Couples Counseling Therapists in Bloomington, IN

Photo of Dayana Ferrera, LMHC, MSEd, Counselor
Dayana Ferrera
Counselor, LMHC, MSEd
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47401
My counseling approach is grounded in strengthening the client’s natural tendency towards healing, resiliency, and adaptation. I strive to empower my clients, and believe in a therapeutic relationship that is built on collaboration and trust. This allows me to provide my clients with the tools they need to manage challenges - helping them identify and implement more adaptive and healthy ways to resolve conflict and explore opportunities for growth.
My counseling approach is grounded in strengthening the client’s natural tendency towards healing, resiliency, and adaptation. I strive to empower my clients, and believe in a therapeutic relationship that is built on collaboration and trust. This allows me to provide my clients with the tools they need to manage challenges - helping them identify and implement more adaptive and healthy ways to resolve conflict and explore opportunities for growth.
(812) 203-4249 View (812) 203-4249
Photo of Dawn H Lindeman - Lindeman & Associates Psychological Services, PhD, NCC, HSPP, Psychologist
Lindeman & Associates Psychological Services
Psychologist, PhD, NCC, HSPP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bloomington, IN 47401
As needed, I work with professionals in the fields of education, law, and healthcare in a cooperative relationship to provide consultation to facilitate and support the well being of clients.
I specialize in conducting psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. All evaluations focus on the development of individuals with an emphasis on change and growth. Psychological assessment, clinical interviewing, and a thorough review of collateral information are utilized to provide a comprehensive summary, accurate diagnosis, and relevant recommendations to address the many diverse concerns experienced by different individuals.
As needed, I work with professionals in the fields of education, law, and healthcare in a cooperative relationship to provide consultation to facilitate and support the well being of clients.
I specialize in conducting psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. All evaluations focus on the development of individuals with an emphasis on change and growth. Psychological assessment, clinical interviewing, and a thorough review of collateral information are utilized to provide a comprehensive summary, accurate diagnosis, and relevant recommendations to address the many diverse concerns experienced by different individuals.
(812) 717-4672 View (812) 717-4672
Photo of Bret Eartheart, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bret Eartheart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bloomington, IN 47401
Whether you work with both my wife and I or just me, you can be certain that you will get everything you need to have a thriving relationship! As leaders in our field who specialize in couples counseling you can be sure you are getting the absolute best support possible!.
I specialize in couples and marriage counseling and will get you on the fast track to having the relationship you've always wanted! Whether you are on the edge of divorce, hungry to reclaim passion, eager to break through the challenges that create disconnection, conflict, and pain, or simply want to experience your relationship's greatest potential, I will teach you the tools, information, and practices it takes to have a thriving relationship! Visit: www.CenterForThrivingRelationships.com. Click on "Coaching and Counseling" to learn about private sessions, and visit the "Retreats" page to learn about our upcoming couples retreats. Let's make your life great!
Whether you work with both my wife and I or just me, you can be certain that you will get everything you need to have a thriving relationship! As leaders in our field who specialize in couples counseling you can be sure you are getting the absolute best support possible!.
I specialize in couples and marriage counseling and will get you on the fast track to having the relationship you've always wanted! Whether you are on the edge of divorce, hungry to reclaim passion, eager to break through the challenges that create disconnection, conflict, and pain, or simply want to experience your relationship's greatest potential, I will teach you the tools, information, and practices it takes to have a thriving relationship! Visit: www.CenterForThrivingRelationships.com. Click on "Coaching and Counseling" to learn about private sessions, and visit the "Retreats" page to learn about our upcoming couples retreats. Let's make your life great!
(812) 496-0452 View (812) 496-0452
Photo of Marissa Colangelo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marissa Colangelo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47401  (Online Only)
I truly care about the well being of my clients and go to great lengths to build a strong rapport, as a therapeutic relationship is often the foundation to change.
My ideal Client is someone who is motivated to work on themselves and dive deeper into emotional wounds that create barriers to your every day life. Being ready for change is an important factor in treatment feeling beneficial and we aren’t always motivated for change. Honesty and openness are key ingredients to building a life worth living, even on the days we feel burnt out and unmotivated.
I truly care about the well being of my clients and go to great lengths to build a strong rapport, as a therapeutic relationship is often the foundation to change.
My ideal Client is someone who is motivated to work on themselves and dive deeper into emotional wounds that create barriers to your every day life. Being ready for change is an important factor in treatment feeling beneficial and we aren’t always motivated for change. Honesty and openness are key ingredients to building a life worth living, even on the days we feel burnt out and unmotivated.
