Marriage Counseling Therapists in Oakland, CA

Photo of William L. Spivey, PhD, Psychologist
William L. Spivey
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609
Dr. Spivey is the Director of a small group practice located in the heart of the medical district in Oakland, CA. He offers more than 35 years of experience working with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD within adults and adolescents. He takes a holistic approach by integrating concerns of health, diet, and exercise. Dr. Spivey also works with those suffering from occupational diseases, including job stress, feeling stale on the job, burnout, and job unhappiness. Other areas of endeavors include personality reshaping, motivation, and marital enhancement.
Dr. Spivey is the Director of a small group practice located in the heart of the medical district in Oakland, CA. He offers more than 35 years of experience working with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD within adults and adolescents. He takes a holistic approach by integrating concerns of health, diet, and exercise. Dr. Spivey also works with those suffering from occupational diseases, including job stress, feeling stale on the job, burnout, and job unhappiness. Other areas of endeavors include personality reshaping, motivation, and marital enhancement.
(510) 730-3273 View (510) 730-3273
Photo of Lisa Anderson - Happy Heart Therapy, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Happy Heart Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Hello all, I am an African-American marriage and family therapist who provides services in the Bay Area & So. Cal. I specialize in somatic therapy modalities that work well with individuals or couples who have experienced any trauma whether acute or developmental. I also work with client's experiencing grief, depression, and relational issues. My clients' find me easy to talk to and non-judgmental, this coupled with my life experience, creates a safe environment for healing to happen.
Hello all, I am an African-American marriage and family therapist who provides services in the Bay Area & So. Cal. I specialize in somatic therapy modalities that work well with individuals or couples who have experienced any trauma whether acute or developmental. I also work with client's experiencing grief, depression, and relational issues. My clients' find me easy to talk to and non-judgmental, this coupled with my life experience, creates a safe environment for healing to happen.
(424) 354-2814 View (424) 354-2814
Photo of Steven Foster, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Steven Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
Hello! Welcome to my personal profile. I am Steve Foster, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist The majority of my experience has been in working with couples, married and otherwise, to improve communication in their relationships. "Taking the war out of words",and learning to take one another's perspective increase the likelihood of success in intimate relationships. I've also worked with those coping with substance dependency. I am a strong believer in the value of family, and in the power of living a clean and sober, recovery-centered life. Please feel free to call me to discuss your concerns.
Hello! Welcome to my personal profile. I am Steve Foster, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist The majority of my experience has been in working with couples, married and otherwise, to improve communication in their relationships. "Taking the war out of words",and learning to take one another's perspective increase the likelihood of success in intimate relationships. I've also worked with those coping with substance dependency. I am a strong believer in the value of family, and in the power of living a clean and sober, recovery-centered life. Please feel free to call me to discuss your concerns.
(415) 967-7940 View (415) 967-7940
Photo of Noah Oderberg, PhD, Psychologist
Noah Oderberg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I also specialize in Relationship & Marital Therapy.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
I also specialize in Relationship & Marital Therapy.
Are you struggling with depression, low self-confidence, or anxiety? Are you having difficulties in your relationships or at work? Are you finding it hard to cope with a loss, life transition, or illness? I have brought warmth, knowledge, and compassion to my work with individuals & couples for over 30 years as a Psychologist. My approach to psychotherapy is to create a safe environment through listening and empathy that will enable you to talk about patterns in your life that are causing you distress. My goal is to help you achieve greater life satisfaction, healthier relationships & new sources of self worth.
(510) 404-8846 View (510) 404-8846
Photo of Fei Yi, PhD, LP, Psychologist
Fei Yi
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
Dr. Fei Yi is now accepting new clients with Lyra. If you're seeking a Chinese/English speaking therapist specializing in complex PTSD and family relationships, you’re in the right place. With over 10 years of clinical experience, Dr. Yi, a licensed psychologist in California, helps with anxiety, depression, trauma, work stress, social skills, marriage/family conflict, and LGBTQ+ concerns. She offers evidence-based psychotherapy to adults, couples, and families, combining Western and Eastern wisdom for holistic, providing compassionate listening and immediate, actionable feedback. Email Dr. Yi now for a free 15-minute consultation.
Dr. Fei Yi is now accepting new clients with Lyra. If you're seeking a Chinese/English speaking therapist specializing in complex PTSD and family relationships, you’re in the right place. With over 10 years of clinical experience, Dr. Yi, a licensed psychologist in California, helps with anxiety, depression, trauma, work stress, social skills, marriage/family conflict, and LGBTQ+ concerns. She offers evidence-based psychotherapy to adults, couples, and families, combining Western and Eastern wisdom for holistic, providing compassionate listening and immediate, actionable feedback. Email Dr. Yi now for a free 15-minute consultation.
