Couples Counseling Therapists in Denver, CO

Photo of Denette C Martinez-Guzman, LPC, CPRP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Denette C Martinez-Guzman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPRP
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80222  (Online Only)
As a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 13 years of experience in community mental health. I have had the privilege of working with individuals and couples facing a wide range of mental health concerns. My approach is compassionate, collaborative and tailored to the unique needs of each person. Throughout my career I have developed expertise in treating anxiety disorders, mood disorders, relationship difficulties, life transitions and trauma.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 13 years of experience in community mental health. I have had the privilege of working with individuals and couples facing a wide range of mental health concerns. My approach is compassionate, collaborative and tailored to the unique needs of each person. Throughout my career I have developed expertise in treating anxiety disorders, mood disorders, relationship difficulties, life transitions and trauma.
(303) 529-8490 View (303) 529-8490
Photo of Margaret Matlock, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Margaret Matlock
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80218
I am a relationship therapist. Whether you are working on your relationship with yourself, your romantic partner or your friends and family, we will work to identify and gain insight into your patterns and work for you to connect authentically and deeply with those you love. My specialties include: new relationships and preventative couples therapy, secular pre-marital counseling, relationship decision-making, relational perfectionism and undoing longterm patterns.
I am a relationship therapist. Whether you are working on your relationship with yourself, your romantic partner or your friends and family, we will work to identify and gain insight into your patterns and work for you to connect authentically and deeply with those you love. My specialties include: new relationships and preventative couples therapy, secular pre-marital counseling, relationship decision-making, relational perfectionism and undoing longterm patterns.
(720) 336-7418 View (720) 336-7418
Photo of Susan M Horigan, LCSW, CACII, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan M Horigan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CACII
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80209
I have extensive training and experience helping clients who are dealing with relationship/intimacy issues; addictions; depression and anxiety; grief and loss; communication difficulties; trauma and PTSD; child/adolescent issues and divorce.
With 25 years in clinical practice, I am a firm believer in the effectiveness of psychotherapy to improve self confidence and self esteem, to develop more fulfilling relationships and to set one's life course in a positive direction for the future. I try to not only help my clients find relief from bothersome symptoms but also to help get to the root of the problem that has brought them into therapy. In this way the therapy has a deeper and longer-lasting effect as clients learn how to free themselves from problematic patterns from the past and live more fully in the present.
I have extensive training and experience helping clients who are dealing with relationship/intimacy issues; addictions; depression and anxiety; grief and loss; communication difficulties; trauma and PTSD; child/adolescent issues and divorce.
With 25 years in clinical practice, I am a firm believer in the effectiveness of psychotherapy to improve self confidence and self esteem, to develop more fulfilling relationships and to set one's life course in a positive direction for the future. I try to not only help my clients find relief from bothersome symptoms but also to help get to the root of the problem that has brought them into therapy. In this way the therapy has a deeper and longer-lasting effect as clients learn how to free themselves from problematic patterns from the past and live more fully in the present.
(303) 900-5186 View (303) 900-5186
Photo of Cheri Kimple Travis, LPC
Cheri Kimple Travis
LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80218  (Online Only)
NEW; now offering 30 minute sessions for busy folks! Asking for help is hard. In a culture that expects independence and perfection it is difficult to admit we DON'T have all the answers and might need help. Clients say things like 'I have no idea what is wrong with me, my life is just fine but I think I might be depressed." Folks may be drinking too much, sleeping too little, resisting relationships, questioning career choices, or facing financial instability but whatever the issues, solutions are more easily found in a close therapeutic relationship.
NEW; now offering 30 minute sessions for busy folks! Asking for help is hard. In a culture that expects independence and perfection it is difficult to admit we DON'T have all the answers and might need help. Clients say things like 'I have no idea what is wrong with me, my life is just fine but I think I might be depressed." Folks may be drinking too much, sleeping too little, resisting relationships, questioning career choices, or facing financial instability but whatever the issues, solutions are more easily found in a close therapeutic relationship.
(303) 578-3522 View (303) 578-3522
Photo of Laura Burnett-Tubbs, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Laura Burnett-Tubbs
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80218
When you change not WHAT you experience, but HOW you experience, you can transcend, you can become a different self. As a therapist I help clients study how they create meaning and feelings out of events, that is, how you organize your experiences. I strive to combine the evidence-based practices of Western psychotherapy with the wisdom and compassion of Eastern psychology. I use mindfulness based practices and I am EMDR trained. I work with adults, adolescents, and couples. I specialize in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, ADHD, anxiety, codependency issues, grief, and relationship issues. I also supervise LPCC's.
