Marriage Counseling Therapists in River North, Chicago, IL

Photo of Wendy Charness, PhD, Psychologist
Wendy Charness
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
I'm an experienced psychologist who can assist you with relationship challenges, perfectionism & people-pleasing, life transitions ( marriage /parenting/divorce/retirement/caregiving), ADHD & parenting, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety & life dissatisfaction.
Do you feel your life doesn't reflect your hopes and dreams? Do your relationships lack the satisfaction & warmth you wish and deserve? Are you finding it challenging to be the spouse or parent you want to be? Have you been diagnosed with a medical condition and struggling to adjust? Are you caring for a loved one with an illness and feeling the stress? As your partner and guide, I can help you remove unhealthy patterns and develop more constructive ways of coping. I can assist you in feeling happier, more resilient in the face of life challenges, developing stronger relationships and achieving your full potential.
I'm an experienced psychologist who can assist you with relationship challenges, perfectionism & people-pleasing, life transitions ( marriage /parenting/divorce/retirement/caregiving), ADHD & parenting, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety & life dissatisfaction.
Do you feel your life doesn't reflect your hopes and dreams? Do your relationships lack the satisfaction & warmth you wish and deserve? Are you finding it challenging to be the spouse or parent you want to be? Have you been diagnosed with a medical condition and struggling to adjust? Are you caring for a loved one with an illness and feeling the stress? As your partner and guide, I can help you remove unhealthy patterns and develop more constructive ways of coping. I can assist you in feeling happier, more resilient in the face of life challenges, developing stronger relationships and achieving your full potential.
(312) 548-9270 View (312) 548-9270
Photo of Danielle Jacobson - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Chicago, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Chicago
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60601
We offer individual counseling, psychiatry/medication management (virtual only), family counseling, couples therapy/ marriage counseling, and child & teen therapy.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
We offer individual counseling, psychiatry/medication management (virtual only), family counseling, couples therapy/ marriage counseling, and child & teen therapy.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
(855) 524-5193 View (855) 524-5193
Photo of Michela Stevenson, MA, ALMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Michela Stevenson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, ALMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work exclusively with couples who are navigating major life transitions ( marriage, new baby, grief & loss), boundary and communication struggles, infidelity and other relationship crises. I am especially passionate about perinatal mental health issues, and helping couples manage their roles as parents while preserving their relationship.
I work exclusively with couples who are navigating major life transitions ( marriage, new baby, grief & loss), boundary and communication struggles, infidelity and other relationship crises. I am especially passionate about perinatal mental health issues, and helping couples manage their roles as parents while preserving their relationship.
(312) 465-4937 View (312) 465-4937
Peter A. Reiner
Psychologist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
I developed a broad, sophisticated perspective from my experience as a clinical psychologist, a marriage and family therapist, and a psychoanalyst.
I am a warm, flexible, thoughtful and experienced licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and psychoanalyst located just north Chicago's Loop. I establish supportive and comfortable therapeutic relationships with individuals and couples. Sessions are customized to the unique needs, goals, and strengths of each client. Typical challenges include the following: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, work difficulties, grief or loss, relationship issues or patterns, substance or alcohol abuse, divorce, parenting, stress management, painful emotional symptoms, personality disorders, and renewing hope.
I developed a broad, sophisticated perspective from my experience as a clinical psychologist, a marriage and family therapist, and a psychoanalyst.
I am a warm, flexible, thoughtful and experienced licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and psychoanalyst located just north Chicago's Loop. I establish supportive and comfortable therapeutic relationships with individuals and couples. Sessions are customized to the unique needs, goals, and strengths of each client. Typical challenges include the following: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, work difficulties, grief or loss, relationship issues or patterns, substance or alcohol abuse, divorce, parenting, stress management, painful emotional symptoms, personality disorders, and renewing hope.
(312) 854-2036 View (312) 854-2036
Photo of Lisa M. Demos, LCPC, MA, Counselor
Lisa M. Demos
Counselor, LCPC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
Clients may need support and guidance through life changes: dating, marriage, divorce, pregnancy, grief, loss.
With over 20 years of experience I have worked with a range of issues and populations. My main approach to therapy is cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) in order to process thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that contribute to distorted thinking and behavior, therefore affecting emotional well-being. The goal is to challenge and reframe so that the client achieves their personal goals, to cope with life transitions and obstacles. I also utilize Attachment Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I've assisted clients with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, life transitions, and various others.
