Marriage Counseling Therapists in Oakland, CA

Photo of Micah Davis Anderson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Micah Davis Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
I am an empathic Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (132754) with a humanistic-existential approach, offering a decade of experience with both group facilitation, couples work, and one-on-ones. My strengths include mindfulness-based interventions, trauma and crisis, incarcerated youth and adults, and Muslim outreach.
I am an empathic Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (132754) with a humanistic-existential approach, offering a decade of experience with both group facilitation, couples work, and one-on-ones. My strengths include mindfulness-based interventions, trauma and crisis, incarcerated youth and adults, and Muslim outreach.
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Photo of Noelle Clason, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Noelle Clason
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
I am currently a doctoral student in Human Sexuality with a research focus on trans/cis relationships, a sex educator endorsed by San Francisco Sex Information (SFSI), as well as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
I provide sex-positive therapy to individuals, relationships, and adult families. Most of my clients have non-mainstream sexual, gender, and/or relationship identities. Many identify as non-monogamous, are considering opening or creatively designing their relationship(s); I help them to create agreements, move through jealousy, heal from infidelities, build trust, and improve communication with partners and metamours. I work with queer, transgender, and nonbinary clients just beginning to question and explore their identities, and those who have been out for years and need therapy from a clinician familiar with queer issues.
I am currently a doctoral student in Human Sexuality with a research focus on trans/cis relationships, a sex educator endorsed by San Francisco Sex Information (SFSI), as well as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
I provide sex-positive therapy to individuals, relationships, and adult families. Most of my clients have non-mainstream sexual, gender, and/or relationship identities. Many identify as non-monogamous, are considering opening or creatively designing their relationship(s); I help them to create agreements, move through jealousy, heal from infidelities, build trust, and improve communication with partners and metamours. I work with queer, transgender, and nonbinary clients just beginning to question and explore their identities, and those who have been out for years and need therapy from a clinician familiar with queer issues.
(510) 907-6191 View (510) 907-6191
Photo of Noah Oderberg, PhD, Psychologist
Noah Oderberg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I also specialize in Relationship & Marital Therapy.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
I also specialize in Relationship & Marital Therapy.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
(510) 404-8846 View (510) 404-8846
Photo of Rachel Boyes, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Boyes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
Hello, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist who supports my clients in discovering and achieving what they most want in life. As we begin to look more deeply at who we are, we can move toward a life that has increased balance and fulfillment. Many of us suffer in our relationships, careers and internal worlds due to a lack of awareness of the ways in which our past wounds impact current choices and ways of interacting with others. By taking a deeper look at these processes, problematic belief systems can begin to change.
Hello, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist who supports my clients in discovering and achieving what they most want in life. As we begin to look more deeply at who we are, we can move toward a life that has increased balance and fulfillment. Many of us suffer in our relationships, careers and internal worlds due to a lack of awareness of the ways in which our past wounds impact current choices and ways of interacting with others. By taking a deeper look at these processes, problematic belief systems can begin to change.
(510) 319-0136 View (510) 319-0136
Photo of Vernita Marsh - Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
We provide couples therapy (including pre-marital counseling), family therapy (both adult families and adult & child families), individual therapy, adolescent, child therapy and massage therapy.
Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates is a holistic and psychotherapy practice. You will find our practice to be a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our staff is well trained and effective proven strategies. We incorporate a multi ethnic as well as mind, body, and spiritual perspectives in addressing your concerns. We are committed to supporting you to recognize your dreams and living your life to the fullest. If you're feeling stuck or trapped in any way, we have expertise in assessing and helping you to identify what's contributing to you being stuck and offering coping strategies to help you becoming free.
We provide couples therapy (including pre-marital counseling), family therapy (both adult families and adult & child families), individual therapy, adolescent, child therapy and massage therapy.
Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates is a holistic and psychotherapy practice. You will find our practice to be a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our staff is well trained and effective proven strategies. We incorporate a multi ethnic as well as mind, body, and spiritual perspectives in addressing your concerns. We are committed to supporting you to recognize your dreams and living your life to the fullest. If you're feeling stuck or trapped in any way, we have expertise in assessing and helping you to identify what's contributing to you being stuck and offering coping strategies to help you becoming free.
