Couples Counseling Therapists in Durham, NC

Photo of DeJuan J. Lundy - DeJuan J. Lundy, Crossroads Therapeutic Services, PhD, LCMHCS , LCAS , CLC
DeJuan J. Lundy, Crossroads Therapeutic Services
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, PhD, LCMHCS , LCAS , CLC
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27703
She enjoys working with Adolescents, Adults, Couples and Military Families, which consists of active duty, veterans and their families.
DeJuan J. Lundy is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), and a Certified Life Coach (CLC) with over 18 years of experience working with diverse populations, ages as well as a wide range of diagnoses and disorders. She specializes in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorders, ADHD, PTSD, Addiction, Substance Abuse, Trauma, Anger Management, Stress Management, and Mood Disorders.
She enjoys working with Adolescents, Adults, Couples and Military Families, which consists of active duty, veterans and their families.
DeJuan J. Lundy is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), and a Certified Life Coach (CLC) with over 18 years of experience working with diverse populations, ages as well as a wide range of diagnoses and disorders. She specializes in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorders, ADHD, PTSD, Addiction, Substance Abuse, Trauma, Anger Management, Stress Management, and Mood Disorders.
(919) 701-4816 View (919) 701-4816
Photo of Courtney A Redman, LCSW, LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Courtney A Redman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27705
Deciding you need therapy can be a tough process. I believe the counseling relationship should be one where you and I form real connection- and that connection is where the foundation of healing can begin. I aim to create a supportive space to partner with clients in their healing process. I am rostered in a variety of evidence-based trauma and grief treatments for youth and adults, and I love to include mindfulness, self-compassion, and humor into treatment. My training in attachment work and years collaborating with foster/adoptive families help me support folks in a variety of constellations.
Deciding you need therapy can be a tough process. I believe the counseling relationship should be one where you and I form real connection- and that connection is where the foundation of healing can begin. I aim to create a supportive space to partner with clients in their healing process. I am rostered in a variety of evidence-based trauma and grief treatments for youth and adults, and I love to include mindfulness, self-compassion, and humor into treatment. My training in attachment work and years collaborating with foster/adoptive families help me support folks in a variety of constellations.
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Photo of Elizabeth Ross, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth Ross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27707
I value my clients, the relationship we share, and the challenging work we do together.
I enjoy working collaboratively with adult clients to improve interpersonal relationships, identify strengths, and move toward a sense of wholeness. I am passionate about working with clients who are experiencing grief and loss, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, relationship issues and have a history of trauma. I adopt an anti-racist and LGBTQ affirming approach and recognize the ways in which ones identity development is impacted by systemic oppression.
I value my clients, the relationship we share, and the challenging work we do together.
I enjoy working collaboratively with adult clients to improve interpersonal relationships, identify strengths, and move toward a sense of wholeness. I am passionate about working with clients who are experiencing grief and loss, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, relationship issues and have a history of trauma. I adopt an anti-racist and LGBTQ affirming approach and recognize the ways in which ones identity development is impacted by systemic oppression.
(919) 213-0225 View (919) 213-0225
Photo of Nakita C. Noël Mitchell - Nakita Noël LCSW Therapy, PLLC, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nakita Noël LCSW Therapy, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27703
I am a queer, Black, fully-licensed therapist (LCSW) with over 10 years of clinical experience. I’ve worked with individuals as they face a terminal diagnosis; with patients who have experienced losses in their relationships and livelihood due to mental illness or a chronic condition; with couples as they navigate role shifts, parenting, and caregiving of elder family members; with clients whose life experience of social marginalization have led to depression; and with those presenting to their primary care doctor for stomach pain and heart palpitations, only to learn that anxiety is the root cause.
I am a queer, Black, fully-licensed therapist (LCSW) with over 10 years of clinical experience. I’ve worked with individuals as they face a terminal diagnosis; with patients who have experienced losses in their relationships and livelihood due to mental illness or a chronic condition; with couples as they navigate role shifts, parenting, and caregiving of elder family members; with clients whose life experience of social marginalization have led to depression; and with those presenting to their primary care doctor for stomach pain and heart palpitations, only to learn that anxiety is the root cause.
(919) 367-1353 View (919) 367-1353
Photo of Michael P. Iezzi, PhD, Psychologist
Michael P. Iezzi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27705
I have 10+ years experience providing individual, relationship, and group counseling.