(812) 892-2576 View (812) 892-2576
Photo of Bryan Shepard - Dauntless Counseling and Consulting, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dauntless Counseling and Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47401  (Online Only)
Dauntless Counseling and Consulting specializes in the treatment of trauma, couples distress, anxiety, depression, and a host of other struggles pertaining to the human condition in today's world.
When you have suffered trauma, you learn early on that you can not say "no". As a result, maybe you struggle with people pleasing, saying "yes" to whatever comes up to avoid conflict, and hopefully, demonstrate your value. Maybe you feel like you can't trust yourself, can't trust others, and are destined to live a life of powerlessness and shame. When was the last time you remember having good sleep? The last you felt good enough? Safe? Whole? Or maybe you are concerned about ailing relationships in your life; be they with family, friends, or your partner? Maybe you want to feel closer to others but don't know how? We can help.
Dauntless Counseling and Consulting specializes in the treatment of trauma, couples distress, anxiety, depression, and a host of other struggles pertaining to the human condition in today's world.
When you have suffered trauma, you learn early on that you can not say "no". As a result, maybe you struggle with people pleasing, saying "yes" to whatever comes up to avoid conflict, and hopefully, demonstrate your value. Maybe you feel like you can't trust yourself, can't trust others, and are destined to live a life of powerlessness and shame. When was the last time you remember having good sleep? The last you felt good enough? Safe? Whole? Or maybe you are concerned about ailing relationships in your life; be they with family, friends, or your partner? Maybe you want to feel closer to others but don't know how? We can help.
(812) 393-2359 View (812) 393-2359
Photo of Christine J Arthur, MA, LMHC, ATR-BC, ATCS, Counselor
Christine J Arthur
Counselor, MA, LMHC, ATR-BC, ATCS
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47404
Waitlist for new clients
Integrating art therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and talk therapy, I offer a unique treatment approach for adults, teens, and families. In my 27 years of practice, I have extensive experience working with trauma (PTSD), abuse, mood disorders, anxiety disorders (including OCD) and interpersonal/ relationship difficulties. My approach is supportive, collaborative and strength-based. I find fulfillment in helping individuals experience empowerment, increase resilience and make life changes that are sustainable and rewarding. My office is located downtown Bloomington in the historic Faris Building.
Integrating art therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and talk therapy, I offer a unique treatment approach for adults, teens, and families. In my 27 years of practice, I have extensive experience working with trauma (PTSD), abuse, mood disorders, anxiety disorders (including OCD) and interpersonal/ relationship difficulties. My approach is supportive, collaborative and strength-based. I find fulfillment in helping individuals experience empowerment, increase resilience and make life changes that are sustainable and rewarding. My office is located downtown Bloomington in the historic Faris Building.
(812) 758-4005 View (812) 758-4005
Photo of Brandt Badger, MSEd, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Brandt Badger
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bloomington, IN 47403
With individuals, couples, and especially parents, my passion is helping you heal from pain and find the bravest parts of yourself.
With individuals, couples, and especially parents, my passion is helping you heal from pain and find the bravest parts of yourself.
(812) 370-4988 View (812) 370-4988
Photo of Victoria Fox, LCSW, Counselor
Victoria Fox
Counselor, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47405
Please reach out to me today and schedule an appointment with our kind and polite staff so I can partner with you to improve your life.
My ideal client is someone who feels stuck concerning their relationships, emotions, work, finances, health, or purpose. They are looking for an identity outside of parent or worker. They are feeling depressed and hopeless lately. They are the type that is generally anxious, worried, or on edge. Their goal may be to change their life, but they are not sure how. They may have tried a ton of different self-help, spiritual, or healing modalities on their own but had moments where they have started to think it's never going to happen for them. They need to break free of nonproductive cycles and poor choices to change their lives.
Please reach out to me today and schedule an appointment with our kind and polite staff so I can partner with you to improve your life.
My ideal client is someone who feels stuck concerning their relationships, emotions, work, finances, health, or purpose. They are looking for an identity outside of parent or worker. They are feeling depressed and hopeless lately. They are the type that is generally anxious, worried, or on edge. Their goal may be to change their life, but they are not sure how. They may have tried a ton of different self-help, spiritual, or healing modalities on their own but had moments where they have started to think it's never going to happen for them. They need to break free of nonproductive cycles and poor choices to change their lives.
