Couples Counseling Therapists in Bethesda, MD

Photo of Marie A. Murphy - Marie A. Murphy MS, MSW, BCPsa, MS, MSW, BCPsa, FIPA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marie A. Murphy MS, MSW, BCPsa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, BCPsa, FIPA
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
I specialize in helping people suffering from depression, anxiety (mood disorders), early trauma, family or personal transitions, relationship concerns (including marital and/or family issues), psychosomatic issues, losses, and grief issues that are inevitable throughout our lives. I focus on understanding the underlying fears and blockages that interfere with more satisfaction and enjoyment in life--put another way, in thinking about our psychological lives and our states of mind, the past is prologue. I deeply value the uniqueness of each patient's experience and the importance of active and supportive collaboration in promoting growth and change.
I specialize in helping people suffering from depression, anxiety (mood disorders), early trauma, family or personal transitions, relationship concerns (including marital and/or family issues), psychosomatic issues, losses, and grief issues that are inevitable throughout our lives. I focus on understanding the underlying fears and blockages that interfere with more satisfaction and enjoyment in life--put another way, in thinking about our psychological lives and our states of mind, the past is prologue. I deeply value the uniqueness of each patient's experience and the importance of active and supportive collaboration in promoting growth and change.
(240) 447-7785 View (240) 447-7785
Photo of Lindsey M Hoskins - Lindsey Hoskins & Associates, PhD, LCMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lindsey Hoskins & Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LCMFT
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
My individual clients include those dealing with mental health challenges; making decisions about career or relationships; or pursuing more fulfilling approaches to life. I work with couples of all ages, stages, and compositions, addressing communication, infidelity, loss of passion, infertility, parenting, strengthening relationships, and deciding. I work with couples struggling to decide if and how to continue to work on deeply troubled relationships and solidifying commitment. I see families dealing with communication issues, creating appropriate boundaries, and working through separation, divorce, and blended family issues .
My individual clients include those dealing with mental health challenges; making decisions about career or relationships; or pursuing more fulfilling approaches to life. I work with couples of all ages, stages, and compositions, addressing communication, infidelity, loss of passion, infertility, parenting, strengthening relationships, and deciding. I work with couples struggling to decide if and how to continue to work on deeply troubled relationships and solidifying commitment. I see families dealing with communication issues, creating appropriate boundaries, and working through separation, divorce, and blended family issues .
(301) 234-6398 View (301) 234-6398
Photo of Sabine Cornelius, PhD, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sabine Cornelius
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817  (Online Only)
I am familiar with the challenges faced by individuals and couples who are working internationally as well as difficulties adjusting to living in the US.
I believe in clients' innate ability to heal and grow, and in helping them to tap into their inner wisdom and resources. I have worked creatively, effectively and empathically with couples and individuals struggling with relationship difficulties, painful childhood and life experiences, personal and work stress, anxiety and depression, and social isolation. I have helped clients with complex needs in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatry, LGBTQ-friendly mental health services, university student counseling, and family services. I feel passionate about my work and view therapy as a collaborative, interactive process.
I am familiar with the challenges faced by individuals and couples who are working internationally as well as difficulties adjusting to living in the US.
I believe in clients' innate ability to heal and grow, and in helping them to tap into their inner wisdom and resources. I have worked creatively, effectively and empathically with couples and individuals struggling with relationship difficulties, painful childhood and life experiences, personal and work stress, anxiety and depression, and social isolation. I have helped clients with complex needs in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatry, LGBTQ-friendly mental health services, university student counseling, and family services. I feel passionate about my work and view therapy as a collaborative, interactive process.
(202) 601-3591 View (202) 601-3591
Photo of Rachel A. Dack, LCPC, MS, NCC
Rachel A. Dack
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817  (Online Only)
I offer psychotherapy and dating/ relationship coaching services to individuals and couples.
I am a passionate psychotherapist, specializing in relationship, dating, intimacy and marital issues, anxiety, depression, breakups and low self-esteem. My practice centers on supporting clients throughout life transitions and relationship stages/challenges. I am committed to working together to address issues interfering with life satisfaction and to help you achieve healthier, more rewarding relationships and greater awareness. I believe you possess what it takes to create the life you want and my role is to help you find, utilize and enhance your strengths and gain healthy coping skills to live an authentic and meaningful life.