When you change not WHAT you experience, but HOW you experience, you can transcend, you can become a different self. As a therapist I help clients study how they create meaning and feelings out of events, that is, how you organize your experiences. I strive to combine the evidence-based practices of Western psychotherapy with the wisdom and compassion of Eastern psychology. I use mindfulness based practices and I am EMDR trained. I work with adults, adolescents, and couples. I specialize in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, ADHD, anxiety, codependency issues, grief, and relationship issues. I also supervise LPCC's.
(720) 408-3539 View (720) 408-3539
Photo of Laura X. Williams - Racial Justice Attachment Therapy, MA, LMFT, LAC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Laura X. Williams - Racial Justice Attachment Therapy
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, LMFT, LAC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80209
As a transracial adoptee, I am a great fit for couples navigating a variety of issues, including polyamory, infidelity, desire discrepancy, power dynamics in kink, and relational trauma, as well as individuals considering their sexuality, gender, or racial/multicultural identities.
Hello! My name is Laura X. Williams, and I am a Licensed Addiction Counselor and Relational Psychotherapist in the Denver area. My ideal clients are those who seek to explore potential in their own identity and relationships with an emphasis on love, sexual health, and gender. I work with couples wanting to build trust and/or are navigating polyamorous relationships; families who are seeking stronger unity about gender and communication; and individuals who hold intersecting identities, including gender, race, and adoption. We are here to repair, heal, and explore our potential for peace, trust, and well-being together.
As a transracial adoptee, I am a great fit for couples navigating a variety of issues, including polyamory, infidelity, desire discrepancy, power dynamics in kink, and relational trauma, as well as individuals considering their sexuality, gender, or racial/multicultural identities.
Hello! My name is Laura X. Williams, and I am a Licensed Addiction Counselor and Relational Psychotherapist in the Denver area. My ideal clients are those who seek to explore potential in their own identity and relationships with an emphasis on love, sexual health, and gender. I work with couples wanting to build trust and/or are navigating polyamorous relationships; families who are seeking stronger unity about gender and communication; and individuals who hold intersecting identities, including gender, race, and adoption. We are here to repair, heal, and explore our potential for peace, trust, and well-being together.
(303) 800-3084 View (303) 800-3084
Photo of Evelyn L Green - Denver Sex Therapy, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Denver Sex Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80206
People grow and flourish in relationship. A good long-term relationship encourages self-respect and gives the added benefit of life long connection to another person who can supports, touch and cares over a life time. I understand that long term intimacy is hard work. I help couples do this necessary work with skill, patience and tenacity. Sexual problems in a relationship cause hurt, anger, shame, and loneliness. I provide a safe informative environment to solve sexual and couple problems.
People grow and flourish in relationship. A good long-term relationship encourages self-respect and gives the added benefit of life long connection to another person who can supports, touch and cares over a life time. I understand that long term intimacy is hard work. I help couples do this necessary work with skill, patience and tenacity. Sexual problems in a relationship cause hurt, anger, shame, and loneliness. I provide a safe informative environment to solve sexual and couple problems.
(720) 463-1475 View (720) 463-1475
Photo of William Friesen, LPCC, Counselor
William Friesen
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80218
I specialize in life/cultural transitions, couples work and trauma processing.
My goal in therapy is to help you know your value, and feel empowered to make the life you want. We can all feel tied down by old stories that no longer serve us. My role is to come along side you and help use the natural ways our body regulates, and mind communicates to help you find the truth in your story. Whether you are suffering the loss of someone you love, going through a major change in your life, desiring to be heard in your relationship or any of the other struggles that make us human, I would be honored to be a part of your journey.
I specialize in life/cultural transitions, couples work and trauma processing.
My goal in therapy is to help you know your value, and feel empowered to make the life you want. We can all feel tied down by old stories that no longer serve us. My role is to come along side you and help use the natural ways our body regulates, and mind communicates to help you find the truth in your story. Whether you are suffering the loss of someone you love, going through a major change in your life, desiring to be heard in your relationship or any of the other struggles that make us human, I would be honored to be a part of your journey.