(510) 808-6296 View (510) 808-6296
Photo of Steven Foster, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Steven Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Hello! Welcome to my personal profile. I am Steve Foster, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist The majority of my experience has been in working with couples, married and otherwise, to improve communication in their relationships. "Taking the war out of words",and learning to take one another's perspective increase the likelihood of success in intimate relationships. I've also worked with those coping with substance dependency. I am a strong believer in the value of family, and in the power of living a clean and sober, recovery-centered life. Please feel free to call me to discuss your concerns.
Hello! Welcome to my personal profile. I am Steve Foster, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist The majority of my experience has been in working with couples, married and otherwise, to improve communication in their relationships. "Taking the war out of words",and learning to take one another's perspective increase the likelihood of success in intimate relationships. I've also worked with those coping with substance dependency. I am a strong believer in the value of family, and in the power of living a clean and sober, recovery-centered life. Please feel free to call me to discuss your concerns.
(415) 967-7940 View (415) 967-7940
Photo of Cindi Rivera, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cindi Rivera
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94602
Also offering Couples Therapy Intensives to create an oasis for your marriage where you can improve intimacy & communication, reconnect, deal with the discovery of an affair, stop repeating negative relational patterns onto your kids, reduce arguments or distancing, & make lasting change in 2 days, without months of couples therapy, and without interruption.
I am a bilingual bicultural psychotherapist working with adults and couples who are having problems in their relationships and/or who feel badly about themselves or their life situation. The in-depth work I do focuses on one's feelings and significant relationships - past and present. With compassion and deep personal respect, I help my clients to deal with the painful issues, losses and complex struggles of living. I work well with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting issues, inter-racial couples, life transitions, loss, and trauma; toward repairing the relationships that are inevitably affected by these problems.
Also offering Couples Therapy Intensives to create an oasis for your marriage where you can improve intimacy & communication, reconnect, deal with the discovery of an affair, stop repeating negative relational patterns onto your kids, reduce arguments or distancing, & make lasting change in 2 days, without months of couples therapy, and without interruption.
I am a bilingual bicultural psychotherapist working with adults and couples who are having problems in their relationships and/or who feel badly about themselves or their life situation. The in-depth work I do focuses on one's feelings and significant relationships - past and present. With compassion and deep personal respect, I help my clients to deal with the painful issues, losses and complex struggles of living. I work well with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting issues, inter-racial couples, life transitions, loss, and trauma; toward repairing the relationships that are inevitably affected by these problems.
(510) 470-7374 View (510) 470-7374
Photo of Steven Herrmann, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Steven Herrmann
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I am a Jungian analyst and a Marriage Family Therapist (MFT Lic.
Jungian Analyst Steven Herrmann, Ph.D., MFT, Montclair, Oakland, California. Are you looking to find ways to make changes in order to live a more satisfying and meaningful life? Are you finding yourself in repetitive patterns that are no longer working for you? Then I may be of assistance to you. I bring an in-depth approach that builds on your strengths and aims to untangle the roots to what is causing problems. This may lead to a reduction in painful symptoms, an opening of vocational possibilities, a newly found sense of joy, and to the transformation of your personality. Please feel free to visit my website at stevenherrmann.com
I am a Jungian analyst and a Marriage Family Therapist (MFT Lic.
Jungian Analyst Steven Herrmann, Ph.D., MFT, Montclair, Oakland, California. Are you looking to find ways to make changes in order to live a more satisfying and meaningful life? Are you finding yourself in repetitive patterns that are no longer working for you? Then I may be of assistance to you. I bring an in-depth approach that builds on your strengths and aims to untangle the roots to what is causing problems. This may lead to a reduction in painful symptoms, an opening of vocational possibilities, a newly found sense of joy, and to the transformation of your personality. Please feel free to visit my website at stevenherrmann.com
(510) 531-2534 View (510) 531-2534
Photo of Jim Conwell - Jim Conwell MFT, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jim Conwell MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I have studied in the Relational Life Therapy, Passionate Marriage, Quest for the Mythical Mate approaches (Terry Real; David Schnarch; Bader & Pearson).
