Couples Counseling Therapists in Washington, DC

Photo of Emily Foster, PhD, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Emily Foster
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
In addition to treating anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, I have experience in substance use counseling and enjoy working with clients who are concerned about their substance use.
I specialize in adult psychotherapy, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, substance use, trauma, relationships, and LGBTQ issues. It can be hard to experience hope when we feel stuck in old patterns of thinking and feeling about life, ourselves, and our relationships. This can lead to feelings of stress, confusion, unhappiness, or disappointment. I work to help individuals and couples to examine these patterns and to explore and experiment with new ways of thinking and acting, which in turn can have dramatic impact on how they are feeling.
In addition to treating anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, I have experience in substance use counseling and enjoy working with clients who are concerned about their substance use.
I specialize in adult psychotherapy, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, substance use, trauma, relationships, and LGBTQ issues. It can be hard to experience hope when we feel stuck in old patterns of thinking and feeling about life, ourselves, and our relationships. This can lead to feelings of stress, confusion, unhappiness, or disappointment. I work to help individuals and couples to examine these patterns and to explore and experiment with new ways of thinking and acting, which in turn can have dramatic impact on how they are feeling.
(202) 804-0315 View (202) 804-0315
Photo of Angela C Johnson, EdD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Angela C Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
My areas of focus includes: Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement, Grief/Loss, Relationship Issues, Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse, PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety and Mood Disorders.
I believe that by mastering our past we have the power to change our future. I use integrative approaches to assist clients with identifying their strengths and overcoming barriers that are impeding their happiness and emotional well being. I firmly believe that if we change our thoughts we can change our lives and my goal is to assist you through the process to lasting change.
My areas of focus includes: Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement, Grief/Loss, Relationship Issues, Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse, PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety and Mood Disorders.
I believe that by mastering our past we have the power to change our future. I use integrative approaches to assist clients with identifying their strengths and overcoming barriers that are impeding their happiness and emotional well being. I firmly believe that if we change our thoughts we can change our lives and my goal is to assist you through the process to lasting change.
(240) 293-2588 View (240) 293-2588
Photo of Laureen E DiMattia, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laureen E DiMattia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20001  (Online Only)
Welcome to my practice! Thank you for considering me on your journey. I founded Seasons of Strength to provide compassionate, effective, evidence-based psychotherapy for adults, couples, and families from Washington DC. As an independent private practice clinician, I offer an individually tailored therapy experience designed to help you or your loved one reach your goals and achieve wellness. No matter how bad things might seem, no matter what challenges you are facing, I believe there is hope.
Welcome to my practice! Thank you for considering me on your journey. I founded Seasons of Strength to provide compassionate, effective, evidence-based psychotherapy for adults, couples, and families from Washington DC. As an independent private practice clinician, I offer an individually tailored therapy experience designed to help you or your loved one reach your goals and achieve wellness. No matter how bad things might seem, no matter what challenges you are facing, I believe there is hope.
(551) 231-1179 View (551) 231-1179
Photo of Antoinette Jackson, MS, LPC, LCPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Antoinette Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20017  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If you're looking for someone who won't let you quit. If you're looking for someone who is easy to talk to; or if you just need a safe place to vent. I'd love to be the motivation and help that you need. If you're looking for someone to help guide you through the process of addressing past traumas, working through life transitions, or help you to actively make progress towards your goals. Then you've come to the right place. With over 9 years of experience in the mental and human services field; I have experience in working with individuals, couples (pre-marital and marriage counseling), and facilitating and groups.
If you're looking for someone who won't let you quit. If you're looking for someone who is easy to talk to; or if you just need a safe place to vent. I'd love to be the motivation and help that you need. If you're looking for someone to help guide you through the process of addressing past traumas, working through life transitions, or help you to actively make progress towards your goals. Then you've come to the right place. With over 9 years of experience in the mental and human services field; I have experience in working with individuals, couples (pre-marital and marriage counseling), and facilitating and groups.
(240) 641-7281 View (240) 641-7281
Photo of Sylvia Pauling, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sylvia Pauling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20005
I provide treatment to individuals, couples and families.
