Couples Counseling Therapists in Santa Rosa, CA

Photo of Suzanne S. Eaves, PsyD, Psychologist
Suzanne S. Eaves
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Welcome! If you are perusing this website, it is likely you are seeking meaningful change in your life. Perhaps you struggle with moods, relationship troubles, or traumas that negatively impact your life. As a psychologist, I have worked 16+ years serving many diverse clients, helping them to resolve problems, restore balance in their lives, feel whole again, and express themselves genuinely and skillfully in the world. My therapeutic approach is integrative in that I select from many treatment modalities to bring about positive change.
Welcome! If you are perusing this website, it is likely you are seeking meaningful change in your life. Perhaps you struggle with moods, relationship troubles, or traumas that negatively impact your life. As a psychologist, I have worked 16+ years serving many diverse clients, helping them to resolve problems, restore balance in their lives, feel whole again, and express themselves genuinely and skillfully in the world. My therapeutic approach is integrative in that I select from many treatment modalities to bring about positive change.
(707) 368-5170 View (707) 368-5170
Photo of Alexis Scarborough, MS, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Alexis Scarborough
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
I'm a warm, empathic, and engaged therapist offering collaborative support to teens, adults, and couples.
Are you experiencing frustrating patterns of relational conflict? Do you have pervasive feelings of anxiety, worry, and dread? Do you want to understand yourself and your choices more clearly and in greater depth? Perhaps you sense that your past is impacting your current wellbeing, but you aren't quite sure how. One thing is certain: you want to feel better. You may want to feel more confidant, more connected, and more alive in your relationships. You may long to breathe deeply and move through your days with increased ease, relaxation, and personal agency. Therapy can help, and we can do it together!
I'm a warm, empathic, and engaged therapist offering collaborative support to teens, adults, and couples.
Are you experiencing frustrating patterns of relational conflict? Do you have pervasive feelings of anxiety, worry, and dread? Do you want to understand yourself and your choices more clearly and in greater depth? Perhaps you sense that your past is impacting your current wellbeing, but you aren't quite sure how. One thing is certain: you want to feel better. You may want to feel more confidant, more connected, and more alive in your relationships. You may long to breathe deeply and move through your days with increased ease, relaxation, and personal agency. Therapy can help, and we can do it together!
(707) 343-4658 View (707) 343-4658
Photo of Molly DeBrock, MA, LPCC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Molly DeBrock
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Hi, I’m so glad you’ve found my page. Realizing that you can’t keep going the way you are is the first step towards change. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, persistent mental health issues, or trauma—together we can understand what’s happened for you and where you would like to be. I’d love to work with you to create lasting and meaningful change in your life. I work with individuals ranging from 12 years old and up. I also take couples, polyamorous formations, and families. I serve all LGBTQ populations as well as women, men, trans, GNC, and non-binary folks. Therapy starts with a 15 minute phone consultation, so let's talk!
Hi, I’m so glad you’ve found my page. Realizing that you can’t keep going the way you are is the first step towards change. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, persistent mental health issues, or trauma—together we can understand what’s happened for you and where you would like to be. I’d love to work with you to create lasting and meaningful change in your life. I work with individuals ranging from 12 years old and up. I also take couples, polyamorous formations, and families. I serve all LGBTQ populations as well as women, men, trans, GNC, and non-binary folks. Therapy starts with a 15 minute phone consultation, so let's talk!
(707) 229-1468 View (707) 229-1468
Photo of Maitri Joy, CHT, LMFT, CLC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maitri Joy
Marriage & Family Therapist, CHT, LMFT, CLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
I offer couples & individuals opportunity to heal difficult communications, overwhelming emotions and painful trauma, I borrow practices from several spiritual traditions, Native American, Buddhist, & Hindu; integrating them with cutting-edge coaching, energetic training, and shamanic practices to offer you a profound approach to personal growth, emotional intimacy and spiritual development. I support couples in finding a joyous sacred intimacy through the healing of their emotional, physical and spiritual pain. For individuals, I guide you in the deep knowing of yourself for emotional, mental and spiritual growth and awakening.