(720) 927-9052 View (720) 927-9052
Photo of Michela Parisi, MA, LPCC, RLT, Counselor
Michela Parisi
Counselor, MA, LPCC, RLT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80212
Whether you are looking for support in leaving a toxic relationship, strategies to manage anxiety, a non judgmental ear to process trauma, or alternatives to medication such as neurofeedback - I would be honored to be a part of your therapeutic journey in the way that I so greatly benefited from therapy in my twenties.
As a young woman who felt very intimidated (actually, terrified) to make that first call to find a therapist in her early twenties - I get where your headspace may be right now. I understand how complex female mental health is (hello, hormones!) and how scary it is to come face to face with the parts of yourself that have been ignored or feel too stuck to change. I am here to tell you what nobody told me as a young woman, though...that on the other side of this fear is the lighter, more joyful and fulfilled version of yourself that was hidden out of sight. And I am confident that our work together will help you reconnect to her.
Whether you are looking for support in leaving a toxic relationship, strategies to manage anxiety, a non judgmental ear to process trauma, or alternatives to medication such as neurofeedback - I would be honored to be a part of your therapeutic journey in the way that I so greatly benefited from therapy in my twenties.
As a young woman who felt very intimidated (actually, terrified) to make that first call to find a therapist in her early twenties - I get where your headspace may be right now. I understand how complex female mental health is (hello, hormones!) and how scary it is to come face to face with the parts of yourself that have been ignored or feel too stuck to change. I am here to tell you what nobody told me as a young woman, though...that on the other side of this fear is the lighter, more joyful and fulfilled version of yourself that was hidden out of sight. And I am confident that our work together will help you reconnect to her.
(303) 800-1723 View (303) 800-1723
Photo of Ben DeVoss, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ben DeVoss
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80218
Let’s face it, life is difficult. While many people eventually find ways to manage their problems one way or another, working with an experienced and trained professional will likely get you the best results in a much shorter amount of time. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO with over 20 years of experience helping pre-teens, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings, such as private practice, community mental health, and public & private schools. I focus on clients' strengths and past successes to help them build upon and develop new and effective solutions for how they operate in life.
Let’s face it, life is difficult. While many people eventually find ways to manage their problems one way or another, working with an experienced and trained professional will likely get you the best results in a much shorter amount of time. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, CO with over 20 years of experience helping pre-teens, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings, such as private practice, community mental health, and public & private schools. I focus on clients' strengths and past successes to help them build upon and develop new and effective solutions for how they operate in life.
(720) 664-8484 View (720) 664-8484
Photo of Natasha Amiri, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natasha Amiri
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222
I’m Natasha (“Nat”), a compassionate, engaging, and friendly Licensed Couples & Family Therapist.
Have you just been feeling every kind of ‘stuck’ these days — be it in your relationships, and/or, within yourself internally lately? Longing to experience that fruitful, safe, energizing, and wholesome space in which emotional security helps cultivate? Do you long to reconnect with yourself & in your relationships again but feel a guard or emotional block to feeling that sense of synergy again? Try as you might to each repair the issue and work to feel seen/heard, it just feels like this never-ending cycle of the same themes: mismatched communication, things getting escalated, shutting down and/or getting more heated & anxious?
I’m Natasha (“Nat”), a compassionate, engaging, and friendly Licensed Couples & Family Therapist.
Have you just been feeling every kind of ‘stuck’ these days — be it in your relationships, and/or, within yourself internally lately? Longing to experience that fruitful, safe, energizing, and wholesome space in which emotional security helps cultivate? Do you long to reconnect with yourself & in your relationships again but feel a guard or emotional block to feeling that sense of synergy again? Try as you might to each repair the issue and work to feel seen/heard, it just feels like this never-ending cycle of the same themes: mismatched communication, things getting escalated, shutting down and/or getting more heated & anxious?
(720) 915-4918 View (720) 915-4918
Photo of Ashley Renèe Fennell - Eclectic Evolution Counseling, MA, LPCC, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Eclectic Evolution Counseling
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222  (Online Only)
Hey there! I’m Ashley Fennell and my focus in working with clients is to build an authentic, caring, and trusting therapeutic relationship while empowering you and acknowledging that you are the expert on your life. I enjoy working with young and older adults, specifically those who are dealing with anxiety, depression, and/or relationship issues (i.e. familial, friendships, couples, etc.). My goal is to support you in finding your own voice and inner guidance while increasing your personal awareness.
