Marriage Counseling Therapists in Rockingham County, NC

Photo of Shanea Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shanea Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reidsville, NC 27320
Waitlist for new clients
Grab a cozy blanket, and we can chat about finding your way together. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina with Irenic Therapy, PLLC. Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, but I'm here to chat and see if I might be a good fit for you. I'm honored to be considered on your journey, and I'm here to offer my expertise. Like peeling back an onion, let's uncover your layers together! My therapy space welcomes vulnerability while fostering support. Sharing your life stories, experiences, and feelings in a safe, judgment-free space is central to my approach.
Grab a cozy blanket, and we can chat about finding your way together. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina with Irenic Therapy, PLLC. Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, but I'm here to chat and see if I might be a good fit for you. I'm honored to be considered on your journey, and I'm here to offer my expertise. Like peeling back an onion, let's uncover your layers together! My therapy space welcomes vulnerability while fostering support. Sharing your life stories, experiences, and feelings in a safe, judgment-free space is central to my approach.
(336) 360-3830 View (336) 360-3830
Photo of Heath L Greene - Associates in Christian Counseling, PhD, Psychologist
Associates in Christian Counseling
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Eden, NC 27288
Counseling, psychotherapy, psychological testing for children and adults, marital and premarital counseling, parent-child counseling, Christian counseling, etc.
For twenty years our group has brought encouragement and professional services to people of all ages. Our credentialed staff can work with a wide range of individual, marital and family issues. In addition to our main office in Winston-Salem, we also offer services in Surry County and Rockingham County. Details and contact info for each location are available on our website using the link above.
Counseling, psychotherapy, psychological testing for children and adults, marital and premarital counseling, parent-child counseling, Christian counseling, etc.
For twenty years our group has brought encouragement and professional services to people of all ages. Our credentialed staff can work with a wide range of individual, marital and family issues. In addition to our main office in Winston-Salem, we also offer services in Surry County and Rockingham County. Details and contact info for each location are available on our website using the link above.
(336) 896-0065 View (336) 896-0065
Photo of Kathy Kirstner - Kathy Kirstner, LCMHC, MSEdS, LCMHC
Kathy Kirstner, LCMHC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MSEdS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Reidsville, NC 27320
LCHMC - Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor - Struggling with anxiety or depression? Feeling stressed and overwhelmed or feel your mood changing often? I have over 20 years experience helping people resolve their difficulties and make decisions to help them move forward. I have experience with mood disorders, trauma, abuse, Together we'll navigate the obstacles which hold you back from who you want to be. I provide a safe and secure environment for you to find your path to meet your goals. Take that first step to make a positive change in your life. I work with teenagers, adults & families. I am also LGBTQ affirming.
LCHMC - Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor - Struggling with anxiety or depression? Feeling stressed and overwhelmed or feel your mood changing often? I have over 20 years experience helping people resolve their difficulties and make decisions to help them move forward. I have experience with mood disorders, trauma, abuse, Together we'll navigate the obstacles which hold you back from who you want to be. I provide a safe and secure environment for you to find your path to meet your goals. Take that first step to make a positive change in your life. I work with teenagers, adults & families. I am also LGBTQ affirming.
(336) 295-6257 View (336) 295-6257
Photo of Kristi Brim Rakes, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristi Brim Rakes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reidsville, NC 27320  (Online Only)
Life is hard and everyone deserves to have an outlet to talk about their feelings. I approach my practice with compassion, empathy and nonjudgmental understanding. With my holistic mindset, I seek to help people navigate stress, mental health issues and "life" in general. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have been working in the field of mental health for 15 years. I have extensive training in mental health diagnosis, end of life care, and Women's issues. I am also certified in Trauma Focused CBT.
Life is hard and everyone deserves to have an outlet to talk about their feelings. I approach my practice with compassion, empathy and nonjudgmental understanding. With my holistic mindset, I seek to help people navigate stress, mental health issues and "life" in general. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have been working in the field of mental health for 15 years. I have extensive training in mental health diagnosis, end of life care, and Women's issues. I am also certified in Trauma Focused CBT.