I am a licensed professional counselor with over 30 years of experience in the treatment of mental health. I have a passion for my private practice. I believe in a holistic approach where I help clients to develop a treatment plan for clinical psychotherapy that is tailored specific to the client's individual needs. My treatment includes a collaborative client-therapist approach , which emphasizes the individual's strengths and insights and is based upon a balance of body, mind and soul. The client is at the center of my work. I'm passionate about helping clients reach their treatment goals.
I provide treatment to individuals, couples and families.
I am a licensed professional counselor with over 30 years of experience in the treatment of mental health. I have a passion for my private practice. I believe in a holistic approach where I help clients to develop a treatment plan for clinical psychotherapy that is tailored specific to the client's individual needs. My treatment includes a collaborative client-therapist approach , which emphasizes the individual's strengths and insights and is based upon a balance of body, mind and soul. The client is at the center of my work. I'm passionate about helping clients reach their treatment goals.
(202) 813-1699 View (202) 813-1699
Photo of Evan Tokarz, LICSW, LCSW, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Evan Tokarz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
In addition to extensive experience with those working with anxiety, depression, and relationship problems, I possess experience in working with ADHD, Asperger's (HFA), and LGBTQIA+ individuals, as well as those identifying as neurodivergent/neurospicy more broadly.
Licensed in DC, FL, AZ. If you're grappling with challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, or issues in your relationships, you're not alone. Sometimes, we get caught in repetitive patterns that seem insurmountable. Through individual therapy, I offer strategies to help you break free from these cycles by talking through patterns in your life in an attempt to identify root issues. My goal is to empower you with the tools you need to enhance self-awareness, boost confidence, and take actions that foster the personal growth you rightfully deserve.
In addition to extensive experience with those working with anxiety, depression, and relationship problems, I possess experience in working with ADHD, Asperger's (HFA), and LGBTQIA+ individuals, as well as those identifying as neurodivergent/neurospicy more broadly.
Licensed in DC, FL, AZ. If you're grappling with challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, or issues in your relationships, you're not alone. Sometimes, we get caught in repetitive patterns that seem insurmountable. Through individual therapy, I offer strategies to help you break free from these cycles by talking through patterns in your life in an attempt to identify root issues. My goal is to empower you with the tools you need to enhance self-awareness, boost confidence, and take actions that foster the personal growth you rightfully deserve.
(202) 991-3128 View (202) 991-3128
Photo of Huma Sikandar Fatakia, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Huma Sikandar Fatakia
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
I also provide Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Interracial Couples Therapy, helping couples create a stronger bond and work through communication/ trust issues, infidelity, past traumas, tough life transitions, conflicts in integrating cultural/value differences, boundaries with families and the impact of a mental health diagnosis.
We all have a unique journey in life, as individuals and as couples, and I believe that our resilience is as unique as our journey. I work with clients to help them overcome distressing cycles that make them feel stuck and empower them to find stability, create healthier relationships and live an enriched life. Together we explore underlying emotions and find new ways of coping with past traumas, difficult life transitions, loss, relational distress and other mental health issues. While EMDR, mindfulness and cultural sensitivity are at the core of my practice, I also integrate Psychodynamic and CBT interventions.
I also provide Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Interracial Couples Therapy, helping couples create a stronger bond and work through communication/ trust issues, infidelity, past traumas, tough life transitions, conflicts in integrating cultural/value differences, boundaries with families and the impact of a mental health diagnosis.
We all have a unique journey in life, as individuals and as couples, and I believe that our resilience is as unique as our journey. I work with clients to help them overcome distressing cycles that make them feel stuck and empower them to find stability, create healthier relationships and live an enriched life. Together we explore underlying emotions and find new ways of coping with past traumas, difficult life transitions, loss, relational distress and other mental health issues. While EMDR, mindfulness and cultural sensitivity are at the core of my practice, I also integrate Psychodynamic and CBT interventions.
(202) 301-8395 x501 View (202) 301-8395 x501
Photo of James W Brunson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
James W Brunson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
While my academic and clinical training prepared me to specialize in working with couples and families, I also have a rich understanding for helping individuals navigate the intricate parts of their lives.
First and foremost, my responsibility is to create an environment where you feel welcomed, safe and supported. In our sessions, you can expect that I will spend a lot of time engaging in stimulating conversation that helps me to learn who you are, how you show up in the world, and what path(s) to take in helping you achieve your goals and desirable outcomes. As your therapist, you can expect for me to be actively present with you, while encouraging and supporting you along the journey of creating the life you desire.
