Couples Counseling Therapists in Vancouver, WA
![Photo of Sondra Longbrake - Mindful Path Counseling, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ba6d87d-694f-4050-85e3-91a4e24b0efa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mindful Path Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660 (Online Only)
For couples, principles from the Gottman method, are safe, effective tools to mend relationships.
New! I now provide Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy! Welcome Mindful Path Counseling, virtual therapy anywhere in Washington! I provide a safe space for you to meet painful issues and gently dismantle their power over your life. If you want to restructure and redefine relationships that are no longer working for you, I can help. If you think self-defeating thought patterns and underlying belief systems might be opening the door to unwanted situations in your life, I can help you rewrite that story. I would be honored to walk through this journey with you. Email me today and start living your best life. I can’t wait to meet you!
For couples, principles from the Gottman method, are safe, effective tools to mend relationships.
New! I now provide Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy! Welcome Mindful Path Counseling, virtual therapy anywhere in Washington! I provide a safe space for you to meet painful issues and gently dismantle their power over your life. If you want to restructure and redefine relationships that are no longer working for you, I can help. If you think self-defeating thought patterns and underlying belief systems might be opening the door to unwanted situations in your life, I can help you rewrite that story. I would be honored to walk through this journey with you. Email me today and start living your best life. I can’t wait to meet you!
![Photo of Joseph Klemz - Real Life Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4191a9ca-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Real Life Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98683
As a team, we specialize in all areas of treatment, serving children, adolescents, families, couples and individuals.
We at Real Life Counseling are a group practice. We believe that everyone deserves counseling tailored to fit their needs. We enjoy the opportunity to teach and advise the people who come to our practice. The goal is to empower people to use their strength and wisdom to overcome their challenges and find solutions.
As a team, we specialize in all areas of treatment, serving children, adolescents, families, couples and individuals.
We at Real Life Counseling are a group practice. We believe that everyone deserves counseling tailored to fit their needs. We enjoy the opportunity to teach and advise the people who come to our practice. The goal is to empower people to use their strength and wisdom to overcome their challenges and find solutions.
![Photo of Aimee Dupuy, MS, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45b23217-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Aimee Dupuy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98683
Life can become overwhelming at times, and seeking help can be the first courageous act in achieving a higher quality of living. I enjoy working with a wide variety of populations dealing with multiple issues. I am especially passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ population and individuals struggling with relationship issues and/or anxiety. It is my belief that the therapeutic relationship is central to client growth. Creating a space of safety, trust and comfort for the client guides all my interactions and interventions.
Life can become overwhelming at times, and seeking help can be the first courageous act in achieving a higher quality of living. I enjoy working with a wide variety of populations dealing with multiple issues. I am especially passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ population and individuals struggling with relationship issues and/or anxiety. It is my belief that the therapeutic relationship is central to client growth. Creating a space of safety, trust and comfort for the client guides all my interactions and interventions.
![Photo of Denise Burningham - Denise Burningham Counseling, PLLC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/99518935-564a-492d-8f4c-3a95be742cae/3/320x400.jpeg)
Denise Burningham Counseling, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661 (Online Only)
I offer Individual, Couples & Relationship, and Children & Family Therapy in my practice. My work with you will be centered on supporting you in understanding your experiences and setting meaningful goals that feel right for your life. I am honored to be invited into a healing space with individuals, couples, and families. I know that the act of living is beautiful, difficult, amazing, and complicated. We will sit together in the difficult realities, the illuminating ‘ah-ha’ moments, and through the seasons of what it is to be alive. Come as you are and know I will show up as your advocate and collaborator in therapy.
I offer Individual, Couples & Relationship, and Children & Family Therapy in my practice. My work with you will be centered on supporting you in understanding your experiences and setting meaningful goals that feel right for your life. I am honored to be invited into a healing space with individuals, couples, and families. I know that the act of living is beautiful, difficult, amazing, and complicated. We will sit together in the difficult realities, the illuminating ‘ah-ha’ moments, and through the seasons of what it is to be alive. Come as you are and know I will show up as your advocate and collaborator in therapy.