Clients may need support and guidance through life changes: dating, marriage, divorce, pregnancy, grief, loss.
With over 20 years of experience I have worked with a range of issues and populations. My main approach to therapy is cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) in order to process thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that contribute to distorted thinking and behavior, therefore affecting emotional well-being. The goal is to challenge and reframe so that the client achieves their personal goals, to cope with life transitions and obstacles. I also utilize Attachment Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I've assisted clients with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, life transitions, and various others.
(773) 451-8172 View (773) 451-8172
Photo of Antonina (Nina) Lunetta, MA, LCPC, NCC, IMH-E
Antonina (Nina) Lunetta
MA, LCPC, NCC, IMH-E
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60611  (Online Only)
I specialize in relationships (including LGBTQIA+, Poly, ENM, monogamy, marital, pre- marital, & divorce), individual work (anxiety, ADHD, cultural, racial, sexual & gender identity exploration, trauma, holistic wellness, and career), and family work (parenting, teenagers, & parents with adult children).
Relationships! We all have them, and at times, we all struggle with navigating them. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I offer a relatable & validating space where I assist my clients in improving direct & healthy communication, setting personal and professional goals and boundaries, and identifying, processing, and addressing life obstacles as they arise. And hopefully a touch of humor too ;D Now accepting new clients - email for soonest availability. To read more about Antonina, go to: www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release-service/495366
I specialize in relationships (including LGBTQIA+, Poly, ENM, monogamy, marital, pre- marital, & divorce), individual work (anxiety, ADHD, cultural, racial, sexual & gender identity exploration, trauma, holistic wellness, and career), and family work (parenting, teenagers, & parents with adult children).
Relationships! We all have them, and at times, we all struggle with navigating them. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I offer a relatable & validating space where I assist my clients in improving direct & healthy communication, setting personal and professional goals and boundaries, and identifying, processing, and addressing life obstacles as they arise. And hopefully a touch of humor too ;D Now accepting new clients - email for soonest availability. To read more about Antonina, go to: www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release-service/495366
(312) 517-2940 View (312) 517-2940
Photo of Bryan Russo - Bryan Russo, LMFT, MS, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bryan Russo, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, PhD
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60611  (Online Only)
American Psychological Association-Associate Member 02997289 American Association of Marriage / Family Therapists-Clinical Fellow 165620 California Association of Marriage / Family Therapists-Clinical Member 93903.
Too often psychotherapy focuses on causality, pathology and cures. However, rather than being "sick" or 'broken", often we are just lost inside ourselves or relationships. Everyone is a unique person with their own story, experience and perspective. The goal of therapy is to achieve a deeper awareness of where we are, to discover internal meaning for our many experiences, and to experience a life worth living. While working towards that awareness, I feel that it's also important to teach healthier coping skills to assist in dealing with the anxiety and day to day stressors that bring individuals to therapy.
American Psychological Association-Associate Member 02997289 American Association of Marriage / Family Therapists-Clinical Fellow 165620 California Association of Marriage / Family Therapists-Clinical Member 93903.
Too often psychotherapy focuses on causality, pathology and cures. However, rather than being "sick" or 'broken", often we are just lost inside ourselves or relationships. Everyone is a unique person with their own story, experience and perspective. The goal of therapy is to achieve a deeper awareness of where we are, to discover internal meaning for our many experiences, and to experience a life worth living. While working towards that awareness, I feel that it's also important to teach healthier coping skills to assist in dealing with the anxiety and day to day stressors that bring individuals to therapy.
(872) 231-3669 View (872) 231-3669
Photo of Melinda Lupfer Yachnin, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Melinda Lupfer Yachnin
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
I work with couples on a variety of issues: dealing with conflicts, working through marital crises, improving communication, and preparing for marriage.
I see therapy as a way for you to get free of the habits and perspectives that bind you, so that you can create the life you really want. So much of what makes us suffer is the chasm between how we think things ought to be and how they actually are. Therapy is an ideal way to reconcile these differences, to identify tools that will help you cope with challenges and make the most of your strengths. I use existential and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy to work with clients on issues including life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress and career concerns.
I work with couples on a variety of issues: dealing with conflicts, working through marital crises, improving communication, and preparing for marriage.
I see therapy as a way for you to get free of the habits and perspectives that bind you, so that you can create the life you really want. So much of what makes us suffer is the chasm between how we think things ought to be and how they actually are. Therapy is an ideal way to reconcile these differences, to identify tools that will help you cope with challenges and make the most of your strengths. I use existential and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy to work with clients on issues including life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress and career concerns.