I offer couples & individuals opportunity to heal difficult communications, overwhelming emotions and painful trauma, I borrow practices from several spiritual traditions, Native American, Buddhist, & Hindu; integrating them with cutting-edge coaching, energetic training, and shamanic practices to offer you a profound approach to personal growth, emotional intimacy and spiritual development. I support couples in finding a joyous sacred intimacy through the healing of their emotional, physical and spiritual pain. For individuals, I guide you in the deep knowing of yourself for emotional, mental and spiritual growth and awakening.
(866) 756-0775 View (866) 756-0775
Photo of Patricia (Tricia) Ellis-Christensen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Patricia (Tricia) Ellis-Christensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95409  (Online Only)
Other specialties focus on life transitions, depression, anxiety, loss, and couples counseling.
Openings Available! It's easy to see what we want to change, but not easy to start. I can provide caring and empathy that makes the road to improvement, recovery or managing illnesses like depression, bipolar and anxiety a lot less lonely. Are you ready to start a conversation that can offer dramatic change? Then you're already moving with bravery and I want to meet you. My practice accepts Partnership/Carelon, Private Pay and Out of Network clients. Can't wait to speak with you.
Other specialties focus on life transitions, depression, anxiety, loss, and couples counseling.
Openings Available! It's easy to see what we want to change, but not easy to start. I can provide caring and empathy that makes the road to improvement, recovery or managing illnesses like depression, bipolar and anxiety a lot less lonely. Are you ready to start a conversation that can offer dramatic change? Then you're already moving with bravery and I want to meet you. My practice accepts Partnership/Carelon, Private Pay and Out of Network clients. Can't wait to speak with you.
(707) 708-4815 View (707) 708-4815
Photo of Emily Linders, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Emily Linders
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
I am here to help you listen to the signals of your body, mind, heart and relationship that are calling for a new way of being. Often these signals come in the form of conflict, sexual blocks, loneliness, depression, anxiety, addiction, grief; I believe they are an initiation. Something is out of sync: you know all the "right" things to do, and yet they still don't seem to get to the heart of the problem. You are beginning therapy because part of you knows it would be more uncomfortable to continue "business-as-usual" than to open to change.
I am here to help you listen to the signals of your body, mind, heart and relationship that are calling for a new way of being. Often these signals come in the form of conflict, sexual blocks, loneliness, depression, anxiety, addiction, grief; I believe they are an initiation. Something is out of sync: you know all the "right" things to do, and yet they still don't seem to get to the heart of the problem. You are beginning therapy because part of you knows it would be more uncomfortable to continue "business-as-usual" than to open to change.
(707) 207-8830 View (707) 207-8830
Photo of Michael William Sousa, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michael William Sousa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
I work with individuals and couples who are feeling challenged with their relationships. Whether it’s your intimate relationship or with a family member, friend, or coworker, you are discovering that relationships are hard. Do any of these sound familiar? It’s hard to communicate your wants and needs, you get stuck in the same arguments over and over. You feel like you're taking on more than you share, and not getting appreciated for it. You’re finding it challenging to talk about sex and don’t know how to communicate your desires. You want to move forward after infidelity but the memories of what happened hold you back.
I work with individuals and couples who are feeling challenged with their relationships. Whether it’s your intimate relationship or with a family member, friend, or coworker, you are discovering that relationships are hard. Do any of these sound familiar? It’s hard to communicate your wants and needs, you get stuck in the same arguments over and over. You feel like you're taking on more than you share, and not getting appreciated for it. You’re finding it challenging to talk about sex and don’t know how to communicate your desires. You want to move forward after infidelity but the memories of what happened hold you back.
(707) 986-3490 View (707) 986-3490
Photo of Dr. Cynthia Grow, PsyD, LMFT-CA, LMFT-FL, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Cynthia Grow
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT-CA, LMFT-FL
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95409  (Online Only)
Hello, and thank you for visiting my profile! I appreciate your courage in seeking therapy. This can feel like a huge step, but it's really like having skilled companionship on a safe, self-paced journey, customized specifically for you. Problems can feel overwhelming and that's when concentrated focus is important for relief. Sometimes just a "tune-up" is nice. Either way, you'll find me client-centered, compassionate, and non-judgemental. I'm a trauma recovery specialist (single incident or complex). I'm skilled in helping clients overcome depression, anxiety, grief, loss, relationship/parenting conflict, life transitions, & more.