![Photo of Valinda Harlan Individuals Couples Communication Emotional Sexual Intimacy, LMHC, LPC, LPCC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2a7f5dc1-ed6f-4b15-98da-f8495b0ca5bf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Valinda Harlan Individuals Couples Communication Emotional Sexual Intimacy
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98685
Yes, I have openings and I am accepting new clients for in-person and telehealth sessions for individuals and couples. Please visit my website www.brightfuturecounseling1.com for more information and to book an appointment. There is hope for healing and change. If your relationship suffers from sexual issues or broken trust, if there is room to improve communication or intimacy, I can offer you help. If you feel sad or depressed, have experienced loss, or have anxiety, there is hope. I provide a supportive nonjudgmental space for individuals of all genders and sexualities, traditional and nontraditional couples.
Yes, I have openings and I am accepting new clients for in-person and telehealth sessions for individuals and couples. Please visit my website www.brightfuturecounseling1.com for more information and to book an appointment. There is hope for healing and change. If your relationship suffers from sexual issues or broken trust, if there is room to improve communication or intimacy, I can offer you help. If you feel sad or depressed, have experienced loss, or have anxiety, there is hope. I provide a supportive nonjudgmental space for individuals of all genders and sexualities, traditional and nontraditional couples.
![Photo of Anne T. Cowan, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ad0b805-7b4e-4338-bb1c-bea197b0dc33/1/320x400.jpeg)
We are living in complex times with many changes and turmoil. If you're feeling stressed, anxious, sad; you are not alone! I believe that we all have within us a capacity to heal. One avenue for growth and change is through the relationship between client and therapist. I use therapeutic strategies that help clients become aware of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors and how they contribute to disconnection or distress. My focus is to facilitate the desired changes identified by each client and to work at his/her pace towards their goals. It is always a privilege to walk with clients through this sacred journey.
We are living in complex times with many changes and turmoil. If you're feeling stressed, anxious, sad; you are not alone! I believe that we all have within us a capacity to heal. One avenue for growth and change is through the relationship between client and therapist. I use therapeutic strategies that help clients become aware of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors and how they contribute to disconnection or distress. My focus is to facilitate the desired changes identified by each client and to work at his/her pace towards their goals. It is always a privilege to walk with clients through this sacred journey.
![Photo of Catherine M Melo, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b940c7b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
It is in relationship that we are wounded and it is in relationship that the most healing potential lies, that is why I love working with couples.
I am excited to have recently moved my practice from Portland to Vancouver, WA and am happy to provide care to clients who live in Washington,Oregon and California. I am able to teach people skills that will transform their relationships. I work with couples and families who really want to make changes in the way they relate to one another, helping them to understand that conflict is normal and natural. I also enjoy helping people who have been traumatized. My seven years at the VA Outpatient Clinic has well prepared me to work with those who have been traumatized, are depressed or are grieving.
It is in relationship that we are wounded and it is in relationship that the most healing potential lies, that is why I love working with couples.
I am excited to have recently moved my practice from Portland to Vancouver, WA and am happy to provide care to clients who live in Washington,Oregon and California. I am able to teach people skills that will transform their relationships. I work with couples and families who really want to make changes in the way they relate to one another, helping them to understand that conflict is normal and natural. I also enjoy helping people who have been traumatized. My seven years at the VA Outpatient Clinic has well prepared me to work with those who have been traumatized, are depressed or are grieving.
![Photo of Dawn Tec Yah, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0c8954a-0b18-4a5e-bc09-7bc08c52b60a/2/320x400.jpeg)
I understand the courage it takes to seek help and the complexities of relationship dynamics.
I am currently welcoming couples and families who are committed to nurturing their relationships. They may be navigating communication barriers, emotional disconnects, or transitional life stages. These clients seek a collaborative space to fortify their bonds, develop understanding, and foster a healthy family dynamic. Their objective is to achieve harmony and a deeper connection, ultimately enhancing their collective well-being.
I understand the courage it takes to seek help and the complexities of relationship dynamics.
I am currently welcoming couples and families who are committed to nurturing their relationships. They may be navigating communication barriers, emotional disconnects, or transitional life stages. These clients seek a collaborative space to fortify their bonds, develop understanding, and foster a healthy family dynamic. Their objective is to achieve harmony and a deeper connection, ultimately enhancing their collective well-being.
![Photo of Rachel Staben, LPC, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f82791d2-3f9d-4efa-b57f-956c680f9652/1/320x400.jpeg)
I also believe that the relationship with your therapist, (feeling respected, understood, and cared for), is the backbone to any good therapy.
