Couples Counseling Therapists in Des Moines, IA
![Photo of Amber Roberts, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94d16b3b-2a0a-419f-ba99-5b0e5e6ca628/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amber Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
Not accepting new clients
Amber's focus is on working with couples and families and acting as the facilitator for the clients desired growth and change. She strongly promotes the belief that this is your journey, and you decide where the road takes you; Amber is there to help you along that path! She understands that past experiences help shape who we are and fuel our current state of being. Acknowledging this, she is here to help process and facilitate new experiences to promote desired growth and change!
Amber's focus is on working with couples and families and acting as the facilitator for the clients desired growth and change. She strongly promotes the belief that this is your journey, and you decide where the road takes you; Amber is there to help you along that path! She understands that past experiences help shape who we are and fuel our current state of being. Acknowledging this, she is here to help process and facilitate new experiences to promote desired growth and change!
![Photo of Lindsay Weyer, MS, tLMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c3063f62-96c9-484e-a3c8-45a227b94bc5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling can be a challenging process and I am committed to my role as your partner and advocate on this journey. Everyone deserves to have a place they can come to be seen, heard, and validated without judgement. You can count on my inclusive and compassionate support, wherever you are in life and whatever brings you in to speak with me.
Counseling can be a challenging process and I am committed to my role as your partner and advocate on this journey. Everyone deserves to have a place they can come to be seen, heard, and validated without judgement. You can count on my inclusive and compassionate support, wherever you are in life and whatever brings you in to speak with me.
![Photo of Callie Brass, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0d3aeabe-6965-4614-a789-a0fffc2425d8/1/320x400.jpeg)
I value the therapeutic relationship and the role it plays in personal growth and change while applying evidence based interventions to support goal attainment.
Not Taking New Clients Until Fall 2024:Therapy is an opportunity to build connections within yourself, your personal relationships, and community. My philosophy is that you are whole, possessing all of the tools that you need in order to execute your desired change. My role as a therapist is to help connect you to your inner strengths, beliefs, and values to enhance your life experience and achieve your goals. I am currently am working with individuals experiencing a variety of life stressors that include: life transitions, academic or vocational stressors, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation and trauma.
I value the therapeutic relationship and the role it plays in personal growth and change while applying evidence based interventions to support goal attainment.
Not Taking New Clients Until Fall 2024:Therapy is an opportunity to build connections within yourself, your personal relationships, and community. My philosophy is that you are whole, possessing all of the tools that you need in order to execute your desired change. My role as a therapist is to help connect you to your inner strengths, beliefs, and values to enhance your life experience and achieve your goals. I am currently am working with individuals experiencing a variety of life stressors that include: life transitions, academic or vocational stressors, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation and trauma.
![Photo of Kimberly Athuman, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/672a1bae-915f-42d2-b4d3-a49b951cbc5d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience in helping clients with depression, relationship issues, grief, self-esteem issues, parenting issues, anger management, attention deficit disorder ,(ADD/ADHD) Sleeping disorders ,Stress, Anxiety, Coping with life changes, Intimacy-related issues, Compassion fatigue, Trauma and abuse Family conflicts, LGBT.
I have experience in helping clients with depression, relationship issues, grief, self-esteem issues, parenting issues, anger management, attention deficit disorder ,(ADD/ADHD) Sleeping disorders ,Stress, Anxiety, Coping with life changes, Intimacy-related issues, Compassion fatigue, Trauma and abuse Family conflicts, LGBT.
![Photo of Lauren Martin, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91ebb5fc-c46f-45f7-bb05-726879854ab2/1/320x400.png)
Lauren Martin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
Not accepting new clients
I aim to support you in finding the balance and peace in your life to reach you and your relationship's full potential.
I believe people heal through healthy connections and relationships, whether these relationships be parent-child, family systems, romantic connection, supportive friendship or a healthy relationship with yourself. As a clinician, developing a trusting, supportive relationship with my clients is vital to provide a comfortable, non-judgmental, and compassionate space to work through life's challenges. I am experienced with individuals, couples, and families experiencing complex trauma and mental health difficulties. I enjoy working with clients ages 3 through the lifespan emphasizing work with children, teens, and young adults.