I specialize in effective couples therapy. I work with adult individuals, and men with issues in the area of sexuality and intimacy. In working with couples I focus on self-responsibility, communication (listening when listening is hard, self revealing instead of finger-pointing), expectations, self-awareness, and remaining intimate through difficulty. Throughout the whole process I integrate a focus on kindness without abandoning or avoiding the truth. I also specialize in assisting and supporting both men and women with building the skill and ability to feel and share their feelings effectively in intimate relationships.
I have studied in the Relational Life Therapy, Passionate Marriage, Quest for the Mythical Mate approaches (Terry Real; David Schnarch; Bader & Pearson).
I specialize in effective couples therapy. I work with adult individuals, and men with issues in the area of sexuality and intimacy. In working with couples I focus on self-responsibility, communication (listening when listening is hard, self revealing instead of finger-pointing), expectations, self-awareness, and remaining intimate through difficulty. Throughout the whole process I integrate a focus on kindness without abandoning or avoiding the truth. I also specialize in assisting and supporting both men and women with building the skill and ability to feel and share their feelings effectively in intimate relationships.
(925) 290-8785 View (925) 290-8785
Photo of Nicole Kat Laby, MFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Kat Laby
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
For the past 30 years I've helped people navigate through depression, anxiety, marital/spousal problems, issues with intimacy, significant life transitions, trauma, artists with difficulty producing work, LGBTQ communities, substance abuse, chemical dependencies, eating disorders and infertility.
Sometimes the belief that you will find the right therapist and get through difficulties feels so far away. Depression and anxiety can complicate your efforts to reach out and begin the process of telling your story. I am here to listen to your story and collaborate with you to get past hardships and make realistic and sustainable changes. I have an interactive style which helps to draw out the difficult parts and ground you in your pursuit of a more fulfilling life. Thank you for visiting and please let me know if you’d like to talk for a bit first in order to see if I could be of help. For more info please visit NicoleLaby.com
For the past 30 years I've helped people navigate through depression, anxiety, marital/spousal problems, issues with intimacy, significant life transitions, trauma, artists with difficulty producing work, LGBTQ communities, substance abuse, chemical dependencies, eating disorders and infertility.
Sometimes the belief that you will find the right therapist and get through difficulties feels so far away. Depression and anxiety can complicate your efforts to reach out and begin the process of telling your story. I am here to listen to your story and collaborate with you to get past hardships and make realistic and sustainable changes. I have an interactive style which helps to draw out the difficult parts and ground you in your pursuit of a more fulfilling life. Thank you for visiting and please let me know if you’d like to talk for a bit first in order to see if I could be of help. For more info please visit NicoleLaby.com
(628) 333-2198 View (628) 333-2198
Photo of Frances Jones, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Frances Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
You've got some things going right in your life "on paper," but you still have fears: about the future; about changes on the horizon; about your relationships with your parents and maybe your children; about where your partnership (your marriage, your life, your career . . .) is headed. And there's still grief about time "lost" since 2020. And uncertainty about the unknowns.
You've got some things going right in your life "on paper," but you still have fears: about the future; about changes on the horizon; about your relationships with your parents and maybe your children; about where your partnership (your marriage, your life, your career . . .) is headed. And there's still grief about time "lost" since 2020. And uncertainty about the unknowns.
(510) 851-9540 View (510) 851-9540
Photo of Keri (Kathryn) Sills-Payne, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Keri (Kathryn) Sills-Payne
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
As a queer-identified and spiritual-identified woman in an interracial, same-sex marriage, I integrate many layers.
Are you wanting to feel better once and for all? Maybe you can't move on from the past or you're worried about your future. If anxiety, panic, or even depression is stealing your joy, I get it. If traditional talk therapy hasn't helped you feel better, it's time to try a new approach to heal at the source of your pain. For 12 years I have refined my approach through professional training and experience in Relational-gestalt therapy and Brainspotting (derived from EMDR) while centering social justice and trauma-informed care.