(336) 739-6217 View (336) 739-6217
Photo of Eli Neal, LCMHC-A, Counselor
Eli Neal
Counselor, LCMHC-A
Verified Verified
Reidsville, NC 27320  (Online Only)
Hey there, thanks for giving my page a look! I'm Eli, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate affiliated with Irenic Therapy, PLLC. Mental health care is difficult to find for anyone, and once you find a therapist you might like, that's only the first step in this scary process right? I've worked with people from all walks of life, ages and genders; from families, to couples and individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+/identity issues, behavioral struggles, trauma, relationship struggles, and more. I also have experience within the military community and am familiar with military struggles.
Hey there, thanks for giving my page a look! I'm Eli, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate affiliated with Irenic Therapy, PLLC. Mental health care is difficult to find for anyone, and once you find a therapist you might like, that's only the first step in this scary process right? I've worked with people from all walks of life, ages and genders; from families, to couples and individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+/identity issues, behavioral struggles, trauma, relationship struggles, and more. I also have experience within the military community and am familiar with military struggles.
(336) 864-2852 View (336) 864-2852
Photo of Kristi Brim Rakes, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristi Brim Rakes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ruffin, NC 27326  (Online Only)
Telehealth ONLY. Accepting clients in NC, SC and VA. Life is hard and everyone deserves to have an outlet to talk about their feelings. I approach my practice with compassion, empathy and nonjudgmental understanding. With my holistic mindset, I seek to help people navigate stress, mental health issues and "life" in general. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have been working in the field of mental health for 15 years. I have extensive training in mental health diagnosis, end of life care, and Women's issues. I am also certified in Trauma Focused CBT.
Telehealth ONLY. Accepting clients in NC, SC and VA. Life is hard and everyone deserves to have an outlet to talk about their feelings. I approach my practice with compassion, empathy and nonjudgmental understanding. With my holistic mindset, I seek to help people navigate stress, mental health issues and "life" in general. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have been working in the field of mental health for 15 years. I have extensive training in mental health diagnosis, end of life care, and Women's issues. I am also certified in Trauma Focused CBT.
(336) 891-9646 View (336) 891-9646
Photo of Gail Eaves Price, MS, NCC, LCMHC, PhD, Student
Gail Eaves Price
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, NCC, LCMHC, PhD, Student
Verified Verified
Eden, NC 27288
ANOTHER ANXIETY EPISODE? I am here for you; I will help you with your daily struggles of anxiety symptoms. I know that you are tired of living in a state of panic, but you don't know how to change things or how to make the FEAR go away. Staying home in your SAFE ZONE rather than going out in public is your way to avoid these controlling symptoms of feeling like you are having a heart attack, fear of dying, feeling like you can't breathe, palms are sweaty, fear of being negatively judged, fear that people think that you are stupid, are fearful that you are going to do something "stupid looking," or fear that you are going crazy.
ANOTHER ANXIETY EPISODE? I am here for you; I will help you with your daily struggles of anxiety symptoms. I know that you are tired of living in a state of panic, but you don't know how to change things or how to make the FEAR go away. Staying home in your SAFE ZONE rather than going out in public is your way to avoid these controlling symptoms of feeling like you are having a heart attack, fear of dying, feeling like you can't breathe, palms are sweaty, fear of being negatively judged, fear that people think that you are stupid, are fearful that you are going to do something "stupid looking," or fear that you are going crazy.
(336) 203-7476 View (336) 203-7476
Photo of Lori Brinkley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lori Brinkley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Reidsville, NC 27320
Hi, I'm so happy you're here! My name is Lori Brinkley and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 23 years of clinical experience. I treat a wide range of areas including trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, postpartum, adult children of alcoholics, co-dependency, parenting/co-parenting, boundaries, divorce, caretaking, work-life balance, adoptees, and couples feeling disconnected and isolated. I also provide "couple's counseling for one" which is when one partner is not ready for therapy, where I meet with the willing participant to learn new tools, coping skills, & boundaries to implement in their relationship.
Hi, I'm so happy you're here! My name is Lori Brinkley and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 23 years of clinical experience. I treat a wide range of areas including trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, postpartum, adult children of alcoholics, co-dependency, parenting/co-parenting, boundaries, divorce, caretaking, work-life balance, adoptees, and couples feeling disconnected and isolated. I also provide "couple's counseling for one" which is when one partner is not ready for therapy, where I meet with the willing participant to learn new tools, coping skills, & boundaries to implement in their relationship.
