Couples Counseling Therapists in North Bend, WA

Photo of Jenna Patterson - Reflections Counseling, MS, LMFT, SUDP, CMHS, MHP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jenna Patterson - Reflections Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, SUDP, CMHS, MHP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
North Bend, WA 98045
Waitlist for new clients
An area of speciality is family therapy as well as couples and premarital therapy.
I view each individual's problems in the context of their life and relationships. My approach to therapy is best described as relational, client centered, and outcomes-focused. I provide therapeutic services to individuals, families, and couples whose interests are personal growth and development, relationship enhancement, individual and career transitions. I feel passionate about working with families and helping to foster better communication between couples as well as children and their parents.
An area of speciality is family therapy as well as couples and premarital therapy.
I view each individual's problems in the context of their life and relationships. My approach to therapy is best described as relational, client centered, and outcomes-focused. I provide therapeutic services to individuals, families, and couples whose interests are personal growth and development, relationship enhancement, individual and career transitions. I feel passionate about working with families and helping to foster better communication between couples as well as children and their parents.
(425) 209-8216 View (425) 209-8216
Photo of Mario Gaspar de Alba Larch Counseling, MFTcand, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Mario Gaspar de Alba Larch Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFTcand
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
North Bend, WA 98045
We believe people have a relationship with a problem, and are not themselves the problem.
At Larch Counseling, we help hurting adolescents, overwhelmed parents, disconnected couples, and everyone in-between find hope that things can be different in their lives. That life can be lived without a constant feeling of frustration, pain, sadness or being misunderstood. A life that is full of connection and lacks conflict. Once this hope is realized, we work with you to achieve this healthier way of living.
We believe people have a relationship with a problem, and are not themselves the problem.
At Larch Counseling, we help hurting adolescents, overwhelmed parents, disconnected couples, and everyone in-between find hope that things can be different in their lives. That life can be lived without a constant feeling of frustration, pain, sadness or being misunderstood. A life that is full of connection and lacks conflict. Once this hope is realized, we work with you to achieve this healthier way of living.
(425) 407-5044 x35 View (425) 407-5044 x35
Photo of Serena Robertson | Larch Counseling, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Serena Robertson | Larch Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Bend, WA 98045
We believe people have a relationship with a problem, and are not themselves the problem.
At Larch Counseling, we help hurting adolescents, overwhelmed parents, disconnected couples, and everyone in-between find hope that things can be different in their lives. That life can be lived without a constant feeling of frustration, pain, sadness or being misunderstood. A life that is full of connection and lacks conflict. Once this hope is realized, we work with you to achieve this healthier way of living.
We believe people have a relationship with a problem, and are not themselves the problem.
At Larch Counseling, we help hurting adolescents, overwhelmed parents, disconnected couples, and everyone in-between find hope that things can be different in their lives. That life can be lived without a constant feeling of frustration, pain, sadness or being misunderstood. A life that is full of connection and lacks conflict. Once this hope is realized, we work with you to achieve this healthier way of living.
(425) 382-7525 View (425) 382-7525
Photo of Jim Morley - Reflections Counseling, MA, LMHC, SUDP, Counselor
Jim Morley - Reflections Counseling
Counselor, MA, LMHC, SUDP
Verified Verified
North Bend, WA 98045
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy working with individuals age 15 and older as well as couples and families. My style of counseling is an integrative one, combining humor, education, and interventions encompassing a broad range of therapeutic approaches. My experience includes a strong background in mental health and addiction counseling. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness based practices. I bring with me an array of life experiences working and traveling abroad. I believe change can happen in a few focused sessions. Therapy does not necessarily have to be long term to be effective.
I enjoy working with individuals age 15 and older as well as couples and families. My style of counseling is an integrative one, combining humor, education, and interventions encompassing a broad range of therapeutic approaches. My experience includes a strong background in mental health and addiction counseling. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness based practices. I bring with me an array of life experiences working and traveling abroad. I believe change can happen in a few focused sessions. Therapy does not necessarily have to be long term to be effective.
(425) 209-8216 View (425) 209-8216
Photo of Gavin Versi - Reflections Counseling, Pre-Licensed Professional
Gavin Versi - Reflections Counseling
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
North Bend, WA 98045
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties are managing depression/anxiety, healing trauma, and relationship enhancement. I also enjoy working with individuals and families facing addiction, especially process addictions such as social media, pornography, gambling, and food. My style is best described as experiential, which means that we learn and grow through experience (rather than being told what to do). I view everyone's problems in the context of their life, history, and relationships. As a somatic practitioner, I believe that our body is our most effective healing tool.
