking up the phone and dialing my number you have displayed self love and hope.
(562) 758-7347 View (562) 758-7347
Photo of Mary N Parker, MS, LPCC, ABD, Counselor
Mary N Parker
Counselor, MS, LPCC, ABD
Verified Verified
Carson, CA 90746  (Online Only)
Stress often highlights issues in our lives. It can also provide an opportunity to address these issues to improve our own functioning. The issues may be in our relationships or circumstances. I would love to partner with you in this journey of discovery and empowerment. My 25+ years of helping people like you makes me uniquely qualified to collaborate with you on this journey. I approach issues primarily from a CBT framework but also rely on an eclectic approach that matches the technique with your particular need. I work remotely to enable flexibility in scheduling. I also offer a Free 15 min consultation to ensure a good fit.
Stress often highlights issues in our lives. It can also provide an opportunity to address these issues to improve our own functioning. The issues may be in our relationships or circumstances. I would love to partner with you in this journey of discovery and empowerment. My 25+ years of helping people like you makes me uniquely qualified to collaborate with you on this journey. I approach issues primarily from a CBT framework but also rely on an eclectic approach that matches the technique with your particular need. I work remotely to enable flexibility in scheduling. I also offer a Free 15 min consultation to ensure a good fit.
(310) 987-4161 View (310) 987-4161
Photo of Denise Hardy Robinson, LCSW, CASWCM, CDWF, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Denise Hardy Robinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CASWCM, CDWF
Verified Verified
Carson, CA 90745
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of professional experience. My practice as a psychotherapist is in behavioral health counseling, shame resilience theory, and complimented by key concepts and principles of solution focused therapy, positive psychology, mindfulness, and self compassion. I am a certified Daring Way (tm), (CDWF-Facilitator) LLC, a psycho-educational curriculum based on the research of Dr. Brene Brown. I work primarily with adults and those who want to achieve their best performances while striving for an enhanced quality of life. I am also a Certified Neurodiverse Couples Coach
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of professional experience. My practice as a psychotherapist is in behavioral health counseling, shame resilience theory, and complimented by key concepts and principles of solution focused therapy, positive psychology, mindfulness, and self compassion. I am a certified Daring Way (tm), (CDWF-Facilitator) LLC, a psycho-educational curriculum based on the research of Dr. Brene Brown. I work primarily with adults and those who want to achieve their best performances while striving for an enhanced quality of life. I am also a Certified Neurodiverse Couples Coach
(562) 507-1955 View (562) 507-1955
Photo of Andrea Sanserino, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrea Sanserino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Carson, CA 90745
Andrea Sanserino uses a genuine, compassionate approach to helping others heal and grow. Andrea utilizes a recovery-oriented focus- starting from a place that believes that every individual has enormous strength and talent that can be harnessed to create a rich meaningful life. Trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Seeking Safety (trauma-focused work), and skilled in Motivational Interviewing, Andrea approaches therapy as a collaborative process.
Andrea Sanserino uses a genuine, compassionate approach to helping others heal and grow. Andrea utilizes a recovery-oriented focus- starting from a place that believes that every individual has enormous strength and talent that can be harnessed to create a rich meaningful life. Trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Seeking Safety (trauma-focused work), and skilled in Motivational Interviewing, Andrea approaches therapy as a collaborative process.
(707) 607-8182 View (707) 607-8182
Photo of Prof. Tiffiny Turner - Tiffiny Turner- You Are Worthy: Therapy & Training, LMFT, C-DBT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tiffiny Turner- You Are Worthy: Therapy & Training
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, C-DBT
Verified Verified
Carson, CA 90747  (Online Only)
Are you a Caregiver, Parent, or Helping Professional/ Associate in need of clinical supervisor? It isn’t easy putting someone else’s needs above your own daily. It is also important to make space for your needs. This is an official invite to pause. I want to hear your values, your feelings, your goals. I will be a listening ear with more questions than answers. Think of me as a mirror to help you see and understand YOU more clearly. I’ll be a microphone for you when it is hard to hear your voice or need an advocate in your corner to help you get connected to resources. We cannot pour from empty cups; call and book time to fill up!
Are you a Caregiver, Parent, or Helping Professional/ Associate in need of clinical supervisor? It isn’t easy putting someone else’s needs above your own daily. It is also important to make space for your needs. This is an official invite to pause. I want to hear your values, your feelings, your goals. I will be a listening ear with more questions than answers. Think of me as a mirror to help you see and understand YOU more clearly. I’ll be a microphone for you when it is hard to hear your voice or need an advocate in your corner to help you get connected to resources. We cannot pour from empty cups; call and book time to fill up!
(657) 387-0268 View (657) 387-0268
Photo of Emmalee Norris, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Emmalee Norris
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carson, CA 90745
My name is Emmalee Norris and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I enjoy helping individuals work through changes in life and learning new strategies to overcome struggles that occur in times of uncertainty. I appreciate genuine relationships and conversations with clients and do my best to mirror that. My history of experience with clients include severe mental illness, legal concerns, substance use challenges, personality disorders, anxiety and mood disorders and more.
My name is Emmalee Norris and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I enjoy helping individuals work through changes in life and learning new strategies to overcome struggles that occur in times of uncertainty. I appreciate genuine relationships and conversations with clients and do my best to mirror that. My history of experience with clients include severe mental illness, legal concerns, substance use challenges, personality disorders, anxiety and mood disorders and more.
(909) 255-3642 View (909) 255-3642
Photo of Nancy Ludwig, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nancy Ludwig
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carson, CA 90745
My name is Nancy Ludwig and I am an experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Calabasas, Woodland Hills. I treat individuals with Anxiety, Addiction/ Substance Abuse, Panic Disorder, Depression, Relationship conflicts, Adjustment to life stressors, Depression, Prenatal, Post Partum, and Parenting issues. I have a solution-based and warm approach to helping clients achieve their desired goals. I work with adults in individual therapy and provide both short and long-term treatments.
My name is Nancy Ludwig and I am an experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Calabasas, Woodland Hills. I treat individuals with Anxiety, Addiction/ Substance Abuse, Panic Disorder, Depression, Relationship conflicts, Adjustment to life stressors, Depression, Prenatal, Post Partum, and Parenting issues. I have a solution-based and warm approach to helping clients achieve their desired goals. I work with adults in individual therapy and provide both short and long-term treatments.
(559) 900-3147 View (559) 900-3147

