Marriage Counseling Therapists in Sherborn, MA
![Photo of Kathryn Geremia, MA, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/438b4749-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kathryn Geremia
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Sherborn, MA 01770 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Some people seek therapy when a new problem arises or when a problem(s) becomes to distressing and is now interfering in life. For others, therapy is preventive and helps manage the stress of everyday life. I believe that therapy is always beneficial, regardless of the reason or timing. My approach to mental health incorporates full mind-body wellness. My style of therapy is client-focused, collaborative, and insight oriented. You are the expert in your life and we will work together to learn and problem solve, in a supportive environment that encourages positive changes to enhance your life and overall well-being.
Some people seek therapy when a new problem arises or when a problem(s) becomes to distressing and is now interfering in life. For others, therapy is preventive and helps manage the stress of everyday life. I believe that therapy is always beneficial, regardless of the reason or timing. My approach to mental health incorporates full mind-body wellness. My style of therapy is client-focused, collaborative, and insight oriented. You are the expert in your life and we will work together to learn and problem solve, in a supportive environment that encourages positive changes to enhance your life and overall well-being.
![Photo of Angela Boring Somatic Experiencing Profess Master Addiction Counselor, LCSW-S, SEP, CCTP, TX | UT, OR | MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aac5db8c-61d6-42fa-b372-a288090a1789/1/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Boring Somatic Experiencing Profess Master Addiction Counselor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, SEP, CCTP, TX | UT, OR | MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sherborn, MA 01770
It's all too much. The never-ending responsibility to care for others at work and meeting your loved one's needs at home is a heavy weight to bear. As a high achiever, you've always been able to take on life's demands. But lately, you're trying to do it all while feeling completely overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with self-doubt, anxiety, and sometimes even feeling debilitated/frozen. At the end of the day, you're disappointed in yourself for being short with others, going through the motions with no real joy, and realizing that none of your own needs were met. You're mentally exhausted, frustrated, & need help getting off this carousel.
It's all too much. The never-ending responsibility to care for others at work and meeting your loved one's needs at home is a heavy weight to bear. As a high achiever, you've always been able to take on life's demands. But lately, you're trying to do it all while feeling completely overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with self-doubt, anxiety, and sometimes even feeling debilitated/frozen. At the end of the day, you're disappointed in yourself for being short with others, going through the motions with no real joy, and realizing that none of your own needs were met. You're mentally exhausted, frustrated, & need help getting off this carousel.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Cathy Spear, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e0c5aae-1b2d-4db6-a32e-0150c5ad52de/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cathy Spear
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Wayland, MA 01778 (Online Only)
Having many years of experience as a clinician, I believe the key to a positive therapy relationship is comfort and trust. My goal is to offer a caring and direct relationship that helps you make your life more meaningful/ less conflicted by building on your strengths and capacities. I use a combination of cognitive and relational thinking to help encourage curiosity into one's choices and to foster change. My clinical specialty areas are grief/bereavement and marital/couples/relationship work, with individuals as well as with couples/families. Importantly, I find the therapeutic connection is tender and, hopefully, life-changing.
Having many years of experience as a clinician, I believe the key to a positive therapy relationship is comfort and trust. My goal is to offer a caring and direct relationship that helps you make your life more meaningful/ less conflicted by building on your strengths and capacities. I use a combination of cognitive and relational thinking to help encourage curiosity into one's choices and to foster change. My clinical specialty areas are grief/bereavement and marital/couples/relationship work, with individuals as well as with couples/families. Importantly, I find the therapeutic connection is tender and, hopefully, life-changing.
![Photo of Charles Hogan, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d518c1c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Marital & Relationship Therapy with the focus upon better communication and conflict resolution.
I have been providing outpatient psychotherapy services for 30 years. My office is located in Needham. I concentrate treatment in two areas:
Marital & Relationship Therapy with the focus upon better communication and conflict resolution.