Hello, and thank you for visiting my profile! I appreciate your courage in seeking therapy. This can feel like a huge step, but it's really like having skilled companionship on a safe, self-paced journey, customized specifically for you. Problems can feel overwhelming and that's when concentrated focus is important for relief. Sometimes just a "tune-up" is nice. Either way, you'll find me client-centered, compassionate, and non-judgemental. I'm a trauma recovery specialist (single incident or complex). I'm skilled in helping clients overcome depression, anxiety, grief, loss, relationship/parenting conflict, life transitions, & more.
(707) 735-6879 View (707) 735-6879
Photo of Jenifer Goss, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jenifer Goss
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
It takes courage to reach out for assistance to deepen or strengthen your own path. I honor that courage & each unique being’s sacred journey. I offer a supportive space and strong container to respectfully attend to your inner world for healing, greater self-knowledge, growth and transformation. I offer presence based, Somatic Psychotherapy for couples, individuals, families, and adolescents. This is a holistic, mindful approach where I work collaboratively with clients of all unique expressions in attending to your sacred inner life for greater awareness, clarity, & empowerment.
It takes courage to reach out for assistance to deepen or strengthen your own path. I honor that courage & each unique being’s sacred journey. I offer a supportive space and strong container to respectfully attend to your inner world for healing, greater self-knowledge, growth and transformation. I offer presence based, Somatic Psychotherapy for couples, individuals, families, and adolescents. This is a holistic, mindful approach where I work collaboratively with clients of all unique expressions in attending to your sacred inner life for greater awareness, clarity, & empowerment.
(707) 931-4062 View (707) 931-4062
Photo of Timea Tenkei, LMFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Timea Tenkei
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
The therapeutic relationship is essential for establishing and reaching goals, and therefore building this will be the focus of our initial sessions.
I support children, teens, and adults who are struggling with life challenges including anxiety, depression, difficulties with school attendance, behavioral issues, experienced trauma and domestic violence, issues around sexuality, eating disorders, self-image, self-esteem, immigration issues, gender identity, school difficulties, parenting challenges, postpartum depression, and women's issues. I spent a great portion of my carrier working with neuro-divergent children, adolescents and adults supporting them with developing new skills and manage daily challenges with a down to earth, friendly and proactive approach.
The therapeutic relationship is essential for establishing and reaching goals, and therefore building this will be the focus of our initial sessions.
I support children, teens, and adults who are struggling with life challenges including anxiety, depression, difficulties with school attendance, behavioral issues, experienced trauma and domestic violence, issues around sexuality, eating disorders, self-image, self-esteem, immigration issues, gender identity, school difficulties, parenting challenges, postpartum depression, and women's issues. I spent a great portion of my carrier working with neuro-divergent children, adolescents and adults supporting them with developing new skills and manage daily challenges with a down to earth, friendly and proactive approach.
(707) 785-8492 View (707) 785-8492
Photo of Jeremy Berlin Therapist And Transformational Coach, LMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jeremy Berlin Therapist And Transformational Coach
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
Does your anxiety & anger keep getting in the way? Worried you are losing your relationship? Want to build true confidence & authentic connection with others? Feeling burnt-out by constant pressure to achieve or meet others' expectations? You strive for a fulfilling life, yet at times you find yourself exhausted, held back & unable to deal; you find yourself escaping into work, a bottle, with food or porn. Gain the skills needed in order to not just get by, but to truly thrive. If you want to live your best life with less stress, more direction, & a life aligned with your true values, let's work together!
Does your anxiety & anger keep getting in the way? Worried you are losing your relationship? Want to build true confidence & authentic connection with others? Feeling burnt-out by constant pressure to achieve or meet others' expectations? You strive for a fulfilling life, yet at times you find yourself exhausted, held back & unable to deal; you find yourself escaping into work, a bottle, with food or porn. Gain the skills needed in order to not just get by, but to truly thrive. If you want to live your best life with less stress, more direction, & a life aligned with your true values, let's work together!
(707) 314-5820 View (707) 314-5820
Photo of Luis Enrique Suarez, MACP, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Luis Enrique Suarez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MACP, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
My focus is to support individuals, couples, and families on their journey to heal.
Welcome. My participation in helping families in crisis has provided me with a deep understanding of systems, culture, patterns, trauma, substance abuse, and relational dynamics. I'm fully bilingual (Spanish) and bicultural and have worked with people from diverse backgrounds.
My focus is to support individuals, couples, and families on their journey to heal.
