Couples Counseling Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
![Photo of Rebecca Zulim, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e236165-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Zulim
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I provide counseling services that span from therapy for depression and anxiety, bi-polar disorders, panic disorder, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, grief counseling, work/career issues, stress management, addiction and recovery, conflict resolution, parenting support, relationship issues, life transitions, and beyond.
Feeling anxious or worried? Too busy for therapy during the work week? I'm available for Friday afternoon and Sunday appointments. I provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges, reduce stress levels, and lead richer, fuller lives. I am an interactive, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapist. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues.
I provide counseling services that span from therapy for depression and anxiety, bi-polar disorders, panic disorder, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, grief counseling, work/career issues, stress management, addiction and recovery, conflict resolution, parenting support, relationship issues, life transitions, and beyond.
Feeling anxious or worried? Too busy for therapy during the work week? I'm available for Friday afternoon and Sunday appointments. I provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges, reduce stress levels, and lead richer, fuller lives. I am an interactive, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapist. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues.
![Photo of Joe Sousa, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cacc3ad-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hi. I am Joe Sousa, a licensed psychotherapist in the State of CA. I've been providing counseling services in the Santa Cruz area in one form or another since 1993. Here's the issues I work with in therapy: Relationship enhancement, improve communication, sexual intimacy; handling difficulties, such as breakups and divorce; discovering life purpose and build self-esteem; issues relating to school, careers, money, a child or an elderly parent; dealing with powerful emotions, like anger, anxiety, depression, fear, grief, loss, and panic; addictive or compulsive behavior, with regard to alcohol, drugs, food, sex and/or porn.
Hi. I am Joe Sousa, a licensed psychotherapist in the State of CA. I've been providing counseling services in the Santa Cruz area in one form or another since 1993. Here's the issues I work with in therapy: Relationship enhancement, improve communication, sexual intimacy; handling difficulties, such as breakups and divorce; discovering life purpose and build self-esteem; issues relating to school, careers, money, a child or an elderly parent; dealing with powerful emotions, like anger, anxiety, depression, fear, grief, loss, and panic; addictive or compulsive behavior, with regard to alcohol, drugs, food, sex and/or porn.
![Photo of Nina Kelly, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/486cdb14-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Having relationship issues? I am here to help! I am Level 2 Gottman Method Couples Certified. Let me evaluate your communication and share effective tools that will help your relationship to thrive!
Having relationship issues? I am here to help! I am Level 2 Gottman Method Couples Certified. Let me evaluate your communication and share effective tools that will help your relationship to thrive!
![Photo of Rachel Fader, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ed3e8f3-5d62-48cf-b703-d91777a9010e/1/320x400.jpeg)
My approach is authentic and collaborative; my primary focus is to cultivate a genuine and meaningful relationship with you that is built on a foundation of safety, trust, and unwavering respect for you as the expert of your own life.
Starting the therapy process takes enormous courage, and I sincerely applaud you for taking this first step. If you are ready to demystify your suffering and find liberation from the burdens that limit your quality of life, you're in the right place. I most enjoy supporting my clients in exploring and making meaning of their past experiences in order to live a much more fulfilling present and future. I will help you draw upon your own internal strengths to become the best possible version of yourself, live your best possible life, and empower you to maintain that life ongoing.
My approach is authentic and collaborative; my primary focus is to cultivate a genuine and meaningful relationship with you that is built on a foundation of safety, trust, and unwavering respect for you as the expert of your own life.
Starting the therapy process takes enormous courage, and I sincerely applaud you for taking this first step. If you are ready to demystify your suffering and find liberation from the burdens that limit your quality of life, you're in the right place. I most enjoy supporting my clients in exploring and making meaning of their past experiences in order to live a much more fulfilling present and future. I will help you draw upon your own internal strengths to become the best possible version of yourself, live your best possible life, and empower you to maintain that life ongoing.
![Photo of Terry Edwards, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ba88c46-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Terry Edwards
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
Do you have life relationship challenges and and can’t seem to figure out a solution? Or do you feel overwhelmed in your life? I will help you to discover the solutions in your internal world and in so doing the everyday world you live in changes also. I use cognitive behavioral skills, communication skills, active and reflective listening Skills. I believe you can work to find solutions to your issues.
Do you have life relationship challenges and and can’t seem to figure out a solution? Or do you feel overwhelmed in your life? I will help you to discover the solutions in your internal world and in so doing the everyday world you live in changes also. I use cognitive behavioral skills, communication skills, active and reflective listening Skills. I believe you can work to find solutions to your issues.
![Photo of Melissa Virostko, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fd313bf-c7d0-420d-a09b-b883a8925611/1/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Virostko
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I feel strongly that we have the capacity to heal and thrive within the context of safe relationships. For this reason, I am passionate about offering therapeutic services to assist in exploring strengths, gifts, and complex challenges. At this time I work with adults and adolescents seeking therapy for a range of issues including relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, and parenting.