Are you ready to find a safe place to explore what is leading to the pain and concerns in your life, while feeling more connected to yourself along the way? Do you want real effective ways to transform depression, anxiety, and other experiences into internal spaciousness, calm, and joy? Do you feel that your past continues to affect your present feelings and beliefs about yourself and the world? Do you feel that something within you is getting in the way of having the relationships you desire? Do you simply feel alone in your suffering? I would love to join you on your journey to finding greater healing and wellness.
I also believe that the relationship with your therapist, (feeling respected, understood, and cared for), is the backbone to any good therapy.
Are you ready to find a safe place to explore what is leading to the pain and concerns in your life, while feeling more connected to yourself along the way? Do you want real effective ways to transform depression, anxiety, and other experiences into internal spaciousness, calm, and joy? Do you feel that your past continues to affect your present feelings and beliefs about yourself and the world? Do you feel that something within you is getting in the way of having the relationships you desire? Do you simply feel alone in your suffering? I would love to join you on your journey to finding greater healing and wellness.
![Photo of Deborah Lyda High, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b7e1ede-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deborah Lyda High
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98684 (Online Only)
I provide counseling and groups for adults, families & couples.
The act of doing therapy is a bit like tending to a garden; it takes diligence and care to achieve growth! It sounds challenging I know, but the outcomes and successes of working on yourself and your relationships far outweigh the negatives. We all have gardens that need occasional weeding and replanting, and when we are not taking care of ourselves, we can experience feelings of depression, anxiety, restlessness and frustration. In choosing to work with me, I will guide and encourage you by providing the necessary tools and resources that allow you to create a healthy and bountiful garden of your own.
I provide counseling and groups for adults, families & couples.
The act of doing therapy is a bit like tending to a garden; it takes diligence and care to achieve growth! It sounds challenging I know, but the outcomes and successes of working on yourself and your relationships far outweigh the negatives. We all have gardens that need occasional weeding and replanting, and when we are not taking care of ourselves, we can experience feelings of depression, anxiety, restlessness and frustration. In choosing to work with me, I will guide and encourage you by providing the necessary tools and resources that allow you to create a healthy and bountiful garden of your own.
![Photo of Lee M. Faver, PhD, ABPP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3eead218-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Compassionate, down-to-earth, practical help. I'm a licensed, board-certified psychologist. More than 30 years of professional experience working with individuals, couples and groups have taught me that we grow and make effective changes when we understand what is happening, appreciate our experiences, develop a plan to improve things. We'll work together on your goals- to enrich and repair your relationships, change long-standing patterns, develop self-acceptance and personal effectiveness, resolving difficult situations, reduce psychological distress, improve health, or enjoy more emotionally closeness and satisfying intimacy.
Compassionate, down-to-earth, practical help. I'm a licensed, board-certified psychologist. More than 30 years of professional experience working with individuals, couples and groups have taught me that we grow and make effective changes when we understand what is happening, appreciate our experiences, develop a plan to improve things. We'll work together on your goals- to enrich and repair your relationships, change long-standing patterns, develop self-acceptance and personal effectiveness, resolving difficult situations, reduce psychological distress, improve health, or enjoy more emotionally closeness and satisfying intimacy.
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![Photo of Marjan Baradar, LPC, LMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/450de3d6-65ac-4046-9737-abffb332963a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marjan Baradar
Counselor, LPC, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98666 (Online Only)
Having a trusting relationship with your therapist will help facilitate your treatment and growth.
I have been practicing in Oregon since 1985. I am very open, honest and interactive. I enjoy what I do and to see clients being empowered to make a difference for themselves in their lives, is my reward. I am bilingual and speak Farsi. I have worked with individuals, couples, families and teenagers of all cultures. Being culturally different has given me a more of a perspective to allow more understanding and compassion in helping others.
Having a trusting relationship with your therapist will help facilitate your treatment and growth.
I have been practicing in Oregon since 1985. I am very open, honest and interactive. I enjoy what I do and to see clients being empowered to make a difference for themselves in their lives, is my reward. I am bilingual and speak Farsi. I have worked with individuals, couples, families and teenagers of all cultures. Being culturally different has given me a more of a perspective to allow more understanding and compassion in helping others.
