Marriage Counseling Therapists in Santa Clarita, CA

Photo of Ann Holabird, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ann Holabird
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
My name is Ann Holabird and I've been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) for 18 years. Although my practice is based in Pasadena, California, I work with clients all across the state via telehealth. Throughout my years as a therapist, I've worked with many populations and addressed many mental health conditions. In working with telehealth, however, I've found that teens through older adults adapt best to the teletherapy format. Similarly, certain presenting problems are more effectively treated via video than others.
My name is Ann Holabird and I've been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) for 18 years. Although my practice is based in Pasadena, California, I work with clients all across the state via telehealth. Throughout my years as a therapist, I've worked with many populations and addressed many mental health conditions. In working with telehealth, however, I've found that teens through older adults adapt best to the teletherapy format. Similarly, certain presenting problems are more effectively treated via video than others.
(661) 765-8121 View (661) 765-8121
Photo of Aaron Kellogg, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Aaron Kellogg
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Are you feeling stuck in your relationship or thought patterns? Do you wish you knew your partner or yourself better than you do now? Do you want to get real answers to these questions? I can help. I have been told by previous clients that they have learned more about their partner and themselves than they have after decades of marriage and therapy. I love helping people get to the bottom-line of what they experience and I excel at it.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationship or thought patterns? Do you wish you knew your partner or yourself better than you do now? Do you want to get real answers to these questions? I can help. I have been told by previous clients that they have learned more about their partner and themselves than they have after decades of marriage and therapy. I love helping people get to the bottom-line of what they experience and I excel at it.
(661) 403-0283 View (661) 403-0283
Photo of Shauna Hoffman, MA, MFT, BCT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shauna Hoffman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, BCT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
As a Relationship Specialist, Author, Podcaster and Speaker the first relationship I want my clients to look at is the relationship with themselves. Depression, Self Esteem Issues, Marital Conflict and even grief, are often a sign that you are truly on the search for who you are in this world. Whether you are a newly divorced adult, a couple striving to understand each other or a teen searching for self esteem, if you don't look within, you can never find your way to happiness. I offer Individual, Joint and Family Counseling. My podcast, A Journey To Awareness can be heard on IHeart Radio, Spotify, Apple and other Podcast platforms
As a Relationship Specialist, Author, Podcaster and Speaker the first relationship I want my clients to look at is the relationship with themselves. Depression, Self Esteem Issues, Marital Conflict and even grief, are often a sign that you are truly on the search for who you are in this world. Whether you are a newly divorced adult, a couple striving to understand each other or a teen searching for self esteem, if you don't look within, you can never find your way to happiness. I offer Individual, Joint and Family Counseling. My podcast, A Journey To Awareness can be heard on IHeart Radio, Spotify, Apple and other Podcast platforms
(661) 430-0392 View (661) 430-0392
Photo of Steven C Kassel, MFT, BCB, BCN, Marriage & Family Therapist
Steven C Kassel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, BCB, BCN
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
Children, adults and families with a variety of issues are welcomed. I specialize in psychotherapy, biofeedback, neurofeedback, trauma, A.D.D., pain and stress management, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. With a bio-psycho-social perspective I help clients self-regulate relationships and mind-body. I work with marital and relationship issues such as: *Divorce, separation and infidelity *Intimacy and communication *Sexual issues *Destructive and sabotaging patterns *Depression *Anxiety *Fears and phobias *Trauma resolution *Self esteem and self concept *Loss and grief *PTSD *Assertiveness & social skills training *Pain Management * A.D.D. and other problems of brainwave disregulation
Children, adults and families with a variety of issues are welcomed. I specialize in psychotherapy, biofeedback, neurofeedback, trauma, A.D.D., pain and stress management, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. With a bio-psycho-social perspective I help clients self-regulate relationships and mind-body. I work with marital and relationship issues such as: *Divorce, separation and infidelity *Intimacy and communication *Sexual issues *Destructive and sabotaging patterns *Depression *Anxiety *Fears and phobias *Trauma resolution *Self esteem and self concept *Loss and grief *PTSD *Assertiveness & social skills training *Pain Management * A.D.D. and other problems of brainwave disregulation
(661) 218-2882 View (661) 218-2882
Photo of Kristen Crooymans, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristen Crooymans
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Are you looking for a qualified therapist? Are you experiencing difficulties and looking for support? Help is on the way! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working in Santa Clarita. I provide support and guidance to those suffering from a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, bipolar, addiction, and postpartum disorders. I provide virtual or in-person services.
