Photo of Philip Timothy Guistwite, MDiv, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Philip Timothy Guistwite
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cary, NC 27511
I enjoy working with anyone who desires to maximize their strengths and overcome weaknesses. A desire to change and improve life, together with a willingness to work are the only requirements for good therapy. Change is possible for everyone and I enjoy enhancing and utilizing the natural strengths of people as they address growth issues. While understanding from where you have come in family and individual background, together we will develop goals that address the issues you desire to change. I work with individuals, couples and families to assist with any issues of concern.
I enjoy working with anyone who desires to maximize their strengths and overcome weaknesses. A desire to change and improve life, together with a willingness to work are the only requirements for good therapy. Change is possible for everyone and I enjoy enhancing and utilizing the natural strengths of people as they address growth issues. While understanding from where you have come in family and individual background, together we will develop goals that address the issues you desire to change. I work with individuals, couples and families to assist with any issues of concern.
(919) 701-5832 View (919) 701-5832
Photo of Monica L Mouer, MS, LCMHCS, CSAT, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Monica L Mouer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHCS, CSAT, EMDR
Verified Verified
15 Endorsed
Davidson, NC 28036
Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured. If you lack satisfaction in your life, counseling can help. I have a passion to see individuals live to their full potential with peace of mind, purpose in action and joy for everyday living. With over 15 years experience in counseling, education and pastoral ministry combined, I offer an educated perspective on many life issues. I am a trained in many trauma based and relational/family approaches to wholeness. I have extensive experience in working with teens and their families, couples and women's issues especially trauma, anger, emotional regulation, anxiety & depression.
Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured. If you lack satisfaction in your life, counseling can help. I have a passion to see individuals live to their full potential with peace of mind, purpose in action and joy for everyday living. With over 15 years experience in counseling, education and pastoral ministry combined, I offer an educated perspective on many life issues. I am a trained in many trauma based and relational/family approaches to wholeness. I have extensive experience in working with teens and their families, couples and women's issues especially trauma, anger, emotional regulation, anxiety & depression.
(704) 869-2018 View (704) 869-2018
Photo of Matthew Snyder - Full Circle Community Wellness, MS, MA, PsyD, LCMHCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Full Circle Community Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, PsyD, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Full Circle Counseling and Wellness provides access to high quality, experienced counselors and integrative wellness practitioners who operate in a holistic, community oriented environment. Our counselors have experience with a wide range of emotional and psychological health challenges and seek to make effective treatment strategies affordable and sustainable. We employ the power of relationship for therapeutic benefit and to help foster belonging and connection by surrounding you with resources and support. Whether making art together, weeding gardens, or playing a board game, we hope to provide community oriented opportunities for everyone.
Full Circle Counseling and Wellness provides access to high quality, experienced counselors and integrative wellness practitioners who operate in a holistic, community oriented environment. Our counselors have experience with a wide range of emotional and psychological health challenges and seek to make effective treatment strategies affordable and sustainable. We employ the power of relationship for therapeutic benefit and to help foster belonging and connection by surrounding you with resources and support. Whether making art together, weeding gardens, or playing a board game, we hope to provide community oriented opportunities for everyone.
(828) 483-4232 View (828) 483-4232
Photo of Elyse Edwards - Forsyth Family Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor
Forsyth Family Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Our licensed therapists have extensive training and experience in issues affecting adults, couples, children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in treating a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment, addiction, grief, women/men's issues, ADHD, oppositional/defiance, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and much more. We also offer extensive effective parenting training if your child is oppositional, defiant, and sometimes even aggressive.
Our licensed therapists have extensive training and experience in issues affecting adults, couples, children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in treating a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment, addiction, grief, women/men's issues, ADHD, oppositional/defiance, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and much more. We also offer extensive effective parenting training if your child is oppositional, defiant, and sometimes even aggressive.
(336) 750-6021 View (336) 750-6021
Photo of Paul Fugelsang - Open Path Psychotherapy Collective, MA, LPC, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, PhD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
We're a network of specialized, licensed therapists in the Asheville area who have joined together to provide reasonably priced therapy (between $40 and $70 a session) to middle income individuals and couples. If you make between $25,000 and $100,000 annually our network is designed to meet your needs.