(463) 263-3870 View (463) 263-3870
Photo of Michael Whiteside, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michael Whiteside
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bloomington, IN 47403  (Online Only)
I believe in collaboration with my clients, after all you are the expert on your life. My aim is to partner with you when providing an individually personalized approach to healing, growth, and the alleviation of hurts, hangups, and heartbreak. Life can be hard, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. I and my organization, Reclaiming Royalty, see you as a full person that deserves a full life. Therapy or Life Coaching can help, and we value this investment in yourself. It takes courage to talk about the things that have hurt you, are currently hurting you, and can hurt you in the future.
I believe in collaboration with my clients, after all you are the expert on your life. My aim is to partner with you when providing an individually personalized approach to healing, growth, and the alleviation of hurts, hangups, and heartbreak. Life can be hard, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. I and my organization, Reclaiming Royalty, see you as a full person that deserves a full life. Therapy or Life Coaching can help, and we value this investment in yourself. It takes courage to talk about the things that have hurt you, are currently hurting you, and can hurt you in the future.
(812) 613-4041 View (812) 613-4041
Photo of Stacey Kim - Compassionate Living Now, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Compassionate Living Now
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47404
Services include individual therapy for adults, children and adolescents, as well as couples, family and relational therapy.
**Openings for private pay and insurance clients. Please visit our website to see individual therapist descriptions and availability. Compassionate Living Now is a mental health practice in Bloomington, Indiana, dedicated to deep therapeutic work, personal transformation, and kindness-in-action. We offer traditional talk therapy and tools for living a radically compassionate life. Our work is grounded in the principles of equity, inclusion, and acceptance, and a belief that as we work to heal individual trauma and oppression at all levels, a more global change is possible.
Services include individual therapy for adults, children and adolescents, as well as couples, family and relational therapy.
**Openings for private pay and insurance clients. Please visit our website to see individual therapist descriptions and availability. Compassionate Living Now is a mental health practice in Bloomington, Indiana, dedicated to deep therapeutic work, personal transformation, and kindness-in-action. We offer traditional talk therapy and tools for living a radically compassionate life. Our work is grounded in the principles of equity, inclusion, and acceptance, and a belief that as we work to heal individual trauma and oppression at all levels, a more global change is possible.
(812) 370-5508 View (812) 370-5508
Photo of Matt Stanley, MS, EdS, LMHC, Counselor
Matt Stanley
Counselor, MS, EdS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47404
Building a trusting and empathetic relationship with my clients is at the heart of my practice.
Life is hard. Sometimes we all need some support and guidance to get us to a healthier/happier place. In my practice, I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), among other research-based approaches, to help individuals navigate life's challenges and achieve meaningful change. By focusing on acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings rather than their elimination, I assist clients in fostering psychological flexibility and resilience. Through compassionate exploration of values and committed action, clients learn to align their behaviors with their deepest aspirations, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Building a trusting and empathetic relationship with my clients is at the heart of my practice.
Life is hard. Sometimes we all need some support and guidance to get us to a healthier/happier place. In my practice, I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), among other research-based approaches, to help individuals navigate life's challenges and achieve meaningful change. By focusing on acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings rather than their elimination, I assist clients in fostering psychological flexibility and resilience. Through compassionate exploration of values and committed action, clients learn to align their behaviors with their deepest aspirations, leading to a more fulfilling life.
(812) 432-1353 View (812) 432-1353
Photo of Joanne Baum, PhD, LCSW, CAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joanne Baum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, CAS
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47404  (Online Only)
As a therapist, I partner with the person I am working with and we collaboratively explore options that may fit your needs and bring you where you want to be, and how you want to be in your life. I am available for TeleHealth Sessions throughout Colorado. If you are wanting to tackle issues such as Addiction, Codependency, Trauma, Sexuality, Unmanageable Stress and Anxiety, Gambling, ADD/ADHD, Feeling Intimidated by a Life Transition ("What is next?") or Feeling Stuck and wanting to make Personal or Career Changes we may want to meet. I use Brainspotting, talk therapies, and a variety of other treatment methods like CBT, MI, & DBT.
As a therapist, I partner with the person I am working with and we collaboratively explore options that may fit your needs and bring you where you want to be, and how you want to be in your life. I am available for TeleHealth Sessions throughout Colorado. If you are wanting to tackle issues such as Addiction, Codependency, Trauma, Sexuality, Unmanageable Stress and Anxiety, Gambling, ADD/ADHD, Feeling Intimidated by a Life Transition ("What is next?") or Feeling Stuck and wanting to make Personal or Career Changes we may want to meet. I use Brainspotting, talk therapies, and a variety of other treatment methods like CBT, MI, & DBT.
