Marriage Counseling Therapists in The Woodlands, TX

Photo of Jeanne Stalder, RN, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jeanne Stalder
Licensed Professional Counselor, RN, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I have experience dealing with domestic and sexual abuse, marital issues, anxiety, depression, infidelity, end of life issues, bereavement therapy, clients with suicidal thoughts, and terminal illnesses.
If you are struggling with something in your life that is very painful and fear things are just going to keep getting worse I would love to help you gain new skills, new hope and a new vision for working through your problems. I have a passion for counseling people of all ages who are ready to begin the process of healing. I approach therapy from a biological, psychological, social and spiritual viewpoint. When change is desired, new goals can be achieved to enrich ones understanding of self and others to be better equipped to face the difficulties of life.
I have experience dealing with domestic and sexual abuse, marital issues, anxiety, depression, infidelity, end of life issues, bereavement therapy, clients with suicidal thoughts, and terminal illnesses.
If you are struggling with something in your life that is very painful and fear things are just going to keep getting worse I would love to help you gain new skills, new hope and a new vision for working through your problems. I have a passion for counseling people of all ages who are ready to begin the process of healing. I approach therapy from a biological, psychological, social and spiritual viewpoint. When change is desired, new goals can be achieved to enrich ones understanding of self and others to be better equipped to face the difficulties of life.
(281) 884-3705 View (281) 884-3705
Photo of Rex Howard Jr., MA, LMFT-A, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Rex Howard Jr.
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Welcome, I’m Rex Howard Jr., a dedicated Relationship Therapist and Personal Development Coach. My focus is on helping individuals navigate and overcome various challenges including trauma, anxiety, relationship issues, pre-marital counseling, emotional intelligence and male sexual dysfunctions. For those seeking a more solution-oriented path, I also offer coaching services. This can be an excellent option for individuals who prefer to concentrate on resolving current issues without delving deeply into past experiences.
Welcome, I’m Rex Howard Jr., a dedicated Relationship Therapist and Personal Development Coach. My focus is on helping individuals navigate and overcome various challenges including trauma, anxiety, relationship issues, pre-marital counseling, emotional intelligence and male sexual dysfunctions. For those seeking a more solution-oriented path, I also offer coaching services. This can be an excellent option for individuals who prefer to concentrate on resolving current issues without delving deeply into past experiences.
(832) 734-7702 View (832) 734-7702
Photo of Pamela P. Mcgee, MA, LPC, CART, Licensed Professional Counselor
Pamela P. Mcgee
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CART
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I help couples with relationships and provide pre-marital/marriage counseling.
Hello, I value your time and want to assist you with the issues that are holding you back from living a healthy and successful life. Relationships aren't perfect, jobs can be stressful, and problems come along that can be tough to handle. Having someone to listen to you is crucial. Understand that there is help and you can work to solve those problems with a therapist who respects you and wants to help you empower your self-esteem, image, and interactions.
I help couples with relationships and provide pre-marital/marriage counseling.
Hello, I value your time and want to assist you with the issues that are holding you back from living a healthy and successful life. Relationships aren't perfect, jobs can be stressful, and problems come along that can be tough to handle. Having someone to listen to you is crucial. Understand that there is help and you can work to solve those problems with a therapist who respects you and wants to help you empower your self-esteem, image, and interactions.
(832) 706-4899 View (832) 706-4899
Photo of Anthony C. Quarles, LMFT-A, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Anthony C. Quarles
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Hello! I’m Tony. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist -Associate, I specialize in family relationships, and assist my clients to achieve personal effectiveness. I use methodologies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help couples, families, teens, & individuals work through their challenges. With over 30 years of experience, I’ve helped individuals reach their goals, and discover their purpose. As an educator and coach, I’ve enjoyed helping young people discover their strengths and potential. I’ve learned while coaching sports, that teamwork is essential.
Hello! I’m Tony. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist -Associate, I specialize in family relationships, and assist my clients to achieve personal effectiveness. I use methodologies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help couples, families, teens, & individuals work through their challenges. With over 30 years of experience, I’ve helped individuals reach their goals, and discover their purpose. As an educator and coach, I’ve enjoyed helping young people discover their strengths and potential. I’ve learned while coaching sports, that teamwork is essential.
(936) 251-5925 View (936) 251-5925
Photo of Michael P Groves, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michael P Groves
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
He also provides counseling for marriage and family issues.
