Couples Counseling Therapists in Portland, OR

Photo of Greg Arbo, PsyD, Psychologist
Greg Arbo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239
It's a pleasure to have the opportunity to support the wellbeing of teens and families, adult men, and couples. My specialties as a psychologist include anxiety, men's health, trauma, family of origin, Autism, ADHD, and self-esteem. My focus with teens is often on tackling academic, athletic, or relational stressors through understanding how to navigate thoughts and feelings. With couples, I enjoy the process of enhancing closeness through empathic, emotion-focused communication. I'm also passionate about supporting adult men in developing tools to manage stress and anxiety.
It's a pleasure to have the opportunity to support the wellbeing of teens and families, adult men, and couples. My specialties as a psychologist include anxiety, men's health, trauma, family of origin, Autism, ADHD, and self-esteem. My focus with teens is often on tackling academic, athletic, or relational stressors through understanding how to navigate thoughts and feelings. With couples, I enjoy the process of enhancing closeness through empathic, emotion-focused communication. I'm also passionate about supporting adult men in developing tools to manage stress and anxiety.
(971) 276-1041 View (971) 276-1041
Photo of Dan Gilner, MA, MSS
Dan Gilner
Professional Counselor Associate, MA, MSS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213  (Online Only)
Therapy can be a compassionate space for insight, personal development, and healing. Each one of us has our own unique history and growth process. My goal is to support your overall mental, emotional, and relational health. I work with a range of experiences including anxiety, trauma, shame, and grief. I also specialize in: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); trauma including dissociation, disembodiment, panic, and fear; an intrusive inner critical voice / part of ourselves; and helping couples identity and repair unhealthy relationship patterns and coping mechanisms related to these experience.
Therapy can be a compassionate space for insight, personal development, and healing. Each one of us has our own unique history and growth process. My goal is to support your overall mental, emotional, and relational health. I work with a range of experiences including anxiety, trauma, shame, and grief. I also specialize in: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); trauma including dissociation, disembodiment, panic, and fear; an intrusive inner critical voice / part of ourselves; and helping couples identity and repair unhealthy relationship patterns and coping mechanisms related to these experience.
(503) 966-0532 View (503) 966-0532
Photo of Elena DuBose, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elena DuBose
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97212
In relationship work, I use PACT, to help navigate struggles with communication, sex and intimacy, big life transitions, and infidelity, moving you towards a secure functioning relationship. My goal is to help you become experts in reading each other's road maps. In individual work, I address sexual trauma, low self esteem, self criticism, depression and anxiety. Using mindfulness, we will bring awareness to patterns that prevent you from reaching your goals and creating supportive, meaningful relationships. By making slight shifts in old habits, you will begin to see your inner and outer world unfold.
In relationship work, I use PACT, to help navigate struggles with communication, sex and intimacy, big life transitions, and infidelity, moving you towards a secure functioning relationship. My goal is to help you become experts in reading each other's road maps. In individual work, I address sexual trauma, low self esteem, self criticism, depression and anxiety. Using mindfulness, we will bring awareness to patterns that prevent you from reaching your goals and creating supportive, meaningful relationships. By making slight shifts in old habits, you will begin to see your inner and outer world unfold.
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Photo of Daniel G. Lyman, LCSW, MPA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Daniel G. Lyman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214  (Online Only)
Areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, chronic physical pain (TMS), addiction, LGBT-related issues, mindfulness, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, and relationship issues.
Daniel G Lyman, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and mental health coach specializing in anxiety, depression, chronic pain, sex & sexuality, and LGBTQ related issues. Daniel is the Executive Director of the Mind Body Therapy Center, headquartered in Portland, OR, but offering therapy and coaching world wide. With thousands of hours experience, Daniel's training and experience can help you reach your goals, including reducing anxiety, overcoming depression, eliminating chronic pain, and much more. He has led workshops and trainings in local colleges as well as guest lectured at the USC Graduate School of Social Work.
Areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, chronic physical pain (TMS), addiction, LGBT-related issues, mindfulness, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, and relationship issues.