Everyone could benefit from talking with a counselor to help cope with life's stressors. You may prefer to meet with a counselor one-on-one to help improve your quality of life. If your intimate relationship is a concern, you and your partner(s) could utilize relationship counseling to communicate more effectively and regain the passion that drew you together. Building a support network and feeling as if you belong are also valuable resources that group counseling can provide. Regardless of your concern, there are multiple counseling options to help meet your needs. Initiating counseling services is the first step to feeling better.
I have 10+ years experience providing individual, relationship, and group counseling.
Everyone could benefit from talking with a counselor to help cope with life's stressors. You may prefer to meet with a counselor one-on-one to help improve your quality of life. If your intimate relationship is a concern, you and your partner(s) could utilize relationship counseling to communicate more effectively and regain the passion that drew you together. Building a support network and feeling as if you belong are also valuable resources that group counseling can provide. Regardless of your concern, there are multiple counseling options to help meet your needs. Initiating counseling services is the first step to feeling better.
(984) 237-2741 View (984) 237-2741
Photo of Deborah S Miora - Deborah S. Miora, PhD, PhD, Psychologist
Deborah S. Miora, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701
The therapeutic relationship, dreams, and exploration of hopes, fears, and desires is the basis for learning about the often silent but powerful conflicts and tensions that block fulfillment in relationships to oneself and others.
All people seek relief from anxieties, depression, and other disturbing mental states. It is part of the human condition to wish to do away with distressing thoughts, feelings, and behavior that sometimes seem to dominate us rather than be active choices. Through the experience of the therapeutic and other current relationships, one may become aware of old yet alive and active ways of being and relating. The uncovering of these in the "here and now" together promotes awareness and integration. Everyone deserves a chance to live less burdened and with greater access to their inner resources.
The therapeutic relationship, dreams, and exploration of hopes, fears, and desires is the basis for learning about the often silent but powerful conflicts and tensions that block fulfillment in relationships to oneself and others.
All people seek relief from anxieties, depression, and other disturbing mental states. It is part of the human condition to wish to do away with distressing thoughts, feelings, and behavior that sometimes seem to dominate us rather than be active choices. Through the experience of the therapeutic and other current relationships, one may become aware of old yet alive and active ways of being and relating. The uncovering of these in the "here and now" together promotes awareness and integration. Everyone deserves a chance to live less burdened and with greater access to their inner resources.
(424) 329-5972 View (424) 329-5972
Photo of Jennifer M Bynum, LCMHC-A, Counselor
Jennifer M Bynum
Counselor, LCMHC-A
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27713
Hello, my name is Jenny. I have a deep passion for helping individuals struggling with depression, relationship violence, PTSD, trauma, and addiction. Specifically, I aim to help serve women, men, and the LGBTQIA community as an ally in both my personal and professional life. To best reach this goal, I've armed myself with specialized certificates in LGBTQIA support, co-occurring disorders, family healing, and trauma-informed assistance.
Hello, my name is Jenny. I have a deep passion for helping individuals struggling with depression, relationship violence, PTSD, trauma, and addiction. Specifically, I aim to help serve women, men, and the LGBTQIA community as an ally in both my personal and professional life. To best reach this goal, I've armed myself with specialized certificates in LGBTQIA support, co-occurring disorders, family healing, and trauma-informed assistance.
(919) 975-5035 View (919) 975-5035
Photo of Jadelynn St Dre, MA, LMFT, CST, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jadelynn St Dre
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27701  (Online Only)
As a trauma specialist, I utilize person-centered, narrative and expressive art therapies to support trauma survivors of all kinds, with an emphasis on people who have been impacted by sexual assault, intimate partner violence and hate-motivated violence.
During times of struggle, you have an absolute right to support from an attentive, warm, trustworthy witness - someone who believes in your strength and brilliance when you can no longer see it, and who stands by your side as you emerge as the architect of your own healing. My work and my passion is to be that witness. I entered into the field of mental health to uplift the experiences of those who often struggle to find responsive and attuned care. As a queer, biracial, Latine therapist and advocate, I am wholly dedicated to opening a space with you through which you can experience repair, discovery, growth and transformation.
As a trauma specialist, I utilize person-centered, narrative and expressive art therapies to support trauma survivors of all kinds, with an emphasis on people who have been impacted by sexual assault, intimate partner violence and hate-motivated violence.
During times of struggle, you have an absolute right to support from an attentive, warm, trustworthy witness - someone who believes in your strength and brilliance when you can no longer see it, and who stands by your side as you emerge as the architect of your own healing. My work and my passion is to be that witness. I entered into the field of mental health to uplift the experiences of those who often struggle to find responsive and attuned care. As a queer, biracial, Latine therapist and advocate, I am wholly dedicated to opening a space with you through which you can experience repair, discovery, growth and transformation.