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Keren L Clark, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Keren L Clark
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90745  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
It has been proven effective for difficulty with emotions and impulses, addiction, depression, anxiety and Borderline Personality Disorder.
Keren has worked extensively with individuals, couples and groups for the duration of her career assisting people to shift from a sense of powerlessness to deep personal empowerment. She has been intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and is an EMDRIA certified practitioner of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Keren received her Masters degree from Antioch University in 1988 and was licensed in the state of California in 1990. She has always lived on the edge of her personal and professional growth, integrating it all into every aspect of her life.
It has been proven effective for difficulty with emotions and impulses, addiction, depression, anxiety and Borderline Personality Disorder.
Keren has worked extensively with individuals, couples and groups for the duration of her career assisting people to shift from a sense of powerlessness to deep personal empowerment. She has been intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and is an EMDRIA certified practitioner of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Keren received her Masters degree from Antioch University in 1988 and was licensed in the state of California in 1990. She has always lived on the edge of her personal and professional growth, integrating it all into every aspect of her life.
(949) 427-2992 View (949) 427-2992
Photo of Dorit Saberi - Thrive Psychological Services, PhD, Psychologist
Dorit Saberi - Thrive Psychological Services
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90502  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working with various evidence-based modalities as well as alternative and somatic therapies. I currently work at Harbor UCLA as a Clinical Director of a Trauma service and as Associate Professor at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. I am Bilingual in Hebrew and English. Areas of specialization: Mood disorders; anxiety disorders; post traumatic stress disorder; life transition and adjustment issues; bereavement and loss; couple and relationship therapy; Family therapy; Parenting strategies; work related stress. I am also available for lectures, and trainings and certifications (Prolonged Exposure)
I have extensive experience working with various evidence-based modalities as well as alternative and somatic therapies. I currently work at Harbor UCLA as a Clinical Director of a Trauma service and as Associate Professor at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. I am Bilingual in Hebrew and English. Areas of specialization: Mood disorders; anxiety disorders; post traumatic stress disorder; life transition and adjustment issues; bereavement and loss; couple and relationship therapy; Family therapy; Parenting strategies; work related stress. I am also available for lectures, and trainings and certifications (Prolonged Exposure)
(424) 374-1433 View (424) 374-1433
Photo of Cymone N Damon-David - Reconnect Marriage and Family Counseling, MA, LMFT
Reconnect Marriage and Family Counseling
MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90745
At Reconnect, we strive to provide a space in which people feel seen, heard, and included by providing various treatment options and specialties. To meet the needs of our clients, our clinicians can assist clients with changing or modifying undesired behaviors, improve both mood and relationships, deconstructing childhood trauma, assisting children and parents with their concerns, and much more.
At Reconnect, we strive to provide a space in which people feel seen, heard, and included by providing various treatment options and specialties. To meet the needs of our clients, our clinicians can assist clients with changing or modifying undesired behaviors, improve both mood and relationships, deconstructing childhood trauma, assisting children and parents with their concerns, and much more.
(818) 619-3835 View (818) 619-3835
Photo of Melody Bloom, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melody Bloom
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90810
With decades of experience and training, I know how to listen to your thoughts and feelings with empathy and care. I give psychological & social support for depression, anxiety, substance issues, Women's issues, relationship and job issues, or whatever is on your mind, using CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), depth psychotherapy, progressive muscle relaxation, breathwork, motivational interviewing and/or accurate, empathic understanding. Freud called psychotherapy, "the talking cure" because when you talk self-knowledge begins.
With decades of experience and training, I know how to listen to your thoughts and feelings with empathy and care. I give psychological & social support for depression, anxiety, substance issues, Women's issues, relationship and job issues, or whatever is on your mind, using CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), depth psychotherapy, progressive muscle relaxation, breathwork, motivational interviewing and/or accurate, empathic understanding. Freud called psychotherapy, "the talking cure" because when you talk self-knowledge begins.
(562) 662-8448 View (562) 662-8448
Photo of Anna Elizabeth Morley, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anna Elizabeth Morley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90745
My goal is to assist teens and their families establish healthy communication and connection. I offer warmth and empathy, coupled with education, experience, and evidence-based tools. For the past ten years I have help teens improve their self-concept, establish healthy boundaries, improve mood, and work through traumas. Also, my training in family systems theory allows me to understand the important role each family member plays in the well-being of their child. Therefore, I work with parents on providing the support and structure needed to help their teen strive.
My goal is to assist teens and their families establish healthy communication and connection. I offer warmth and empathy, coupled with education, experience, and evidence-based tools. For the past ten years I have help teens improve their self-concept, establish healthy boundaries, improve mood, and work through traumas. Also, my training in family systems theory allows me to understand the important role each family member plays in the well-being of their child. Therefore, I work with parents on providing the support and structure needed to help their teen strive.
(949) 558-3289 View (949) 558-3289
Photo of Veronica Regalado, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Veronica Regalado
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Wilmington, CA 90744
Are you looking to begin a journey of self-exploration? Welcome, you have come to the right place. I commend you for taking an important step in creating the life that you deserve.It is not always easy to acknowledge the need for help, and I am thankful you have taken that step. I have over 6 years of experience in the field. I have worked successfully with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, interpersonal conflict, self-esteem struggles, and life transitions. I provide a compassionate and safe environment for you to share your life story,and begin to understand your thought process, emotions, and responses.
