Couples Counseling Therapists in Simi Valley, CA

Photo of Bella Boas, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bella Boas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93063
I love working with adolescents, adults, and couples/marriages, including fellow colleagues who need a place to be seen and heard.
My name is Bella Boas, LMFT. I meet you exactly where you are and work with you to determine the optimal tools to reach your goals. I will create a safe space where you can authentically show up with no judgment, shame, or guilt. Equipping clients with tools and education in combination with the process is empowering. I am passionate about working with motivated, dedicated teens, individuals, couples, and marriages who are pursuing health. I have an eclectic approach grounded in Person-Centered and Gestalt. Brainspotting is a powerful and effective tool for working with trauma and overall efficient processing.
I love working with adolescents, adults, and couples/marriages, including fellow colleagues who need a place to be seen and heard.
My name is Bella Boas, LMFT. I meet you exactly where you are and work with you to determine the optimal tools to reach your goals. I will create a safe space where you can authentically show up with no judgment, shame, or guilt. Equipping clients with tools and education in combination with the process is empowering. I am passionate about working with motivated, dedicated teens, individuals, couples, and marriages who are pursuing health. I have an eclectic approach grounded in Person-Centered and Gestalt. Brainspotting is a powerful and effective tool for working with trauma and overall efficient processing.
(805) 600-3821 View (805) 600-3821
Photo of Ann Conrad, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ann Conrad
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Hi there, I'm Ann! I love working with adults, families and some younger people. I have helped with many different types of issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, generational trauma, and physical and emotional trauma. I am trained in many techniques and modalities including Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, CBT, DBT, EMDR, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy. I have a cultural experience with generational trauma in cross-cultural settings as well as Indigenous communities.
Hi there, I'm Ann! I love working with adults, families and some younger people. I have helped with many different types of issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, generational trauma, and physical and emotional trauma. I am trained in many techniques and modalities including Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, CBT, DBT, EMDR, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy. I have a cultural experience with generational trauma in cross-cultural settings as well as Indigenous communities.
(805) 254-7278 View (805) 254-7278
Photo of Allison Jackson, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Allison Jackson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Are you struggling to navigate the intricate emotions of life, grappling with relationship challenges, battling negative self-image, or just feeling overwhelmed by anxious thoughts? If you're seeking a turning point toward a path to self-discovery and personal growth, therapy may be the next step in fostering meaningful insights, cultivating resilience, and building a foundation for positive change in your life.
Are you struggling to navigate the intricate emotions of life, grappling with relationship challenges, battling negative self-image, or just feeling overwhelmed by anxious thoughts? If you're seeking a turning point toward a path to self-discovery and personal growth, therapy may be the next step in fostering meaningful insights, cultivating resilience, and building a foundation for positive change in your life.
(424) 397-2619 View (424) 397-2619
Photo of Natalie Anne Bologna, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natalie Anne Bologna
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93063
You want to understand why you’re stuck, but more so, you want to learn how to move through it and grow. The hardest part is reaching out for someone to care – to find that you’re not alone in your pain and fear. The answers might seem far away and you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, wrestling with beasts of sadness, anxiousness, hopelessness, fear. Whether your relationship with your partner or child feels distant, or your view of yourself, your body, or your future seem bleak – you're ready to be un-stuck.
You want to understand why you’re stuck, but more so, you want to learn how to move through it and grow. The hardest part is reaching out for someone to care – to find that you’re not alone in your pain and fear. The answers might seem far away and you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, wrestling with beasts of sadness, anxiousness, hopelessness, fear. Whether your relationship with your partner or child feels distant, or your view of yourself, your body, or your future seem bleak – you're ready to be un-stuck.
(805) 209-0392 View (805) 209-0392
Photo of Jennifer Lynn Evans, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Lynn Evans
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93063
I have worked with various populations and have a diverse background, including working with children (ages 3-18) using play therapy, individuals, couples, family problems, grief and loss. Everyone goes through grief at some point in life. Loss of a loved one, loss of a job or the ending of a relationship and much more. Is your child struggling in school, experiencing anxiety, struggling with peer relationships or at home with sibling? I believe in working collaboratively with my clients and creating a warm therapeutic relationships.