My specialties are managing depression/anxiety, healing trauma, and relationship enhancement. I also enjoy working with individuals and families facing addiction, especially process addictions such as social media, pornography, gambling, and food. My style is best described as experiential, which means that we learn and grow through experience (rather than being told what to do). I view everyone's problems in the context of their life, history, and relationships. As a somatic practitioner, I believe that our body is our most effective healing tool.
(425) 585-4665 View (425) 585-4665
Photo of David Paul Eck, MA, LMHC, Counselor
David Paul Eck
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
North Bend, WA 98045
For 31 years I have counseled adults and couples depressed, anxious or insecure with life's challenges, while others struggled in relationship or the responsibilities of parenting. Some hurt from a difficult loss or transition. And some clients arrived wondering if there is yet more to their existence. My practice allows me to give focused attention to the needs of each client. I am a compassionate listener, yet also recognize that change requires a measured degree of challenge and ultimately concrete action. I am engaging, proactive and creative, always looking for solutions tailored to my client's personal needs.
For 31 years I have counseled adults and couples depressed, anxious or insecure with life's challenges, while others struggled in relationship or the responsibilities of parenting. Some hurt from a difficult loss or transition. And some clients arrived wondering if there is yet more to their existence. My practice allows me to give focused attention to the needs of each client. I am a compassionate listener, yet also recognize that change requires a measured degree of challenge and ultimately concrete action. I am engaging, proactive and creative, always looking for solutions tailored to my client's personal needs.
(425) 786-9923 View (425) 786-9923
Photo of Dan Claussen | Larch Counseling, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dan Claussen | Larch Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
North Bend, WA 98045
We believe people have a relationship with a problem, and are not themselves the problem.
At Larch Counseling, we help hurting adolescents, overwhelmed parents, disconnected couples, and everyone in-between find hope that things can be different in their lives. That life can be lived without a constant feeling of frustration, pain, sadness or being misunderstood. A life that is full of connection and lacks conflict. Once this hope is realized, we work with you to achieve this healthier way of living.
We believe people have a relationship with a problem, and are not themselves the problem.
At Larch Counseling, we help hurting adolescents, overwhelmed parents, disconnected couples, and everyone in-between find hope that things can be different in their lives. That life can be lived without a constant feeling of frustration, pain, sadness or being misunderstood. A life that is full of connection and lacks conflict. Once this hope is realized, we work with you to achieve this healthier way of living.
(425) 200-0130 View (425) 200-0130
Photo of Aubrey Lane | Larch Counseling, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Aubrey Lane | Larch Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
North Bend, WA 98045
We believe people have a relationship with a problem, and are not themselves the problem.
At Larch Counseling, we help hurting adolescents, overwhelmed parents, disconnected couples, and everyone in-between find hope that things can be different in their lives. That life can be lived without a constant feeling of frustration, pain, sadness or being misunderstood. A life that is full of connection and lacks conflict. Once this hope is realized, we work with you to achieve this healthier way of living.
We believe people have a relationship with a problem, and are not themselves the problem.
At Larch Counseling, we help hurting adolescents, overwhelmed parents, disconnected couples, and everyone in-between find hope that things can be different in their lives. That life can be lived without a constant feeling of frustration, pain, sadness or being misunderstood. A life that is full of connection and lacks conflict. Once this hope is realized, we work with you to achieve this healthier way of living.
(425) 382-8878 View (425) 382-8878
Photo of Kristen Thorsen, LMHC, MEd, Counselor
Kristen Thorsen
Counselor, LMHC, MEd
Verified Verified
North Bend, WA 98045
I enjoy working with both individuals and couples.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or are you having difficulty in your relationship? I am a firm believer that everyone can benefit from counseling at one point or another. I aim to create a safe environment, where my clients can feel heard and respected as we work together to identify your personal values and move towards a life that reflects those values. When working with couples, my goal is to help resolve painful conflicts and help you and your partner to build a rich and meaningful relationship, with increased intimacy, connection, and understanding.
I enjoy working with both individuals and couples.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or are you having difficulty in your relationship? I am a firm believer that everyone can benefit from counseling at one point or another. I aim to create a safe environment, where my clients can feel heard and respected as we work together to identify your personal values and move towards a life that reflects those values. When working with couples, my goal is to help resolve painful conflicts and help you and your partner to build a rich and meaningful relationship, with increased intimacy, connection, and understanding.