Daniel G Lyman, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and mental health coach specializing in anxiety, depression, chronic pain, sex & sexuality, and LGBTQ related issues. Daniel is the Executive Director of the Mind Body Therapy Center, headquartered in Portland, OR, but offering therapy and coaching world wide. With thousands of hours experience, Daniel's training and experience can help you reach your goals, including reducing anxiety, overcoming depression, eliminating chronic pain, and much more. He has led workshops and trainings in local colleges as well as guest lectured at the USC Graduate School of Social Work.
(503) 300-2982 View (503) 300-2982
Photo of Ally Simone, LMFT, T2066, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ally Simone
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, T2066
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97219  (Online Only)
I work with adult individuals and relationships. Many of my clients are focused on healing from trauma, disrupting harmful patterns like people pleasing and codependency, and creating healthy relationships. I am committed to equity and inclusion, both personally and professionally and my goal is always that my clients feel seen and supported in all aspects of their identity. I am LGBTQIA+, and gender affirming, sex/kink positive and welcome all relationship configurations including CNM/Polyamory. I recognize and value all types of diversity including ethnicity, race, size, gender, sexual orientation, class, religion, and abilities.
I work with adult individuals and relationships. Many of my clients are focused on healing from trauma, disrupting harmful patterns like people pleasing and codependency, and creating healthy relationships. I am committed to equity and inclusion, both personally and professionally and my goal is always that my clients feel seen and supported in all aspects of their identity. I am LGBTQIA+, and gender affirming, sex/kink positive and welcome all relationship configurations including CNM/Polyamory. I recognize and value all types of diversity including ethnicity, race, size, gender, sexual orientation, class, religion, and abilities.
(503) 212-9970 View (503) 212-9970
Photo of Todd Mercural, MPA, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Todd Mercural
Licensed Professional Counselor, MPA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97217  (Online Only)
For couples, I use Gottman method to: disarm conflicting verbal communication; increase intimacy, respect, and affection; create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship; and develop and strengthen a sense of shared meaning and life vision.
I use an existential approach to work with anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, chronic stress and burnout, spirituality, grief and loss, and relationship challenges. My clients are typically struggling with change, relationships, making difficult choices, and finding meaning or purpose. Themes often involve freedom/constraint, responsibility, boundary, authenticity, meaning/meaninglessness, safety/risk, belonging/isolation, identity, power/powerlessness, and mortality.
For couples, I use Gottman method to: disarm conflicting verbal communication; increase intimacy, respect, and affection; create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship; and develop and strengthen a sense of shared meaning and life vision.
I use an existential approach to work with anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, chronic stress and burnout, spirituality, grief and loss, and relationship challenges. My clients are typically struggling with change, relationships, making difficult choices, and finding meaning or purpose. Themes often involve freedom/constraint, responsibility, boundary, authenticity, meaning/meaninglessness, safety/risk, belonging/isolation, identity, power/powerlessness, and mortality.
(971) 414-3035 View (971) 414-3035
Photo of Nahomie Guillaume - Guillaume Counseling Services, PC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Guillaume Counseling Services, PC
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214  (Online Only)
We understand the stress of relationships and parenting especially during the early stages of life, relationship.
Are you in need of premarital or marital counseling? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or past trauma? Are you currently pregnant, just gave birth, or just lost a child and in need of some support to deal with the various emotions you are experiencing? Are you a parent of a child with mental illness and need some support or therapy for yourself? Do you have a long history of mental health struggles and would like to break the cycle? If so, we can help! We work with moms, dads, wives, husbands and partners. We are culturally and spiritually minded in our work. We integrate your faith and culture in our work together.
We understand the stress of relationships and parenting especially during the early stages of life, relationship.
Are you in need of premarital or marital counseling? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or past trauma? Are you currently pregnant, just gave birth, or just lost a child and in need of some support to deal with the various emotions you are experiencing? Are you a parent of a child with mental illness and need some support or therapy for yourself? Do you have a long history of mental health struggles and would like to break the cycle? If so, we can help! We work with moms, dads, wives, husbands and partners. We are culturally and spiritually minded in our work. We integrate your faith and culture in our work together.
(971) 233-4016 View (971) 233-4016
Photo of Ivy Rose Cardillo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ivy Rose Cardillo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97212  (Online Only)
When engaging with couples, I primarily work using the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT).