I have worked with various populations and have a diverse background, including working with children (ages 3-18) using play therapy, individuals, couples, family problems, grief and loss. Everyone goes through grief at some point in life. Loss of a loved one, loss of a job or the ending of a relationship and much more. Is your child struggling in school, experiencing anxiety, struggling with peer relationships or at home with sibling? I believe in working collaboratively with my clients and creating a warm therapeutic relationships.
(805) 749-2529 View (805) 749-2529
Photo of Seraphina Geiter, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Seraphina Geiter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93065
My name is Seraphina Geiter, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based out of Ojai, CA & offering Telehealth therapy statewide. I work with college students, adults, and couples, and I specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and substance abuse recovery.
My name is Seraphina Geiter, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based out of Ojai, CA & offering Telehealth therapy statewide. I work with college students, adults, and couples, and I specialize in anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and substance abuse recovery.
(805) 749-5388 View (805) 749-5388
Photo of Yashwanthi Mirji, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Yashwanthi Mirji
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93065
I specialize in treating unresolved trauma, complex grief, chronic stress, relationship issues as well as depression and anxiety.
Are you anxious, depressed or sad? Have you experienced a traumatic event? Are you finding yourself stuck in unhealthy patterns in your relationships/career ? Recognizing that you need help, can be difficult as well as intimidating. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist I have had extensive training and experience working with adults (individuals and couples), children and adolescents for over 10 years.
I specialize in treating unresolved trauma, complex grief, chronic stress, relationship issues as well as depression and anxiety.
Are you anxious, depressed or sad? Have you experienced a traumatic event? Are you finding yourself stuck in unhealthy patterns in your relationships/career ? Recognizing that you need help, can be difficult as well as intimidating. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist I have had extensive training and experience working with adults (individuals and couples), children and adolescents for over 10 years.
(805) 262-9147 View (805) 262-9147
Photo of Elizabeth Hope Sorenson, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth Hope Sorenson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93065  (Online Only)
This consultation is meant to help you, you and your partner/s, or you and your family to feel safe and welcomed into this process.
I am committed to guiding my clients through barriers that hinder or impede upon thier inner peace. Trauma-informed treatment aims to equip the client with an experience that increases their ability to trust themselves, others, and the world around them. I am EMDR Certified and DBT Trained. These modalities compliment the therapeutic alliance and are aimed at outcomes that work to see, affirm, and celebrate you as a whole person. You deserve to experience life without carrying all of the weight of what has happened to you. I look forward to working together to find, explore, and safeguard what makes life meaningful to you.
This consultation is meant to help you, you and your partner/s, or you and your family to feel safe and welcomed into this process.
I am committed to guiding my clients through barriers that hinder or impede upon thier inner peace. Trauma-informed treatment aims to equip the client with an experience that increases their ability to trust themselves, others, and the world around them. I am EMDR Certified and DBT Trained. These modalities compliment the therapeutic alliance and are aimed at outcomes that work to see, affirm, and celebrate you as a whole person. You deserve to experience life without carrying all of the weight of what has happened to you. I look forward to working together to find, explore, and safeguard what makes life meaningful to you.
(661) 215-8212 View (661) 215-8212
Photo of Judith C McMahon, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Judith C McMahon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Being in practice for over 25 years and having worked with individuals of all ages, couples, and families in various settings. I approach my work with clients from a place of genuine courtesy and understanding. I aim to provide a safe space where we can discuss the challenges getting in the way of achieving one's goals, and creating a sustainable support system for lasting changes in one's life.
Being in practice for over 25 years and having worked with individuals of all ages, couples, and families in various settings. I approach my work with clients from a place of genuine courtesy and understanding. I aim to provide a safe space where we can discuss the challenges getting in the way of achieving one's goals, and creating a sustainable support system for lasting changes in one's life.