I offer psychotherapy and dating/ relationship coaching services to individuals and couples.
I am a passionate psychotherapist, specializing in relationship, dating, intimacy and marital issues, anxiety, depression, breakups and low self-esteem. My practice centers on supporting clients throughout life transitions and relationship stages/challenges. I am committed to working together to address issues interfering with life satisfaction and to help you achieve healthier, more rewarding relationships and greater awareness. I believe you possess what it takes to create the life you want and my role is to help you find, utilize and enhance your strengths and gain healthy coping skills to live an authentic and meaningful life.
(301) 655-8462 View (301) 655-8462
Photo of Dr. Aliza Goldberg, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Aliza Goldberg
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814  (Online Only)
I value taking the time to build a secure therapeutic relationship and will bring warmth, compassion, open-mindedness, and humor to our work.
Thanks for taking a look at my profile! I provide individual and couples therapy to adults and enjoy helping clients work through anxiety, trauma, attachment and relationship challenges, life transitions, and identity-related concerns. As your therapist, I will strive to understand your challenges and symptoms in the context of your personal history, biology, relationships, and intersectional identities. We will work collaboratively to develop an individualized treatment plan informed by our shared understanding of your presenting concerns and goals, my knowledge of psychology and evidence-based treatments, and your feedback.
I value taking the time to build a secure therapeutic relationship and will bring warmth, compassion, open-mindedness, and humor to our work.
Thanks for taking a look at my profile! I provide individual and couples therapy to adults and enjoy helping clients work through anxiety, trauma, attachment and relationship challenges, life transitions, and identity-related concerns. As your therapist, I will strive to understand your challenges and symptoms in the context of your personal history, biology, relationships, and intersectional identities. We will work collaboratively to develop an individualized treatment plan informed by our shared understanding of your presenting concerns and goals, my knowledge of psychology and evidence-based treatments, and your feedback.
(202) 915-7459 View (202) 915-7459
Photo of Margie Schlesinger, LCSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Margie Schlesinger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814  (Online Only)
I have expertise in: relationship/marital issues; anxiety; depression; grief and loss; trauma and PTSD; pregnancy loss and infertility; sexual abuse/assault; and narcissistic abuse.
Life can be difficult sometimes, but you never have to go through it alone. My strengths lie in the unique ability to connect with people by use of compassion and understanding; listening; humor; and therapeutic knowledge and skills. I have been working in the field for over 30 years and my heart is always filled with joy when I see and hear about my clients emotional growth and healing.
I have expertise in: relationship/marital issues; anxiety; depression; grief and loss; trauma and PTSD; pregnancy loss and infertility; sexual abuse/assault; and narcissistic abuse.
Life can be difficult sometimes, but you never have to go through it alone. My strengths lie in the unique ability to connect with people by use of compassion and understanding; listening; humor; and therapeutic knowledge and skills. I have been working in the field for over 30 years and my heart is always filled with joy when I see and hear about my clients emotional growth and healing.
(240) 255-9604 View (240) 255-9604
Photo of Matthew Burgess Leary, PhD, Psychologist
Matthew Burgess Leary
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814  (Online Only)
I am honored and humbled by the courage and spirit of the children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families with whom I work.
I believe it shows courage to seek out therapy, especially couples and family therapy. You may be struggling with serious emotional issues, deep personal crises, relationship distress, or a sense of distance with your child or adolescent. Many couples I work with have lost a sense of connection and/or find themselves hurting each other over and over again. Many individuals I work with simply want to get more from their lives - more love, joy, and connection. I collaborate with you to create a therapy environment that is warm, safe, supportive, challenging when needed, and authentic.
I am honored and humbled by the courage and spirit of the children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families with whom I work.
I believe it shows courage to seek out therapy, especially couples and family therapy. You may be struggling with serious emotional issues, deep personal crises, relationship distress, or a sense of distance with your child or adolescent. Many couples I work with have lost a sense of connection and/or find themselves hurting each other over and over again. Many individuals I work with simply want to get more from their lives - more love, joy, and connection. I collaborate with you to create a therapy environment that is warm, safe, supportive, challenging when needed, and authentic.