While my academic and clinical training prepared me to specialize in working with couples and families, I also have a rich understanding for helping individuals navigate the intricate parts of their lives.
First and foremost, my responsibility is to create an environment where you feel welcomed, safe and supported. In our sessions, you can expect that I will spend a lot of time engaging in stimulating conversation that helps me to learn who you are, how you show up in the world, and what path(s) to take in helping you achieve your goals and desirable outcomes. As your therapist, you can expect for me to be actively present with you, while encouraging and supporting you along the journey of creating the life you desire.
(202) 919-7794 View (202) 919-7794
Photo of Debra Nygaard, PhD, Psychologist
Debra Nygaard
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
I am an experienced clinical psychologist with a PhD from UNC, a Masters degree in child/human development from Harvard. and past experience in the education field. In 25 years of clinical work, I've collaborated with a wide range of individuals and families in their efforts to make positive changes or adjust to life transitions, losses, and trauma. My services are tailored to the specific needs of clients and involve assessment, joint development of goals and plans, and use of best practice approaches to achieve their goals. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy as well as parent consultation.
I am an experienced clinical psychologist with a PhD from UNC, a Masters degree in child/human development from Harvard. and past experience in the education field. In 25 years of clinical work, I've collaborated with a wide range of individuals and families in their efforts to make positive changes or adjust to life transitions, losses, and trauma. My services are tailored to the specific needs of clients and involve assessment, joint development of goals and plans, and use of best practice approaches to achieve their goals. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy as well as parent consultation.
(202) 733-6585 View (202) 733-6585
Photo of Agustin Aguirre Herrera, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Agustin Aguirre Herrera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20010
I am an affirming, trauma-trained therapist who believes in the capacity for healing in a collaborative and compassionate therapeutic space. As a result of our co-created safe space and relationship, you will experience increased resiliency, less reactive behaviors, emotional balance, self-compassion, and an enhanced connection with your internal energy. If you feel overwhelmed by emotions that you consider unhelpful, or if you are feeling hopeless, unsure of what is next, fearful, ashamed, or unable to enjoy life despite being supported and loved by others, therapy might be an ideal opportunity to liberate some of those burdens.
I am an affirming, trauma-trained therapist who believes in the capacity for healing in a collaborative and compassionate therapeutic space. As a result of our co-created safe space and relationship, you will experience increased resiliency, less reactive behaviors, emotional balance, self-compassion, and an enhanced connection with your internal energy. If you feel overwhelmed by emotions that you consider unhelpful, or if you are feeling hopeless, unsure of what is next, fearful, ashamed, or unable to enjoy life despite being supported and loved by others, therapy might be an ideal opportunity to liberate some of those burdens.
(866) 764-6174 View (866) 764-6174
Photo of Susan Segal, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Segal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
I obtained this credential 13 years ago because so many of the individuals and couples I was working with had sexual issues which were llnked to emotional issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work with adults in individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and sex therapy for 30 plus years. My patients are single, married, divorced, remarried, straight, gay, queer and range from young adult to older adults.
I obtained this credential 13 years ago because so many of the individuals and couples I was working with had sexual issues which were llnked to emotional issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work with adults in individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and sex therapy for 30 plus years. My patients are single, married, divorced, remarried, straight, gay, queer and range from young adult to older adults.
(202) 800-1427 View (202) 800-1427
Photo of Jennifer Keilholtz, LCPC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jennifer Keilholtz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Good fit is a key feature in a successful therapeutic relationship and I am eager to discuss how this space could be just that for you.
My mission is to create a space of acceptance for individuals and partners to find true, honest connection to themselves and within their intimate relationships. I am passionate about helping clients from all backgrounds work through barriers in order to create the relationships and life they desire. Through targeted conversations, skill building, and at home exercises we will work to help you build on the strengths you already have. I offer acceptance and a straightforward, empathetic approach to psychotherapy with my clients.
Good fit is a key feature in a successful therapeutic relationship and I am eager to discuss how this space could be just that for you.
My mission is to create a space of acceptance for individuals and partners to find true, honest connection to themselves and within their intimate relationships. I am passionate about helping clients from all backgrounds work through barriers in order to create the relationships and life they desire. Through targeted conversations, skill building, and at home exercises we will work to help you build on the strengths you already have. I offer acceptance and a straightforward, empathetic approach to psychotherapy with my clients.