(805) 243-2196 View (805) 243-2196
Photo of Andrea Watkins, APCC
Andrea Watkins
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93063
You’re ready to understand why you feel like this. Perhaps you are dealing with recent life changes, family struggles, or relationship issues. You wonder if these feelings are temporary or normal, but regardless, you are ready to explore change. Maybe your relationships are not satisfying you, but you do not know where to start the repairing process. Perhaps you struggle with self-criticism and self-doubt. You want support and want to learn how to voice and address your needs, but at times it feels impossible. You know you can feel fulfilled, but you find it challenging to develop tools that will help you get where you want to be.
You’re ready to understand why you feel like this. Perhaps you are dealing with recent life changes, family struggles, or relationship issues. You wonder if these feelings are temporary or normal, but regardless, you are ready to explore change. Maybe your relationships are not satisfying you, but you do not know where to start the repairing process. Perhaps you struggle with self-criticism and self-doubt. You want support and want to learn how to voice and address your needs, but at times it feels impossible. You know you can feel fulfilled, but you find it challenging to develop tools that will help you get where you want to be.
(805) 902-3875 x1 View (805) 902-3875 x1
Photo of Joseph K Collins, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joseph K Collins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93065
I also work with couples and families to improve communication, lessen conflict, and create healthy family dynamics.
INVEST in yourself! My passion is walking with people through life's victories and difficulties. With a combined 25 years of pastoral counseling and clinical experience, I take a holistic, collaborative, and strength-based approach to counseling. I believe everyone can change and grow.
I also work with couples and families to improve communication, lessen conflict, and create healthy family dynamics.
INVEST in yourself! My passion is walking with people through life's victories and difficulties. With a combined 25 years of pastoral counseling and clinical experience, I take a holistic, collaborative, and strength-based approach to counseling. I believe everyone can change and grow.
(805) 463-6590 View (805) 463-6590
Photo of Jaayda Ellingham, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jaayda Ellingham
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93065  (Online Only)
I invite you to begin this journey with me, to learn the tools to cultivate a deeper sense of connection, and thereby change your relationship to self and the world around you.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety or depression, or feel you've hit a wall to progress, these states can create stress and disconnection, making personal fulfillment in career and relationships challenging. As we understand that physical exercise builds and strengthens our physical endurance, psychotherapy is a process of building and strengthening the mind's capacity to endure and respond. The therapeutic process is rooted in connection, transparency, and authenticity. I work from a collaborative and mindfulness approach to help guide my clients in understanding the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and actions to effect change.
I invite you to begin this journey with me, to learn the tools to cultivate a deeper sense of connection, and thereby change your relationship to self and the world around you.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety or depression, or feel you've hit a wall to progress, these states can create stress and disconnection, making personal fulfillment in career and relationships challenging. As we understand that physical exercise builds and strengthens our physical endurance, psychotherapy is a process of building and strengthening the mind's capacity to endure and respond. The therapeutic process is rooted in connection, transparency, and authenticity. I work from a collaborative and mindfulness approach to help guide my clients in understanding the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and actions to effect change.
(747) 229-0207 View (747) 229-0207
Photo of Melissa Sanderson, MS LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Sanderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93063  (Online Only)
I work w/adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
I am trained in providing evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, mood changes, and other mental health difficulties, including addiction and dual diagnoses and often work w/clients who are struggling in their relationships and dealing with difficult life events. I have a specialization in family mediation, as it pertains to varied nuclear family structures, which may include the family court system. I am passionate about providing a comprehensive, multi-culturally competent, and LGBTQ+ affirming environment. I enjoy working with COUPLES & FAMILIES (high conflict or otherwise), including Discernment Couples Therapy.
I work w/adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
I am trained in providing evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, mood changes, and other mental health difficulties, including addiction and dual diagnoses and often work w/clients who are struggling in their relationships and dealing with difficult life events. I have a specialization in family mediation, as it pertains to varied nuclear family structures, which may include the family court system. I am passionate about providing a comprehensive, multi-culturally competent, and LGBTQ+ affirming environment. I enjoy working with COUPLES & FAMILIES (high conflict or otherwise), including Discernment Couples Therapy.