I feel strongly that we have the capacity to heal and thrive within the context of safe relationships. For this reason, I am passionate about offering therapeutic services to assist in exploring strengths, gifts, and complex challenges. At this time I work with adults and adolescents seeking therapy for a range of issues including relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, and parenting.
![Photo of Sean Neesley, MA, LMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23ab56a7-aeb2-482a-ae53-766829c8f450/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sean Neesley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I look forward to working together with you in an honest and open relationship to find relief, insight, and growth.
How do we regain balance after losing our footing? Whether through anxiety, anger, depression, fear, guilt or shame, it is normal for our lives to present challenges that throw us seemingly off course. At the same time, life’s greatest challenges can also present opportunities for growth, deep healing and the reintegration of lost parts of ourselves. In my work with clients, I provide a safe and supportive environment to express and explore challenging emotions, thoughts and beliefs and help them discover new vistas and vantage points from which to enjoy and appreciate themselves, their lives, and their relationships again.
I look forward to working together with you in an honest and open relationship to find relief, insight, and growth.
How do we regain balance after losing our footing? Whether through anxiety, anger, depression, fear, guilt or shame, it is normal for our lives to present challenges that throw us seemingly off course. At the same time, life’s greatest challenges can also present opportunities for growth, deep healing and the reintegration of lost parts of ourselves. In my work with clients, I provide a safe and supportive environment to express and explore challenging emotions, thoughts and beliefs and help them discover new vistas and vantage points from which to enjoy and appreciate themselves, their lives, and their relationships again.
![Photo of David Schulkin, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d376ef8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an experienced therapist who has the natural ability to make almost anybody feel comfortable. I have a compassionate and relaxed personal style, which can be good potential fit for therapeutic work with people of many ages and backgrounds. Along with working with individuals, I enjoy working with the interpersonal where there is often powerful opportunities for change. I work well with couples, because I am able to see multiple points of view and I have a disarming presence, which makes me easily approachable.
I am an experienced therapist who has the natural ability to make almost anybody feel comfortable. I have a compassionate and relaxed personal style, which can be good potential fit for therapeutic work with people of many ages and backgrounds. Along with working with individuals, I enjoy working with the interpersonal where there is often powerful opportunities for change. I work well with couples, because I am able to see multiple points of view and I have a disarming presence, which makes me easily approachable.
![Photo of Megan Hernandez, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c3cfb36c-3e14-4936-b83d-22e7b914ed68/1/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Megan leads with hope and curiosity to empower her clients to grow into their best selves. She works collaboratively with clients in order to understand them as a whole person, not just their problems. Megan believes patience, authenticity, and transparency are essential to build trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship. Megan specializes in working with adults and youth who identify as neurodivergent and/or on the autism spectrum, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. Megan works with clients who are coping with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship struggles.
Megan leads with hope and curiosity to empower her clients to grow into their best selves. She works collaboratively with clients in order to understand them as a whole person, not just their problems. Megan believes patience, authenticity, and transparency are essential to build trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship. Megan specializes in working with adults and youth who identify as neurodivergent and/or on the autism spectrum, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. Megan works with clients who are coping with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship struggles.
![Photo of Ellen Adams, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e1a221d-7dd9-4c7e-8bc9-57418c1f2c43/1/320x400.png)
Ellen Adams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Waitlist for new clients
I've helped many couples improve communication, resonance, intimacy, and resolve differences.
Imagine confusion and emotional pain transforming into wisdom and clarity. As a seasoned therapist I offer compassionate support in a safe, comfortable environment. Incorporating body, mind and spirit in a practical approach to growth and change, I have successfully helped many individuals and couples find relief from anxiety and depression and improve their relationships. As we learn to see things more clearly, anger can be transformed into compassion, and fear can dissolve into acceptance, allowing us to be fully present and alive to celebrate our lives with joy and happiness.
I've helped many couples improve communication, resonance, intimacy, and resolve differences.
Imagine confusion and emotional pain transforming into wisdom and clarity. As a seasoned therapist I offer compassionate support in a safe, comfortable environment. Incorporating body, mind and spirit in a practical approach to growth and change, I have successfully helped many individuals and couples find relief from anxiety and depression and improve their relationships. As we learn to see things more clearly, anger can be transformed into compassion, and fear can dissolve into acceptance, allowing us to be fully present and alive to celebrate our lives with joy and happiness.
![Photo of Zoe Raine-Mustain, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4406d27c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Zoe Raine-Mustain
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I work with individuals, couples, and families and believe that collaborative approach is effective.