I have been providing outpatient psychotherapy services for 30 years. My office is located in Needham. I concentrate treatment in two areas:
![Photo of Damon Blank, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c682dba-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
My clients are men and women who want satisfaction and success in their work, family and social relationships. I work with individuals, couples, families and groups. I have been in private practice for 41 years. I believe that forming healthy, open, and constructive relationships with my clients becomes a model for healing and growth. I am an experiential psychotherapist. This means that my clients thinking, feeling and state of being is the focus for enhanced personal understanding and acceptance.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
My clients are men and women who want satisfaction and success in their work, family and social relationships. I work with individuals, couples, families and groups. I have been in private practice for 41 years. I believe that forming healthy, open, and constructive relationships with my clients becomes a model for healing and growth. I am an experiential psychotherapist. This means that my clients thinking, feeling and state of being is the focus for enhanced personal understanding and acceptance.
![Photo of Sj Bashein - Bashein Therapy Services, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/541776e0-94ed-44ea-8152-04934876aace/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bashein Therapy Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Framingham, MA 01701 (Online Only)
I am currently accepting new clients for both individual and couples therapy and have openings Monday evenings, Tuesday mornings and evenings, and Wednesdays. In my work I focus on creating an environment that is safe enough for clients to explore feelings and experiences, and to delve into the things that worry them. Clients I work with are often struggling with parenthood, marriage, partners, or children, personal relationships, or major changes in life. I love working with clients who are curious and engaged, and for clients seeking art therapy services, therapy is also a priority to provide new means of expression and healing.
I am currently accepting new clients for both individual and couples therapy and have openings Monday evenings, Tuesday mornings and evenings, and Wednesdays. In my work I focus on creating an environment that is safe enough for clients to explore feelings and experiences, and to delve into the things that worry them. Clients I work with are often struggling with parenthood, marriage, partners, or children, personal relationships, or major changes in life. I love working with clients who are curious and engaged, and for clients seeking art therapy services, therapy is also a priority to provide new means of expression and healing.
![Photo of Christopher Morton, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ab96bac-b71f-4478-8085-c035bb8bc91a/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked extensively with individuals struggling with social anxiety, social adjustment, marriage and relationship challenges, family communication, and those who feel as though they want to be getting more out of life, school, or work.
For the past 10+ years I have been in private practice serving kids, adolescents, and adults. I provide neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic assessment and consultation as well as individual and group therapy using a strengths-based approach. Much of my practice focuses on helping Middle School and High School students who are struggling with learning, social, and emotional adjustment through collaboratively identifying the obstacles and challenges they may be facing and helping them to recognize and embrace their qualities and strengths. Evaluation also involves working closely with parents and helping to identify the most appropriate schools, supports, and home strategies.
I have worked extensively with individuals struggling with social anxiety, social adjustment, marriage and relationship challenges, family communication, and those who feel as though they want to be getting more out of life, school, or work.
For the past 10+ years I have been in private practice serving kids, adolescents, and adults. I provide neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic assessment and consultation as well as individual and group therapy using a strengths-based approach. Much of my practice focuses on helping Middle School and High School students who are struggling with learning, social, and emotional adjustment through collaboratively identifying the obstacles and challenges they may be facing and helping them to recognize and embrace their qualities and strengths. Evaluation also involves working closely with parents and helping to identify the most appropriate schools, supports, and home strategies.
![Photo of Shawn C King - Ophir Counseling Services, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/221ed26a-4518-4d62-b1ed-63f1f692d847/1/320x400.jpeg)
My specialty is consistent with a license in Mental Health Counseling and a license in Marriage and Family Therapy, with an experience of working with a large population; ranging from anxiety, autism, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, learning disabilities, oppositional and aggressive disorders, stress and marriage/couples.
I believe that we all exhibit the belief that life can be challenging, and navigating its twists and turns can often leave us feeling adrift in chaos and uncertainty. However, I firmly believe that within this turbulence lies a wellspring of inspiration and resilience unique to our own personal experiences. By reshaping and sharing our narratives, we can find our true path and tap into our untapped potential. My desire is to work together to cultivate resilience and strength, uncovering the best version of you.
My specialty is consistent with a license in Mental Health Counseling and a license in Marriage and Family Therapy, with an experience of working with a large population; ranging from anxiety, autism, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, learning disabilities, oppositional and aggressive disorders, stress and marriage/couples.
I believe that we all exhibit the belief that life can be challenging, and navigating its twists and turns can often leave us feeling adrift in chaos and uncertainty. However, I firmly believe that within this turbulence lies a wellspring of inspiration and resilience unique to our own personal experiences. By reshaping and sharing our narratives, we can find our true path and tap into our untapped potential. My desire is to work together to cultivate resilience and strength, uncovering the best version of you.