(415) 549-9151 View (415) 549-9151
Photo of Lucia Grauman, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lucia Grauman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Awarded Oakland Magazine's "Best Therapist" 2018 & 2020, my specialties include: relationship issues (such as conflict resolution, dating, pre-marital counseling, divorce, blended families, infidelity); grief & loss; addiction, recovery & codependence; anxiety & depression. My approach is both warm and direct-- my clients experience me as accepting and empathic, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow and change. I am an integrative therapist, meaning I integrate more than one way/theory/model to view and treat psychological and/or relational concerns. See my website for education, experience and credentials.
Awarded Oakland Magazine's "Best Therapist" 2018 & 2020, my specialties include: relationship issues (such as conflict resolution, dating, pre-marital counseling, divorce, blended families, infidelity); grief & loss; addiction, recovery & codependence; anxiety & depression. My approach is both warm and direct-- my clients experience me as accepting and empathic, while also feeling challenged the right amount to grow and change. I am an integrative therapist, meaning I integrate more than one way/theory/model to view and treat psychological and/or relational concerns. See my website for education, experience and credentials.
(415) 799-3799 View (415) 799-3799
Photo of Jonathan Willett, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jonathan Willett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
I have worked with a wide diversity of clients including people experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, thought disorders, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress, marriage and family issues, and difficult life changes.
I work to build a warm, empathic relationship with my clients to create an environment where we can think together about the issues that bring you to therapy and how best to resolve them. I am informed by psychodynamic theory and utilize this rich tradition to explore unconscious defenses, maladaptive patterns and underlying schemas that can cause a person to repeat problematic behaviors despite their best efforts to change. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfullness practices to support clients with acquiring the tools they need to make those changes.
I have worked with a wide diversity of clients including people experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, thought disorders, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress, marriage and family issues, and difficult life changes.
I work to build a warm, empathic relationship with my clients to create an environment where we can think together about the issues that bring you to therapy and how best to resolve them. I am informed by psychodynamic theory and utilize this rich tradition to explore unconscious defenses, maladaptive patterns and underlying schemas that can cause a person to repeat problematic behaviors despite their best efforts to change. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfullness practices to support clients with acquiring the tools they need to make those changes.
(510) 661-3584 View (510) 661-3584
Photo of Micah Davis Anderson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Micah Davis Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
I am an empathic Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (132754) with a humanistic-existential approach, offering a decade of experience with both group facilitation, couples work, and one-on-ones. My strengths include mindfulness-based interventions, trauma and crisis, incarcerated youth and adults, and Muslim outreach.
I am an empathic Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (132754) with a humanistic-existential approach, offering a decade of experience with both group facilitation, couples work, and one-on-ones. My strengths include mindfulness-based interventions, trauma and crisis, incarcerated youth and adults, and Muslim outreach.
View
Photo of Tricia Kim Walsh, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tricia Kim Walsh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel depleted from finding the "right fit" couples or individual therapist? Have you just entered into a new developmental life phase (relocation/college/graduation/job change/new relationship/engagement/marriage/separation, etc.). Or maybe your mood, anxiety, communication and/or relational problems have you so stuck, you can no longer can focus on what is most important in your life. I am an authentic and integrative therapist who is focused on helping you find your own solutions and voice. I specialize in work with individual adults, teens and families. Call or message me for a free 20 minute telephone consultation today.
Do you feel depleted from finding the "right fit" couples or individual therapist? Have you just entered into a new developmental life phase (relocation/college/graduation/job change/new relationship/engagement/marriage/separation, etc.). Or maybe your mood, anxiety, communication and/or relational problems have you so stuck, you can no longer can focus on what is most important in your life. I am an authentic and integrative therapist who is focused on helping you find your own solutions and voice. I specialize in work with individual adults, teens and families. Call or message me for a free 20 minute telephone consultation today.
(925) 392-0834 View (925) 392-0834
Photo of Stefanie Schlief, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Stefanie Schlief
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
I am an associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in sex therapy, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I am currently accepting both couples and individuals at my practice. My work is non-judgmental, client focused, sex positive, open to those practicing ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, kink-positive, SWer supportive, and welcomes humans of all cultural backgrounds. I love to help people navigate through their relationships, both casual and serious, and offer support and care in making tough changes or choices. Together, we can explore shame, identity, and what scares or challenges us.