![Photo of Sondra Longbrake, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d2c2184-e915-48f7-8c55-7475b1ebc7ad/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sondra Longbrake
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660 (Online Only)
When you and your partner meet with me, I will show you how a couple’s conversation gets derailed and how to stay on track.
Do discussions with your partner often lead to yelling or angry silence? Do you find yourselves arguing about the same issues year after year with no resolution? Learn to restore harmony in your home with communication skills that create guardrails for safety (I sometime call them training wheels or bumper pads). When couples feel like they’re walking on eggshells, life feels exhausting. When the best of intentions devolve into disappointment, misunderstanding, and hurt feelings, it might seem like there is no way back to the romantic bond you once enjoyed. It can be done, and together we will plot that course!
When you and your partner meet with me, I will show you how a couple’s conversation gets derailed and how to stay on track.
Do discussions with your partner often lead to yelling or angry silence? Do you find yourselves arguing about the same issues year after year with no resolution? Learn to restore harmony in your home with communication skills that create guardrails for safety (I sometime call them training wheels or bumper pads). When couples feel like they’re walking on eggshells, life feels exhausting. When the best of intentions devolve into disappointment, misunderstanding, and hurt feelings, it might seem like there is no way back to the romantic bond you once enjoyed. It can be done, and together we will plot that course!
![Photo of Chelsea S Bates, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46f2a341-47f4-47d7-9ad4-81873cb33b98/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chelsea S Bates
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660
The common misconception is that therapy is for "crazy" or "sick" people. Instead I believe it is a chance to work with clients on how to use their challenges as opportunities for change and growth. It is also a time to better understand our view of the world, examine any relationship issues, and become better versions of ourselves. I focus on each individual's unique characteristics, instead of what a diagnosis may say about them.
The common misconception is that therapy is for "crazy" or "sick" people. Instead I believe it is a chance to work with clients on how to use their challenges as opportunities for change and growth. It is also a time to better understand our view of the world, examine any relationship issues, and become better versions of ourselves. I focus on each individual's unique characteristics, instead of what a diagnosis may say about them.
![Photo of Johanna Stacy, MA, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2f17be70-c948-4de4-9571-e03a422b6b7d/1/320x400.png)
I am passionate about helping individuals and couples heal their inner child wounds and intergenerational trauma.
Accepting new clients. Have you ever experienced feeling unworthy or that your needs don't matter? Are you ever feeling frustrated or stuck for not being able to freely express your true self and emotions? My approach to counseling is holistic and eclectic. I incorporate techniques that are personalized to your unique needs in a gentle and compassionate way. I blend psychoanalytic, internal family systems, and interpersonal experiential frameworks, as well as EMDR. I provide 2slgbtqia+, kink, body, and poly affirming care.
I am passionate about helping individuals and couples heal their inner child wounds and intergenerational trauma.
Accepting new clients. Have you ever experienced feeling unworthy or that your needs don't matter? Are you ever feeling frustrated or stuck for not being able to freely express your true self and emotions? My approach to counseling is holistic and eclectic. I incorporate techniques that are personalized to your unique needs in a gentle and compassionate way. I blend psychoanalytic, internal family systems, and interpersonal experiential frameworks, as well as EMDR. I provide 2slgbtqia+, kink, body, and poly affirming care.
![Photo of Dr. Richard Shaw, DMFT, LMHC, LMFT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85e59717-8395-403a-b98a-906f9ebcb424/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with men, women and couples around a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, stress and relationship issues like communication & conflict.
Hi, my name is Richard Shaw and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Oregon, providing Professional Counseling Services for more than 25 years, currently offering in office and zoom appointments. I am also an Associate Professor of over 25 years in the Graduate School of Counseling at George Fox University. I have been married for over 30 years and have two adult children. I am originally from Nebraska and in my free time, I enjoy movies, the Oregon coast and college and professional football.
I work with men, women and couples around a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, stress and relationship issues like communication & conflict.
Hi, my name is Richard Shaw and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Oregon, providing Professional Counseling Services for more than 25 years, currently offering in office and zoom appointments. I am also an Associate Professor of over 25 years in the Graduate School of Counseling at George Fox University. I have been married for over 30 years and have two adult children. I am originally from Nebraska and in my free time, I enjoy movies, the Oregon coast and college and professional football.