(312) 789-5410 View (312) 789-5410
Photo of Amanda Kelleghan, MSW, LCSW, MSIR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda Kelleghan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, MSIR
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60654  (Online Only)
I also have extensive experience in trauma-related issues, addictive behavior/substance abuse issues, marriage and family therapy, grief and loss, and dementia.
The constant pressures of daily life, particularly during a pandemic, can leave us feeling overwhelmed, scared, and alone. As we try to navigate our way through issues involving school, work, relationships, life transitions, and grief and loss, we may feel so hopeless that we feel as if we cannot go on like this anymore. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I will provide support and guidance to help you identify unhealthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so that you can make positive and sustainable changes to improve your quality of life.
I also have extensive experience in trauma-related issues, addictive behavior/substance abuse issues, marriage and family therapy, grief and loss, and dementia.
The constant pressures of daily life, particularly during a pandemic, can leave us feeling overwhelmed, scared, and alone. As we try to navigate our way through issues involving school, work, relationships, life transitions, and grief and loss, we may feel so hopeless that we feel as if we cannot go on like this anymore. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I will provide support and guidance to help you identify unhealthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so that you can make positive and sustainable changes to improve your quality of life.
(331) 214-8021 View (331) 214-8021
Photo of Elizabeth Jill Burke - Empowered Therapy, Inc., LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Empowered Therapy, Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60606
Our clinicians love helping women learn how to manage their anxiety, cope during life changes (adulthood, marriage, parenthood, divorce) and learn how to effectively work through relationship challenges.
Do you constantly feel on edge, overwhelmed or anticipate future events with worry and dread? Do racing, ruminating thoughts impact your ability to concentrate on tasks, manage stress or engage socially? Living with anxiety can be a distressing, frustrating and sometimes frightening experience. You may be preoccupied by "what if" questions about the future that you can't control, causing your thoughts to spiral and fuel more distressing emotions and physical symptoms. The ongoing, looping cycle of anxiety can impact all aspects of your life, including work performance and your relationships.
Our clinicians love helping women learn how to manage their anxiety, cope during life changes (adulthood, marriage, parenthood, divorce) and learn how to effectively work through relationship challenges.
Do you constantly feel on edge, overwhelmed or anticipate future events with worry and dread? Do racing, ruminating thoughts impact your ability to concentrate on tasks, manage stress or engage socially? Living with anxiety can be a distressing, frustrating and sometimes frightening experience. You may be preoccupied by "what if" questions about the future that you can't control, causing your thoughts to spiral and fuel more distressing emotions and physical symptoms. The ongoing, looping cycle of anxiety can impact all aspects of your life, including work performance and your relationships.
(847) 505-0889 View (847) 505-0889
Photo of Sharon Finkelstein, MS, AAMFT
Sharon Finkelstein
MS, AAMFT
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
I specialize in Marriage and Family Therapy.
25 years of experience in private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist has given me the ability to create a warm and safe environment for change. Would you like to make changes in your marriage, family, children or work environment? Sometimes it is helpful to ask what the problem is, rather than why it is a problem. If you know what the problem is, it can be more helpful to solve. We use that philosophy in Brief Therapy, which can be effective for busy, active families and marriages in crises.
I specialize in Marriage and Family Therapy.
25 years of experience in private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist has given me the ability to create a warm and safe environment for change. Would you like to make changes in your marriage, family, children or work environment? Sometimes it is helpful to ask what the problem is, rather than why it is a problem. If you know what the problem is, it can be more helpful to solve. We use that philosophy in Brief Therapy, which can be effective for busy, active families and marriages in crises.
(630) 884-5142 View (630) 884-5142
Photo of Kim Vander Griend, AM, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kim Vander Griend
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60606
Couples Work: Completed Level 1 &2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Transitions to Parenthood/ Marriage, Pre- marital counseling,Communication Issues, Family Conflict Management, Trust Issues, Individual Work: Maternal Mental Health, Infertility, Pregnancy, Depression,Anxiety,Relationship Challenges,Executive Coaching,Traumatic Experiences,Grief.
The decision to seek therapy can be difficult, as it's hard to reach out for help. My goal is to make therapy feel less overwhelming through a collaborative partnership where together we identify your challenges and develop healthy coping skills. My style, rooted in warmth and humor, utilizes the therapeutic relationship to explore positive change and growth. Customized feedback and a range of strategies are provided drawing from evidenced based research and years of clinical expertise. I specialize in individual and couples therapy uniquely focusing on enhancing relationships, healing from the past, and thriving individually.