I aim to support you in finding the balance and peace in your life to reach you and your relationship's full potential.
I believe people heal through healthy connections and relationships, whether these relationships be parent-child, family systems, romantic connection, supportive friendship or a healthy relationship with yourself. As a clinician, developing a trusting, supportive relationship with my clients is vital to provide a comfortable, non-judgmental, and compassionate space to work through life's challenges. I am experienced with individuals, couples, and families experiencing complex trauma and mental health difficulties. I enjoy working with clients ages 3 through the lifespan emphasizing work with children, teens, and young adults.
![Photo of Ellie McCarthy, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d6892d8-5589-4e51-be98-0699d23eb04a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ellie McCarthy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
Not accepting new clients
I have experience working with a wide range of ages in individual sessions, family sessions, and couples sessions.
My name is Ellie McCarthy (she, her), and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). My therapeutic approach is client-centered, and I work from a systemic, narrative perspective. I appreciate hearing stories about your life and how you got to where you are today. It’s my goal to listen to these stories and find patterns, examine different dynamics, explore past and current challenges, and use those to encourage positive, healthy change.
I have experience working with a wide range of ages in individual sessions, family sessions, and couples sessions.
My name is Ellie McCarthy (she, her), and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). My therapeutic approach is client-centered, and I work from a systemic, narrative perspective. I appreciate hearing stories about your life and how you got to where you are today. It’s my goal to listen to these stories and find patterns, examine different dynamics, explore past and current challenges, and use those to encourage positive, healthy change.
![Photo of Janet Rieckhoff, LMHC, MA, M DIV, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53125e9f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked 27 years with kids, families, couples, and individuals.
Taking new clients. I offer telehealth and in person sessions. Feeling stuck in same unhealthy situations and relationships which produce anxiety, anger, depression and broken trust? We can explore communication patterns, attachment styles, and past traumas affecting relationships. I provide a nonjudgmental environment to work on your issues. I am experienced in areas of anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, spirituality, and family issues of parenting, caretaking, LGBTQA issues, adoption, infertility. First I listen to your life situation, then give homework, and then build on your strengths so you can reach your life goals.
I have worked 27 years with kids, families, couples, and individuals.
Taking new clients. I offer telehealth and in person sessions. Feeling stuck in same unhealthy situations and relationships which produce anxiety, anger, depression and broken trust? We can explore communication patterns, attachment styles, and past traumas affecting relationships. I provide a nonjudgmental environment to work on your issues. I am experienced in areas of anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, spirituality, and family issues of parenting, caretaking, LGBTQA issues, adoption, infertility. First I listen to your life situation, then give homework, and then build on your strengths so you can reach your life goals.
![Photo of Sean Abramowitz, tLMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58d2b0a0-0fd4-42cd-a3d1-fa71c49c393f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sean Abramowitz, MA tLMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor working out of Des Moines, Iowa with 12 years of human services experience, and one year of experience as a therapist. He specializes in couples counseling and trauma therapy. Drawing from his training in EMDR, and his experience as a meditation teacher, Sean incorporates somatic and body-based approaches to personal change and transformation, and growth within relationships. Using these techniques, he advocates for a trauma-informed approach to individual therapy, as well as relationships.
Sean Abramowitz, MA tLMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor working out of Des Moines, Iowa with 12 years of human services experience, and one year of experience as a therapist. He specializes in couples counseling and trauma therapy. Drawing from his training in EMDR, and his experience as a meditation teacher, Sean incorporates somatic and body-based approaches to personal change and transformation, and growth within relationships. Using these techniques, he advocates for a trauma-informed approach to individual therapy, as well as relationships.
![Photo of Karol King - Karol King, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5542f2f3-d98b-478b-babf-01d3a1f9b6ff/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist I treat adolescents (12 and up), couples, families and individuals. Providing therapeutic services to people who are seeking change in their personal and professional life is my passion. I provide support and compassion while challenging individuals to confront their primary areas of struggle to live in an authentic manner that honors their personal values.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist I treat adolescents (12 and up), couples, families and individuals. Providing therapeutic services to people who are seeking change in their personal and professional life is my passion. I provide support and compassion while challenging individuals to confront their primary areas of struggle to live in an authentic manner that honors their personal values.