(510) 944-1268 View (510) 944-1268
Photo of DeAnna Boothe Tapp, LCMHC, Counselor
DeAnna Boothe Tapp
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27713
The counseling process is a partnership. I believe some of life's most difficult moments can be processed and healed through the therapeutic relationship. Whether you are in a hard life transition, dealing with chronic anxiety, or working on a challenging relationship, counseling can be the vehicle to help get you to the other side. I seek to build a compassionate, safe relationship with you so that we can work together to explore what’s happening in your life. Our team strives to support you in the way that you need, while providing comprehensive services based on evidence based modalities.
The counseling process is a partnership. I believe some of life's most difficult moments can be processed and healed through the therapeutic relationship. Whether you are in a hard life transition, dealing with chronic anxiety, or working on a challenging relationship, counseling can be the vehicle to help get you to the other side. I seek to build a compassionate, safe relationship with you so that we can work together to explore what’s happening in your life. Our team strives to support you in the way that you need, while providing comprehensive services based on evidence based modalities.
(984) 459-7454 View (984) 459-7454
Photo of Krista K Nabar - Carolina Sexual Wellness Center, PsyD, CST, Psychologist
Carolina Sexual Wellness Center
Psychologist, PsyD, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707
We offer individual, couples, family, and group therapy for a wide range of concerns.
At Carolina Sexual Wellness Center, we strive to provide a supportive and safe environment where clients can resolve issues related to sex, sexuality and gender. Examples of areas we specialize in include but are not limited to sexual dysfunction, compulsive or impulsive sexual behavior (also known as "sex addiction"), couples and relationship issues surrounding sexuality, sexual identity development, gender orientation concerns, and sexual behaviors or fantasies that may be considered problematic. Although many people with sexual problems feel alone, it is important to know you are not.
We offer individual, couples, family, and group therapy for a wide range of concerns.
At Carolina Sexual Wellness Center, we strive to provide a supportive and safe environment where clients can resolve issues related to sex, sexuality and gender. Examples of areas we specialize in include but are not limited to sexual dysfunction, compulsive or impulsive sexual behavior (also known as "sex addiction"), couples and relationship issues surrounding sexuality, sexual identity development, gender orientation concerns, and sexual behaviors or fantasies that may be considered problematic. Although many people with sexual problems feel alone, it is important to know you are not.
(919) 751-4363 View (919) 751-4363
Photo of Shawnta Wright, MA, LCMHCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shawnta Wright
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27704
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS # S7739) & the owner of Mindful Bodies LLC, in Durham NC. I provide clinical supervision to LCMHCAs, mental health counseling to other therapists & to individuals, couples & groups. I utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method Couples Counseling & other modalities to help my clients resolve concerns including, but not limited to, sexual assault , domestic violence, BLM & LGBTQIA related concerns, stress management, anxiety, depression, parenting & couples skills, life-work balance, body image, self image, eating disorders & general weight management.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS # S7739) & the owner of Mindful Bodies LLC, in Durham NC. I provide clinical supervision to LCMHCAs, mental health counseling to other therapists & to individuals, couples & groups. I utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method Couples Counseling & other modalities to help my clients resolve concerns including, but not limited to, sexual assault , domestic violence, BLM & LGBTQIA related concerns, stress management, anxiety, depression, parenting & couples skills, life-work balance, body image, self image, eating disorders & general weight management.
(919) 551-3459 View (919) 551-3459
Photo of Nelly Amariglio, PhD, HSP-P, Psychologist
Nelly Amariglio
Psychologist, PhD, HSP-P
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27705
I specialize in providing evidence-based therapeutic modalities to individuals, couples, dyads and families who seek support around mood-related issues (anxiety, depression), trauma, relational challenges, emotional regulation and adaptation to life events and life transitions.
My passion centers on the ways in which early relationships, life experiences and cultural contexts shape our worldviews and impact our choices, coping and performance. I also focus on the interplay between the mind and the physical body, and the ways we can use this connection to increase well-being and overall functioning. Over the past 15 years I have worked in various academic medical institutions and hospitals (UCLA, CHLA), using research-based interventions to guide individuals (children, youth and adults), couples and families in working towards agency, personal growth, positive change, insight, and adaptation to life events.