(812) 203-5260 View (812) 203-5260
Photo of Jonna Marie Capio - Jonna Marie Capio, LMHC, LLC, MS, EdS, LMHC, Counselor
Jonna Marie Capio, LMHC, LLC
Counselor, MS, EdS, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bloomington, IN 47401
Waitlist for new clients
My training, experiences, and interest is in grief, loss & depression, anxiety & panic, trauma, emotional & relationship distress, life adjustments, transitions & "dark nights of the soul", substance abuse & compulsions, emotional regulation, women's issues, and effective communication skills training.
I have a waitlist. If you are in a life crisis, a life shift, need behavioral changes, feel "stuck" or if you have found yourself in "transition" where life is demanding you adjust, I would be honored to assist you on your journey. I have a deep respect for the strength, resilience, and depth of people and am passionate about assisting with healing and authentic growth. My style is collaborative and integrates a variety of counseling approaches including; cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, educational, supportive and spiritual.
My training, experiences, and interest is in grief, loss & depression, anxiety & panic, trauma, emotional & relationship distress, life adjustments, transitions & "dark nights of the soul", substance abuse & compulsions, emotional regulation, women's issues, and effective communication skills training.
I have a waitlist. If you are in a life crisis, a life shift, need behavioral changes, feel "stuck" or if you have found yourself in "transition" where life is demanding you adjust, I would be honored to assist you on your journey. I have a deep respect for the strength, resilience, and depth of people and am passionate about assisting with healing and authentic growth. My style is collaborative and integrates a variety of counseling approaches including; cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, educational, supportive and spiritual.
(812) 783-8774 View (812) 783-8774
Photo of Owen Taggart Miller, LMHCA, Counselor
Owen Taggart Miller
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47404
I'm a strong believer that the therapeutic relationship is the best tool for supporting clients, which I build with deep listening, curiosity, thoughtful questions, and a profound presence supported by my daily meditation practice.
I enjoy working with both complicated mental health concerns and generally healthy people struggling to adjust to their ever-changing lives. After identifying your goals in therapy, I will support you in understanding and overcoming barriers to these goals in the context of your life, mind, and body. The exploration this entails will help you generate self-compassion while accomplishing meaningful change. Your initial goals will be the focus of this exploration, but clients often achieve even greater change as well. I have particular skill working with personality disorders, sexual concerns, LGBTQ+ issues, and existential issues.
I'm a strong believer that the therapeutic relationship is the best tool for supporting clients, which I build with deep listening, curiosity, thoughtful questions, and a profound presence supported by my daily meditation practice.
I enjoy working with both complicated mental health concerns and generally healthy people struggling to adjust to their ever-changing lives. After identifying your goals in therapy, I will support you in understanding and overcoming barriers to these goals in the context of your life, mind, and body. The exploration this entails will help you generate self-compassion while accomplishing meaningful change. Your initial goals will be the focus of this exploration, but clients often achieve even greater change as well. I have particular skill working with personality disorders, sexual concerns, LGBTQ+ issues, and existential issues.
(812) 587-7869 View (812) 587-7869
Photo of Maria Carrasco, LCSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maria Carrasco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47403
I assist adults, parents, couples, older students, struggling with a variety of issues.
You ultimately have the best knowledge of what will work for you when it comes to making changes and living your most positive life. My job is to help guide you in finding solutions to challenges which we all face in our day to day experiences. At times these challenges require more assistance than at other times. I will give you a space to be heard and together we will explore ways to grow, cope, change, learn, etc. from a strength based approach. We can all gain a more peaceful existence while telling our story no matter what that is. I understand it’s so difficult to tell sometimes.
I assist adults, parents, couples, older students, struggling with a variety of issues.
You ultimately have the best knowledge of what will work for you when it comes to making changes and living your most positive life. My job is to help guide you in finding solutions to challenges which we all face in our day to day experiences. At times these challenges require more assistance than at other times. I will give you a space to be heard and together we will explore ways to grow, cope, change, learn, etc. from a strength based approach. We can all gain a more peaceful existence while telling our story no matter what that is. I understand it’s so difficult to tell sometimes.
(812) 737-3215 View (812) 737-3215
Photo of Muhammad Saahir, EdS, LMHC, Counselor
Muhammad Saahir
Counselor, EdS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47404  (Online Only)
The Blue Sofa Counseling Services: A place where you are welcome. An ideal client would be an individual who is willing to work on becoming critical of negative self-talk and have a willingness to become more aware of their overall thought process. Issues that I have experience of working with include, but are not limited to: depressed moods, anxiety-related​ disorders, and adjustment issues. Additionally, the ideal couple would consist of two individuals who are interested in working together on common goals to help strengthen the positive qualities within their growing relationship.