How do we stay connected to ourselves in the face of the needs of another? Maybe you are struggling to balance your longings and desires within the context of your partnership. Or, you are feeling the societal tension of the perinatal and parenting phase, pulled to orient toward your child over your self. Perhaps you experienced an upbringing in which you needed to make adjustments in who you were in order for others to respond appropriately, if at all, to what you needed.
When engaging with couples, I primarily work using the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT).
How do we stay connected to ourselves in the face of the needs of another? Maybe you are struggling to balance your longings and desires within the context of your partnership. Or, you are feeling the societal tension of the perinatal and parenting phase, pulled to orient toward your child over your self. Perhaps you experienced an upbringing in which you needed to make adjustments in who you were in order for others to respond appropriately, if at all, to what you needed.
(971) 377-2437 View (971) 377-2437
Photo of Jane Meskill, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jane Meskill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97206  (Online Only)
I have particular expertise with couples and individuals and I am also a certified Gottman trainer helping couple's save their marriages after bringing children into the mix.
Why not feel better, understand more, find avenues of communication in your relationships, improve your sex life, get rid of your depression and anxiety? Real change often takes courage, time and trust but it's not as hard as you think. My clients find I understand them quickly and we seek insight and solutions together. Clients want to be unstuck, to be more conscious, to be more content and to be more mindful. Clarity, problem solving, finding one's authentic path, having more intimacy and being happy are some of the results of therapy. SEE A VIDIO OF JANE. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojWA9NFKoNk
I have particular expertise with couples and individuals and I am also a certified Gottman trainer helping couple's save their marriages after bringing children into the mix.
Why not feel better, understand more, find avenues of communication in your relationships, improve your sex life, get rid of your depression and anxiety? Real change often takes courage, time and trust but it's not as hard as you think. My clients find I understand them quickly and we seek insight and solutions together. Clients want to be unstuck, to be more conscious, to be more content and to be more mindful. Clarity, problem solving, finding one's authentic path, having more intimacy and being happy are some of the results of therapy. SEE A VIDIO OF JANE. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojWA9NFKoNk
(503) 446-4251 View (503) 446-4251
Photo of Kaleigh Boysen-Quinata - Family Roots Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist
Family Roots Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213
Waitlist for new clients
Whether it is a parent-child relationship or a couple relationship, or simply helping you or your child to learn to manage feelings and get un-stuck, we are here for you providing therapy with connection and compassion.
We help new parents, young children, and teens to create healthier relationships and work together to navigate family conflict, life stressors, and adjustment to change. Do your child's emotions and outbursts seem out of control and too much to handle? Does your teen seem anxious, depressed, or withdrawn? Are you and your partner arguing constantly about parenting? Feeling sad and hopeless, or not bonding with your baby or child like you thought you would? We can help.
Whether it is a parent-child relationship or a couple relationship, or simply helping you or your child to learn to manage feelings and get un-stuck, we are here for you providing therapy with connection and compassion.
We help new parents, young children, and teens to create healthier relationships and work together to navigate family conflict, life stressors, and adjustment to change. Do your child's emotions and outbursts seem out of control and too much to handle? Does your teen seem anxious, depressed, or withdrawn? Are you and your partner arguing constantly about parenting? Feeling sad and hopeless, or not bonding with your baby or child like you thought you would? We can help.
(971) 274-5503 View (971) 274-5503
Photo of Barbara Dawne Feil, DMin, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Barbara Dawne Feil
Licensed Professional Counselor, DMin, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97223
I provide therapy for men and women around life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety, marriage and relationship issues, guilt and shame, recovering from physical or sexual abuse, sexuality, identity and self image, spiritual development, spiritual abuse, church and ministry. 35 years of pastoral ministry has given me great exposure to issues across an adult life span including singleness, finding life direction, finding a life partner, empty-nest, mid-life crisis, retirement and finding fulfillment when life and health is diminished by age.
I provide therapy for men and women around life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety, marriage and relationship issues, guilt and shame, recovering from physical or sexual abuse, sexuality, identity and self image, spiritual development, spiritual abuse, church and ministry. 35 years of pastoral ministry has given me great exposure to issues across an adult life span including singleness, finding life direction, finding a life partner, empty-nest, mid-life crisis, retirement and finding fulfillment when life and health is diminished by age.