I believe in the capacity for people to make incredible change and growth in their lives. But it isn't easy! Regardless of the particular challenge you may be facing, with the right support, you can experience happiness and fulfillment in your life on a daily basis. I have worked in the helping profession for fourteen years, and have helped hundreds of people make changes they didn't even know were possible. I love to help my clients, and hope to have the opportunity to help you!
I work with individuals, couples, and families and believe that collaborative approach is effective.
I believe in the capacity for people to make incredible change and growth in their lives. But it isn't easy! Regardless of the particular challenge you may be facing, with the right support, you can experience happiness and fulfillment in your life on a daily basis. I have worked in the helping profession for fourteen years, and have helped hundreds of people make changes they didn't even know were possible. I love to help my clients, and hope to have the opportunity to help you!
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![Photo of Shanowa M Simington, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a25ba0fb-dc03-4dd3-b5e4-b23db331af3a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shanowa M Simington
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Welcome! My approach to therapy is an eclectic and collaborative approach that will meet your individual needs. I enjoy working with adults, children, couples, and families. I will value your perspective and work collaboratively with you while providing support and guidance in achieving your goals. Together we can create a therapeutic relationship that offers self-awareness, acceptance, insight, resources, and the integration of past and present experiences. Such integration can provide you with a sense of mastery and confidence that will help you regulate your emotional and cognitive responses in your everyday life.
Welcome! My approach to therapy is an eclectic and collaborative approach that will meet your individual needs. I enjoy working with adults, children, couples, and families. I will value your perspective and work collaboratively with you while providing support and guidance in achieving your goals. Together we can create a therapeutic relationship that offers self-awareness, acceptance, insight, resources, and the integration of past and present experiences. Such integration can provide you with a sense of mastery and confidence that will help you regulate your emotional and cognitive responses in your everyday life.
![Photo of Kate Whittle-Utter, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44e94c16-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kate Whittle-Utter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
I specialize in helping individuals who believe they may be in a romantic, friend, work or family relationship with someone on the narcissistic personality disorder spectrum.
Therapy can help you find balance, connection, and fulfillment. In order to do so, I believe it's important that we acknowledge the shadow elements of life-the challenges that cause us pain, confusion, and block us from finding a sense of harmony and well-being. I collaborate with you in navigating the shadows and the more buried aspects of your life in order to develop a deeper capacity for balance, personal growth, and healing. To find out more about who I am, how I work, and if I might be the right therapist for you, consider visiting santacruztherapy.org
I specialize in helping individuals who believe they may be in a romantic, friend, work or family relationship with someone on the narcissistic personality disorder spectrum.
Therapy can help you find balance, connection, and fulfillment. In order to do so, I believe it's important that we acknowledge the shadow elements of life-the challenges that cause us pain, confusion, and block us from finding a sense of harmony and well-being. I collaborate with you in navigating the shadows and the more buried aspects of your life in order to develop a deeper capacity for balance, personal growth, and healing. To find out more about who I am, how I work, and if I might be the right therapist for you, consider visiting santacruztherapy.org
![Photo of Kelly Jo Sumner, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89d8b119-2602-481b-9abe-bb6835f9c91e/1/320x400.png)
We all possess the innate potential for healing and transformation. Therapy offers a unique opportunity to address personal, relational, or mental health concerns and provides valuable support in your journey towards greater wellbeing. I support individuals, couples, and families in cultivating personal insight and growth, and strengthening their relationships. I believe that genuineness, empathy, and collaboration are cornerstones of successful therapy and provide a welcoming and inclusive space where you feel comfortable bringing your whole self.
We all possess the innate potential for healing and transformation. Therapy offers a unique opportunity to address personal, relational, or mental health concerns and provides valuable support in your journey towards greater wellbeing. I support individuals, couples, and families in cultivating personal insight and growth, and strengthening their relationships. I believe that genuineness, empathy, and collaboration are cornerstones of successful therapy and provide a welcoming and inclusive space where you feel comfortable bringing your whole self.
![Photo of Michelle Abodeely, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9fca9c1a-92bd-4b6a-bb4c-8efa8b441754/3/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Abodeely
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Know how to listen to yourself, know how to act from a place of getting your own needs met in order to be available for your partner, your family, your work, your community.
Imagine knowing how to read your own body cues, how to trust yourself, how to move through your relationships with confidence and boundaries, compassion and wisdom. Feeling out of touch with your core self, not feeling grounded, or sure of your decisions is a hard way to go through the day. Earn your own trust again, come back to your core self. Interns and associates, this goes for you too. Your best therapist is in there, forming itself while you gain experience. You deserve guidance as you develop and learn. Allow me to support you in this exciting time.
Know how to listen to yourself, know how to act from a place of getting your own needs met in order to be available for your partner, your family, your work, your community.