(240) 221-5449 View (240) 221-5449
Photo of Roxanna Radley - Global Psychotherapy Center of Bethesda, MS, LCPC, Counselor
Global Psychotherapy Center of Bethesda
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
We are a team of professionals with clinical expertise who love working together to provide the appropriate treatment in a compassionate, therapeutic environment. We provide services to the international community. Our goal is to provide high-quality psychotherapy and counseling treatment to individuals, couples, and families. We focus on helping our clients find their inner resources to be able to make changes in their lives in a healthy and meaningful way.
We are a team of professionals with clinical expertise who love working together to provide the appropriate treatment in a compassionate, therapeutic environment. We provide services to the international community. Our goal is to provide high-quality psychotherapy and counseling treatment to individuals, couples, and families. We focus on helping our clients find their inner resources to be able to make changes in their lives in a healthy and meaningful way.
(240) 823-5262 View (240) 823-5262
Photo of Randi Chasen, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Randi Chasen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
The right fit between client and therapist is essential in order to build a strong therapeutic relationship.
Do you have an endless running track of thoughts that do not seem to reach a resolution? Is it easier to connect to your thoughts and harder to know how you actually feel? This can be anxiety related. Therapy can be a great way to understand this and much more. Seeking out therapy takes a lot of courage and emotional intelligence. It's truly one of the best ways to understand one self and work towards growth and change. I work with clients to help them gain deeper insight into their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. This deeper understanding can provide the tools needed to reduce anxieties and improve relationships with others.
The right fit between client and therapist is essential in order to build a strong therapeutic relationship.
Do you have an endless running track of thoughts that do not seem to reach a resolution? Is it easier to connect to your thoughts and harder to know how you actually feel? This can be anxiety related. Therapy can be a great way to understand this and much more. Seeking out therapy takes a lot of courage and emotional intelligence. It's truly one of the best ways to understand one self and work towards growth and change. I work with clients to help them gain deeper insight into their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. This deeper understanding can provide the tools needed to reduce anxieties and improve relationships with others.
(301) 835-1603 View (301) 835-1603
Photo of Dolores A. Acquista, MS, LCMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dolores A. Acquista
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814  (Online Only)
As an LCMFT, I am trained to work specifically with relationships and relational systems, like couples & families.
I am a Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist (LCMFT) & native of Bethesda, Maryland, with over 30 years experience working with individuals, families, & couples. I have training in Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) & I work from that model with my client couples. I am working towards full IRT certification. I am passionate about helping couples create new connections through enhanced communication skills, & through learning how to communicate clearly & with compassion, understanding, and love.
As an LCMFT, I am trained to work specifically with relationships and relational systems, like couples & families.
I am a Licensed Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist (LCMFT) & native of Bethesda, Maryland, with over 30 years experience working with individuals, families, & couples. I have training in Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) & I work from that model with my client couples. I am working towards full IRT certification. I am passionate about helping couples create new connections through enhanced communication skills, & through learning how to communicate clearly & with compassion, understanding, and love.
(301) 804-2732 View (301) 804-2732
Photo of Gloria Kay Vanderhorst, PhD, Psychologist
Gloria Kay Vanderhorst
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
As your therapist, I will help you to practice and experience new ways of thinking and being in relationship.
You need * A couples therapist to help repair your relationship * An individual therapist to help you with anxiety, depression or ADHD issues * An expert in parenting skills to help you following a divorce * A therapist that understands complex issues. Your success will be an outgrowth of the relationship with your therapist; therefore, I want you to understand how my 30+ years of experience have shaped my ability to facilitate change. Change is possible at any age. In my integrative approach, I examine the patterns that have shaped you and help you develop new ways of perceiving, feeling and functioning.
As your therapist, I will help you to practice and experience new ways of thinking and being in relationship.
You need * A couples therapist to help repair your relationship * An individual therapist to help you with anxiety, depression or ADHD issues * An expert in parenting skills to help you following a divorce * A therapist that understands complex issues. Your success will be an outgrowth of the relationship with your therapist; therefore, I want you to understand how my 30+ years of experience have shaped my ability to facilitate change. Change is possible at any age. In my integrative approach, I examine the patterns that have shaped you and help you develop new ways of perceiving, feeling and functioning.
(301) 798-5192 View (301) 798-5192
Photo of Edna Kyei-Quayson, LCPC
Edna Kyei-Quayson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814  (Online Only)
Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Maryland. I received my Masters from Lancaster Bible College/Capital Seminary and Graduate School and have been practicing for 5 years. I help adult couples and individuals dealing with trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, and marital/ relationship issues to heal and thrive. I take a diverse and adaptable approach to counseling, creating a safe and supportive environment for clients. I equip individuals with tools and empower them to apply the skills they acquire, promoting their personal growth and well-being.
Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Maryland. I received my Masters from Lancaster Bible College/Capital Seminary and Graduate School and have been practicing for 5 years. I help adult couples and individuals dealing with trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, and marital/ relationship issues to heal and thrive. I take a diverse and adaptable approach to counseling, creating a safe and supportive environment for clients. I equip individuals with tools and empower them to apply the skills they acquire, promoting their personal growth and well-being.
(240) 896-4165 View (240) 896-4165
Photo of Caroline Margaret Sehon - Dr. Caroline M. Sehon, M.D., F.R.C.P. (C), MD
Dr. Caroline M. Sehon, M.D., F.R.C.P. (C)
MD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Couple and family therapy can sometimes serve as an efficient and effective strategy to improve the wellness of the whole family system. Sometimes severe psychological distress and suffering is located within the couple or family, rather than solely within a given person as it may appear at times. I have built up a strong skill set to offer a particular form of couple and family therapy known as "psychoanalytic couple/family therapy" which zeroes in on the undercurrent, unconscious meanings for destructive, relationship patterns that are outside the awareness of the couple/family.
Couple and family therapy can sometimes serve as an efficient and effective strategy to improve the wellness of the whole family system. Sometimes severe psychological distress and suffering is located within the couple or family, rather than solely within a given person as it may appear at times. I have built up a strong skill set to offer a particular form of couple and family therapy known as "psychoanalytic couple/family therapy" which zeroes in on the undercurrent, unconscious meanings for destructive, relationship patterns that are outside the awareness of the couple/family.
(301) 683-5625 View (301) 683-5625
Photo of Amanda Rahimi, PhD, Psychologist
Amanda Rahimi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814  (Online Only)
Clients most often seek my services for overeating, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, adjustment challenges, and identity-related concerns.
Are you mourning a significant loss in your life: A loved one, relationship, experience? Or, maybe your eating patterns are leading you to feel like you are losing yourself and you want to make some changes? I specialize in treating grief/loss concerns and overeating behaviors. No matter what form it takes, loss can be incredibly upsetting, challenging, confusing, and disorienting. As your therapist, my goal is to support and guide you as you make meaning, cope, heal, and grow.
Clients most often seek my services for overeating, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, adjustment challenges, and identity-related concerns.
Are you mourning a significant loss in your life: A loved one, relationship, experience? Or, maybe your eating patterns are leading you to feel like you are losing yourself and you want to make some changes? I specialize in treating grief/loss concerns and overeating behaviors. No matter what form it takes, loss can be incredibly upsetting, challenging, confusing, and disorienting. As your therapist, my goal is to support and guide you as you make meaning, cope, heal, and grow.
(301) 701-2529 View (301) 701-2529
Photo of Deborah L Horan, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Deborah L Horan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
I work with clients struggling with issues including depression, difficult life transitions, past sexual abuse or trauma, self esteem, and relationship issues.
Therapy is collaborative. I work closely with you to understand and explore the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and your behaviors because small changes in one area can lead to significant changes in other areas. Together we will identify and challenge unproductive thoughts and behaviors to bring about improved mood and a greater sense of well-being. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches to meet your individual needs and help you achieve your goals. I provide support and practical help so you can address current life challenges and long-standing issues.
I work with clients struggling with issues including depression, difficult life transitions, past sexual abuse or trauma, self esteem, and relationship issues.
Therapy is collaborative. I work closely with you to understand and explore the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and your behaviors because small changes in one area can lead to significant changes in other areas. Together we will identify and challenge unproductive thoughts and behaviors to bring about improved mood and a greater sense of well-being. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches to meet your individual needs and help you achieve your goals. I provide support and practical help so you can address current life challenges and long-standing issues.
(240) 813-3517 View (240) 813-3517
Photo of Lana E. Segerman, MSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lana E. Segerman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814  (Online Only)
My work with individuals and couples is informed by the compassion-based Internal Family Systems model.
Envision being hopeful and not feeling overwhelmed by sadness or worry, struggles with relationships, or loss of connection with others. Envision calmly coping with grief over the death of a loved one, the end of a close relationship, life transitions, or feelings of regret. Envision having courage, confidence, and clarity as you face life's struggles.