(202) 240-2561 View (202) 240-2561
Photo of Dr. Ja'lessa Hardwick, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Ja'lessa Hardwick
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007
With that in mind, our therapeutic relationship is a priority.
Life is challenging and even though we try, it's often difficult to do it all on own. My goal is to support you in navigating life's challenges by better understanding yourself. Together, we will seek to understand your past experiences and their connection to your current-day behaviors/emotions in an effort to re-envision your future. This is done in a careful way that intentionally considers your individual context (i.e., culture, identity).
With that in mind, our therapeutic relationship is a priority.
Life is challenging and even though we try, it's often difficult to do it all on own. My goal is to support you in navigating life's challenges by better understanding yourself. Together, we will seek to understand your past experiences and their connection to your current-day behaviors/emotions in an effort to re-envision your future. This is done in a careful way that intentionally considers your individual context (i.e., culture, identity).
(202) 952-1110 View (202) 952-1110
Photo of Mina Barimany - Frog Point Therapy, PhD , MFT, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Frog Point Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD , MFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20037
Frog Point Therapy are DC's relationship experts. Relationships are one of the most important aspects of being human: relationship to self, others, and the world. Our therapists specialize in curating a highly individualized treatment experience. We integrate classic western psychotherapeutic approaches, eastern wisdom traditions, and modern research on human development to help clients create stronger bonds with ourselves, the people in our lives, and the world around us and believe that healthy relationships on all three levels are essential to well-being and happiness.
Frog Point Therapy are DC's relationship experts. Relationships are one of the most important aspects of being human: relationship to self, others, and the world. Our therapists specialize in curating a highly individualized treatment experience. We integrate classic western psychotherapeutic approaches, eastern wisdom traditions, and modern research on human development to help clients create stronger bonds with ourselves, the people in our lives, and the world around us and believe that healthy relationships on all three levels are essential to well-being and happiness.
(202) 519-1046 x1 View (202) 519-1046 x1
Amy Killy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015
I specialize in working with older adolescents, young adults, and parents by offering supportive psychotherapy to address anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and parenting challenges.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker providing psychotherapy services to individuals and families in the Washington metropolitan area. With an interactive style, I use a positive, solution-focused approach and provide a non-judgemental atmosphere that allows for opportunities to decompress, reflect and problem solve. My 20 years of experience as a high school counselor at local independent schools has given me necessary insights into the lives of emerging adults and those who parent them.
I specialize in working with older adolescents, young adults, and parents by offering supportive psychotherapy to address anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and parenting challenges.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker providing psychotherapy services to individuals and families in the Washington metropolitan area. With an interactive style, I use a positive, solution-focused approach and provide a non-judgemental atmosphere that allows for opportunities to decompress, reflect and problem solve. My 20 years of experience as a high school counselor at local independent schools has given me necessary insights into the lives of emerging adults and those who parent them.
(240) 219-6778 View (240) 219-6778
Photo of Sarah Miller, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
In my work with sexual concerns I often support persons w/ nonconforming relationship structures and welcome those who identify as kinky, queer, & trans.
Are you a child of a dysfunctional family, see yourself playing roles of a caretaker, people pleaser, fawner or avoidant of conflict? Do you wonder how these roles began? Perhaps you recognize their origin but feel uncertain how to step outside of these roles that feel inauthentic. Do you ever think to yourself, “I don’t feel like I know my ‘true self’”? You may desire to show up differently but not sure where or how to begin. I assure you; these questions and thoughts make complete sense to me, and I am here to work alongside you as we walk the path towards discovering your inner wisdom, truth and power to heal your past wounds.
In my work with sexual concerns I often support persons w/ nonconforming relationship structures and welcome those who identify as kinky, queer, & trans.
Are you a child of a dysfunctional family, see yourself playing roles of a caretaker, people pleaser, fawner or avoidant of conflict? Do you wonder how these roles began? Perhaps you recognize their origin but feel uncertain how to step outside of these roles that feel inauthentic. Do you ever think to yourself, “I don’t feel like I know my ‘true self’”? You may desire to show up differently but not sure where or how to begin. I assure you; these questions and thoughts make complete sense to me, and I am here to work alongside you as we walk the path towards discovering your inner wisdom, truth and power to heal your past wounds.