I am an associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in sex therapy, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I am currently accepting both couples and individuals at my practice. My work is non-judgmental, client focused, sex positive, open to those practicing ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, kink-positive, SWer supportive, and welcomes humans of all cultural backgrounds. I love to help people navigate through their relationships, both casual and serious, and offer support and care in making tough changes or choices. Together, we can explore shame, identity, and what scares or challenges us.
(510) 288-6085 View (510) 288-6085
Photo of Steven Herrmann, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Steven Herrmann
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611
I am a Jungian analyst and a Marriage Family Therapist (MFT Lic.
Jungian Analyst Steven Herrmann, Ph.D., MFT, Montclair, Oakland, California. Are you looking to find ways to make changes in order to live a more satisfying and meaningful life? Are you finding yourself in repetitive patterns that are no longer working for you? Then I may be of assistance to you. I bring an in-depth approach that builds on your strengths and aims to untangle the roots to what is causing problems. This may lead to a reduction in painful symptoms, an opening of vocational possibilities, a newly found sense of joy, and to the transformation of your personality. Please feel free to visit my website at stevenherrmann.com
I am a Jungian analyst and a Marriage Family Therapist (MFT Lic.
Jungian Analyst Steven Herrmann, Ph.D., MFT, Montclair, Oakland, California. Are you looking to find ways to make changes in order to live a more satisfying and meaningful life? Are you finding yourself in repetitive patterns that are no longer working for you? Then I may be of assistance to you. I bring an in-depth approach that builds on your strengths and aims to untangle the roots to what is causing problems. This may lead to a reduction in painful symptoms, an opening of vocational possibilities, a newly found sense of joy, and to the transformation of your personality. Please feel free to visit my website at stevenherrmann.com
(510) 531-2534 View (510) 531-2534
Photo of Michelle Grebe, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michelle Grebe
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94603
I'm dually licensed as a marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor.
Are you looking for a more joyous and purposeful life? I'm here to help! I believe you enter therapy already equipped for the transformation you seek.
I'm dually licensed as a marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor.
Are you looking for a more joyous and purposeful life? I'm here to help! I believe you enter therapy already equipped for the transformation you seek.
(341) 758-5197 View (341) 758-5197
Photo of Vernita Marsh - Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610
We provide couples therapy (including pre-marital counseling), family therapy (both adult families and adult & child families), individual therapy, adolescent, child therapy and massage therapy.
Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates is a holistic and psychotherapy practice. You will find our practice to be a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our staff is well trained and effective proven strategies. We incorporate a multi ethnic as well as mind, body, and spiritual perspectives in addressing your concerns. We are committed to supporting you to recognize your dreams and living your life to the fullest. If you're feeling stuck or trapped in any way, we have expertise in assessing and helping you to identify what's contributing to you being stuck and offering coping strategies to help you becoming free.
We provide couples therapy (including pre-marital counseling), family therapy (both adult families and adult & child families), individual therapy, adolescent, child therapy and massage therapy.
Dr. Vernita Marsh & Associates is a holistic and psychotherapy practice. You will find our practice to be a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our staff is well trained and effective proven strategies. We incorporate a multi ethnic as well as mind, body, and spiritual perspectives in addressing your concerns. We are committed to supporting you to recognize your dreams and living your life to the fullest. If you're feeling stuck or trapped in any way, we have expertise in assessing and helping you to identify what's contributing to you being stuck and offering coping strategies to help you becoming free.
(510) 808-6296 View (510) 808-6296
Photo of Jessica Knott, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica Knott
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
Jessica Knott, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Client-Centered approaches. In sessions, my communication style is empathetic, supportive, and non-judgmental. I create a safe and open environment where clients feel heard and understood. Working with me is collaborative, focused on your unique needs, and aimed at fostering a sense of empowerment and positive change.
Jessica Knott, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Client-Centered approaches. In sessions, my communication style is empathetic, supportive, and non-judgmental. I create a safe and open environment where clients feel heard and understood. Working with me is collaborative, focused on your unique needs, and aimed at fostering a sense of empowerment and positive change.
(510) 345-0750 View (510) 345-0750
Photo of Alex Momtchiloff, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alex Momtchiloff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.
I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.
(510) 640-8569 View (510) 640-8569
Photo of Adriana Gonzalez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Adriana Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94605
Hi, I'm Adriana! My name is Adriana Gonzalez and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Riverside, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I am dedicated to serving adolescents and their families and specialize in treating anxiety, stress, and behavioral health disorders using solution-focused and family-centered treatment to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I work to help my clients navigate these transition periods and to build the necessary skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life.