We're a network of specialized, licensed therapists in the Asheville area who have joined together to provide reasonably priced therapy (between $40 and $70 a session) to middle income individuals and couples. If you make between $25,000 and $100,000 annually our network is designed to meet your needs.
(828) 592-2517 View (828) 592-2517
Photo of Kim Matone - Matone Counseling and Testing, LCMHC
Matone Counseling and Testing
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226
Matone Counseling operates two locations in Charlotte, and two in Asheville, NC. Our staff of over 50 clinicians includes psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and licensed mental health counselors. We offer evidence based approaches to help couples and individuals of all ages effectively address life challenges through a collaborative relationship. Our experienced staff will offer an environment that will feel safe, neutral, non judgmental and supportive.
Matone Counseling operates two locations in Charlotte, and two in Asheville, NC. Our staff of over 50 clinicians includes psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and licensed mental health counselors. We offer evidence based approaches to help couples and individuals of all ages effectively address life challenges through a collaborative relationship. Our experienced staff will offer an environment that will feel safe, neutral, non judgmental and supportive.
(704) 270-6595 View (704) 270-6595
Photo of Shauna Faile, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shauna Faile
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cornelius, NC 28031
I specialize in trauma, as well as couples therapy.
If life feels hard right now, I promise it will not feel this way forever. You deserve to find and believe in your greatness. My mission is to empower couples and individuals to re-author their narratives in order to find healing. Your path of purpose deserves your belief. Sometimes we just need someone to walk along side of us through the hardships to believe we can make it. I utilize my skills to empower others to find power in their stories. My approach can help you move past the false narratives you tell yourself that keep you stuck, and allow yourself to find healing and purpose. You will learn to own your greatness.
I specialize in trauma, as well as couples therapy.
If life feels hard right now, I promise it will not feel this way forever. You deserve to find and believe in your greatness. My mission is to empower couples and individuals to re-author their narratives in order to find healing. Your path of purpose deserves your belief. Sometimes we just need someone to walk along side of us through the hardships to believe we can make it. I utilize my skills to empower others to find power in their stories. My approach can help you move past the false narratives you tell yourself that keep you stuck, and allow yourself to find healing and purpose. You will learn to own your greatness.
(704) 327-5780 View (704) 327-5780
Photo of Kaylee Bynum, LCMHC, NCC, CCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kaylee Bynum
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Moyock, NC 27958
I believe in a collaborative relationship that empowers, emboldens, & inspires lifelong change.
I provide a full range of psychotherapy services that guide individuals in reaching their potential & discovering a life that thrives, not just survives. Using personally tailored techniques and therapeutic approaches, I help clients get "unstuck" and experience joy. I work with those experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, marital issues, parenting issues, career indecision, behavioral problems, and more. I offer concrete tools that allow individuals to meet their unique goals and dreams. If I am unable to meet your. needs, I will make sure I find the perfect fit from our 14 other providers.
I believe in a collaborative relationship that empowers, emboldens, & inspires lifelong change.
I provide a full range of psychotherapy services that guide individuals in reaching their potential & discovering a life that thrives, not just survives. Using personally tailored techniques and therapeutic approaches, I help clients get "unstuck" and experience joy. I work with those experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, marital issues, parenting issues, career indecision, behavioral problems, and more. I offer concrete tools that allow individuals to meet their unique goals and dreams. If I am unable to meet your. needs, I will make sure I find the perfect fit from our 14 other providers.
(252) 302-2324 View (252) 302-2324
Photo of Lifecare Counseling And Coaching - LifeCare Counseling and Coaching, PC, LCMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, MD, PA, NPs
LifeCare Counseling and Coaching, PC
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, LCMHCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, MD, PA, NPs
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Holly Springs, NC 27540
Our counselors have a broad range of specialties to address mental health concerns, life transitions, relationship issues, and career choices.
At LifeCare Counseling & Coaching, we are passionate about serving others by integrating the best psychiatric and mental health practices as well as spiritual care for the soul. Our team of licensed practitioners provide therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families of all kinds. We are a multi-site practice located at the Raleigh/Cary border, Wake Forest, Brier Creek, Holly Springs, Chapel Hill, the Triad area and Wilmington. In addition, many of our providers offer online therapy and we have interns who offer counseling on a sliding scale.
Our counselors have a broad range of specialties to address mental health concerns, life transitions, relationship issues, and career choices.