![Photo of Allison Robbins, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/970c97c2-a621-45c8-bdea-544ecec4458c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have over 20 years of experience working with loss/grief, trauma, relationship issues, adjustment issues, divorce, death/suicide, addictions ADHD/ADD, ODD/ conduct disorders, anxiety, depression, and those involved in the court systems.
Are you going through a major change? Do you remember being happy, but it was long ago? Does the anxiety you feel make you avoid doing the things that you used to enjoy? Change is difficult. Loss can be unbearable. These and so many other life challenges are the reasons why people come to therapy. Let's work together. I will help you unpack the load you are carrying through the use of different therapeutic techniques. Allow yourself to accept the help you deserve.
I have over 20 years of experience working with loss/grief, trauma, relationship issues, adjustment issues, divorce, death/suicide, addictions ADHD/ADD, ODD/ conduct disorders, anxiety, depression, and those involved in the court systems.
Are you going through a major change? Do you remember being happy, but it was long ago? Does the anxiety you feel make you avoid doing the things that you used to enjoy? Change is difficult. Loss can be unbearable. These and so many other life challenges are the reasons why people come to therapy. Let's work together. I will help you unpack the load you are carrying through the use of different therapeutic techniques. Allow yourself to accept the help you deserve.
![Photo of Vincent Kelly, MS, CRC, LMHC, EMDR CT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf5b7e8-2626-4128-b147-e1b46352f0e0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Vincent Kelly
Counselor, MS, CRC, LMHC, EMDR CT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50310
Not accepting new clients
My experience includes working with adolescents and adults dealing with: depression, anxiety, grief/loss, PTSD, life stressors, relationship issues, personality disorders, ADHD, trauma and suicidal ideations.
Congratulations on taking the first step to healing. At times life can be very challenging and keep us from becoming the person we see ourself becoming/being. Those challenges can come in many forms. They can be social, emotional, physical, financial or spiritual. I offer an environment that is peaceful and free of judgement. I am an exceptional listener with 17 yrs of experience working with individuals and families involved in the Child Welfare and Judicial Systems. I provide individual, family and couples counseling. You don't have to feel alone, I am here to take the journey with you!
My experience includes working with adolescents and adults dealing with: depression, anxiety, grief/loss, PTSD, life stressors, relationship issues, personality disorders, ADHD, trauma and suicidal ideations.
Congratulations on taking the first step to healing. At times life can be very challenging and keep us from becoming the person we see ourself becoming/being. Those challenges can come in many forms. They can be social, emotional, physical, financial or spiritual. I offer an environment that is peaceful and free of judgement. I am an exceptional listener with 17 yrs of experience working with individuals and families involved in the Child Welfare and Judicial Systems. I provide individual, family and couples counseling. You don't have to feel alone, I am here to take the journey with you!
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![Photo of Jacy Jensen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c601b4fc-9aeb-4700-b682-5b96b77c9f92/4/320x400.jpeg)
Jacy Jensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50312
Waitlist for new clients
Everyone has a story, and each story is different and deserves to be told. Our stories at times can be filled with unexpected and sometimes overwhelming challenges that affect each of us in different ways. Through my own personal and professional story, I have discovered that building a supportive relationship through therapy creates a safe place to explore life struggles, understand difficult issues, develop new skills, enrich relationships, and work through situations to lead a more authentic life.
Everyone has a story, and each story is different and deserves to be told. Our stories at times can be filled with unexpected and sometimes overwhelming challenges that affect each of us in different ways. Through my own personal and professional story, I have discovered that building a supportive relationship through therapy creates a safe place to explore life struggles, understand difficult issues, develop new skills, enrich relationships, and work through situations to lead a more authentic life.
![Photo of Matthew Becker, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbb3db30-3f5f-47b6-833c-766fef6dc11b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked with individuals and couples for eight years and utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I enjoy helping adults learn new skills to deal with anxiety, codependency, romantic relationships, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, peer relationships, personal growth, low self-esteem, spirituality, stress, trauma & PTSD, and work-life balance.
I have worked with individuals and couples for eight years and utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I enjoy helping adults learn new skills to deal with anxiety, codependency, romantic relationships, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, peer relationships, personal growth, low self-esteem, spirituality, stress, trauma & PTSD, and work-life balance.