(980) 372-7110 View (980) 372-7110
Photo of Megan Manuel Cole, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Megan Manuel Cole
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Reidsville, NC 27320
Are you feeling lost, overwhelmed or "stuck?" Are you buckling under the stress of keeping all the plates spinning? Are you grieving a loss or change in your life? I offer a safe, judgement-free space to share what is heavy on your mind and heart, then we work together to tap into your own strengths and resources and learn new ways of coping. I believe that you deserve someone to listen to you, encourage you, and help you realize how deserving you are of wholeness, hope and healing, and how very capable you are to get there. I am open-minded, open-hearted, and eager to work with you to help you feel better.
Are you feeling lost, overwhelmed or "stuck?" Are you buckling under the stress of keeping all the plates spinning? Are you grieving a loss or change in your life? I offer a safe, judgement-free space to share what is heavy on your mind and heart, then we work together to tap into your own strengths and resources and learn new ways of coping. I believe that you deserve someone to listen to you, encourage you, and help you realize how deserving you are of wholeness, hope and healing, and how very capable you are to get there. I am open-minded, open-hearted, and eager to work with you to help you feel better.
(336) 975-5715 View (336) 975-5715
Photo of Brianna Toomes - Irenic Therapy, PLLC, LMFT, LCMHC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Irenic Therapy, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Reidsville, NC 27320
Waitlist for new clients
We are a practice that is providing therapy to Families, Couples, individuals. We worked with a variety of clients struggles; anxiety, depression, bi-polar, family issues, LGBTQ specifics- coming out to the family, non-monogamous relationships, and living your best life especially in a non acceptance environment. With further specialization in Trauma Therapy for anyone who is suffering from a traumatic event in their life. We work with clients struggling with intimacy concerns and sex therapy. We also offer Sexual Harm Risk Assessments for juveniles.
We are a practice that is providing therapy to Families, Couples, individuals. We worked with a variety of clients struggles; anxiety, depression, bi-polar, family issues, LGBTQ specifics- coming out to the family, non-monogamous relationships, and living your best life especially in a non acceptance environment. With further specialization in Trauma Therapy for anyone who is suffering from a traumatic event in their life. We work with clients struggling with intimacy concerns and sex therapy. We also offer Sexual Harm Risk Assessments for juveniles.
(336) 344-7139 View (336) 344-7139
Photo of Reavyn Williamson - Hearts 2 Hands Counseling Group PLLC, LCMHC, LCASA, CSOTP, CRC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Hearts 2 Hands Counseling Group PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, LCASA, CSOTP, CRC
Verified Verified
Reidsville, NC 27320
Therapist provides office, In-home, & community based counseling alternatives to traditional therapy. Therapist offers creative, out of the box, & innovative solutions utilizing several evidence-based approaches to every day issues. Therapist uses strength-based approaches to equip & empower their clients to make sustainable changes. H2HCG builds off of current supports, identifies new ones, and partners with those they serve. Therapist believe in use of, honesty, encouragement, practical life application, community resources, and partnership. H2HCG is the place where positive thinking and behavior changes meet.
Therapist provides office, In-home, & community based counseling alternatives to traditional therapy. Therapist offers creative, out of the box, & innovative solutions utilizing several evidence-based approaches to every day issues. Therapist uses strength-based approaches to equip & empower their clients to make sustainable changes. H2HCG builds off of current supports, identifies new ones, and partners with those they serve. Therapist believe in use of, honesty, encouragement, practical life application, community resources, and partnership. H2HCG is the place where positive thinking and behavior changes meet.
(336) 485-4680 View (336) 485-4680
Photo of Janelle Hoover-Pollock, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Janelle Hoover-Pollock
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mayodan, NC 27027
I’ve been in the mental health field for over 20 years and have been providing clinical care since 2011. I’ve worked with first responders crisis settings and provided services to first responders in a therapeutic environment. I work a lot with domestic violence, sexual trauma, and human trafficking. I pull from several modalities including CBT, trauma-focused CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, solutions focused, strength-based, and reality therapy. I like working with people who are motivated to improve their lives. Because I work with such a wide range of issues, I can be helpful and supportive in many different areas.
I’ve been in the mental health field for over 20 years and have been providing clinical care since 2011. I’ve worked with first responders crisis settings and provided services to first responders in a therapeutic environment. I work a lot with domestic violence, sexual trauma, and human trafficking. I pull from several modalities including CBT, trauma-focused CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, solutions focused, strength-based, and reality therapy. I like working with people who are motivated to improve their lives. Because I work with such a wide range of issues, I can be helpful and supportive in many different areas.