Hey there! I’m Ashley Fennell and my focus in working with clients is to build an authentic, caring, and trusting therapeutic relationship while empowering you and acknowledging that you are the expert on your life. I enjoy working with young and older adults, specifically those who are dealing with anxiety, depression, and/or relationship issues (i.e. familial, friendships, couples, etc.). My goal is to support you in finding your own voice and inner guidance while increasing your personal awareness.
(720) 728-1138 View (720) 728-1138
Photo of Michelle Balaban - Mind Balance Counseling, MA, MFTC, Registered Psychotherapist
Mind Balance Counseling
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MFTC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80231
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with individuals, couples, and families, adolescents and teenagers, facing a variety of challenges. I have a variety of therapy experience including facilitating traditional therapy sessions, working with children in a school setting and supporting family therapy sessions. I am passionate about providing a safe space for people to share thoughts and feelings about what they are experiencing. I use a variety of approaches to help support and guide you through this process depending on what your needs are. I am also fluent in Russian.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with individuals, couples, and families, adolescents and teenagers, facing a variety of challenges. I have a variety of therapy experience including facilitating traditional therapy sessions, working with children in a school setting and supporting family therapy sessions. I am passionate about providing a safe space for people to share thoughts and feelings about what they are experiencing. I use a variety of approaches to help support and guide you through this process depending on what your needs are. I am also fluent in Russian.
(720) 506-5754 View (720) 506-5754
Photo of Sara Schmidt, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sara Schmidt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80204
Seeking therapy is an important step and you deserve to work with someone who is warm, genuine and accepting. I believe one of the critical component of a successful therapeutic experience involves the relationship between the therapist and the client and I strive to connect with my clients in an authentic way. I really enjoy working with adults with interpersonal struggles and/or anxiety as well as with couples.
Seeking therapy is an important step and you deserve to work with someone who is warm, genuine and accepting. I believe one of the critical component of a successful therapeutic experience involves the relationship between the therapist and the client and I strive to connect with my clients in an authentic way. I really enjoy working with adults with interpersonal struggles and/or anxiety as well as with couples.
(833) 695-4056 View (833) 695-4056
Photo of Jeremy Price, LSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jeremy Price
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80206
I specialize in working with couples, teens, and men of all ages.
Hey there! My name is Jeremy, and I'd be honored to be your therapist. When you're going through a tough time, seeking out extra support can be daunting, even a little scary. So what you're doing right now—perusing Psychology Today, looking for a therapist—is a major step toward healing. Maybe your romantic relationship or family dynamic is feeling shaky. Maybe your teenage years are off to a rough start. Maybe you're feeling stressed, anxious, sad, or angry, and you're not sure why. Whatever challenges you're facing, I'm here to listen, to connect, and to work with you to find your personal path to greater well-being.
I specialize in working with couples, teens, and men of all ages.
Hey there! My name is Jeremy, and I'd be honored to be your therapist. When you're going through a tough time, seeking out extra support can be daunting, even a little scary. So what you're doing right now—perusing Psychology Today, looking for a therapist—is a major step toward healing. Maybe your romantic relationship or family dynamic is feeling shaky. Maybe your teenage years are off to a rough start. Maybe you're feeling stressed, anxious, sad, or angry, and you're not sure why. Whatever challenges you're facing, I'm here to listen, to connect, and to work with you to find your personal path to greater well-being.
(720) 356-0034 View (720) 356-0034
Photo of Eric Hilborn, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Eric Hilborn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80209
I approach each client with a genuine investment in uncovering his or her unique qualities, strengths, and passions in order to strengthen their sense of autonomy and feelings of positive self-worth. I believe strongly in the tenets of equality, non-judgment, flexibility, and safety within the therapeutic relationship, and my primary aim is to provide an environment in which self-acceptance can be cultivated and personal growth can be nurtured. Treatment will always be a collaborative effort to discover the essential insights necessary for lasting change while simultaneously learning how to treat yourself with more leniency and personal grace.
I approach each client with a genuine investment in uncovering his or her unique qualities, strengths, and passions in order to strengthen their sense of autonomy and feelings of positive self-worth. I believe strongly in the tenets of equality, non-judgment, flexibility, and safety within the therapeutic relationship, and my primary aim is to provide an environment in which self-acceptance can be cultivated and personal growth can be nurtured. Treatment will always be a collaborative effort to discover the essential insights necessary for lasting change while simultaneously learning how to treat yourself with more leniency and personal grace.