Imagine knowing how to read your own body cues, how to trust yourself, how to move through your relationships with confidence and boundaries, compassion and wisdom. Feeling out of touch with your core self, not feeling grounded, or sure of your decisions is a hard way to go through the day. Earn your own trust again, come back to your core self. Interns and associates, this goes for you too. Your best therapist is in there, forming itself while you gain experience. You deserve guidance as you develop and learn. Allow me to support you in this exciting time.
![Photo of Sarah McKnight, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45a2dbeb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have expertise working in and creating dual-diagnosis (mental health/addiction recovery) out-patient programs on the Central Coast, as well as in private practice with individuals, couples and families.
Welcome! May I walk beside you as you continue to uncover, untangle, embody and enliven your life's purpose? I seek to be witness and ally to your own personal life's journey. C.G. Jung states, "Every advance; even the smallest, along the path of conscious realization adds that much to the world".
I have expertise working in and creating dual-diagnosis (mental health/addiction recovery) out-patient programs on the Central Coast, as well as in private practice with individuals, couples and families.
Welcome! May I walk beside you as you continue to uncover, untangle, embody and enliven your life's purpose? I seek to be witness and ally to your own personal life's journey. C.G. Jung states, "Every advance; even the smallest, along the path of conscious realization adds that much to the world".
![Photo of Naya McCoy, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2709c633-3bb6-431f-bdf6-8d38b926403c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Naya McCoy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
One of my core inspirations in working with clients is to help you establish a healthy and nurturing relationship with both mind and body.
My name is Naya McCoy, and I am a psychotherapist deeply committed to facilitating personal healing and growth. I believe that everyone's unique story informs the direction of their journey, and I view therapy as a powerful tool to access it. My therapeutic approach is rooted in a humanistic and client-centered perspective. I am passionate about empowering individuals to take charge of their own healing journeys. I believe that therapy serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path to personal growth and self-discovery. I aim to create a supportive environment where you can feel truly seen and heard.
One of my core inspirations in working with clients is to help you establish a healthy and nurturing relationship with both mind and body.
My name is Naya McCoy, and I am a psychotherapist deeply committed to facilitating personal healing and growth. I believe that everyone's unique story informs the direction of their journey, and I view therapy as a powerful tool to access it. My therapeutic approach is rooted in a humanistic and client-centered perspective. I am passionate about empowering individuals to take charge of their own healing journeys. I believe that therapy serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path to personal growth and self-discovery. I aim to create a supportive environment where you can feel truly seen and heard.
![Photo of DiAnna VanEycke, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58bc6524-656f-4d58-8861-d9c49e7784c6/3/320x400.jpeg)
Having access to different levels of psychological presence strengthens the relationship to ourselves and those around us, leading to a more fulfilling life.
People seek therapy for all kinds of reasons, but common to all of them is the fact that their life is not working as well as they want. This can be for a multitude of reasons; anxieties, depression, relationship issues, lack of fulfillment, purpose or meaning. Psychological symptoms are signals that alert us to examine the obstacles that hinder us from moving through life more freely with a sense of aliveness and agency.
Having access to different levels of psychological presence strengthens the relationship to ourselves and those around us, leading to a more fulfilling life.
People seek therapy for all kinds of reasons, but common to all of them is the fact that their life is not working as well as they want. This can be for a multitude of reasons; anxieties, depression, relationship issues, lack of fulfillment, purpose or meaning. Psychological symptoms are signals that alert us to examine the obstacles that hinder us from moving through life more freely with a sense of aliveness and agency.
![Photo of Ilana Sheats, AMFT, APCC, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52020148-81bf-4b29-85b4-781295d01b77/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ilana Sheats
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT, APCC, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I believe the therapeutic relationship creates healing through the power of connection. Whether you're navigating life transitions, facing challenges in relationships, or seeking personal growth, I honor the relationship with each of my clients and tailor each session to each individual’s unique needs.
I believe the therapeutic relationship creates healing through the power of connection. Whether you're navigating life transitions, facing challenges in relationships, or seeking personal growth, I honor the relationship with each of my clients and tailor each session to each individual’s unique needs.
![Photo of Leilani Jefferies, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/384ae8b7-55aa-46ab-b34c-e88c8028e00e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Leilani Jefferies
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
We are taught to constantly go, but sometimes we need to stop, look inside, and find what's keeping us from moving forward. I offer a safe container to do this. You have the knowledge within to choose the right path. It's my job to walk with you, lighting the way. Containment and clarity: this is what I can offer to you as my client. I offer therapy in English/Spanish to individuals, couples, and families. I have advanced training in EMDR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. I also offer parenting support.
We are taught to constantly go, but sometimes we need to stop, look inside, and find what's keeping us from moving forward. I offer a safe container to do this. You have the knowledge within to choose the right path. It's my job to walk with you, lighting the way. Containment and clarity: this is what I can offer to you as my client. I offer therapy in English/Spanish to individuals, couples, and families. I have advanced training in EMDR, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. I also offer parenting support.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.