Hi, I'm Adriana! My name is Adriana Gonzalez and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Riverside, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I am dedicated to serving adolescents and their families and specialize in treating anxiety, stress, and behavioral health disorders using solution-focused and family-centered treatment to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I work to help my clients navigate these transition periods and to build the necessary skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life.
(510) 680-2302 View (510) 680-2302
Photo of Keri (Kathryn) Sills-Payne, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Keri (Kathryn) Sills-Payne
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
As a queer-identified and spiritual-identified woman in an interracial, same-sex marriage, I integrate many layers.
Are you wanting to feel better once and for all? Maybe you can't move on from the past or you're worried about your future. If anxiety, panic, or even depression is stealing your joy, I get it. If traditional talk therapy hasn't helped you feel better, it's time to try a new approach to heal at the source of your pain. For 12 years I have refined my approach through professional training and experience in Relational-gestalt therapy and Brainspotting (derived from EMDR) while centering social justice and trauma-informed care.
As a queer-identified and spiritual-identified woman in an interracial, same-sex marriage, I integrate many layers.
Are you wanting to feel better once and for all? Maybe you can't move on from the past or you're worried about your future. If anxiety, panic, or even depression is stealing your joy, I get it. If traditional talk therapy hasn't helped you feel better, it's time to try a new approach to heal at the source of your pain. For 12 years I have refined my approach through professional training and experience in Relational-gestalt therapy and Brainspotting (derived from EMDR) while centering social justice and trauma-informed care.
(510) 694-1462 View (510) 694-1462
Photo of Marissza Cavin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marissza Cavin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I work with those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, and relational issues. I use a variety of approaches to build understanding of your inner dialogue, your values, and how to create more fulfillment in your life. While working with couples, I support building trust through assertion practice, role playing, shifting toward appreciation, and improving communication techniques especially when in conflict.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I work with those struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, and relational issues. I use a variety of approaches to build understanding of your inner dialogue, your values, and how to create more fulfillment in your life. While working with couples, I support building trust through assertion practice, role playing, shifting toward appreciation, and improving communication techniques especially when in conflict.
(510) 480-3987 View (510) 480-3987
Photo of Jim Conwell - Jim Conwell MFT, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jim Conwell MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I have studied in the Relational Life Therapy, Passionate Marriage, Quest for the Mythical Mate approaches (Terry Real; David Schnarch; Bader & Pearson).
I specialize in effective couples therapy. I work with adult individuals, and men with issues in the area of sexuality and intimacy. In working with couples I focus on self-responsibility, communication (listening when listening is hard, self revealing instead of finger-pointing), expectations, self-awareness, and remaining intimate through difficulty. Throughout the whole process I integrate a focus on kindness without abandoning or avoiding the truth. I also specialize in assisting and supporting both men and women with building the skill and ability to feel and share their feelings effectively in intimate relationships.
I have studied in the Relational Life Therapy, Passionate Marriage, Quest for the Mythical Mate approaches (Terry Real; David Schnarch; Bader & Pearson).
I specialize in effective couples therapy. I work with adult individuals, and men with issues in the area of sexuality and intimacy. In working with couples I focus on self-responsibility, communication (listening when listening is hard, self revealing instead of finger-pointing), expectations, self-awareness, and remaining intimate through difficulty. Throughout the whole process I integrate a focus on kindness without abandoning or avoiding the truth. I also specialize in assisting and supporting both men and women with building the skill and ability to feel and share their feelings effectively in intimate relationships.
(925) 290-8785 View (925) 290-8785
Photo of Elizabeth Preston, PhD, Psychologist
Elizabeth Preston
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94619
I treat relationship issues: marital conflict, parenting/step-parenting dilemmas, and life transition issues.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience treating children, adolescents, families and adults. I provide highly indiviudalized therapy to each and every client. I integrate techniques from several theoretical orientations, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, family systems theory, and psychodynamic theory, to formulate an indiviudalized treatment plan for each client. Within the session, I create a safe, compassionate and confidential setting for clients to address their core issues and to work out past and present difficulties.
I treat relationship issues: marital conflict, parenting/step-parenting dilemmas, and life transition issues.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience treating children, adolescents, families and adults. I provide highly indiviudalized therapy to each and every client. I integrate techniques from several theoretical orientations, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, family systems theory, and psychodynamic theory, to formulate an indiviudalized treatment plan for each client. Within the session, I create a safe, compassionate and confidential setting for clients to address their core issues and to work out past and present difficulties.
(510) 962-7931 View (510) 962-7931
1
...
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.