![Photo of Kelli A Smith, PMHNPBC, MSN , PMHCNS, MEd](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/476ebc5b-0e52-4453-8c8d-39d27dd8b6a6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alcohol Dependence, Adult Recovery/ Childhood Trauma and Relationship/Narcissistic Abuse, Marriage/Couples, Divorce, Parent Coaching/IEP, Parent Alienation/Estrangement, Consultation, and Legal Supports.
Two Board Certifications in Psychiatry, Medication as needed and Counseling, Holistic and Integrated Approaches, Expert Behavioral Health, ADHD Focused Treatment, Trauma and Relationship Recovery. Quick Appointments, Active Therapeutic Engagement, Effective Couples Counseling- Evenings and some Saturday appointments available. Faith Based Clinician.
Alcohol Dependence, Adult Recovery/ Childhood Trauma and Relationship/Narcissistic Abuse, Marriage/Couples, Divorce, Parent Coaching/IEP, Parent Alienation/Estrangement, Consultation, and Legal Supports.
Two Board Certifications in Psychiatry, Medication as needed and Counseling, Holistic and Integrated Approaches, Expert Behavioral Health, ADHD Focused Treatment, Trauma and Relationship Recovery. Quick Appointments, Active Therapeutic Engagement, Effective Couples Counseling- Evenings and some Saturday appointments available. Faith Based Clinician.
![Photo of Ann Drouilhet, LMFT, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cfdd1ec-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed social worker and licensed marriage and family therapist practicing for 28 years.
I am most interested in working with couples who are open to building a more compassionate internal relationship within themselves in service of creating the kind of partnership for which they yearn.
I am a licensed social worker and licensed marriage and family therapist practicing for 28 years.
I am most interested in working with couples who are open to building a more compassionate internal relationship within themselves in service of creating the kind of partnership for which they yearn.
![Photo of Francesca Maxime, LCSW, LICSW, SEP, IFS, FOT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2767d179-8bf2-4a0d-9323-16706232a8b2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Francesca Maxime
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, SEP, IFS, FOT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashland, MA 01721
Serving NY, FL & MA If you've had trauma in your life, a challenging childhood, find yourself struck with anxiety or depression & feel like you need some support, you've come to the right place. I help to guide adults, couples & adult families with somatic, relational, & mindful strategies to help you get at the root of your issues. Folks that I've helped include filmmakers, artists, actors, CEO's/nonprofit executives, Girlboss millennials, tech founders/entrepreneurs, marginalized millennials, couples from the premarital to longstanding marriage stage & more. I hold an inclusive lens along racial, LBGT+ & open relationship lines.
Serving NY, FL & MA If you've had trauma in your life, a challenging childhood, find yourself struck with anxiety or depression & feel like you need some support, you've come to the right place. I help to guide adults, couples & adult families with somatic, relational, & mindful strategies to help you get at the root of your issues. Folks that I've helped include filmmakers, artists, actors, CEO's/nonprofit executives, Girlboss millennials, tech founders/entrepreneurs, marginalized millennials, couples from the premarital to longstanding marriage stage & more. I hold an inclusive lens along racial, LBGT+ & open relationship lines.
![Photo of Shu Hui Li, LMHC, LMFT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a426cf41-34f6-42ea-836b-a6c3d58a1cf8/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, specializing in individual/couple/family therapy.
Everyone has a unique background and life story. I understand everyone has difficulties. Whether you're at crossroads, distressed over troubled relationships, facing difficult challenges or looking for meaning in life, I can work with you on your aspirations. As you begin sensing your inner peace, you will feel the power of hope moving you toward a balanced life, breaking through challenges and improving your relationships with others. To support you toward a balanced life, I will use various therapeutic interventions regarding your emotional, relational, physical, social and family concerns.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, specializing in individual/couple/family therapy.
Everyone has a unique background and life story. I understand everyone has difficulties. Whether you're at crossroads, distressed over troubled relationships, facing difficult challenges or looking for meaning in life, I can work with you on your aspirations. As you begin sensing your inner peace, you will feel the power of hope moving you toward a balanced life, breaking through challenges and improving your relationships with others. To support you toward a balanced life, I will use various therapeutic interventions regarding your emotional, relational, physical, social and family concerns.