![Photo of Jackie Mitchell, LMHC, SUDP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7f7a207-fe2c-4464-bd21-86c3b3e82932/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jackie Mitchell
Counselor, LMHC, SUDP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98662 (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is strengths-based (finding your resilience), and I employ various techniques to support your growth in a wholistic way, including relationship building, psychodynamics, family of origin systems work, somatic work, specific cognitive behavioral therapy approaches, inner child work, and stress reduction.
This is your journey into the world of developing insight and awareness, or for accessing the parts of you that will help you feel more successful (as defined by you) in your everyday life. My goal is to understand you; how you think, feel, and learn so I can facilitate self-awareness, and enhance your understanding of yourself. We will take the journey together, no matter what the starting point. We will move forward at your pace and with your consent.
My approach to therapy is strengths-based (finding your resilience), and I employ various techniques to support your growth in a wholistic way, including relationship building, psychodynamics, family of origin systems work, somatic work, specific cognitive behavioral therapy approaches, inner child work, and stress reduction.
This is your journey into the world of developing insight and awareness, or for accessing the parts of you that will help you feel more successful (as defined by you) in your everyday life. My goal is to understand you; how you think, feel, and learn so I can facilitate self-awareness, and enhance your understanding of yourself. We will take the journey together, no matter what the starting point. We will move forward at your pace and with your consent.
![Photo of Inez Kathleen (Kathie) Ray-Annis - Kathie Ray-Annis, MSW, P.,S., Inc, LICSW, CRT, CMHP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cc5ce51-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kathie Ray-Annis, MSW, P.,S., Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, CRT, CMHP
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98662
Do you feel lost and out of control of your life? Making the decision to seek counseling takes courage. If you are reading this then I know that you are a courageous person. I know that you are seeking skills to overcome something in your life that is emotionally painful. Let me help you create a relationship with the life you want.
Do you feel lost and out of control of your life? Making the decision to seek counseling takes courage. If you are reading this then I know that you are a courageous person. I know that you are seeking skills to overcome something in your life that is emotionally painful. Let me help you create a relationship with the life you want.
![Photo of Stephen P Grant, MACP, LMHC, CSAT, CMAT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b34c77e0-8310-44f7-b9d4-0e3f772a2932/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have both betrayed my partner and been betrayed by a partner.
Is your world imploding? Betrayal shatters our worlds. Whether the betrayer or the betrayed, it destroys us! Betrayers face a sense of powerlessness, loneliness, and hopelessness: realizing they can never be really known or completely love another. And, the betrayed dazedly look at a million shattered pieces of the life they thought they knew and wonder if they can trust themselves or another again. Betrayal, fear, and grief traumatize us and become our constant companions. Shock often sets in. We feel isolated & alone. But real, lasting help is available. You don’t have to stay stuck in this frightening & paralyzing space.
I have both betrayed my partner and been betrayed by a partner.
Is your world imploding? Betrayal shatters our worlds. Whether the betrayer or the betrayed, it destroys us! Betrayers face a sense of powerlessness, loneliness, and hopelessness: realizing they can never be really known or completely love another. And, the betrayed dazedly look at a million shattered pieces of the life they thought they knew and wonder if they can trust themselves or another again. Betrayal, fear, and grief traumatize us and become our constant companions. Shock often sets in. We feel isolated & alone. But real, lasting help is available. You don’t have to stay stuck in this frightening & paralyzing space.
![Photo of Jimi Evans, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a4e1ba8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Our relationship is the most important aspect of therapy and I enjoy talking with people about what's important to them.
Sometimes we find ourselves feeling a sense of groundlessness during major life transitions, events, grief, or loss. Sometimes this groundlessness is experienced as anxiety, loneliness, relational distress, poor sense of self-worth, or insecurity. While these experiences can cause immense distress, they can also provide an opportunity to explore and get to know ourselves in ways we have not yet imagined.
Our relationship is the most important aspect of therapy and I enjoy talking with people about what's important to them.
Sometimes we find ourselves feeling a sense of groundlessness during major life transitions, events, grief, or loss. Sometimes this groundlessness is experienced as anxiety, loneliness, relational distress, poor sense of self-worth, or insecurity. While these experiences can cause immense distress, they can also provide an opportunity to explore and get to know ourselves in ways we have not yet imagined.
See more therapy options for Vancouver
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.