I specialize in providing evidence-based therapeutic modalities to individuals, couples, dyads and families who seek support around mood-related issues (anxiety, depression), trauma, relational challenges, emotional regulation and adaptation to life events and life transitions.
My passion centers on the ways in which early relationships, life experiences and cultural contexts shape our worldviews and impact our choices, coping and performance. I also focus on the interplay between the mind and the physical body, and the ways we can use this connection to increase well-being and overall functioning. Over the past 15 years I have worked in various academic medical institutions and hospitals (UCLA, CHLA), using research-based interventions to guide individuals (children, youth and adults), couples and families in working towards agency, personal growth, positive change, insight, and adaptation to life events.
(984) 369-9078 View (984) 369-9078
Photo of Tatyana Kholodkov, PhD, DYRT, Psychologist
Tatyana Kholodkov
Psychologist, PhD, DYRT
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707
If you feel called to do deep work on your journey to wellness, let's partner together.
Suffering presents itself in a number of ways- behaviors and relationships we desire to change, uncomfortable emotions, chronic health problems, and feeling out of touch with meaning in our lives. I aim to help clients not only feel better, but live a life according to their values. I work with adults across the lifespan to heal trauma, anxiety, and depression. Clients come seeking deeper insights and growth. I also offer customized intensives, ketamine assisted psychotherapy and psychedelic preparation/integration, and end of life support to individuals and families. My group practice affirms diversity, sex and body positivity.
If you feel called to do deep work on your journey to wellness, let's partner together.
Suffering presents itself in a number of ways- behaviors and relationships we desire to change, uncomfortable emotions, chronic health problems, and feeling out of touch with meaning in our lives. I aim to help clients not only feel better, but live a life according to their values. I work with adults across the lifespan to heal trauma, anxiety, and depression. Clients come seeking deeper insights and growth. I also offer customized intensives, ketamine assisted psychotherapy and psychedelic preparation/integration, and end of life support to individuals and families. My group practice affirms diversity, sex and body positivity.
(919) 351-8251 View (919) 351-8251
Photo of Kati Burkhart, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kati Burkhart
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27713
Kat also wants to help couples who are seeking to understand each other's desires and needs better and though she does not work with couples struggling with infertility, she is supportive of working with couples in other ways!.
Kat Burkhart is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with over 4 years of experience working with adults and seniors who are seeking assistance in coping with anxiety, stress, ADHD, depression, dysfunctional relationships, life transitions, and sexual dysfunction. Kat works with many different kinds of people, but her main focus revolves around sex therapy. Kat earned her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Sex Therapy from Capella University. She tends to think outside the box and come up with coping skills, or techniques that may be outside of traditional methods.
Kat also wants to help couples who are seeking to understand each other's desires and needs better and though she does not work with couples struggling with infertility, she is supportive of working with couples in other ways!.
Kat Burkhart is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with over 4 years of experience working with adults and seniors who are seeking assistance in coping with anxiety, stress, ADHD, depression, dysfunctional relationships, life transitions, and sexual dysfunction. Kat works with many different kinds of people, but her main focus revolves around sex therapy. Kat earned her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Sex Therapy from Capella University. She tends to think outside the box and come up with coping skills, or techniques that may be outside of traditional methods.
(919) 804-0592 View (919) 804-0592
Photo of Barb Gau, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Barb Gau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27705  (Online Only)
Please email me for an individual or couples therapy consultation or a life coaching session today.
As a therapist and life coach, my goal is to help you feel both empowered and at peace with yourself and your life and to guide you on a positive path to growth and well-being. Through our work together, I seek to help you uncover your true self, find your voice, & align your values & life choices. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. Simultaneously I will introduce you to tools and strategies that may help you better navigate the stress and anxiety of life and hopefully enable you to experience greater peace, joy, and well being. 
Please email me for an individual or couples therapy consultation or a life coaching session today.
As a therapist and life coach, my goal is to help you feel both empowered and at peace with yourself and your life and to guide you on a positive path to growth and well-being. Through our work together, I seek to help you uncover your true self, find your voice, & align your values & life choices. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. Simultaneously I will introduce you to tools and strategies that may help you better navigate the stress and anxiety of life and hopefully enable you to experience greater peace, joy, and well being. 
(919) 883-9133 View (919) 883-9133
Photo of Janice Geller, MA, LPC, LMBT, BC-DMT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Janice Geller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMBT, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27712
I have an engaged, body-mind relational approach, that I call Integrative Counseling. This approach builds on your strengths, and helps you cultivate self-awareness and find new perspectives, leading to a more satisfying and fulfilling life. Integrative counseling includes breathing and mindfulness practices, the development of body awareness, the experience of therapeutic touch, as well as verbal and emotional processing, depending on your needs. As a caring, well trained professional I help people to overcome anxiety, depression, relationship problems, physical pain, job stress, addiction, and life transitions in healthy, nurturing ways.