![Photo of Ellie Luperon - I.C. Solutions LLC, MA, MFT, LADC-1, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/258b19ad-b4ff-4be9-9d79-a2d8ff775a13/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, as well as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
Are you struggling to navigate through life challenges? Are you feeling misunderstood by family or friends? Do you engage in destructive behaviors? Do you lack interest in formerly enjoyed activities? Regardless of the circumstance, I. C. Solutions will support you in overcoming your problems.
I am a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, as well as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
Are you struggling to navigate through life challenges? Are you feeling misunderstood by family or friends? Do you engage in destructive behaviors? Do you lack interest in formerly enjoyed activities? Regardless of the circumstance, I. C. Solutions will support you in overcoming your problems.
![Photo of Sid Mondell, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/383fa1ba-e21d-4fa2-a302-7ffe5aecf43d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been operating a general clinical practice serving adults, adolescents, children, families, and couples for over 20 years. My professional orientation is client-centered and problem solving/solution focused – integrating cognitive and family systems approaches. My services offered include brief treatment, intermittent treatment, longer term treatment, individual, couples, and family therapy. Referral problems typically include mood disorders, relationship problems, parenting problems, family adjustment problems, trauma and abuse issues, anxiety disorders, loss and bereavement issues, marital issues and post-divorce adjustment, and adolescent behavior problems.
I have been operating a general clinical practice serving adults, adolescents, children, families, and couples for over 20 years. My professional orientation is client-centered and problem solving/solution focused – integrating cognitive and family systems approaches. My services offered include brief treatment, intermittent treatment, longer term treatment, individual, couples, and family therapy. Referral problems typically include mood disorders, relationship problems, parenting problems, family adjustment problems, trauma and abuse issues, anxiety disorders, loss and bereavement issues, marital issues and post-divorce adjustment, and adolescent behavior problems.
![Photo of Sara Hueso, PsyaD, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/431d536f-927b-458f-9834-f37f266744c6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you are thrust in the humbling struggles of parenting, the venture of re-conceptualizing your marriage, your relationships, your health, or your-self, come talk….
I am a native Spanish- English therapist with more than 25 years of clinical experience. Whether you find yourself struggling with depression, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, difficult relationships, conflict or difficult life circumstances, I hope that our collaboration will result in your growing sense of self, improved relationships and realization in your life.
Whether you are thrust in the humbling struggles of parenting, the venture of re-conceptualizing your marriage, your relationships, your health, or your-self, come talk….
I am a native Spanish- English therapist with more than 25 years of clinical experience. Whether you find yourself struggling with depression, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, difficult relationships, conflict or difficult life circumstances, I hope that our collaboration will result in your growing sense of self, improved relationships and realization in your life.
![Photo of Maxim Arbuzov, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/891fd1bb-454e-43fc-9c95-a481272433e8/3/320x400.jpeg)
If you are navigating life, with continuous roadblocks, resulting from depression, anxiety, fear, anger and/or trauma, you are not alone. If you have relationship, marital, or premarital issues, you came to the right place. My specialty is working with men who are on a path to have great relationships and overcoming adjustments in life that come with every stage and decision we make. Clients come to me to learn how to have healthy relationships, strong communication, great listening skill's and more intimacy in their lives.
If you are navigating life, with continuous roadblocks, resulting from depression, anxiety, fear, anger and/or trauma, you are not alone. If you have relationship, marital, or premarital issues, you came to the right place. My specialty is working with men who are on a path to have great relationships and overcoming adjustments in life that come with every stage and decision we make. Clients come to me to learn how to have healthy relationships, strong communication, great listening skill's and more intimacy in their lives.
![Photo of Lorraine Helfand-Garcia, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74848f5f-5ca9-4ee5-8243-5c4b11b0443d/4/320x400.jpeg)
Lorraine Helfand-Garcia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Framingham, MA 01702
Specialty includes but limited to: marital/ couple therapy, life coach, mood disorders, relational issues, trauma/ PTSD.