As a queer-identified and spiritual-identified woman in an interracial, same-sex marriage, I integrate many layers.
Are you wanting to feel better once and for all? Maybe you can't move on from the past or you're worried about your future. If anxiety, panic, or even depression is stealing your joy, I get it. If traditional talk therapy hasn't helped you feel better, it's time to try a new approach to heal at the source of your pain. For 12 years I have refined my approach through professional training and experience in Relational-gestalt therapy and Brainspotting (derived from EMDR) while centering social justice and trauma-informed care.
(510) 694-1462 View (510) 694-1462
Photo of Alex Momtchiloff, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alex Momtchiloff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.
I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.
(510) 640-8569 View (510) 640-8569
Photo of Alissa Benporat, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Alissa Benporat
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I believe that healing happens in relationship, and offer warmth and curiosity to help you explore and name the truth of your experience in order to heal from anxiety, relational trauma, and embrace life's challenges. I work with individuals & couples who want to improve boundaries and communication, create meaningful connection, and align their choices with their values. I support you through circumstances life throws at you - affairs, loss, aging, marriage, divorce, raising kids, job stress. I am keen to explore issues related to gender, culture, health, spirituality, sexuality, monogamy, polyamory, and psychedelic integration.
I believe that healing happens in relationship, and offer warmth and curiosity to help you explore and name the truth of your experience in order to heal from anxiety, relational trauma, and embrace life's challenges. I work with individuals & couples who want to improve boundaries and communication, create meaningful connection, and align their choices with their values. I support you through circumstances life throws at you - affairs, loss, aging, marriage, divorce, raising kids, job stress. I am keen to explore issues related to gender, culture, health, spirituality, sexuality, monogamy, polyamory, and psychedelic integration.
(510) 330-1145 View (510) 330-1145
Photo of Adriana Gonzalez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Adriana Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
Hi, I'm Adriana! My name is Adriana Gonzalez and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Riverside, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I am dedicated to serving adolescents and their families and specialize in treating anxiety, stress, and behavioral health disorders using solution-focused and family-centered treatment to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I work to help my clients navigate these transition periods and to build the necessary skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life.
Hi, I'm Adriana! My name is Adriana Gonzalez and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Riverside, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I am dedicated to serving adolescents and their families and specialize in treating anxiety, stress, and behavioral health disorders using solution-focused and family-centered treatment to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I work to help my clients navigate these transition periods and to build the necessary skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life.
(510) 680-2302 View (510) 680-2302
Photo of William L. Spivey, PhD, Psychologist
William L. Spivey
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Dr. Spivey is the Director of a small group practice located in the heart of the medical district in Oakland, CA. He offers more than 35 years of experience working with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD within adults and adolescents. He takes a holistic approach by integrating concerns of health, diet, and exercise. Dr. Spivey also works with those suffering from occupational diseases, including job stress, feeling stale on the job, burnout, and job unhappiness. Other areas of endeavors include personality reshaping, motivation, and marital enhancement.
Dr. Spivey is the Director of a small group practice located in the heart of the medical district in Oakland, CA. He offers more than 35 years of experience working with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD within adults and adolescents. He takes a holistic approach by integrating concerns of health, diet, and exercise. Dr. Spivey also works with those suffering from occupational diseases, including job stress, feeling stale on the job, burnout, and job unhappiness. Other areas of endeavors include personality reshaping, motivation, and marital enhancement.
(510) 730-3273 View (510) 730-3273
Photo of Jonathan Willett, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jonathan Willett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I have worked with a wide diversity of clients including people experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, thought disorders, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress, marriage and family issues, and difficult life changes.
I work to build a warm, empathic relationship with my clients to create an environment where we can think together about the issues that bring you to therapy and how best to resolve them. I am informed by psychodynamic theory and utilize this rich tradition to explore unconscious defenses, maladaptive patterns and underlying schemas that can cause a person to repeat problematic behaviors despite their best efforts to change. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfullness practices to support clients with acquiring the tools they need to make those changes.