I have an engaged, body-mind relational approach, that I call Integrative Counseling. This approach builds on your strengths, and helps you cultivate self-awareness and find new perspectives, leading to a more satisfying and fulfilling life. Integrative counseling includes breathing and mindfulness practices, the development of body awareness, the experience of therapeutic touch, as well as verbal and emotional processing, depending on your needs. As a caring, well trained professional I help people to overcome anxiety, depression, relationship problems, physical pain, job stress, addiction, and life transitions in healthy, nurturing ways.
(919) 701-5373 View (919) 701-5373
Photo of Angela Teal, MA, NCLCMHC, LPC -GA
Angela Teal
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, NCLCMHC, LPC -GA
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27704  (Online Only)
Special interests include counseling young adults, couples, those struggling with life changes, relationships, grieving the incarcerated, mental illness (depression, anxiety, trauma).
In working with clients, my goal is to create a safe, accepting, and comfortable environment, which is conducive to allow you to grow as an individual and live the best life you can. We will form a mutual desirable relationship and focus our sessions by establishing and setting goals, which we will continue to assess throughout the counseling process. I will listen and remain attentive to your thoughts and concerns.
Special interests include counseling young adults, couples, those struggling with life changes, relationships, grieving the incarcerated, mental illness (depression, anxiety, trauma).
In working with clients, my goal is to create a safe, accepting, and comfortable environment, which is conducive to allow you to grow as an individual and live the best life you can. We will form a mutual desirable relationship and focus our sessions by establishing and setting goals, which we will continue to assess throughout the counseling process. I will listen and remain attentive to your thoughts and concerns.
(984) 283-5403 View (984) 283-5403
Photo of Jill D. Strickland, MA, LCMHC
Jill D. Strickland
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27703
Our relationship with clients is one we take sincerely.
ACCEPTing new clients virtually/in-person. Life can be hard, extremely tough at times. Do you feel like life has become too overwhelming? We offer a welcoming and compassionate environment where you can feel safe to talk about any challenge that is getting in the way of improving the quality of your life. Together, we will discover how you can begin to enjoy life again! We have experience with children, adolescents, and young adults transitioning to adulthood, relationships, family and marriage.
Our relationship with clients is one we take sincerely.
ACCEPTing new clients virtually/in-person. Life can be hard, extremely tough at times. Do you feel like life has become too overwhelming? We offer a welcoming and compassionate environment where you can feel safe to talk about any challenge that is getting in the way of improving the quality of your life. Together, we will discover how you can begin to enjoy life again! We have experience with children, adolescents, and young adults transitioning to adulthood, relationships, family and marriage.
(919) 533-9977 View (919) 533-9977
Photo of Bennett Wood, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bennett Wood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27707
I'm a therapist because I value complexity. We each have our own vision for a life that feels vibrant, authentic, and fulfilling. As your therapist, it's my job to walk with you through the process of learning about yourself, growing, and getting more of what you want out of life. I work primarily with queer and trans people age 11 and older but offer individual, relationship, and family therapy services to clients of all backgrounds. I also offer autism and ADHD assessments for adolescents and adults.
I'm a therapist because I value complexity. We each have our own vision for a life that feels vibrant, authentic, and fulfilling. As your therapist, it's my job to walk with you through the process of learning about yourself, growing, and getting more of what you want out of life. I work primarily with queer and trans people age 11 and older but offer individual, relationship, and family therapy services to clients of all backgrounds. I also offer autism and ADHD assessments for adolescents and adults.
(984) 217-4931 View (984) 217-4931
Photo of Ashlee Cooper, LCMHCA
Ashlee Cooper
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27705
I have experience working with adult individuals who are trying to sort out relationship issues.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with trying to find a therapist who is a good fit? If you are looking for a therapist who can help you with relationship issues, anxiety and past trauma by offering perspective and challenging you with care and support, then we may be a good fit for each other!
I have experience working with adult individuals who are trying to sort out relationship issues.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with trying to find a therapist who is a good fit? If you are looking for a therapist who can help you with relationship issues, anxiety and past trauma by offering perspective and challenging you with care and support, then we may be a good fit for each other!
(919) 408-7557 View (919) 408-7557
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.