(805) 947-0770 View (805) 947-0770
Photo of Wendy Kish, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wendy Kish
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93063
My Name is Wendy. I have been a licensed therapist since 2008, working with adolescents, adults, and couples. I have helped cients struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, codependency, and spirituality. I use an integrative approach and person-centered therapy modalities and utilize your strengths to build on your areas of improvement. I have experience with community resources, grief counseling, and medical social work.
My Name is Wendy. I have been a licensed therapist since 2008, working with adolescents, adults, and couples. I have helped cients struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, codependency, and spirituality. I use an integrative approach and person-centered therapy modalities and utilize your strengths to build on your areas of improvement. I have experience with community resources, grief counseling, and medical social work.
(805) 262-8307 View (805) 262-8307
Photo of Jillian Zamora, MSW, ACSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jillian Zamora
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93063  (Online Only)
I value the therapeutic relationship and create a place of trust where we can address challenges and work toward your most valued goals.
Life transitions and stressful events can cause us to feel anxious or isolated. We often realize in times of transition or high stress that unhealed pain from the past rises to the surface. This can be an ideal time to reach out for support and a safe place to process your feelings. I can help you cope with your present challenges and make sense of unresolved emotions from the past. Whether you are looking to enter therapy as an individual to find your own sense of peace, as a couple to reconnect or repair a relationship, or as a family to achieve harmony and understanding, it would be an honor to be a part of your journey.
I value the therapeutic relationship and create a place of trust where we can address challenges and work toward your most valued goals.
Life transitions and stressful events can cause us to feel anxious or isolated. We often realize in times of transition or high stress that unhealed pain from the past rises to the surface. This can be an ideal time to reach out for support and a safe place to process your feelings. I can help you cope with your present challenges and make sense of unresolved emotions from the past. Whether you are looking to enter therapy as an individual to find your own sense of peace, as a couple to reconnect or repair a relationship, or as a family to achieve harmony and understanding, it would be an honor to be a part of your journey.
(805) 749-5395 View (805) 749-5395
Photo of Bernie-Bernadine M Gleason, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bernie-Bernadine M Gleason
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93062
I am a Certified AF-EMDR (Attachment-Focused: Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Therapist assisting in freedom from trauma in many areas including Relational/Attachment, Grief, Physical, Sexual & Emotional Abuse, Betrayal, Anxiety & Depression; also trained in TRM (Trauma Resiliency Model) & couples (Emotionally Focused Therapy); also Sandtray.
Is sharing your life with a stranger comfortable for you? It's not easy for anyone and yet from my own experience and from the testimony of others (clients/friends/family), therapy has proven to be a positive life-changing experience that I would want for you. I count it a privilege to be invited into your life and heart and I wouldn't take that lightly. My goals are to make therapy a "safe place" by welcoming you with empathy, validation, affirmation, assistance and tender care (the way we all want to be treated). Maybe you're suffering from trauma or loss or hurt or...please give me an opportunity to work with you to make your life a new and safe place. I also offer faith-based counseling.
I am a Certified AF-EMDR (Attachment-Focused: Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Therapist assisting in freedom from trauma in many areas including Relational/Attachment, Grief, Physical, Sexual & Emotional Abuse, Betrayal, Anxiety & Depression; also trained in TRM (Trauma Resiliency Model) & couples (Emotionally Focused Therapy); also Sandtray.
Is sharing your life with a stranger comfortable for you? It's not easy for anyone and yet from my own experience and from the testimony of others (clients/friends/family), therapy has proven to be a positive life-changing experience that I would want for you. I count it a privilege to be invited into your life and heart and I wouldn't take that lightly. My goals are to make therapy a "safe place" by welcoming you with empathy, validation, affirmation, assistance and tender care (the way we all want to be treated). Maybe you're suffering from trauma or loss or hurt or...please give me an opportunity to work with you to make your life a new and safe place. I also offer faith-based counseling.