My work with individuals and couples is informed by the compassion-based Internal Family Systems model.
Envision being hopeful and not feeling overwhelmed by sadness or worry, struggles with relationships, or loss of connection with others. Envision calmly coping with grief over the death of a loved one, the end of a close relationship, life transitions, or feelings of regret. Envision having courage, confidence, and clarity as you face life's struggles.
(202) 751-2653 View (202) 751-2653
Photo of Maureen McElroy, MA, MS, LCMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maureen McElroy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LCMFT
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
They improve the relationship they have with themselves and others.
Life may be harder than you expected. You may feel stressed, depressed, or anxious. You may be struggling with a decision. Relationships with your family are complex. You may want to improve communication with your partner. Parenting is tough. You may have suffered a loss, & you don't know why it still affects you. You may have put a dream on hold while you attended to family matters, & now you wonder if you are still capable of fulfilling that dream. You may feel you have been given gifts, but you aren't using them to their full potential.
They improve the relationship they have with themselves and others.
Life may be harder than you expected. You may feel stressed, depressed, or anxious. You may be struggling with a decision. Relationships with your family are complex. You may want to improve communication with your partner. Parenting is tough. You may have suffered a loss, & you don't know why it still affects you. You may have put a dream on hold while you attended to family matters, & now you wonder if you are still capable of fulfilling that dream. You may feel you have been given gifts, but you aren't using them to their full potential.
(301) 683-5751 View (301) 683-5751
Photo of Stephen Holland - Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, PsyD, Psychologist
Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Since it was founded in 2003 by Dr. Stephen Holland, Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been providing research-proven treatment and compassionate care in Washington, DC. In 2020, we expanded our practice to provide treatment and psychological assessments to children, adolescents, and adults in Bethesda, MD. CBT has been shown to be effective for a number of problems, including: depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, phobias, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, personality disorders, and relationship problems.
Since it was founded in 2003 by Dr. Stephen Holland, Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been providing research-proven treatment and compassionate care in Washington, DC. In 2020, we expanded our practice to provide treatment and psychological assessments to children, adolescents, and adults in Bethesda, MD. CBT has been shown to be effective for a number of problems, including: depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, phobias, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, personality disorders, and relationship problems.
(301) 720-1186 x15 View (301) 720-1186 x15
Photo of Julia Kirvan, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julia Kirvan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20817
"Are you experiencing conflicts in your relationships? Are you feeling depressed, anxious or irritable? Finding a therapist you can connect with to help you explore an unbiased view of your struggles or concerns can be difficult. As a clinical social worker with over twenty years of experience, I help adults, adolescents, and couples through a variety of life transitions. I offer help to clients struggling from a variety of issues, ranging from: marital difficulties, anxiety and depression, separation and divorce, grief, parenting and workplace difficulties. In addition, I am a trained collaborative divorce coach and child specialist.
"Are you experiencing conflicts in your relationships? Are you feeling depressed, anxious or irritable? Finding a therapist you can connect with to help you explore an unbiased view of your struggles or concerns can be difficult. As a clinical social worker with over twenty years of experience, I help adults, adolescents, and couples through a variety of life transitions. I offer help to clients struggling from a variety of issues, ranging from: marital difficulties, anxiety and depression, separation and divorce, grief, parenting and workplace difficulties. In addition, I am a trained collaborative divorce coach and child specialist.
(301) 678-8681 View (301) 678-8681
Photo of Sheila K Rowny, MSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sheila K Rowny
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Waitlist for new clients
I help couples to enhance intimacy and communication.
I help my clients to discover, appreciate and expand their own strengths in order to feel better about life, love, work and recreation. As a therapist with over 40 years experience, my style is warm, direct and interactive. My clients and I form a team, working together to understand and resolve your problems. Our focus is on the whole person: your mind/body, your relationships, and your environment. I guide you with a combination of positive support and gentle challenges.
I help couples to enhance intimacy and communication.
I help my clients to discover, appreciate and expand their own strengths in order to feel better about life, love, work and recreation. As a therapist with over 40 years experience, my style is warm, direct and interactive. My clients and I form a team, working together to understand and resolve your problems. Our focus is on the whole person: your mind/body, your relationships, and your environment. I guide you with a combination of positive support and gentle challenges.
(301) 852-7238 View (301) 852-7238
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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.