Are you looking for a qualified therapist? Are you experiencing difficulties and looking for support? Help is on the way! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working in Santa Clarita. I provide support and guidance to those suffering from a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, bipolar, addiction, and postpartum disorders. I provide virtual or in-person services.
(661) 990-9541 View (661) 990-9541
Photo of Arlette Gordon Kassel, MA, LMFT, ATR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Arlette Gordon Kassel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in treating Anxiety and OCD & Phobias in adults and teens, with a secondary focus on helping couples especially those struggling to recover from infidelity.
You long to wake up in the morning less anxious and depressed, or you're just feeling stressed-out and stuck. Maybe pain from infidelity consumes you but you want to fix what's broken rather than throwing in the towel. Deep down, you want to feel excited about your life and I want that for you too. I can help you untangle the knotted threads of your life and create something beautiful. If you've tried therapy before but felt something was missing (maybe too much listening and not enough tools or direction), let's do it differently this time so you have both the knowledge & insights but also the skills to create your best life.
I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in treating Anxiety and OCD & Phobias in adults and teens, with a secondary focus on helping couples especially those struggling to recover from infidelity.
You long to wake up in the morning less anxious and depressed, or you're just feeling stressed-out and stuck. Maybe pain from infidelity consumes you but you want to fix what's broken rather than throwing in the towel. Deep down, you want to feel excited about your life and I want that for you too. I can help you untangle the knotted threads of your life and create something beautiful. If you've tried therapy before but felt something was missing (maybe too much listening and not enough tools or direction), let's do it differently this time so you have both the knowledge & insights but also the skills to create your best life.
(661) 491-5135 View (661) 491-5135
Photo of Sandy Allen, LMFT, PMH-C, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sandy Allen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
Feeling stuck, worried, or like your best is not enough ? I can help. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with adults and couples seeking to heal from emotional traumas, manage life transitions, and grow in self acceptance. I am certified in perinatal mental-health, helping mothers and partners understand postpartum needs, helping parents manage role changes, increased demands, and pressures of becoming parents in today's times.
Feeling stuck, worried, or like your best is not enough ? I can help. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with adults and couples seeking to heal from emotional traumas, manage life transitions, and grow in self acceptance. I am certified in perinatal mental-health, helping mothers and partners understand postpartum needs, helping parents manage role changes, increased demands, and pressures of becoming parents in today's times.
(661) 690-1897 View (661) 690-1897
Photo of Casey Kohn, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Casey Kohn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91387  (Online Only)
Hi there! I'm glad you are here. My name is Casey Kohn and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my master's in counseling from California State University Fullerton and have been practicing for 6 years. I help clients of all ages manage the various challenges of life by exploring their true selves and working towards achieving their full potential. I love working with a wide variety of client populations and believe that each age and stage in life presents unique challenges. I see these challenges as opportunities to grow and develop into the best version of oneself.
Hi there! I'm glad you are here. My name is Casey Kohn and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my master's in counseling from California State University Fullerton and have been practicing for 6 years. I help clients of all ages manage the various challenges of life by exploring their true selves and working towards achieving their full potential. I love working with a wide variety of client populations and believe that each age and stage in life presents unique challenges. I see these challenges as opportunities to grow and develop into the best version of oneself.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Alexander Karimi - SCV Counseling Center, LMFT, MA, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
SCV Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
Mood disorders, trauma, court-ordered, DCFS cases, evaluations, marriage therapy, relationship counseling.
Childcare is provided during your session. Bring the kids to spend time at our Kid's Room, while you get treatment from our therapists. With over 20 therapists there is always one that will match your requirements. All of our therapists hold a minimum of a master's degree in a psychology-related field that qualifies them with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to provide counseling/therapy in California. Sessions are available in-person as well as online via telehealth. We are accepting new clients now and can get you an appointment within 2-3 days. Open every day apart from Sundays, from 10:30 AM to late evening.