(610) 546-2772 View (610) 546-2772
Photo of Elena Kronmiller, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elena Kronmiller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80204  (Online Only)
I am a licensed therapist based out of Denver offering virtual individual and couples therapy. I find working with people in learning how to better cope with challenging situations, feelings, and events greatly rewarding. Therapy can be a wonderful tool in navigating a tougher season of life, chronic mental health issues, working through past trauma, or struggling with societal or systematic inequalities. I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, self confidence, parenting, life changes, and challenges specific to LGBTQ+ populations.
I am a licensed therapist based out of Denver offering virtual individual and couples therapy. I find working with people in learning how to better cope with challenging situations, feelings, and events greatly rewarding. Therapy can be a wonderful tool in navigating a tougher season of life, chronic mental health issues, working through past trauma, or struggling with societal or systematic inequalities. I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, self confidence, parenting, life changes, and challenges specific to LGBTQ+ populations.
(720) 706-9063 View (720) 706-9063
Photo of Juanita Sawyer, MA, LPC, CPD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Juanita Sawyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CPD
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80210
Imagine yourself with increased confidence and a greater sense of self-worth, finding more ease in your parenting experience and beyond, with an elevated understanding of your emotional experience, feeling more empowered as a whole person, parent, partner, and professional, with tools and language to respond to emotionally charged experiences.
www.thriving-vine.com Currently seeing clients virtually. Maybe you’re struggling with, identity shifts as you welcome a new child into your family, heightened anxiety and/or depression in your parenting experience and beyond, intrusive thoughts that make you feel afraid of yourself, knowing how to respond to your child/ren’s needs while tending to your own, grief over the loss of a pregnancy, child, or loved one.
Imagine yourself with increased confidence and a greater sense of self-worth, finding more ease in your parenting experience and beyond, with an elevated understanding of your emotional experience, feeling more empowered as a whole person, parent, partner, and professional, with tools and language to respond to emotionally charged experiences.
www.thriving-vine.com Currently seeing clients virtually. Maybe you’re struggling with, identity shifts as you welcome a new child into your family, heightened anxiety and/or depression in your parenting experience and beyond, intrusive thoughts that make you feel afraid of yourself, knowing how to respond to your child/ren’s needs while tending to your own, grief over the loss of a pregnancy, child, or loved one.
(720) 804-0776 View (720) 804-0776
Photo of Kevin Carlstead, MFTC, LPCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kevin Carlstead
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFTC, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80218
My aim is to help people experience new ways of interacting with themselves and their partner so they have the confidence and skills to work through symptoms as they arise outside of session.
I understand the weight and impact of navigating a chaotic household as a child. I know that discovering the right therapist has the power to help us process and release the burden of our childhood experiences, while also cultivating a strong, compassionate support system within our self. I have an unwavering sense of hope for individuals and relationships to recover from their most challenging moments. I chose this career to help people continue to establish or reestablish a connection with their genuine selves.
My aim is to help people experience new ways of interacting with themselves and their partner so they have the confidence and skills to work through symptoms as they arise outside of session.
I understand the weight and impact of navigating a chaotic household as a child. I know that discovering the right therapist has the power to help us process and release the burden of our childhood experiences, while also cultivating a strong, compassionate support system within our self. I have an unwavering sense of hope for individuals and relationships to recover from their most challenging moments. I chose this career to help people continue to establish or reestablish a connection with their genuine selves.
(720) 696-0039 View (720) 696-0039
Photo of Alex Michaud, MS, LPC, NCC, ADS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alex Michaud
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, ADS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80238
Connect with me via phone or email so that you can get to know me and learn more about who I will be as your partner and guide through this process.
You thought your hard work and training would be enough to make you excel but here you are, once again, underwhelmed by your results. You've tried putting in more effort; working harder than before to improve but let's face it - it's not doing the trick. The anxiety and self-doubt creeps in: "Am I actually good enough?", "Should I just quit?", "Will this ever get better?". The uncertainty continues to grow and you feel like you're underwater, choking at the most unideal times.
Connect with me via phone or email so that you can get to know me and learn more about who I will be as your partner and guide through this process.
You thought your hard work and training would be enough to make you excel but here you are, once again, underwhelmed by your results. You've tried putting in more effort; working harder than before to improve but let's face it - it's not doing the trick. The anxiety and self-doubt creeps in: "Am I actually good enough?", "Should I just quit?", "Will this ever get better?". The uncertainty continues to grow and you feel like you're underwater, choking at the most unideal times.
(970) 459-1966 View (970) 459-1966
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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.