At LifeCare Counseling & Coaching, we are passionate about serving others by integrating the best psychiatric and mental health practices as well as spiritual care for the soul. Our team of licensed practitioners provide therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families of all kinds. We are a multi-site practice located at the Raleigh/Cary border, Wake Forest, Brier Creek, Holly Springs, Chapel Hill, the Triad area and Wilmington. In addition, many of our providers offer online therapy and we have interns who offer counseling on a sliding scale.
(984) 205-8702 View (984) 205-8702
Photo of Barbara Jean Lowe, PhD, LP, BCC, SEP, Psychologist
Barbara Jean Lowe
Psychologist, PhD, LP, BCC, SEP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615
At Greenleaf Psychological Support Services, we work with individuals, couples, families, & groups to provide help, hope, relief.
Are you hurting, frustrated, or feel stuck? I honor your courage to seek wholeness & growth. I know you want relief. Enduring change through therapy can happen for you. Trauma, relationship challenges, family struggles & internal pain can be shifted! I welcome you into a space of honor, hope, safety, & power to change. I partner w/ you to achieve your goals for skillful living, belonging, & wholeness. I artfully employ therapeutic & scientific techniques that bring wellness to the heart & mind (SE, DBT, ART, CBT, IFS, EMDR, Gottman, EFT). Ages 5-75. I also offer faith integration upon request. I offer hourly sessions & intensives.
At Greenleaf Psychological Support Services, we work with individuals, couples, families, & groups to provide help, hope, relief.
Are you hurting, frustrated, or feel stuck? I honor your courage to seek wholeness & growth. I know you want relief. Enduring change through therapy can happen for you. Trauma, relationship challenges, family struggles & internal pain can be shifted! I welcome you into a space of honor, hope, safety, & power to change. I partner w/ you to achieve your goals for skillful living, belonging, & wholeness. I artfully employ therapeutic & scientific techniques that bring wellness to the heart & mind (SE, DBT, ART, CBT, IFS, EMDR, Gottman, EFT). Ages 5-75. I also offer faith integration upon request. I offer hourly sessions & intensives.
(919) 585-1575 View (919) 585-1575
Photo of Rich Schlauch - Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC, MSW, LISW-CP, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-CP, LCSW
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28201
An award-winning counseling practice that provides individual, family, couples / marital therapy & group counseling in Rock Hill, SC / Fort Mill, SC area.
Palmetto Counseling is an established outpatient behavioral healthcare clinic with two locations — Rock Hill, SC, and Fort Mill, SC, both less than 30 miles from downtown Charlotte, NC. Opening in 2008, we are one of the largest mental health practices committed to offering the highest quality, accessible care, catered to all individuals across our widespread community. To schedule appointment Call 803-329-9639. tion.
An award-winning counseling practice that provides individual, family, couples / marital therapy & group counseling in Rock Hill, SC / Fort Mill, SC area.
Palmetto Counseling is an established outpatient behavioral healthcare clinic with two locations — Rock Hill, SC, and Fort Mill, SC, both less than 30 miles from downtown Charlotte, NC. Opening in 2008, we are one of the largest mental health practices committed to offering the highest quality, accessible care, catered to all individuals across our widespread community. To schedule appointment Call 803-329-9639. tion.
(803) 666-8150 View (803) 666-8150
Photo of Jessica Jeremiah, LCSW, LCAS, CCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Jeremiah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
Mebane, NC 27302
Every person I serve has a unique story. While some clients experience challenges in just one area, most experience difficulty multiple areas (mental health, trauma, loss, addiction), creating a complex, vicious cycle if not all parts are addressed. The circumstances that bring someone to therapy do not come in 'neat little packages.' I enjoy sorting out the pieces with each client, getting to the root of the issue, and offering a combination of evidence-based therapeutic interventions that help clients finally begin to experience relief, and start living a happier, more fulfilled life.
Every person I serve has a unique story. While some clients experience challenges in just one area, most experience difficulty multiple areas (mental health, trauma, loss, addiction), creating a complex, vicious cycle if not all parts are addressed. The circumstances that bring someone to therapy do not come in 'neat little packages.' I enjoy sorting out the pieces with each client, getting to the root of the issue, and offering a combination of evidence-based therapeutic interventions that help clients finally begin to experience relief, and start living a happier, more fulfilled life.