Mood disorders, trauma, court-ordered, DCFS cases, evaluations, marriage therapy, relationship counseling.
Childcare is provided during your session. Bring the kids to spend time at our Kid's Room, while you get treatment from our therapists. With over 20 therapists there is always one that will match your requirements. All of our therapists hold a minimum of a master's degree in a psychology-related field that qualifies them with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to provide counseling/therapy in California. Sessions are available in-person as well as online via telehealth. We are accepting new clients now and can get you an appointment within 2-3 days. Open every day apart from Sundays, from 10:30 AM to late evening.
(661) 485-3456 View (661) 485-3456
Photo of Carolyn Scordino, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carolyn Scordino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
Do you feel hurt or frustrated that you have tried repeatedly to communicate a need or desire in your relationship only to be left feeling misunderstood, unheard, disappointed and in conflict? Do you feel discouraged that nothing will ever change? I can help you feel encouraged in your relationships and together we can create change. When issues go continually unresolved, we may begin to experience feelings of anger and frustration which may lead to feelings of hopelessness, sadness,and anxiety. We may try to mask our pain through substance abuse, extra- marital affairs and other destructive behaviors.
Do you feel hurt or frustrated that you have tried repeatedly to communicate a need or desire in your relationship only to be left feeling misunderstood, unheard, disappointed and in conflict? Do you feel discouraged that nothing will ever change? I can help you feel encouraged in your relationships and together we can create change. When issues go continually unresolved, we may begin to experience feelings of anger and frustration which may lead to feelings of hopelessness, sadness,and anxiety. We may try to mask our pain through substance abuse, extra- marital affairs and other destructive behaviors.
(661) 748-3975 View (661) 748-3975
Photo of Lisa Clemente, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lisa Clemente
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
I've received certification in Gottman's 7 principles to making a marriage work and Gottman's Level 2 Clinical training.
Waitlist for in person session. Working through difficult times makes us, and our relationships, stronger. Making the decision to begin therapy isn't always easy, but sometimes it's just what you need to get your life back on track. Despite the stereotype of a therapist being someone who will, "tell you what to do," my role is to listen and help you toward hearing your own answers. It can offer you insight and perspective so you can achieve what you are striving for in your life. Together, we can explore what is getting in the way of you living a happier life.
I've received certification in Gottman's 7 principles to making a marriage work and Gottman's Level 2 Clinical training.
Waitlist for in person session. Working through difficult times makes us, and our relationships, stronger. Making the decision to begin therapy isn't always easy, but sometimes it's just what you need to get your life back on track. Despite the stereotype of a therapist being someone who will, "tell you what to do," my role is to listen and help you toward hearing your own answers. It can offer you insight and perspective so you can achieve what you are striving for in your life. Together, we can explore what is getting in the way of you living a happier life.
(661) 338-5864 View (661) 338-5864
Photo of Lynda Aguilar Yniguez, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lynda Aguilar Yniguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321  (Online Only)
Lynda has a Masters in Science in Counseling and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist registered with the Behavioral Board of Science CA.
With over 10 years of experience in the treatment of trauma, Lynda approaches her clients with both a sense of optimism as well as practical experience. Infusing hope, joy and a sense of mindfulness into every session, Lynda encourages clients to see the best in themselves as well as in others. Specializing in depression (including postpartum), anxiety, couples therapy and the challenges inherent in building healthy, long term individuals and families in this day and age. Lynda supports her clients in navigating the day to day terrain that can derail relationships while holding true to high values.
Lynda has a Masters in Science in Counseling and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist registered with the Behavioral Board of Science CA.
With over 10 years of experience in the treatment of trauma, Lynda approaches her clients with both a sense of optimism as well as practical experience. Infusing hope, joy and a sense of mindfulness into every session, Lynda encourages clients to see the best in themselves as well as in others. Specializing in depression (including postpartum), anxiety, couples therapy and the challenges inherent in building healthy, long term individuals and families in this day and age. Lynda supports her clients in navigating the day to day terrain that can derail relationships while holding true to high values.