(855) 683-7311 View (855) 683-7311
Photo of Pamela Sheffield, PsyD, Psychologist
Pamela Sheffield
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
My areas of specialty are working with adults, either as individuals or in couples, who are seeking clarity and understanding in their lives, either in new situations, in their relationships, or in patterns that seem to come up in spite of best efforts. My clients are curious and motivated people who are used to solving problems and find themselves in search of greater understanding and new ways of being. I work with compassion, humor, and support my client's in their own unique vision for their lives and how they define meaning and satisfaction.
My areas of specialty are working with adults, either as individuals or in couples, who are seeking clarity and understanding in their lives, either in new situations, in their relationships, or in patterns that seem to come up in spite of best efforts. My clients are curious and motivated people who are used to solving problems and find themselves in search of greater understanding and new ways of being. I work with compassion, humor, and support my client's in their own unique vision for their lives and how they define meaning and satisfaction.
(503) 455-5781 View (503) 455-5781
Photo of Alex Perez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alex Perez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
I firmly believe that the trust and the relationship that is built in each therapy session matters.
I specialize in issues important to teenagers and young adults/families, including issues related to family dynamics, depression, anxiety, bipolar/schizophrenia, substance abuse concerns, transracial adoptions, grief, LGBTQ dynamics, racial identity, gender transitioning process, and abandonment trauma. My relational approach to therapy can help you gain awareness of your road blocks and provide you with the tools (skills/coping strategies) you have for your own growth.
I firmly believe that the trust and the relationship that is built in each therapy session matters.
I specialize in issues important to teenagers and young adults/families, including issues related to family dynamics, depression, anxiety, bipolar/schizophrenia, substance abuse concerns, transracial adoptions, grief, LGBTQ dynamics, racial identity, gender transitioning process, and abandonment trauma. My relational approach to therapy can help you gain awareness of your road blocks and provide you with the tools (skills/coping strategies) you have for your own growth.
(503) 433-8452 View (503) 433-8452
Photo of Jessica Van der Merwe, MA, LMHC, LPC, Counselor
Jessica Van der Merwe
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
Waitlist for new clients
Growing up in a dysfunctional family, being in a toxic or abusive relationship, or experiencing the horrors of a traumatic event can set you on a collision course with daily triggers to anger, sadness, overwhelm, panic, or dissociation. Maybe you notice your reactions in your relationships are causing harm, and you regularly experience the dreaded “shame spiral.” You minimize your pain, or others regularly do. If this is you, I’m glad you’re here. Long-term healing is possible. Even if only a small part of you hopes for change, I'm confident it's enough to start the journey toward a peaceful and thriving life.
Growing up in a dysfunctional family, being in a toxic or abusive relationship, or experiencing the horrors of a traumatic event can set you on a collision course with daily triggers to anger, sadness, overwhelm, panic, or dissociation. Maybe you notice your reactions in your relationships are causing harm, and you regularly experience the dreaded “shame spiral.” You minimize your pain, or others regularly do. If this is you, I’m glad you’re here. Long-term healing is possible. Even if only a small part of you hopes for change, I'm confident it's enough to start the journey toward a peaceful and thriving life.
(360) 335-3906 View (360) 335-3906
Photo of Italia Hensley - Italia Hensley : Congruent Therapy, MS, LMFT, CNM-C, Marriage & Family Therapist
Italia Hensley : Congruent Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CNM-C
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215  (Online Only)
You are in a relationship with your partner(s) or a part of a family unit. You have gotten to a place you never thought you could get to with yourself or loved one(s); you feel unheard, unloved, and undervalued, but you love them, and that is why you are here seeking me, a couple, polycule, and family therapist. I have been where you are now; it is overwhelming, painful, and discouraging. I am here to tell you this happens for so many people, and there is hope and a path to where you want to be.
You are in a relationship with your partner(s) or a part of a family unit. You have gotten to a place you never thought you could get to with yourself or loved one(s); you feel unheard, unloved, and undervalued, but you love them, and that is why you are here seeking me, a couple, polycule, and family therapist. I have been where you are now; it is overwhelming, painful, and discouraging. I am here to tell you this happens for so many people, and there is hope and a path to where you want to be.
(458) 204-0197 View (458) 204-0197
Photo of Dr. Hannah Brassell, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Hannah Brassell
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209
Dr. Brassell has experience working in a variety of settings including primary care behavioral health, telehealth, community mental health, and college/university counseling. She is a generalist clinician who uses CBT, ACT, and solutions-focused approaches to help patients navigate a variety of social, emotional, physical, and psychological concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, interpersonal/relationship distress, identity exploration, trauma, and chronic condition management.