(919) 585-5163 View (919) 585-5163
Photo of Loredana Pampinella - P & G Clinical Services, PhD, LCMHCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
P & G Clinical Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226  (Online Only)
We are accepting new patients! Hablamos y ofrecemos servicios en Español. Estamos aceptando nuevos pacientes. I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) and bicultural professional who has worked with abused children, adolescents, adults and their families who have experienced trauma. I have also worked with individuals with other mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, impulse control, addiction disorders, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc.).
We are accepting new patients! Hablamos y ofrecemos servicios en Español. Estamos aceptando nuevos pacientes. I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) and bicultural professional who has worked with abused children, adolescents, adults and their families who have experienced trauma. I have also worked with individuals with other mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, impulse control, addiction disorders, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc.).
(704) 207-0995 View (704) 207-0995
Photo of Christopher Floro - Thrive Counseling & Consulting PLLC, LCMHC, LMFT, MSW, LCAS, RPT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Thrive Counseling & Consulting PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCMHC, LMFT, MSW, LCAS, RPT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Fayetteville, NC 28304
Our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. We all experience moments that leave us feeling hopeless, sad, frustrated, angry, or frightened. However, life is not meant to be lived in that place of darkness. While we can't change the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. Using complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will help unearth old behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're ready to take steps forward, we are ready to help.
Our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. We all experience moments that leave us feeling hopeless, sad, frustrated, angry, or frightened. However, life is not meant to be lived in that place of darkness. While we can't change the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. Using complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will help unearth old behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're ready to take steps forward, we are ready to help.
(910) 483-5884 View (910) 483-5884
Photo of Christopher J Ketchman - Haymount Institute for Psychological Services, PsyD, Psychologist
Haymount Institute for Psychological Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Fayetteville, NC 28305
The power to make positive changes is within us all. The goal of holistic wellness is to "change the lens" and give a healthier perspective for a peaceful and more content life. Our intention is to provide a confidential, professional and supportive environment in which individuals and families can identify problem areas, explore what prevents the problem from being solved, and help you develop and learn skills that can enhance your quality of life.
The power to make positive changes is within us all. The goal of holistic wellness is to "change the lens" and give a healthier perspective for a peaceful and more content life. Our intention is to provide a confidential, professional and supportive environment in which individuals and families can identify problem areas, explore what prevents the problem from being solved, and help you develop and learn skills that can enhance your quality of life.
(910) 719-3087 View (910) 719-3087
Photo of Tammy Maxey, LCMHC, LCAS, CEDS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tammy Maxey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS, CEDS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Waitlist for new clients
When we are not feeling at our best due to stress, anxiety, depression, family conflict, addiction etc., it effects every other aspect of our lives. It takes strength and courage to recognize that something needs to change. I like to work with my clients in a collaborative and supportive style that provides a blend of coaching, interactive interventions and by instilling hope about their future. Where you are today does not mean that you have to be there tomorrow
When we are not feeling at our best due to stress, anxiety, depression, family conflict, addiction etc., it effects every other aspect of our lives. It takes strength and courage to recognize that something needs to change. I like to work with my clients in a collaborative and supportive style that provides a blend of coaching, interactive interventions and by instilling hope about their future. Where you are today does not mean that you have to be there tomorrow
(828) 475-8634 View (828) 475-8634
Photo of Nicole Moriarty - Nicole Moriarty: Trauma Resolution Therapy, MS, LPC
Nicole Moriarty: Trauma Resolution Therapy
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28203
There is a solution. There is hope. And there is healing. Anxiety, depression, disordered eating, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, disruption in relationships, substance abuse, and on and on. These are curable, changeable, healable issues. When you go straight to the root of the issue, you can bring deep, lasting change. And we now know that the root of every mental health disorder (and many physical diseases as well) is some form of unresolved trauma. Trauma refers to any moment in our lives that our resources were overwhelmed. Big or small, single events or years-long patterns-if we don't have the support to process it, we store it.
There is a solution. There is hope. And there is healing. Anxiety, depression, disordered eating, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, disruption in relationships, substance abuse, and on and on. These are curable, changeable, healable issues. When you go straight to the root of the issue, you can bring deep, lasting change. And we now know that the root of every mental health disorder (and many physical diseases as well) is some form of unresolved trauma. Trauma refers to any moment in our lives that our resources were overwhelmed. Big or small, single events or years-long patterns-if we don't have the support to process it, we store it.