(980) 677-4451 View (980) 677-4451
Photo of Linda Sue Fuller, LCMHC, LCASA, NCC, Counselor
Linda Sue Fuller
Counselor, LCMHC, LCASA, NCC
Verified Verified
Eden, NC 27289  (Online Only)
My clients can expect an environment free of judgment, full of understanding and empathy, where they can face the challenges that they have in a supportive environment. My personal background allows me to look at client issues from a different view and offer real world healing that meets the client where they are. My client’s come from various backgrounds, but all seeking to better understand themselves and a better way of coping. Because I’m seeing clients virtually, they feel freer to share more intimate and personal concerns that might be harder to talk about in person.
My clients can expect an environment free of judgment, full of understanding and empathy, where they can face the challenges that they have in a supportive environment. My personal background allows me to look at client issues from a different view and offer real world healing that meets the client where they are. My client’s come from various backgrounds, but all seeking to better understand themselves and a better way of coping. Because I’m seeing clients virtually, they feel freer to share more intimate and personal concerns that might be harder to talk about in person.
(984) 538-9332 View (984) 538-9332
Photo of Angela Stewart Corbett, MS, LCAS, LCMHC, LSATP, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Angela Stewart Corbett
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MS, LCAS, LCMHC, LSATP
Verified Verified
Reidsville, NC 27320
Not accepting new clients
I have worked in human services for over twenty years and have provided counseling services for the last two years. I want to help you and others facing life challenges in different aspects such as mental illness, addiction, and emotional challenges to gain the skills needed to overcome adversities. Treatment can take place in short term or long term depending on your needs. I believe helping others learn to cope with adversity and challenges will lead them to fulfilling their purpose in life and this in turn creates harmony and balance in an individual’s life.
I have worked in human services for over twenty years and have provided counseling services for the last two years. I want to help you and others facing life challenges in different aspects such as mental illness, addiction, and emotional challenges to gain the skills needed to overcome adversities. Treatment can take place in short term or long term depending on your needs. I believe helping others learn to cope with adversity and challenges will lead them to fulfilling their purpose in life and this in turn creates harmony and balance in an individual’s life.
(336) 489-8590 View (336) 489-8590
Photo of Sheryl Norris Ketner, MEd, LCMHCS, NCC
Sheryl Norris Ketner
MEd, LCMHCS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Reidsville, NC 27320
Not accepting new clients
Fisher Park Counseling is a private counseling practice located near downtown Greensboro. I offer a warm, safe, and inviting atmosphere where you can share your concerns and we can work towards positive changes. I welcome all ethnicities, sexual identities and and spiritual orientations. I am qualified to work with individuals and couples experiencing a number of concerns including mood disorders, sexual abuse, anxiety disorders, adjustment issues, relationship and family concerns and social issues to name a few.
Fisher Park Counseling is a private counseling practice located near downtown Greensboro. I offer a warm, safe, and inviting atmosphere where you can share your concerns and we can work towards positive changes. I welcome all ethnicities, sexual identities and and spiritual orientations. I am qualified to work with individuals and couples experiencing a number of concerns including mood disorders, sexual abuse, anxiety disorders, adjustment issues, relationship and family concerns and social issues to name a few.
(336) 542-2076 View (336) 542-2076

Online Therapists

Photo of Kelly Johnson, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kelly Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clayton, NC 27520
I work with all differing issues including depression, mood disorders, marriage/couples issues, ADHD, anxiety, addiction, and many others.
Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified in dialectical behavioral therapy. She has extensive experience with helping individuals struggling with substance use disorders, dually diagnosed individuals; mood disorders; anxiety disorders; ADHD; and suicidal ideation/self harm. While embracing a passion for working with vulnerable populations, Kelly seeks to support individuals on their therapeutic journey using different methods of therapy such as CBT, DBT, Gottman Method, and EFT. Kelly received her Master's degree from University of St. Francis. She provides individual, family, and couples. She is also a ADHD - CCSP.
I work with all differing issues including depression, mood disorders, marriage/couples issues, ADHD, anxiety, addiction, and many others.
Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified in dialectical behavioral therapy. She has extensive experience with helping individuals struggling with substance use disorders, dually diagnosed individuals; mood disorders; anxiety disorders; ADHD; and suicidal ideation/self harm. While embracing a passion for working with vulnerable populations, Kelly seeks to support individuals on their therapeutic journey using different methods of therapy such as CBT, DBT, Gottman Method, and EFT. Kelly received her Master's degree from University of St. Francis. She provides individual, family, and couples. She is also a ADHD - CCSP.
(984) 209-1121 View (984) 209-1121
Photo of Alicia Newell - Renew Coaching and Counseling , MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Renew Coaching and Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28216  (Online Only)
I have diverse training in Solutions-Focused, Gottman Method Marriage Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, EMDR, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Somatic, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Veterans specific, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
I believe that we all deserve to be on a path towards our dreams in a joy-filled life. I understand that there are many obstacles that get in the way of this and that we cannot do it alone. Having someone trustworthy and experienced to walk alongside to help navigate the ups and downs and complexities of life is important for all of us. As you work to re-align your path towards your goals and live out your dreams, I want to be there with you to listen deeply to where you have been, understand fully where you are at, and get on board with where you want to go. I am highly experienced at working with individuals, couples, & family.
I have diverse training in Solutions-Focused, Gottman Method Marriage Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, EMDR, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Somatic, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Veterans specific, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
I believe that we all deserve to be on a path towards our dreams in a joy-filled life. I understand that there are many obstacles that get in the way of this and that we cannot do it alone. Having someone trustworthy and experienced to walk alongside to help navigate the ups and downs and complexities of life is important for all of us. As you work to re-align your path towards your goals and live out your dreams, I want to be there with you to listen deeply to where you have been, understand fully where you are at, and get on board with where you want to go. I am highly experienced at working with individuals, couples, & family.
(980) 478-8538 View (980) 478-8538
Photo of Chelsea Westbrook, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Chelsea Westbrook
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27511  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained to help with a wide variety of mental health needs, including depression, anxiety and panic disorders, trauma, and grief. I specialize in working with individuals and families. I have a passion for working with caregivers of young children, as well as those in their emerging adulthood stage of life. I am an LGBTQQ2SIAP+ affirming therapist and have received multiple trainings in best practices to serve the gender expansive population.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained to help with a wide variety of mental health needs, including depression, anxiety and panic disorders, trauma, and grief. I specialize in working with individuals and families. I have a passion for working with caregivers of young children, as well as those in their emerging adulthood stage of life. I am an LGBTQQ2SIAP+ affirming therapist and have received multiple trainings in best practices to serve the gender expansive population.
(984) 208-2428 View (984) 208-2428
Photo of Olivia Bunce, MA, LMFTA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Olivia Bunce
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Currently Accepting Couples and Families. Thank you for taking the first step towards healing. As a marriage and family therapist, I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families. I utilize systemic, evidence-based theories and practices to meet my client where they are and take them where they want to go. This simply means I view people within the context of their relationships and utilize interventions that have proven to be effective.
Currently Accepting Couples and Families. Thank you for taking the first step towards healing. As a marriage and family therapist, I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families. I utilize systemic, evidence-based theories and practices to meet my client where they are and take them where they want to go. This simply means I view people within the context of their relationships and utilize interventions that have proven to be effective.
(336) 891-4028 View (336) 891-4028
Photo of LaRue Neilson, LCMHC, NCC, LCASA
LaRue Neilson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, NCC, LCASA
Verified Verified
Newton, NC 28658
I am trained and experienced in helping recover from issues such as trauma, complex trauma, relational conflict within marriage and family, anxiety, depression, life transitions, addiction, grief/loss, and issues of faith and spirituality.
You have taken an incredibly positive and courageous step by deciding to seek therapy, and I am honored to walk alongside you during this journey. It is my belief that every individual possesses the strength necessary to grow, heal, and live from a place of restoration. Trauma-informed approaches are the foundation of my work as a counselor and I welcome you to take a step toward healing.
I am trained and experienced in helping recover from issues such as trauma, complex trauma, relational conflict within marriage and family, anxiety, depression, life transitions, addiction, grief/loss, and issues of faith and spirituality.
You have taken an incredibly positive and courageous step by deciding to seek therapy, and I am honored to walk alongside you during this journey. It is my belief that every individual possesses the strength necessary to grow, heal, and live from a place of restoration. Trauma-informed approaches are the foundation of my work as a counselor and I welcome you to take a step toward healing.
(828) 519-1051 View (828) 519-1051

See more therapy options for Rockingham County

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.