I am a bilingual (Spanish) licensed social worker/ therapist for many decades. I feel honored to join you in your life journey wherever that may lead you. I believe strengthening your story of empowerment, resilence and recovery can take place when you take time to re-examine old stories, patterns and life experiences with another caring person. Together we can re-invent ourselves and surpass losses, trauma, hardships, discrimination and other life experiences. Let individual, couple or family therapy become a place of healing and growth.
Specialty includes but limited to: marital/ couple therapy, life coach, mood disorders, relational issues, trauma/ PTSD.
I am a bilingual (Spanish) licensed social worker/ therapist for many decades. I feel honored to join you in your life journey wherever that may lead you. I believe strengthening your story of empowerment, resilence and recovery can take place when you take time to re-examine old stories, patterns and life experiences with another caring person. Together we can re-invent ourselves and surpass losses, trauma, hardships, discrimination and other life experiences. Let individual, couple or family therapy become a place of healing and growth.
![Photo of Victoria Mauro, LMHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad590cfb-6d22-4ece-bf8d-a1f84ff91de9/3/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria Mauro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMHC
Verified Verified
Hopkinton, MA 01748
Waitlist for new clients
My previous work includes inpatient/residential and outpatient substance use treatment, child and adolescent therapy both outpatient and community based (In-Home), as well as family and marriage counseling.
Everyone deserves a counselor who will listen, care, advocate, and support them. My experience has guided me to work a variety of presenting issues that include: substance use/addiction, depressive and anxiety symptoms, ADHD, family dynamics & communications, and stress management (18+)
My previous work includes inpatient/residential and outpatient substance use treatment, child and adolescent therapy both outpatient and community based (In-Home), as well as family and marriage counseling.
Everyone deserves a counselor who will listen, care, advocate, and support them. My experience has guided me to work a variety of presenting issues that include: substance use/addiction, depressive and anxiety symptoms, ADHD, family dynamics & communications, and stress management (18+)
![Photo of Rosa Khorshidi LMFT, MS, MEd, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/371d8adf-00df-47bc-8cd4-48b7dd0a68d9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rosa Khorshidi LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MEd, LMFT
Verified Verified
Newton, MA 02468 (Online Only)
A systemic marriage and family therapist especially an EFT practitioner believes that in relationships, there is no individual to blame.
I worked with individuals, couples, and families since 1991 in Iran and America. Relationships, especially couple therapy is my focus. A Ph.D. student in couple therapy, I am the world's first Iranian/Muslim Certified EFT Therapist. EFTis a meta-cultural model based on Attachment Theory. Its success rate is up to %90. I am the only Muslim LMFT of MA and the only Iranian LMFT of New England, but I am open to any population.I work with Middle Eastern, Muslims, immigrants, and especially Iranians, but more than half of my clients are out of that population.
A systemic marriage and family therapist especially an EFT practitioner believes that in relationships, there is no individual to blame.
I worked with individuals, couples, and families since 1991 in Iran and America. Relationships, especially couple therapy is my focus. A Ph.D. student in couple therapy, I am the world's first Iranian/Muslim Certified EFT Therapist. EFTis a meta-cultural model based on Attachment Theory. Its success rate is up to %90. I am the only Muslim LMFT of MA and the only Iranian LMFT of New England, but I am open to any population.I work with Middle Eastern, Muslims, immigrants, and especially Iranians, but more than half of my clients are out of that population.
![Photo of Stephanie Craig, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49d30b88-2a70-4c7e-9f9a-f7ddd182fe32/2/320x400.jpeg)
No one is born a parent. Parenting, and especially co-parenting, can be even more challenging when partners disagree, or when larger issues about the marriage or a divorce arise. I help parents understand how to be the best mothers and fathers they can be for their children, and how to work together to support them even under difficult circumstances.
I also work directly with couples and families experiencing conflict (together or as individuals), and can provide divorce and family mediation when needed.
No one is born a parent. Parenting, and especially co-parenting, can be even more challenging when partners disagree, or when larger issues about the marriage or a divorce arise. I help parents understand how to be the best mothers and fathers they can be for their children, and how to work together to support them even under difficult circumstances.
I also work directly with couples and families experiencing conflict (together or as individuals), and can provide divorce and family mediation when needed.
See more therapy options for Sherborn
Marriage Counseling Therapists
How does marriage counseling work?
Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.
How long does marriage counseling typically last?
Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.
Is marriage counseling effective?
Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.
Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?
Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.