(803) 918-5462 View (803) 918-5462
Photo of Uranda Waller - N.E.W. Touch Counseling, LLC (Mrs. Waller), LCSW, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
N.E.W. Touch Counseling, LLC (Mrs. Waller)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28202  (Online Only)
I have a strong belief that through Nurturing, Education and Wisdom, all clients can gain the skill set needed to become more independent and improve their overall functioning. I am adamant and passionate about serving individuals to ensure their needs are met. I believe it is imperative to meet individuals where they are, as well as ensure they are being treated with dignity and respect while receiving treatment. I desire to support clients and other professionals in learning and/or improving areas that will be beneficial in the future.
I have a strong belief that through Nurturing, Education and Wisdom, all clients can gain the skill set needed to become more independent and improve their overall functioning. I am adamant and passionate about serving individuals to ensure their needs are met. I believe it is imperative to meet individuals where they are, as well as ensure they are being treated with dignity and respect while receiving treatment. I desire to support clients and other professionals in learning and/or improving areas that will be beneficial in the future.
(757) 960-8048 View (757) 960-8048
Photo of Robert E. McCarthy - McCarthy Counseling Associates, PA, PhD, LPC, CCMHC, BCIM, BCN, Licensed Professional Counselor
McCarthy Counseling Associates, PA
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CCMHC, BCIM, BCN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28401
Dr. Robert E. McCarthy is an internationally-known authority in integrative medicine and a Licensed and Multi-Board Certified Professional Counselor and Supervisor providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a range of psychiatric, medical, neurological and developmental disorders. He specializes in state-of-the-art QEEG, biofeedback, neurofeedback, hemoencephalography and transcranial photobiomodulation, and is a contributing author to the landmark book Neurofeedback: The First Fifty Years and wrote Setting up A State-f-the-Art Integrative Medicine Practice sold by BFE worldwide.
Dr. Robert E. McCarthy is an internationally-known authority in integrative medicine and a Licensed and Multi-Board Certified Professional Counselor and Supervisor providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a range of psychiatric, medical, neurological and developmental disorders. He specializes in state-of-the-art QEEG, biofeedback, neurofeedback, hemoencephalography and transcranial photobiomodulation, and is a contributing author to the landmark book Neurofeedback: The First Fifty Years and wrote Setting up A State-f-the-Art Integrative Medicine Practice sold by BFE worldwide.
(843) 483-8029 View (843) 483-8029
Photo of Patty Hickham Tousey - Magnolia Counseling, PLLC, PhD, LCMHCA, Counselor
Magnolia Counseling, PLLC
Counselor, PhD, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
Hickory, NC 28601  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
With training in Somatic Experiencing, trauma-informed yoga, and EMDR, it is my true passion to meet individuals in their discomfort and vulnerability, with empathy, unconditional understanding, and tools to build a strong therapeutic relationship, and facilitate growth, healing, and the integration of mind, brain, and body.
Patty Hickham Tousey, PhD, LCMHCA. Life experiences, particularly traumatic events and relationships, impact all facets of life (all the way down to the nervous system), but we continue to move naturally towards healing and growth. I want to work with you to help facilitate that process! Self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-compassion are some of the essential foundations of wellness. I'm devoted to helping clients navigate their healing journey to cultivate a deep sense of self-love and understanding.
With training in Somatic Experiencing, trauma-informed yoga, and EMDR, it is my true passion to meet individuals in their discomfort and vulnerability, with empathy, unconditional understanding, and tools to build a strong therapeutic relationship, and facilitate growth, healing, and the integration of mind, brain, and body.
Patty Hickham Tousey, PhD, LCMHCA. Life experiences, particularly traumatic events and relationships, impact all facets of life (all the way down to the nervous system), but we continue to move naturally towards healing and growth. I want to work with you to help facilitate that process! Self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-compassion are some of the essential foundations of wellness. I'm devoted to helping clients navigate their healing journey to cultivate a deep sense of self-love and understanding.
(336) 664-8187 View (336) 664-8187

See more therapy options for North Carolina

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.