(425) 906-3128 View (425) 906-3128
Photo of Nina Erichsen, MA, LMFT, CCAPT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nina Erichsen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CCAPT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Bend, WA 98045
Waitlist for new clients
I work with age 12 and up and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, family and couples/marriage concerns.
I work in collaboration with clients to discover the keys to finding a more meaningful connection with those around them in order to develop a more satisfying life, while identifying and incorporating client’s strengths, resources and resiliency. Creating an environment that is compassionate, empathetic, safe and non-judgmental for each individual in the room is as important as the therapy itself. I enjoy working with diverse cultures, ethnicities, religions, and the LGBTQ+ communities, using people’s own experiences and understanding of their world to process individualized and meaningful change towards a more satisfying ​life.
I work with age 12 and up and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, family and couples/marriage concerns.
I work in collaboration with clients to discover the keys to finding a more meaningful connection with those around them in order to develop a more satisfying life, while identifying and incorporating client’s strengths, resources and resiliency. Creating an environment that is compassionate, empathetic, safe and non-judgmental for each individual in the room is as important as the therapy itself. I enjoy working with diverse cultures, ethnicities, religions, and the LGBTQ+ communities, using people’s own experiences and understanding of their world to process individualized and meaningful change towards a more satisfying ​life.
(425) 272-6254 View (425) 272-6254
Photo of Ryanne T Lindberg, LSWAIC, MHP, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ryanne T Lindberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSWAIC, MHP, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Bend, WA 98045
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is just show up” -Brene Brown At this time, I only provide Telemental health therapy services for individuals and couples 10 years old and older in the state of Washington.
My ideal client is someone that is trying to figure out how to thrive in their life. Building deeper understanding of how their past is connected to their current and future self. My client wants to feel better, have deeper connections and find their own happiness. Often my client sees the good in others and will bend over backward for their family, friends and coworkers, but finds, it’s hard to treat themselves as well as everyone else. My client might also be a family member of a service member, or a service member or veteran themselves, trying to wrestle with the intricacies of military culture, deployments, high ops tempo…
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is just show up” -Brene Brown At this time, I only provide Telemental health therapy services for individuals and couples 10 years old and older in the state of Washington.
My ideal client is someone that is trying to figure out how to thrive in their life. Building deeper understanding of how their past is connected to their current and future self. My client wants to feel better, have deeper connections and find their own happiness. Often my client sees the good in others and will bend over backward for their family, friends and coworkers, but finds, it’s hard to treat themselves as well as everyone else. My client might also be a family member of a service member, or a service member or veteran themselves, trying to wrestle with the intricacies of military culture, deployments, high ops tempo…
(253) 465-9074 View (253) 465-9074
Photo of Brigitte Arnett, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brigitte Arnett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
North Bend, WA 98045
The fact that you are reading this shows that you are taking the first step toward healing. Finding a therapist to walk with you during a difficult time can be challenging and identifying a therapist that “fits right” is just as important as the journey itself. You may be struggling with a big life change, broken relationship, parenting challenges, health problems, anxiety/depression or marital distress among many other issues. You are ready to do the work needed to live a balanced and fulfilling life. It is my honor to hold space with you as you journey toward resolution and restored health.
The fact that you are reading this shows that you are taking the first step toward healing. Finding a therapist to walk with you during a difficult time can be challenging and identifying a therapist that “fits right” is just as important as the journey itself. You may be struggling with a big life change, broken relationship, parenting challenges, health problems, anxiety/depression or marital distress among many other issues. You are ready to do the work needed to live a balanced and fulfilling life. It is my honor to hold space with you as you journey toward resolution and restored health.
(253) 364-6806 View (253) 364-6806
Photo of Courtney Bell - Insight Mental Health Group, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Insight Mental Health Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Bend, WA 98045
Insight Mental Health Group is a network of skilled mental health professionals dedicated to providing individuals, couples, and families with a safe space to explore, understand, and evolve problematic perspectives, beliefs, and patterns of interaction. With values rooted in compassion, collaboration, integrity, and individuality; we are committed to providing each client with the individualized care needed to reach their mental health and relationship goals. To ensure our clients' needs and preferences are met, our providers offer both in-office and virtual visits. Whether it is to assist in addressing anxiety or depression, to help to resolve marital or family conflict, to facilitate healing from the effects of trauma and loss, to aid in dealing with grief or coping with stress, or to provide support and direction for any number of other issues arising from interpersonal relationships, the workplace, school, or self-exploration and personal growth, we are here for you.