(661) 369-8279 View (661) 369-8279
Photo of Natalie D'Annibale - Natalie D'Annibale, PsyD LMFT, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natalie D'Annibale, PsyD LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Clarita, CA 91354
Sessions include addiction and sobriety, dual-diagnosis, sex, love, and intimacy, relationships and marital, multicultural, LGBTQIA+, empowerment in life transitions, and bereavement, grief, and loss.
It takes trust and courage to explore our emotional well-being, to resolve maladaptive behaviors, addictions, and to work on personal growth. My areas of expertise are in Humanistic, Existential, Family Systems, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapies. I encourage personal responsibility, self-actualization, and self-awareness utilizing strength-based advocacy with empathy and authenticity. If you are ready to improve your personal experiences and interpersonal relationships, reach out and we will get started on your next and best chapter.
Sessions include addiction and sobriety, dual-diagnosis, sex, love, and intimacy, relationships and marital, multicultural, LGBTQIA+, empowerment in life transitions, and bereavement, grief, and loss.
It takes trust and courage to explore our emotional well-being, to resolve maladaptive behaviors, addictions, and to work on personal growth. My areas of expertise are in Humanistic, Existential, Family Systems, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapies. I encourage personal responsibility, self-actualization, and self-awareness utilizing strength-based advocacy with empathy and authenticity. If you are ready to improve your personal experiences and interpersonal relationships, reach out and we will get started on your next and best chapter.
(760) 621-7656 View (760) 621-7656
Photo of Jennifer Karpman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Karpman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
There are so many stressors that can affect our daily lives from things that happened a long time ago to current problems. I help support you in working through those stressors in order to make changes and work through difficult emotions caused by depression, anxiety, marital and family issues, and traumatic experiences. I work from the view that you are the expert in your life, and I’m here to support and guide you. I can help you work on changing negative thinking that is keeping you stuck and build on the strengths you already have. I believe that anyone can make changes if they are motivated and stick with the process.
There are so many stressors that can affect our daily lives from things that happened a long time ago to current problems. I help support you in working through those stressors in order to make changes and work through difficult emotions caused by depression, anxiety, marital and family issues, and traumatic experiences. I work from the view that you are the expert in your life, and I’m here to support and guide you. I can help you work on changing negative thinking that is keeping you stuck and build on the strengths you already have. I believe that anyone can make changes if they are motivated and stick with the process.
(661) 215-8078 View (661) 215-8078
Photo of Laura Spera, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Spera
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321  (Online Only)
Hi there, I'm Laura! My name is Laura Spera, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist based in Fresno, California working statewide via Telehealth. I work with adults of all ages and couples and specialize in anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders. I use Client-Centered Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help my clients begin to feel better, find hope and make progress. When working with clients and couples I base my approach on their individual needs. I find that Client-Centered Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy complement well together.
Hi there, I'm Laura! My name is Laura Spera, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist based in Fresno, California working statewide via Telehealth. I work with adults of all ages and couples and specialize in anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders. I use Client-Centered Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help my clients begin to feel better, find hope and make progress. When working with clients and couples I base my approach on their individual needs. I find that Client-Centered Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy complement well together.
(661) 465-3782 View (661) 465-3782
Barbara Ferrari
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
I have conducted various group sessions discussing anger management, empowerment, and parenting and regularly counsel people from all walks of life including those with a history of addiction, abuse and trauma, grief and loss, marital trouble, and post traumatic stress disorder.
Barbara Ferrari, LMFT is a Los Angeles-based licensed marriage and family therapist with over thirty years of experience treating mental health issues and working with the dual diagnosed population. My professional services, which operate in a philosophy of hope, optimism, and belief in the benefits of patient and professional counseling, center on creating personalized strategies that encourage growth and healing in the individual, family unit, and community as a whole.
I have conducted various group sessions discussing anger management, empowerment, and parenting and regularly counsel people from all walks of life including those with a history of addiction, abuse and trauma, grief and loss, marital trouble, and post traumatic stress disorder.
Barbara Ferrari, LMFT is a Los Angeles-based licensed marriage and family therapist with over thirty years of experience treating mental health issues and working with the dual diagnosed population. My professional services, which operate in a philosophy of hope, optimism, and belief in the benefits of patient and professional counseling, center on creating personalized strategies that encourage growth and healing in the individual, family unit, and community as a whole.