Welcome. My participation in helping families in crisis has provided me with a deep understanding of systems, culture, patterns, trauma, substance abuse, and relational dynamics. I'm fully bilingual (Spanish) and bicultural and have worked with people from diverse backgrounds.
(707) 634-8977 View (707) 634-8977
Photo of Shannon Sweeney - Lomi Psychotherapy Clinic
Lomi Psychotherapy Clinic
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
The Lomi Psychotherapy Clinic has a 30-person counseling staff offering therapy geared toward each client's needs. We have provided effective, accessible, and affordable mental health services to our community since 1987. Our sliding-scale counseling program serves individual adults, adolescents, and children, and couples and families. We also offer group therapy and educational classes to the public.
The Lomi Psychotherapy Clinic has a 30-person counseling staff offering therapy geared toward each client's needs. We have provided effective, accessible, and affordable mental health services to our community since 1987. Our sliding-scale counseling program serves individual adults, adolescents, and children, and couples and families. We also offer group therapy and educational classes to the public.
(707) 607-6194 x227 View (707) 607-6194 x227
Photo of Sophora Acheson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sophora Acheson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95405  (Online Only)
My speciality is working with individuals and couples facing past traumas, relationship struggles, or high-stress decision-making in their job.
We've all experienced times of confusion, anger, and sadness, wanting for a safe and accepting space to navigate life's challenges. I'm dedicated to providing that place for you, helping you heal the parts that may feel lost and overwhelmed. As a compassionate straightforward Licensed Therapist, I specialize in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parts and Attachment Work. Together, we'll build the tool box you need for emotion regulation, fulfilling relationships, and to managing life's ups and downs with resilience.
My speciality is working with individuals and couples facing past traumas, relationship struggles, or high-stress decision-making in their job.
We've all experienced times of confusion, anger, and sadness, wanting for a safe and accepting space to navigate life's challenges. I'm dedicated to providing that place for you, helping you heal the parts that may feel lost and overwhelmed. As a compassionate straightforward Licensed Therapist, I specialize in EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parts and Attachment Work. Together, we'll build the tool box you need for emotion regulation, fulfilling relationships, and to managing life's ups and downs with resilience.
(916) 432-2626 View (916) 432-2626
Photo of Debbie Mizell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Debbie Mizell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in treating teens and adults suffering from anxiety, depression, difficulty managing emotions and relationship issues.
If you've been holding in your thoughts and feelings, hoping they just go away, and don't feel that you have an outlet, they'll likely come out in ways that impact your self-esteem and your relationships. You've likely been trying to solve your problems on your own for a while now but have realized that you need some help. I meet my clients where they're at using evidence based treatments tailored to meet your unique needs. I'm confident that we can work together to understand the causes of your struggles and address them with long-lasting results.
I specialize in treating teens and adults suffering from anxiety, depression, difficulty managing emotions and relationship issues.
If you've been holding in your thoughts and feelings, hoping they just go away, and don't feel that you have an outlet, they'll likely come out in ways that impact your self-esteem and your relationships. You've likely been trying to solve your problems on your own for a while now but have realized that you need some help. I meet my clients where they're at using evidence based treatments tailored to meet your unique needs. I'm confident that we can work together to understand the causes of your struggles and address them with long-lasting results.
(707) 504-3208 View (707) 504-3208
Photo of Kirsty Cordell, LMFT, MA, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kirsty Cordell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Being a human is complex. While some times allow for us to experience joy, pleasure, and fulfillment, other times may leave us feeling stuck, entrenched in patterns, disconnected from ourselves and others, or find it challenging to navigate the obstacles ahead. My role is to support clients in deepening their understanding of how they got to where they are, process experiences that influence present day reactivity and relationship patterns, shed feelings of inadequacy, reclaim their sense of agency, and re-author the narratives that bind them to create room to lead a more meaningful, fulfilling and satisfying life.
Being a human is complex. While some times allow for us to experience joy, pleasure, and fulfillment, other times may leave us feeling stuck, entrenched in patterns, disconnected from ourselves and others, or find it challenging to navigate the obstacles ahead. My role is to support clients in deepening their understanding of how they got to where they are, process experiences that influence present day reactivity and relationship patterns, shed feelings of inadequacy, reclaim their sense of agency, and re-author the narratives that bind them to create room to lead a more meaningful, fulfilling and satisfying life.