Couples Work: Completed Level 1 &2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Transitions to Parenthood/ Marriage, Pre- marital counseling,Communication Issues, Family Conflict Management, Trust Issues, Individual Work: Maternal Mental Health, Infertility, Pregnancy, Depression,Anxiety,Relationship Challenges,Executive Coaching,Traumatic Experiences,Grief.
The decision to seek therapy can be difficult, as it's hard to reach out for help. My goal is to make therapy feel less overwhelming through a collaborative partnership where together we identify your challenges and develop healthy coping skills. My style, rooted in warmth and humor, utilizes the therapeutic relationship to explore positive change and growth. Customized feedback and a range of strategies are provided drawing from evidenced based research and years of clinical expertise. I specialize in individual and couples therapy uniquely focusing on enhancing relationships, healing from the past, and thriving individually.
(773) 492-8422 View (773) 492-8422
Photo of Emily Thornton, LCSW, CYT-200, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Thornton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CYT-200
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60654  (Online Only)
Together, we can address concerns related to depression, anxiety, grief, marriage, parenting, gender, spirituality, and career.
As the creator of Breathe First, I am passionate about expanding the definition and practice of mental health. My aim is to build meaningful and collaborative partnerships with every client and provide truly holistic treatment. Bringing together theory, technique, and ideas from diverse modalities and philosophies, we meet you where you are. All of our programming is trauma-informed and filtered through a social justice lens so that our liberation as individuals is rooted in and honoring of our connection to each other.
Together, we can address concerns related to depression, anxiety, grief, marriage, parenting, gender, spirituality, and career.
As the creator of Breathe First, I am passionate about expanding the definition and practice of mental health. My aim is to build meaningful and collaborative partnerships with every client and provide truly holistic treatment. Bringing together theory, technique, and ideas from diverse modalities and philosophies, we meet you where you are. All of our programming is trauma-informed and filtered through a social justice lens so that our liberation as individuals is rooted in and honoring of our connection to each other.
(773) 839-4572 View (773) 839-4572
Photo of Jill Early-Gillies - Emerald Cove Counseling, LCSW
Emerald Cove Counseling
LCSW
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60654  (Online Only)
Our practice serves adults and adolescents, providing individual, couple and family therapy. We specialize in treating all mental health disorders and addictions. Our therapists have clinical expertise and training in trauma-informed care, marriage, divorce, parenting, co-parenting, blended families, adoption, LGBTQIA+, adoption, life transitions, grief and loss, spirituality, and couples coaching. We also offer Spravato and Ketamine Integration for those receiving these medications. Our therapists are excited to provide each client with a cove of safety in which to share their experience, reflect and explore opportunities for growth and change.
Our practice serves adults and adolescents, providing individual, couple and family therapy. We specialize in treating all mental health disorders and addictions. Our therapists have clinical expertise and training in trauma-informed care, marriage, divorce, parenting, co-parenting, blended families, adoption, LGBTQIA+, adoption, life transitions, grief and loss, spirituality, and couples coaching. We also offer Spravato and Ketamine Integration for those receiving these medications. Our therapists are excited to provide each client with a cove of safety in which to share their experience, reflect and explore opportunities for growth and change.
(815) 647-0885 View (815) 647-0885
Photo of Fatima Mohammad, ALMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Fatima Mohammad
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, ALMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
Being trained in Marriage and Family Therapy, I look at each case through systemic lens.
Navigating relationships is challenging. Whether it's a relationship with a spouse, partner, sibling, parent, boss or even the relationship you have with your career or dating life. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I use a systemic lens to work with both individuals and couples. Every relationship you have looks different. I'm here to work with you to build and sustain the type of relationships that you want to have. We will work on clinical goals by pulling from various therapeutic models and by building a genuine relationship with one another so that you get the therapeutic outcomes that are important to you!
Being trained in Marriage and Family Therapy, I look at each case through systemic lens.
Navigating relationships is challenging. Whether it's a relationship with a spouse, partner, sibling, parent, boss or even the relationship you have with your career or dating life. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I use a systemic lens to work with both individuals and couples. Every relationship you have looks different. I'm here to work with you to build and sustain the type of relationships that you want to have. We will work on clinical goals by pulling from various therapeutic models and by building a genuine relationship with one another so that you get the therapeutic outcomes that are important to you!