(202) 980-1236 View (202) 980-1236
Photo of Azubike Aliche (Approved Sw Supervisor), LICSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Azubike Aliche (Approved Sw Supervisor)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009
At Power Counseling PLLC, we are a group of five skilled and talented clinicians who are dedicated to meeting the needs and treatment goals of our clients. We are seeing clients by Zoom video in NJ, MD and VA. In Washington DC, you have a choice of virtual or in-person therapy. We take pride in the relationship that we build with our clients that make them to return to us, each time they have an emotional or relationship problem. Whether they have depression, anxiety, work-related stress, marital problems or other mental health problems, they give us a call. They refer friends and relatives to us. Join the the satisfied crowd.
At Power Counseling PLLC, we are a group of five skilled and talented clinicians who are dedicated to meeting the needs and treatment goals of our clients. We are seeing clients by Zoom video in NJ, MD and VA. In Washington DC, you have a choice of virtual or in-person therapy. We take pride in the relationship that we build with our clients that make them to return to us, each time they have an emotional or relationship problem. Whether they have depression, anxiety, work-related stress, marital problems or other mental health problems, they give us a call. They refer friends and relatives to us. Join the the satisfied crowd.
(202) 217-1798 View (202) 217-1798
Photo of Jo Pittman, MT-BC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jo Pittman
Pre-Licensed Professional, MT-BC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009
Hi! I’m Jo, a Graduate Counseling Intern at Urban Playology, a mental health private practice based in DC. I work under the direct clinical supervision of Xanthia Johnson, LPC, LCPC-S. I am a graduate counseling student at the University of Pennsylvania. I believe that healing, albeit challenging at times, is a beautiful and attainable experience. My compass for social justice holds my belief that everyone deserves to have a high-quality therapy experience with a compassionate and skilled psychotherapist. It is an honor to partner with human beings who come from diverse backgrounds on their journey toward mental health wellness.
Hi! I’m Jo, a Graduate Counseling Intern at Urban Playology, a mental health private practice based in DC. I work under the direct clinical supervision of Xanthia Johnson, LPC, LCPC-S. I am a graduate counseling student at the University of Pennsylvania. I believe that healing, albeit challenging at times, is a beautiful and attainable experience. My compass for social justice holds my belief that everyone deserves to have a high-quality therapy experience with a compassionate and skilled psychotherapist. It is an honor to partner with human beings who come from diverse backgrounds on their journey toward mental health wellness.
(888) 689-4339 x100 View (888) 689-4339 x100
Photo of John J Hartman, PhD, FABP, Psychologist
John J Hartman
Psychologist, PhD, FABP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20015
I use the relationship that develops in the course of therapy to better understand the individual conflicts that originate in childhood which underlie the difficulties you experience in your life.
I see people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other unpleasant emotions who want to learn more about themselves as a way of relieving their stress. These unpleasant emotions may involve problems in work, school, or close interpersonal relationships.
I use the relationship that develops in the course of therapy to better understand the individual conflicts that originate in childhood which underlie the difficulties you experience in your life.
I see people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other unpleasant emotions who want to learn more about themselves as a way of relieving their stress. These unpleasant emotions may involve problems in work, school, or close interpersonal relationships.
(813) 701-2459 View (813) 701-2459
Photo of Ramona Jones - IAm Enroot Therapy, LLC, LICSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
IAm Enroot Therapy, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
We specialize in Couples and Families therapy as we work towards restoring relationships, increasing a sense of self and strengthening relationship dynamics.
Have you found yourself struggling with everyday life? Are you not feeling like you? Finding it hard to trust? Are you struggling in your current relationships? Has resolving your mental health symptoms been extremely difficult and continued to impact important areas of your life? At IAm Enroot Therapy we specialize in working with clients who experience trauma related, anxiety related and Depressive disorders.
We specialize in Couples and Families therapy as we work towards restoring relationships, increasing a sense of self and strengthening relationship dynamics.
Have you found yourself struggling with everyday life? Are you not feeling like you? Finding it hard to trust? Are you struggling in your current relationships? Has resolving your mental health symptoms been extremely difficult and continued to impact important areas of your life? At IAm Enroot Therapy we specialize in working with clients who experience trauma related, anxiety related and Depressive disorders.
(855) 691-5698 View (855) 691-5698
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.