Insight Mental Health Group is a network of skilled mental health professionals dedicated to providing individuals, couples, and families with a safe space to explore, understand, and evolve problematic perspectives, beliefs, and patterns of interaction. With values rooted in compassion, collaboration, integrity, and individuality; we are committed to providing each client with the individualized care needed to reach their mental health and relationship goals. To ensure our clients' needs and preferences are met, our providers offer both in-office and virtual visits. Whether it is to assist in addressing anxiety or depression, to help to resolve marital or family conflict, to facilitate healing from the effects of trauma and loss, to aid in dealing with grief or coping with stress, or to provide support and direction for any number of other issues arising from interpersonal relationships, the workplace, school, or self-exploration and personal growth, we are here for you.
(425) 981-5455 View (425) 981-5455
Photo of Stacy J Heinle, LICSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stacy J Heinle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Bend, WA 98045
Hi! Looking for a therapist is not easy, great job taking the first step. Choosing someone to work with on issues of depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, the addiction of loved ones, unexpected life changes, complex trauma, secondary trauma, is also no small feat. My approach is to create a safe and healing space for us to talk about and work through tough issues, to listen and hear your experience, to guide you to potential solutions and find ways of achieving your goals. I have 20 years of experience working with individuals and couples facing challenges and believe anything is possible.
Hi! Looking for a therapist is not easy, great job taking the first step. Choosing someone to work with on issues of depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, the addiction of loved ones, unexpected life changes, complex trauma, secondary trauma, is also no small feat. My approach is to create a safe and healing space for us to talk about and work through tough issues, to listen and hear your experience, to guide you to potential solutions and find ways of achieving your goals. I have 20 years of experience working with individuals and couples facing challenges and believe anything is possible.
(425) 532-4352 View (425) 532-4352
Photo of Arynn Prescott, MA, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Arynn Prescott
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
North Bend, WA 98045  (Online Only)
I support individuals, couples, and mother-daughter duos with a strength-based, relational, and emotion-focused approach.
Somehow, a longing, block, or pain led you to seek support. This could be ongoing self-doubt, a painful relationship pattern, past trauma, or so much is happening that life feels unmanageable. Together, we can unearth deeper understanding, change, and connection in your life. I often see relationships as especially powerful and challenging places for growth, so I offer support to reconnect with yourself or your partner, lower relationship anxiety, manage anger, rebuild trust and intimacy, heal after loss or a breakup, or untangle emotional patterns that keep you from fully living. You don't have to carry stress or anxiety alone.
I support individuals, couples, and mother-daughter duos with a strength-based, relational, and emotion-focused approach.
Somehow, a longing, block, or pain led you to seek support. This could be ongoing self-doubt, a painful relationship pattern, past trauma, or so much is happening that life feels unmanageable. Together, we can unearth deeper understanding, change, and connection in your life. I often see relationships as especially powerful and challenging places for growth, so I offer support to reconnect with yourself or your partner, lower relationship anxiety, manage anger, rebuild trust and intimacy, heal after loss or a breakup, or untangle emotional patterns that keep you from fully living. You don't have to carry stress or anxiety alone.
(253) 243-3240 View (253) 243-3240
Photo of Courtney Bell, MA, LMFT, CMHS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Courtney Bell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CMHS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
North Bend, WA 98045
Not accepting new clients
I believe the client/therapist relationship is an important and powerful component of change and as a result, work from a place of objectivity, acceptance, and transparency.
My goal is to help individuals and couples experience healthier and happier lives and relationships by providing them with a safe and accepting space to navigate and overcome the challenges they're facing. I help clients discover their strengths while empowering them to understand the "why" of negative patterns and the "how" of making changes. I strive to create a therapeutic process that is enlightening, encouraging, and empowering through educating and supporting my clients. I primarily work with clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship distress, infidelity, and grief/loss.
I believe the client/therapist relationship is an important and powerful component of change and as a result, work from a place of objectivity, acceptance, and transparency.
My goal is to help individuals and couples experience healthier and happier lives and relationships by providing them with a safe and accepting space to navigate and overcome the challenges they're facing. I help clients discover their strengths while empowering them to understand the "why" of negative patterns and the "how" of making changes. I strive to create a therapeutic process that is enlightening, encouraging, and empowering through educating and supporting my clients. I primarily work with clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship distress, infidelity, and grief/loss.