(630) 528-2662 View (630) 528-2662
Photo of Heather Gunderson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Heather Gunderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60654  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois who helps people who are struggling emotionally, socially, and relationally. Everyone goes through challenges and conflicts in life and it can be frustrating to know when and where to get help. I can help with those struggles so that you can create real and lasting change.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois who helps people who are struggling emotionally, socially, and relationally. Everyone goes through challenges and conflicts in life and it can be frustrating to know when and where to get help. I can help with those struggles so that you can create real and lasting change.
(224) 385-0762 View (224) 385-0762
Photo of Shari Ramsey, MS, LCPC, Counselor
Shari Ramsey
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
I am an Illinois and Wisconsin Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has extensive experience working with individuals, groups, couples, and families. I have worked with several different client populations including couples with marriage difficulties, adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and other life adjustment issues, physically and sexually abused adolescents and adults, adolescents with mental health issues related to school, home, adjustment, or mental illness, and even adolescents and adults on the verge of suicide.
I am an Illinois and Wisconsin Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has extensive experience working with individuals, groups, couples, and families. I have worked with several different client populations including couples with marriage difficulties, adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and other life adjustment issues, physically and sexually abused adolescents and adults, adolescents with mental health issues related to school, home, adjustment, or mental illness, and even adolescents and adults on the verge of suicide.
(815) 745-5900 View (815) 745-5900
Photo of Julie Hyatt, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julie Hyatt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I will help you to explore the unwritten, often unconscious "rules" and dynamics that define your relationship.
How do we get through this conflict? Are we even compatible anymore? How can we have a relationship that is more fulfilling? How do we navigate this big change? As a relational therapist, I help couples and individuals address these common, sensitive questions. For clients who have decided to divorce, I help facilitate the process of separation and divorce. One of the things my past clients have appreciated about me is my extraordinary openness. I don't expect people to be a certain way, and I don't expect their relationships to take a certain form. Each relationship is as unique as the individuals in it.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I will help you to explore the unwritten, often unconscious "rules" and dynamics that define your relationship.
How do we get through this conflict? Are we even compatible anymore? How can we have a relationship that is more fulfilling? How do we navigate this big change? As a relational therapist, I help couples and individuals address these common, sensitive questions. For clients who have decided to divorce, I help facilitate the process of separation and divorce. One of the things my past clients have appreciated about me is my extraordinary openness. I don't expect people to be a certain way, and I don't expect their relationships to take a certain form. Each relationship is as unique as the individuals in it.
(872) 278-5311 View (872) 278-5311
Photo of Shanequia Seymore, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shanequia Seymore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60654  (Online Only)
My area of specialization when it comes to working with clients includes: anxiety, work/life balance, relationship/ marital issues, phase of life changes, adjustment disorders, depression, boundaries, intimacy issues, and decision-making!.
Welcome All! I am a licensed clinical social worker. I earned my master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Understanding the difficulty of “seeing the light at the end of the tunnel” while dealing with issues, has driven me to become a therapist who could provide an unbiased, outside perspective to help others “see the light” at the end of their tunnel in order to aide in living your best life!
My area of specialization when it comes to working with clients includes: anxiety, work/life balance, relationship/ marital issues, phase of life changes, adjustment disorders, depression, boundaries, intimacy issues, and decision-making!.
Welcome All! I am a licensed clinical social worker. I earned my master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Understanding the difficulty of “seeing the light at the end of the tunnel” while dealing with issues, has driven me to become a therapist who could provide an unbiased, outside perspective to help others “see the light” at the end of their tunnel in order to aide in living your best life!
(708) 367-6045 View (708) 367-6045
Photo of Valerie Werner, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Valerie Werner
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60654
My graduate work is in marriage & family counseling.
I have many years of counseling with individuals, couples, families and children. Creating a safe, welcoming space where healing, learning, growing can occur is essential for the therapeutic process which takes many forms, and is based on the needs of each person, couple or family. The therapeutic process is a shared journey and in my counseling role I help support and guide the process.
My graduate work is in marriage & family counseling.
I have many years of counseling with individuals, couples, families and children. Creating a safe, welcoming space where healing, learning, growing can occur is essential for the therapeutic process which takes many forms, and is based on the needs of each person, couple or family. The therapeutic process is a shared journey and in my counseling role I help support and guide the process.
(224) 252-8815 View (224) 252-8815
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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.