Are you looking to begin a journey of self-exploration? Welcome, you have come to the right place. I commend you for taking an important step in creating the life that you deserve.It is not always easy to acknowledge the need for help, and I am thankful you have taken that step. I have over 6 years of experience in the field. I have worked successfully with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, interpersonal conflict, self-esteem struggles, and life transitions. I provide a compassionate and safe environment for you to share your life story,and begin to understand your thought process, emotions, and responses.
(408) 676-2231 View (408) 676-2231
Photo of Janis Powell, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Janis Powell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harbor City, CA 90710
Feeling Stuck? Unmotivated? Feeling Depressed? Anxious? I help clients re-focus quickly and find ways to gain awareness, improve outlook, and enhance healing so they can get on with their lives in the best, most constructive and positive way. I specialize in helping people solve problems and build new skills. I am interested in helping you get better and stay better, not just feel better temporarily. Discover tools you can implement once you leave our session. Together we can find your internal resources for change and growth.
Feeling Stuck? Unmotivated? Feeling Depressed? Anxious? I help clients re-focus quickly and find ways to gain awareness, improve outlook, and enhance healing so they can get on with their lives in the best, most constructive and positive way. I specialize in helping people solve problems and build new skills. I am interested in helping you get better and stay better, not just feel better temporarily. Discover tools you can implement once you leave our session. Together we can find your internal resources for change and growth.
(818) 924-2895 View (818) 924-2895
Photo of Ericka Franklin, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Ericka Franklin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90745
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with clients living with a range of experiences which often include healing Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), self-discovery and acceptance within oppressive systems, finding wholeness after narcissistic abuse, and strengthening the heart after the loss of a loved one. To assist, I use an eclectic approach that can include theories from EMDR Therapy, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and the Internal Family System. When artfully combined, these principles help to awaken change and ripple out improvement in the internal and external realities.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with clients living with a range of experiences which often include healing Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), self-discovery and acceptance within oppressive systems, finding wholeness after narcissistic abuse, and strengthening the heart after the loss of a loved one. To assist, I use an eclectic approach that can include theories from EMDR Therapy, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and the Internal Family System. When artfully combined, these principles help to awaken change and ripple out improvement in the internal and external realities.
(310) 340-7530 View (310) 340-7530
Photo of Bobette Jamison-Harrison, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bobette Jamison-Harrison
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90810  (Online Only)
Life happens! No matter who we are, what we've accomplished in our lives, what socioeconomic class we belong to, how educated we are, life happens! Life is filled with many unexpected, life-altering experiences such as: divorce, retirement, grief/bereavement, loss, family and blended family issues, couples issues, relational issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. My heart's desire is to assist my clients through those difficult and challenging times in life so they can "bounce back" and get to living the lives they desire. There is a resolution and I'd be honored to help you find it. Let's do the work - accomplish the GOALS!
Life happens! No matter who we are, what we've accomplished in our lives, what socioeconomic class we belong to, how educated we are, life happens! Life is filled with many unexpected, life-altering experiences such as: divorce, retirement, grief/bereavement, loss, family and blended family issues, couples issues, relational issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. My heart's desire is to assist my clients through those difficult and challenging times in life so they can "bounce back" and get to living the lives they desire. There is a resolution and I'd be honored to help you find it. Let's do the work - accomplish the GOALS!
(424) 393-2789 View (424) 393-2789
Photo of Jasyn Lezin - Jasyn Lezin - Expansive Therapy, LCSW, Counselor
Jasyn Lezin - Expansive Therapy
Counselor, LCSW
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90745  (Online Only)
I utilize a strength-based and psychodynamic approach that will guide you in re-establishing an authentic relationship with yourself and others so that you may show up lovingly and mindfully to the life you envision. My aim is to create a nurturing, non-judgmental space where clients can feel at home in the healing process. I use a sense of humor, empathy, and compassion to build rapport with clients, and also to support clients in feeling empowered on their transformative journey. I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University.
I utilize a strength-based and psychodynamic approach that will guide you in re-establishing an authentic relationship with yourself and others so that you may show up lovingly and mindfully to the life you envision. My aim is to create a nurturing, non-judgmental space where clients can feel at home in the healing process. I use a sense of humor, empathy, and compassion to build rapport with clients, and also to support clients in feeling empowered on their transformative journey. I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University.
(332) 456-9896 View (332) 456-9896
Photo of Samantha Montijo, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Samantha Montijo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90810
Life is full of many challenging transitions which can seem daunting on our own. I am here to support you, guide you, and walk alongside with you in your journey of exploration, creativity, and healthy long-lasting changes. I encourage you to give yourself this space of serenity and challenge yourself to understand yourself at a deeper level. If you feel you have no other way out, know you are not alone. I am here to help you through this difficult time. Often our most difficult thoughts, our darkest moments are just those, thoughts and moments. Often it's our brain's immense ability to try and problem solve but in unproductive ways
Life is full of many challenging transitions which can seem daunting on our own. I am here to support you, guide you, and walk alongside with you in your journey of exploration, creativity, and healthy long-lasting changes. I encourage you to give yourself this space of serenity and challenge yourself to understand yourself at a deeper level. If you feel you have no other way out, know you are not alone. I am here to help you through this difficult time. Often our most difficult thoughts, our darkest moments are just those, thoughts and moments. Often it's our brain's immense ability to try and problem solve but in unproductive ways
(714) 975-5729 View (714) 975-5729
Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists

What is the most successful approach to treating borderline personality disorder?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered the gold standard of treatment for borderline personality disorder. An evidence-based treatment, it addresses the extreme emotional reactivity, the relationship difficulties, and the acts of self-harm that create so much distress for BPD patients. DBT is a comprehensive program that includes both regular individual psychotherapy sessions and weekly group sessions of skills training.

What happens in treatment of borderline personality disorder?

Treatment typically consists of weekly individual therapy sessions that last an hour and group skill-focused instructional sessions that may last up to two hours. Patients are typically given homework “assignments” in which they are asked to practice in their daily life the skills they acquire in therapy. Patients also keep a diary tracking their emotions and impulses as a way to know which situations are most problematic and to help them gain control over their own behavior. Difficult situations and feelings are typically reviewed in therapy sessions and more constructive solutions found.

What kinds of problems does BPD treatment help with?

DBT was initially developed to dampen the self-destructive impulses of chronically suicidal patients. It is now the treatment of choice for borderline personality disorder, a serious condition marked by extreme emotional reactivity, relationship instability, and self-injurious behaviors. Treatment of BPD helps patients tolerate the flux of emotions without acting on them, often with a specific focus on tolerating negative emotions. DBT addresses the core problems of BPD—fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, and impulsivity.

What is the goal of treatment in borderline personality disorder?

The goal of treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) is to relieve the extreme emotional distress that patients experience—to curb their emotional reactivity, to minimize their inclination to self-harm, and to reduce their impulsivity. Toward these ends, patients are not only taught an array of new coping skills and techniques for emotional regulation, they are given opportunities to practice them. Another major goal of treatment is interpersonal effectiveness; patients learn and problem-solve ways to effectively communicate in relationships, especially how to ask for what they need as a way to minimize hurt feelings.