(425) 946-2425 View (425) 946-2425

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Michelle Furtado, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Michelle Furtado
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Snoqualmie, WA 98065
Whether you are seeking therapy due to understanding a relationship, trying to manage a life transition or develop new coping skills, my work with clients focuses on helping you get to know yourself better so you are equip to navigate life’s challenges.
I have experience working through relationship issues/divorce, betrayal/infidelity, breakups, grief, codependency, perinatal adjustment/loss/infertility, life transitions, self-esteem, shame, addiction, anxiety, depression and burnout. I also have worked alongside other therapists, those in the helping profession or individuals responsible for caring for others.
Whether you are seeking therapy due to understanding a relationship, trying to manage a life transition or develop new coping skills, my work with clients focuses on helping you get to know yourself better so you are equip to navigate life’s challenges.
I have experience working through relationship issues/divorce, betrayal/infidelity, breakups, grief, codependency, perinatal adjustment/loss/infertility, life transitions, self-esteem, shame, addiction, anxiety, depression and burnout. I also have worked alongside other therapists, those in the helping profession or individuals responsible for caring for others.
View
Photo of Chelsea Wilkes, MA, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Chelsea Wilkes
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Snoqualmie, WA 98065  (Online Only)
In her practice, Chelsea integrates evidence-based modalities such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and Gottman Couples Therapy.
Chelsea is a Couples and Family Therapy Associate with a passion for helping individuals, couples, and families build stronger and more fulfilling relationships. With her warm and empathetic approach, she creates a safe and supportive space for her clients to explore their emotions, understand their relational patterns, and foster positive change. With a client-centered approach, Chelsea ensures that her clients feel seen, heard, and valued throughout their therapeutic journey. She believes that every individual and relationship has unique strengths and potential for growth.
In her practice, Chelsea integrates evidence-based modalities such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and Gottman Couples Therapy.
Chelsea is a Couples and Family Therapy Associate with a passion for helping individuals, couples, and families build stronger and more fulfilling relationships. With her warm and empathetic approach, she creates a safe and supportive space for her clients to explore their emotions, understand their relational patterns, and foster positive change. With a client-centered approach, Chelsea ensures that her clients feel seen, heard, and valued throughout their therapeutic journey. She believes that every individual and relationship has unique strengths and potential for growth.
(425) 475-2396 View (425) 475-2396
Photo of Melanie Liperi, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melanie Liperi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Snoqualmie, WA 98065
As a Marriage & Family Therapist I treat individuals, couples, and families, and consider the whole family system in my approach.
I find it a joy and a privilege to help you face difficult life challenges and improve the quality of your relationships. I believe the client-therapist relationship is a critical component of the therapeutic process. It is my priority to offer a warm and welcoming space for you to feel validated and empowered. Together, we will identify personal strengths, increase self-worth, explore family behavioral patterns and barriers to healthy relationships. I believe you already have the tools you need for change and personal growth. It takes a safe space to release emotional weight and begin to see life from a new perspective.
As a Marriage & Family Therapist I treat individuals, couples, and families, and consider the whole family system in my approach.
I find it a joy and a privilege to help you face difficult life challenges and improve the quality of your relationships. I believe the client-therapist relationship is a critical component of the therapeutic process. It is my priority to offer a warm and welcoming space for you to feel validated and empowered. Together, we will identify personal strengths, increase self-worth, explore family behavioral patterns and barriers to healthy relationships. I believe you already have the tools you need for change and personal growth. It takes a safe space to release emotional weight and begin to see life from a new perspective.
(425) 642-1223 View (425) 642-1223
Photo of Ellina Bokov, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ellina Bokov
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Snoqualmie, WA 98065  (Online Only)
I specialize in couples counseling and currently only accept couples for therapy.
Relationships are so beautifully complex. The relationship that was created has the power to be your source of joy or your most painful place in life. Unfortunately, many couples decide to stay in their discomfort as opposed to seeking out help and potentially transforming their lives together. If your relationship hit a roadblock, if you feel hopeless for the future, or if you are seeking greater fulfillment in your relationship, I would love to help you.
I specialize in couples counseling and currently only accept couples for therapy.
Relationships are so beautifully complex. The relationship that was created has the power to be your source of joy or your most painful place in life. Unfortunately, many couples decide to stay in their discomfort as opposed to seeking out help and potentially transforming their lives together. If your relationship hit a roadblock, if you feel hopeless for the future, or if you are seeking greater fulfillment in your relationship, I would love to help you.
(425) 578-5806 View (425) 578-5806

See more therapy options for North Bend

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.