(661) 373-6923 View (661) 373-6923
Photo of Shirli H Libet Ms Lmft, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shirli H Libet Ms Lmft
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91350  (Online Only)
I have nearly 20 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist, specializing in working with young families, maternal mental health, women's health, medical students, and physician health. I provide a warm, nonjudgmental environment for my clients to explore their issues. I work with families, couples, and individuals. If you're ready to commit to change, I encourage you to take the first step toward a more fulfilling life. I am here to help and look forward to hearing from you!
I have nearly 20 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist, specializing in working with young families, maternal mental health, women's health, medical students, and physician health. I provide a warm, nonjudgmental environment for my clients to explore their issues. I work with families, couples, and individuals. If you're ready to commit to change, I encourage you to take the first step toward a more fulfilling life. I am here to help and look forward to hearing from you!
(661) 426-2362 View (661) 426-2362
Photo of Alix Ektefaie, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alix Ektefaie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Clarita, CA 91354  (Online Only)
You took the first step! Whether that is towards gaining a better understanding of yourself, strengthening your relationships, working on communication skills or discovering ways to cope with overwhelming emotions, you have taken the first step by searching for a therapist. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (129571) whose various work experiences have led me to understand the unique and vital work of fostering empowerment and growth of the whole self through support of the individual and their emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
You took the first step! Whether that is towards gaining a better understanding of yourself, strengthening your relationships, working on communication skills or discovering ways to cope with overwhelming emotions, you have taken the first step by searching for a therapist. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (129571) whose various work experiences have led me to understand the unique and vital work of fostering empowerment and growth of the whole self through support of the individual and their emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
(707) 366-6929 View (707) 366-6929
Photo of Debbie Reed, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debbie Reed
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
You will see immediate changes in your relationship as I help you figure out exactly what your marriage needs to be transformed into the blessed union that God intended.
Would you like more from your marriage? Desiring a deeper connection and more understanding? Would you like to know how to resolve your differences in a way that strengthens your relationship? Are you wanting to deepen your friendship with your spouse? After years of marriage, many couples find themselves wondering how they got off track. This is common and there are reasons why this happens. I can help you reconnect with your spouse, learn to communicate better, and solve your problems together. Don't settle for a disconnected or stuck marriage another day. I can help!
You will see immediate changes in your relationship as I help you figure out exactly what your marriage needs to be transformed into the blessed union that God intended.
Would you like more from your marriage? Desiring a deeper connection and more understanding? Would you like to know how to resolve your differences in a way that strengthens your relationship? Are you wanting to deepen your friendship with your spouse? After years of marriage, many couples find themselves wondering how they got off track. This is common and there are reasons why this happens. I can help you reconnect with your spouse, learn to communicate better, and solve your problems together. Don't settle for a disconnected or stuck marriage another day. I can help!
(661) 293-2657 View (661) 293-2657
Photo of Reginald L. Veurink, MDiv, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Reginald L. Veurink
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
This includes anxiety, depression, repetitive patterns of destructive behaviors, marital/sexual dysfunction, personality disorders and severe mental illness.
I'm a licensed psychologist and a marriage therapist. I have a specialty practice in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I hold a diplomate from the American Board of Medical Psychotherapists and I'm registered with the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. All this fades into the background when I am with my patients. What matters is understanding and connecting with the person in front of me. I treat adults and adolescents who are mature enough to participate in talk therapy. My work is primarily with individuals and marital couples, but I also work with whole family systems when it is appropriate.
This includes anxiety, depression, repetitive patterns of destructive behaviors, marital/sexual dysfunction, personality disorders and severe mental illness.
I'm a licensed psychologist and a marriage therapist. I have a specialty practice in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I hold a diplomate from the American Board of Medical Psychotherapists and I'm registered with the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. All this fades into the background when I am with my patients. What matters is understanding and connecting with the person in front of me. I treat adults and adolescents who are mature enough to participate in talk therapy. My work is primarily with individuals and marital couples, but I also work with whole family systems when it is appropriate.
(818) 962-6440 View (818) 962-6440
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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.