(707) 289-3973 View (707) 289-3973
Photo of Rebecca Lane Worsley, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rebecca Lane Worsley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Sometimes it's time to make a change and deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. Therapy can be quite helpful in this process through providing a safe, non-judgmental relationship from which to grow. I've been in private practice for over 20 years and I work with adults, couples, adolescents, and children from 5 years old and up. I would like you to know that you are not alone in this journey of growth and healing. I would like to come along side you as you improve and deepen your relationship with yourself and with others.
Sometimes it's time to make a change and deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. Therapy can be quite helpful in this process through providing a safe, non-judgmental relationship from which to grow. I've been in private practice for over 20 years and I work with adults, couples, adolescents, and children from 5 years old and up. I would like you to know that you are not alone in this journey of growth and healing. I would like to come along side you as you improve and deepen your relationship with yourself and with others.
(707) 549-6053 View (707) 549-6053
Photo of Claudia Haskel, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Claudia Haskel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Thank you for your interest in working with me. I am now accepting individual clients for in person, ongoing, depth psychotherapy and couples who want to work through longstanding mental health and relational issues and renew their romantic relationship. I love working with diverse ages, sexual orientations and gender identities. My clients are adults who deeply connect with their therapist and therapy, and their goals are greater self awareness and self actualization. I enjoy working with young adults and have served many to transition from living at home to living on their own, and succeeding at work, college and beyond.
Thank you for your interest in working with me. I am now accepting individual clients for in person, ongoing, depth psychotherapy and couples who want to work through longstanding mental health and relational issues and renew their romantic relationship. I love working with diverse ages, sexual orientations and gender identities. My clients are adults who deeply connect with their therapist and therapy, and their goals are greater self awareness and self actualization. I enjoy working with young adults and have served many to transition from living at home to living on their own, and succeeding at work, college and beyond.
(707) 206-6353 View (707) 206-6353
Photo of Debra Brennan, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debra Brennan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Couples enter therapy for a variety of reasons.
Hello, many people think about starting therapy when they are at one of life's crossroads or when they are in crisis. Whether this is happening in your personal life or in one of your relationships, therapy offers a safe and constructive place to address the concerns and issues you've been struggling with. Feeling stuck is very painful and even small changes can create positive differences in your life and help you start moving in a better, more hopeful direction. My treatment style is eclectic, warm, and verbal. I am supportive and like to focus on practical solutions.
Couples enter therapy for a variety of reasons.
Hello, many people think about starting therapy when they are at one of life's crossroads or when they are in crisis. Whether this is happening in your personal life or in one of your relationships, therapy offers a safe and constructive place to address the concerns and issues you've been struggling with. Feeling stuck is very painful and even small changes can create positive differences in your life and help you start moving in a better, more hopeful direction. My treatment style is eclectic, warm, and verbal. I am supportive and like to focus on practical solutions.
(707) 418-8984 View (707) 418-8984
Photo of Tim Stein, LMFT, CSAT-S, CCPS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tim Stein
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-S, CCPS
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Willow Tree Counseling’s therapists are trained in sex addiction and betrayal partner trauma.
Sex addiction impacts the addict and their partner. Sex addicts may experience preoccupation with sexual thoughts, hide sexual behaviors or activity from others, have sought help for problematic sexual behaviors, feel controlled by their sexual desire, feel depressed after sexual behavior, or notice others have suffered due to their sexual behavior? Partners of sex addicts may experience shock, intense anger, fear, and/or pain about their partner’s sexual behaviors, experience unexpected drops in sexual interest, feel like they are on an emotional roller coaster, or notice that past trauma keeps coming back and impacting them.
Willow Tree Counseling’s therapists are trained in sex addiction and betrayal partner trauma.
Sex addiction impacts the addict and their partner. Sex addicts may experience preoccupation with sexual thoughts, hide sexual behaviors or activity from others, have sought help for problematic sexual behaviors, feel controlled by their sexual desire, feel depressed after sexual behavior, or notice others have suffered due to their sexual behavior? Partners of sex addicts may experience shock, intense anger, fear, and/or pain about their partner’s sexual behaviors, experience unexpected drops in sexual interest, feel like they are on an emotional roller coaster, or notice that past trauma keeps coming back and impacting them.
(707) 200-2332 View (707) 200-2332
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.