![Photo of Amber Sampson - Sampson Family Therapy Services, LLC, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c6bd4ad-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sampson Family Therapy Services, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50309
Sampson Family Therapy Services, LLC is a group therapy practice dedicated to serving the mental and emotional health needs of individuals, couples, and families in the Des Moines, IA area.
Sampson Family Therapy Services staff strive to engage in a collaborative process with clients, coworkers, and the community to welcome growth, embrace strengths and successes, and acknowledge our role in making wellness a priority for others and ourselves. We work with many client needs and make it a priority to provide attentive and consistently accessible therapy services. It is the mission of Sampson Family Therapy Services, LLC to embody a dynamic and progressive therapeutic service environment for the cultivation of health and well-being for clients served, employees, and the community at large.
Sampson Family Therapy Services, LLC is a group therapy practice dedicated to serving the mental and emotional health needs of individuals, couples, and families in the Des Moines, IA area.
Sampson Family Therapy Services staff strive to engage in a collaborative process with clients, coworkers, and the community to welcome growth, embrace strengths and successes, and acknowledge our role in making wellness a priority for others and ourselves. We work with many client needs and make it a priority to provide attentive and consistently accessible therapy services. It is the mission of Sampson Family Therapy Services, LLC to embody a dynamic and progressive therapeutic service environment for the cultivation of health and well-being for clients served, employees, and the community at large.
![Photo of Natalie Rose Meyle, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/527e2380-6c4c-4605-9147-af03a170fd86/2/320x400.jpeg)
Natalie Rose Meyle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50304 (Online Only)
Maybe your parenthood journey has been harder than you anticipated. Or you are struggling with feeling good enough. Perhaps you’re ending a relationship or starting a new career. You might be feeling disconnected from your partner or children, feeling touched out and overwhelmed. Life is full of change and transitions that can at times leave us feeling alone, anxious and exhausted. Therapy is a safe and accepting space where we can work together for you to boldly live as your authentic self. Imagine being able to focus on your healing and self and turn off the worry.
Maybe your parenthood journey has been harder than you anticipated. Or you are struggling with feeling good enough. Perhaps you’re ending a relationship or starting a new career. You might be feeling disconnected from your partner or children, feeling touched out and overwhelmed. Life is full of change and transitions that can at times leave us feeling alone, anxious and exhausted. Therapy is a safe and accepting space where we can work together for you to boldly live as your authentic self. Imagine being able to focus on your healing and self and turn off the worry.
![Photo of Darcy Jones-Cook, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c676136-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Darcy Jones-Cook
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50315 (Online Only)
Research has shown that the relationship between you and your therapist is the most important factor in whether therapy can be of benefit.
Do you sense something important is missing? You may have achieved a certain level of success in life, such as in your work and career, relationships, family. Or perhaps you feel out of balance, with one part of life on track while other parts struggle. Depending on many factors you may be focusing your attention in one area at the expense of other aspects of personal growth. Are stress-provoking events in the world increasingly “getting to you” and leaving you with even more distress? You're not alone. Whether you're new to therapy or a long time user, feel free to reach out to me.
Research has shown that the relationship between you and your therapist is the most important factor in whether therapy can be of benefit.
Do you sense something important is missing? You may have achieved a certain level of success in life, such as in your work and career, relationships, family. Or perhaps you feel out of balance, with one part of life on track while other parts struggle. Depending on many factors you may be focusing your attention in one area at the expense of other aspects of personal growth. Are stress-provoking events in the world increasingly “getting to you” and leaving you with even more distress? You're not alone. Whether you're new to therapy or a long time user, feel free to reach out to me.
![Photo of Dr. Donald M. Kaesser, PC, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bfa1035-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Donald M. Kaesser
Psychologist, PC, PhD
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50312 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I use 35+ years of DIRECT clinical experience to help in addressing issues that have become obstacles in your life and help you meet your goals in the context of an honest, caring, and direct professional relationship. Individuals, couples/relationships, addictions/substance abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, aging, sexuality, and sexual 'orientation' issues, as well as family matters are among the range of aspects of people's lives with which I effectively work. Counseling may be brief/problem-oriented, or extended/depth psychotherapy depending on your needs. I enjoy individuals, couples, and seniors. Psychotherapy is my calling!