The Blue Sofa Counseling Services: A place where you are welcome. An ideal client would be an individual who is willing to work on becoming critical of negative self-talk and have a willingness to become more aware of their overall thought process. Issues that I have experience of working with include, but are not limited to: depressed moods, anxiety-related​ disorders, and adjustment issues. Additionally, the ideal couple would consist of two individuals who are interested in working together on common goals to help strengthen the positive qualities within their growing relationship.
(812) 301-8540 View (812) 301-8540
Photo of Lisa Autry, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Autry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47403
It would be an honor to work with you building a relationship and identifying your vision of where you want to be and collaborating together to help you get there.
We all have challenges we face and in moving through those it is so helpful to have guidance. I see my role as providing a safe space for you to feel comfortable sharing your journey. I can assist you in discovering new insights into your situation, bringing clarity regarding your challenges, recognizing unhelpful ways of thinking, developing new skills and cultivating optimal potential for growth and desired changes. Our relationship that develops and grows is the foundation of the collaborative work we can do offering encouragement and support along the way.
It would be an honor to work with you building a relationship and identifying your vision of where you want to be and collaborating together to help you get there.
We all have challenges we face and in moving through those it is so helpful to have guidance. I see my role as providing a safe space for you to feel comfortable sharing your journey. I can assist you in discovering new insights into your situation, bringing clarity regarding your challenges, recognizing unhelpful ways of thinking, developing new skills and cultivating optimal potential for growth and desired changes. Our relationship that develops and grows is the foundation of the collaborative work we can do offering encouragement and support along the way.
(812) 732-0087 View (812) 732-0087
Photo of Deb Pardue, MS Ed, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deb Pardue
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS Ed, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47401  (Online Only)
From birth to death, life is a constant transition. I work with individuals (adolescents and adults), couples, and families, who are experiencing a wide range of symptoms including infidelity, breakdowns in communication, high functioning Autism, trauma, sexual abuse issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and grief. I have extensively researched issues and stressors that today's LGBTQ+ clients and families may be experiencing, and work with transgender clients to gain the appropriate gender affirming care.
From birth to death, life is a constant transition. I work with individuals (adolescents and adults), couples, and families, who are experiencing a wide range of symptoms including infidelity, breakdowns in communication, high functioning Autism, trauma, sexual abuse issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and grief. I have extensively researched issues and stressors that today's LGBTQ+ clients and families may be experiencing, and work with transgender clients to gain the appropriate gender affirming care.
(812) 272-2782 View (812) 272-2782
Photo of Cathy Batka - The Highlands Psychology Group, Psychologist
The Highlands Psychology Group
Psychologist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bloomington, IN 47408
We specialize in working with clients who have experienced trauma, disordered eating, couples therapy, and working with gay, lesbian, transgender, and queer identified people.
We are accepting new clients! We are a dedicated group of mental health therapists who provide the highest level of services. We have decades of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Our main focus is the care of our clients. We take our time to truly understand what you are experiencing. Through this process, we will also work to help you to notice your feelings and reactions, develop your voice, and when appropriate, share this with key people in your life.
We specialize in working with clients who have experienced trauma, disordered eating, couples therapy, and working with gay, lesbian, transgender, and queer identified people.
We are accepting new clients! We are a dedicated group of mental health therapists who provide the highest level of services. We have decades of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Our main focus is the care of our clients. We take our time to truly understand what you are experiencing. Through this process, we will also work to help you to notice your feelings and reactions, develop your voice, and when appropriate, share this with key people in your life.
(812) 871-4018 View (812) 871-4018
Photo of Ross D Manning - Hoosier Counseling LLC Ross Manning, MSW, LCSW, LCAC, MAC, CAMS II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hoosier Counseling LLC Ross Manning
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAC, MAC, CAMS II
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47403  (Online Only)
In my practice I work closely with individuals, couples, and families using evidence-based practices and protocols combined with over two decades of clinical experience to support you in meeting your goals.
Accepting New Clients for waitlist. Are you experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Anger Management Problems, Family/Work/School Stress, Trauma, or a Significant Life Adjustment? It is my goal to partner with each individual, couple, family, and group member and to support each person in becoming the best version of themselves!
In my practice I work closely with individuals, couples, and families using evidence-based practices and protocols combined with over two decades of clinical experience to support you in meeting your goals.
Accepting New Clients for waitlist. Are you experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Anger Management Problems, Family/Work/School Stress, Trauma, or a Significant Life Adjustment? It is my goal to partner with each individual, couple, family, and group member and to support each person in becoming the best version of themselves!
(812) 414-5396 View (812) 414-5396
1

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.