(661) 276-8826 View (661) 276-8826
Photo of Dr. Brendan J Nierenberg, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Brendan J Nierenberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Simi Valley, CA 93065  (Online Only)
I have been very fortunate to work with a wide range of populations including traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, eating disorders, couples and relationship issues, gender identity issues, borderline personality disorder, and men's issues.
It takes a great amount of courage to be seeking a therapist as you are doing right now. You have made the choice to seek out help, and for that, I can say you are already on your journey of healing. In a session with me, you will find acceptance, understanding, and compassion with any challenge you are facing. No matter what your goal is, you don't have to do it alone.
I have been very fortunate to work with a wide range of populations including traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, eating disorders, couples and relationship issues, gender identity issues, borderline personality disorder, and men's issues.
It takes a great amount of courage to be seeking a therapist as you are doing right now. You have made the choice to seek out help, and for that, I can say you are already on your journey of healing. In a session with me, you will find acceptance, understanding, and compassion with any challenge you are facing. No matter what your goal is, you don't have to do it alone.
(805) 243-1580 View (805) 243-1580
Photo of Shari Balbien, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shari Balbien
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Hi there! My name is Shari Balbien, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) based in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children as young as five years of age, adolescents, families, and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, as well as issues related to trauma, self-esteem, and grief. I have found that my style and approach are a good match for young children, families, and couples, who may be dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and communication issues.
Hi there! My name is Shari Balbien, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) based in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with children as young as five years of age, adolescents, families, and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, as well as issues related to trauma, self-esteem, and grief. I have found that my style and approach are a good match for young children, families, and couples, who may be dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and communication issues.
(805) 855-1505 View (805) 855-1505
Photo of Teri Tingey, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Teri Tingey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Counseling can help with various life challenges that can range from trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss , relationship difficulties, parenting, self-harm, addiction or abuse.
Everyone goes through challenging situations and rough times in life. While you may have successfully navigated through previous difficulties, it's not uncommon to have heightened problems arise where extra support and guidance is needed. As a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in Private Practice, I specialize in the treatment of adolescents, individuals, couples and families experiencing a wide range of psychological, emotional, behavioral and relational problems.
Counseling can help with various life challenges that can range from trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss , relationship difficulties, parenting, self-harm, addiction or abuse.
Everyone goes through challenging situations and rough times in life. While you may have successfully navigated through previous difficulties, it's not uncommon to have heightened problems arise where extra support and guidance is needed. As a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in Private Practice, I specialize in the treatment of adolescents, individuals, couples and families experiencing a wide range of psychological, emotional, behavioral and relational problems.
(805) 918-5087 View (805) 918-5087
Photo of Patricia VanBuskirk, MFT, CYT-E, Marriage & Family Therapist
Patricia VanBuskirk
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CYT-E
Verified Verified
Simi Valley, CA 93063
After many years of experience with children and parents, my psychotherapy practice also includes play therapy with children, parent education, and couples therapy.
If you are feeling unfulfilled, stuck, anxious, sad or resentful, or if you find yourself continuing to react to external events in a pattern which does not bring you (or those around you) peace and harmony, the practice of Mindfulness can help reduce your habitual patterns of reactivity and guide you to a more harmonious and peaceful life. We will examine your present needs and personal goals, and together we will determine the best course of action. I highly respect your integrity and belief system, and we will work together to uncover the wisdom that lies within you.
After many years of experience with children and parents, my psychotherapy practice also includes play therapy with children, parent education, and couples therapy.
If you are feeling unfulfilled, stuck, anxious, sad or resentful, or if you find yourself continuing to react to external events in a pattern which does not bring you (or those around you) peace and harmony, the practice of Mindfulness can help reduce your habitual patterns of reactivity and guide you to a more harmonious and peaceful life. We will examine your present needs and personal goals, and together we will determine the best course of action. I highly respect your integrity and belief system, and we will work together to uncover the wisdom that lies within you.
(805) 285-3923 View (805) 285-3923
1

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.