Dr. Brassell has experience working in a variety of settings including primary care behavioral health, telehealth, community mental health, and college/university counseling. She is a generalist clinician who uses CBT, ACT, and solutions-focused approaches to help patients navigate a variety of social, emotional, physical, and psychological concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, interpersonal/relationship distress, identity exploration, trauma, and chronic condition management.
(971) 328-3828 View (971) 328-3828
Photo of Mary J DiOrio, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary J DiOrio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205  (Online Only)
Modalities I draw from include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples and Individual Therapy and Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
I am currently accepting new clients. Helping people achieve a higher quality life with more joy never gets old. Working with full spectrum eating disorders, ranging from people who are grappling with bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, compulsive/emotional eating, to orthorexia. I address body image concerns by helping clients gain insight in order to develop effective coping mechanisms. My practice includes working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, difficult life transitions, feeling "stuck" or seeking a higher quality of life, social phobias, and obsessive compulsive issues.
Modalities I draw from include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples and Individual Therapy and Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
I am currently accepting new clients. Helping people achieve a higher quality life with more joy never gets old. Working with full spectrum eating disorders, ranging from people who are grappling with bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, compulsive/emotional eating, to orthorexia. I address body image concerns by helping clients gain insight in order to develop effective coping mechanisms. My practice includes working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, difficult life transitions, feeling "stuck" or seeking a higher quality of life, social phobias, and obsessive compulsive issues.
(971) 832-9986 View (971) 832-9986
Photo of Jacob Lehman, PsyD, Psychologist
Jacob Lehman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239  (Online Only)
So often we want to ask for help or open up to someone about our struggles but we worry about how it may change our relationship or how the other person will react.
Getting started in therapy can feel daunting and I can help to make that experience easier for you. My clients most frequently describe me as genuine, easy to talk to, and compassionate. I understand that we all cope in different ways and welcome having periods of light conversation and humor along the way. I strive to genuinely get to know you and help you identify what is causing your distress, so we can work towards resolving it. I help my clients learn and strengthen the skills needed to navigate difficult life experiences more efficiently.
So often we want to ask for help or open up to someone about our struggles but we worry about how it may change our relationship or how the other person will react.
Getting started in therapy can feel daunting and I can help to make that experience easier for you. My clients most frequently describe me as genuine, easy to talk to, and compassionate. I understand that we all cope in different ways and welcome having periods of light conversation and humor along the way. I strive to genuinely get to know you and help you identify what is causing your distress, so we can work towards resolving it. I help my clients learn and strengthen the skills needed to navigate difficult life experiences more efficiently.
(503) 828-1041 View (503) 828-1041
Photo of Mary E Smith, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary E Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213
I also work with couples experiencing challenges with communication and individuals.
I I have a person centered orientation based in respect and compassion. I love getting to know my clients, using humor in my practice and developing deep, meaningful relationships that promote healing.
I also work with couples experiencing challenges with communication and individuals.
I I have a person centered orientation based in respect and compassion. I love getting to know my clients, using humor in my practice and developing deep, meaningful relationships that promote healing.
(503) 405-8057 View (503) 405-8057
Photo of Rochelle Schwartz - Awaken Counseling, PLLC, LPC, MA, QMHP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Awaken Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, QMHP, NCC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205  (Online Only)
You're here, looking for a therapist licensed/registered in Oregon, Washington or New Jersey to help you with challenging feelings and situations. There's so many therapists that can help alleviate anxiety, depression, self-esteem and relationship issues, and trauma. How do you choose? How do you choose when you're already feeling overwhelmed by life? We offer you what we would want: Experience, education, convenience, connection, and lasting healing.
You're here, looking for a therapist licensed/registered in Oregon, Washington or New Jersey to help you with challenging feelings and situations. There's so many therapists that can help alleviate anxiety, depression, self-esteem and relationship issues, and trauma. How do you choose? How do you choose when you're already feeling overwhelmed by life? We offer you what we would want: Experience, education, convenience, connection, and lasting healing.
(503) 836-5316 View (503) 836-5316
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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.