I use 35+ years of DIRECT clinical experience to help in addressing issues that have become obstacles in your life and help you meet your goals in the context of an honest, caring, and direct professional relationship. Individuals, couples/relationships, addictions/substance abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, aging, sexuality, and sexual 'orientation' issues, as well as family matters are among the range of aspects of people's lives with which I effectively work. Counseling may be brief/problem-oriented, or extended/depth psychotherapy depending on your needs. I enjoy individuals, couples, and seniors. Psychotherapy is my calling!
![Photo of LaJuana Walker-McGill, PhD, LMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90d98956-0207-45c3-adc0-4735d470723b/2/320x400.jpeg)
LaJuana Walker-McGill
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50301 (Online Only)
I work primarily with adults and couples with a variety of issues.
Are you looking for ways to improve your quality of life? I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that is dedicated to helping others create positive outcomes for their lives. Through 24 years of experience in private practice, I have demonstrated my dedication to the empowerment of men, women, adolescents, couples, and families. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment that promotes positive outcomes for the clients that I serve. Virtual therapy appointments available for Iowa clients. Do you have Aetna, Cigna, or Optum (Optum EAP) insurance? Please click my website link to request a consultation.
I work primarily with adults and couples with a variety of issues.
Are you looking for ways to improve your quality of life? I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that is dedicated to helping others create positive outcomes for their lives. Through 24 years of experience in private practice, I have demonstrated my dedication to the empowerment of men, women, adolescents, couples, and families. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment that promotes positive outcomes for the clients that I serve. Virtual therapy appointments available for Iowa clients. Do you have Aetna, Cigna, or Optum (Optum EAP) insurance? Please click my website link to request a consultation.
![Photo of Pamela Jeanne Nelson-Grotrian - Aging Pathways, LLC, MSW, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80782e51-d7bc-4960-970b-1f50eb4f38c2/1/320x400.png)
Aging Pathways, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50310
Aging can bring a host of new issues such as feelings of isolation after retirement, grief and loss due to deaths of friends and loved ones, and finding new meaning in life after old roles have disappeared. New roles such as being a caregiver for your parents, spouse, partner, adult child, or grandchild can also add stress at this time. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, addiction, and schizophrenia can continue and sometimes new mental health issues can arise. Health concerns and family dynamics can also make life challenging. Learning how to cope with these challenges and enjoy life is paramount.
Aging can bring a host of new issues such as feelings of isolation after retirement, grief and loss due to deaths of friends and loved ones, and finding new meaning in life after old roles have disappeared. New roles such as being a caregiver for your parents, spouse, partner, adult child, or grandchild can also add stress at this time. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, addiction, and schizophrenia can continue and sometimes new mental health issues can arise. Health concerns and family dynamics can also make life challenging. Learning how to cope with these challenges and enjoy life is paramount.
![Photo of Andrea 'andye' Lynn Jones, MSW, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7fa6404b-2fe4-4a58-adac-46d9cfdee9cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea 'andye' Lynn Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50310
I enjoy seeing others reach their goals! I enjoy working with grief and loss issues, DHS involved cases, working with sexual issues and sexual abuse and doing couples therapy.
Sometimes life hurts and we find ourselves feeling alone. Things happen that we just can't explain. The world can sometimes seem cruel and we struggle to find our way. My passion is to empower others and to help them see their worth. I offer a caring, non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to share what is in your heart. Take that first step with me and we can find the answers together. I am here when you are ready. Taking limited clients currently. I am no longer accepting active DHS cases.
I enjoy seeing others reach their goals! I enjoy working with grief and loss issues, DHS involved cases, working with sexual issues and sexual abuse and doing couples therapy.
Sometimes life hurts and we find ourselves feeling alone. Things happen that we just can't explain. The world can sometimes seem cruel and we struggle to find our way. My passion is to empower others and to help them see their worth. I offer a caring, non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to share what is in your heart. Take that first step with me and we can find the answers together. I am here when you are ready. Taking limited clients currently. I am no longer accepting active DHS cases.
See more therapy options for Des Moines
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.