Photo of John Michael Smith, MSEd, NCC, LMHC, Counselor
John Michael Smith
Counselor, MSEd, NCC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Davenport, IA 52803
John is mental health counselor that has been working with clients for over 15 years. His professional experience includes: bereavement, divorce issues, trauma work, bullying, depression, anxiety and group work with adults, adolescents and youth. John uses a non-judgmental approach to create a comfortable environment to work through the difficult challenges life brings. Specific interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client Centered counseling techniques are used to establish a high quality of individual wellness that will help each person achieve personal goals and reach levels of desired self-awareness & comfort.
John is mental health counselor that has been working with clients for over 15 years. His professional experience includes: bereavement, divorce issues, trauma work, bullying, depression, anxiety and group work with adults, adolescents and youth. John uses a non-judgmental approach to create a comfortable environment to work through the difficult challenges life brings. Specific interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client Centered counseling techniques are used to establish a high quality of individual wellness that will help each person achieve personal goals and reach levels of desired self-awareness & comfort.
(563) 362-3873 View (563) 362-3873

Online Therapists

Photo of Thomas Lee Milard, PhD, Psychologist
Thomas Lee Milard
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Clinton, IA 52732
I specialize in working with individuals who are committed to self-development. I specialize in using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, an approach that focuses on an individuals' values, and changes their relationship with their thoughts and emotions. I also use techniques from positive psychology to help people flourish rather than engage in behaviors that provide only short-term gratification. Moreover, given that we learn how to deal with stressors from our families of origin, I help people live as who they truly are rather than who they have been conditioned to be.
I specialize in working with individuals who are committed to self-development. I specialize in using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, an approach that focuses on an individuals' values, and changes their relationship with their thoughts and emotions. I also use techniques from positive psychology to help people flourish rather than engage in behaviors that provide only short-term gratification. Moreover, given that we learn how to deal with stressors from our families of origin, I help people live as who they truly are rather than who they have been conditioned to be.
(563) 228-8797 View (563) 228-8797
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.