I have worked with a wide diversity of clients including people experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, thought disorders, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress, marriage and family issues, and difficult life changes.
I work to build a warm, empathic relationship with my clients to create an environment where we can think together about the issues that bring you to therapy and how best to resolve them. I am informed by psychodynamic theory and utilize this rich tradition to explore unconscious defenses, maladaptive patterns and underlying schemas that can cause a person to repeat problematic behaviors despite their best efforts to change. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfullness practices to support clients with acquiring the tools they need to make those changes.
(510) 661-3584 View (510) 661-3584
Photo of Mary Joye, LCPC
Mary Joye
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94606
Trauma, Anxiety, Codependency, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Couples and marriage counseling, Family counseling, Grief counseling , Highly sensitive person (empath), Personality disorders, Narcissistic abuse, Domestic violence recovery, Sexual abuse recovery, Career counseling, Divorce counseling, Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Hello, I'm Mary Joye, and I am here to help you listen to yourself from a new and nonjudgmental perspective. We will work together to make connections between the past and the present to help you enjoy a brighter and better future.
Trauma, Anxiety, Codependency, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Couples and marriage counseling, Family counseling, Grief counseling , Highly sensitive person (empath), Personality disorders, Narcissistic abuse, Domestic violence recovery, Sexual abuse recovery, Career counseling, Divorce counseling, Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Hello, I'm Mary Joye, and I am here to help you listen to yourself from a new and nonjudgmental perspective. We will work together to make connections between the past and the present to help you enjoy a brighter and better future.
(415) 993-3792 View (415) 993-3792
Photo of Shirley Wong, MASW, MAC, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Shirley Wong
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MASW, MAC, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I have experience working with a diverse range of clients struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, marital conflict, low self-esteem, stress, parenting, loss, grief, and anger issues.
Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of anxiety? If you find it difficult to make friends or experience loneliness, come talk to me. Together, we will work on strategies that allow you to address your difficulties and build meaningful social connections. I am there to walk beside you, listen and offer you my insights, and support you as together we look into whatever it is you bring. Counseling can help you to explore your difficulties and understand the emotions behind them. The process aims to help you find ways of managing your life, perhaps by seeing things differently or gaining a deeper understanding.
I have experience working with a diverse range of clients struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, marital conflict, low self-esteem, stress, parenting, loss, grief, and anger issues.
Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of anxiety? If you find it difficult to make friends or experience loneliness, come talk to me. Together, we will work on strategies that allow you to address your difficulties and build meaningful social connections. I am there to walk beside you, listen and offer you my insights, and support you as together we look into whatever it is you bring. Counseling can help you to explore your difficulties and understand the emotions behind them. The process aims to help you find ways of managing your life, perhaps by seeing things differently or gaining a deeper understanding.
(510) 737-5476 View (510) 737-5476
Photo of David Shragai, MFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
David Shragai
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
My specialties include relationships and communication, couples/marriage therapy, depression, anxiety, stress management, difficulties of older age, addiction and bi-cultural issues.
Do you want to improve your emotional well being or to learn how to deal more effectively with stress, anxiety, depression or addiction? Do you want to improve your relationship and communication with your partner? For over 30 years I've provided psychotherapy in a supportive, caring and safe atmosphere helping individuals and couples to address emotional difficulties and achieve a better quality of life.
My specialties include relationships and communication, couples/marriage therapy, depression, anxiety, stress management, difficulties of older age, addiction and bi-cultural issues.
Do you want to improve your emotional well being or to learn how to deal more effectively with stress, anxiety, depression or addiction? Do you want to improve your relationship and communication with your partner? For over 30 years I've provided psychotherapy in a supportive, caring and safe atmosphere helping individuals and couples to address emotional difficulties and achieve a better quality of life.
(510) 746-8114 View (510) 746-8114
Marriage Counseling Therapists

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.