Michael Groves is a Licensed Professional Counselor at LifeSpring Behavioral Health in The Woodlands, Texas. Michael received a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University, a Master of Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary, and a bachelor's from Auburn University. He spent more than 20 years in pastoral ministry in Texas counseling individuals, couples, and families facing many diverse life challenges. He then spent 11 years in the construction industry in Alaska.
He also provides counseling for marriage and family issues.
Michael Groves is a Licensed Professional Counselor at LifeSpring Behavioral Health in The Woodlands, Texas. Michael received a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University, a Master of Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary, and a bachelor's from Auburn University. He spent more than 20 years in pastoral ministry in Texas counseling individuals, couples, and families facing many diverse life challenges. He then spent 11 years in the construction industry in Alaska.
(936) 209-7623 View (936) 209-7623
Photo of Courtney L. Miller, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Courtney L. Miller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
When your marriage is suffering, it can feel like your whole world is suffering.
Are you tired of having the same arguments over and over again? Do you feel like your relationship is okay, but you wish it were better? Do you feel like you make positive changes in your relationship only to fall back into the same old disappointing habits? Or maybe your spouse has been unfaithful and you're struggling to feel safe in a marriage that feels very unstable, and with a person you aren't sure you recognize anymore. You aren't alone. For the vast majority of us, being happily coupled does not come naturally - it is a skill we have to learn. Luckily, these skills are teachable and learnable.
When your marriage is suffering, it can feel like your whole world is suffering.
Are you tired of having the same arguments over and over again? Do you feel like your relationship is okay, but you wish it were better? Do you feel like you make positive changes in your relationship only to fall back into the same old disappointing habits? Or maybe your spouse has been unfaithful and you're struggling to feel safe in a marriage that feels very unstable, and with a person you aren't sure you recognize anymore. You aren't alone. For the vast majority of us, being happily coupled does not come naturally - it is a skill we have to learn. Luckily, these skills are teachable and learnable.
(832) 648-4407 View (832) 648-4407
Photo of Diane Smedley, PhD, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Diane Smedley
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77384  (Online Only)
I am a marriage and couples counselor and have specialized training in working with LGBT+ and dual career relationships.
Whether uncertainty lies in your relationships, work life, or within your own self-identity, therapy provides clients with a safe and supportive environment to freely explore their own solutions. The world can often feel like a place not quite built for you to be yourself. My hope is clients will emerge from session with a sense of empowerment over their circumstances.
I am a marriage and couples counselor and have specialized training in working with LGBT+ and dual career relationships.
Whether uncertainty lies in your relationships, work life, or within your own self-identity, therapy provides clients with a safe and supportive environment to freely explore their own solutions. The world can often feel like a place not quite built for you to be yourself. My hope is clients will emerge from session with a sense of empowerment over their circumstances.
(281) 626-5106 View (281) 626-5106
Photo of Kathryn G Wainscott, BS, MCMHC, LPC
Kathryn G Wainscott
BS, MCMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
My primary clinical experience lies in developing coping skills and identifying goals for adolescents and adults during transitional periods in their lives, such as, college and career counseling, pre- and post-marital counseling, and infidelity recovery. Moreover, I specialize in treatment for ADHD/ADD and offer a variety of treatment methods. Additionally, I have experience with mental health disorders varying from Personality Disorders, Bipolar 1 & 2, OCD, Depression, and Anxiety. My holistic approach to intake and treatment differentiates me from a mere psychological approach to diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation.
My primary clinical experience lies in developing coping skills and identifying goals for adolescents and adults during transitional periods in their lives, such as, college and career counseling, pre- and post-marital counseling, and infidelity recovery. Moreover, I specialize in treatment for ADHD/ADD and offer a variety of treatment methods. Additionally, I have experience with mental health disorders varying from Personality Disorders, Bipolar 1 & 2, OCD, Depression, and Anxiety. My holistic approach to intake and treatment differentiates me from a mere psychological approach to diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation.
(936) 209-7086 View (936) 209-7086
Photo of Alissa R Roberts
Alissa R Roberts
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
My goal is to establish a strong therapeutic bond with clients, supporting them with coping skills, problem-solving strategies, and personalized treatment to enhance their quality of life. I work with teens, individuals, and couples dealing with diverse issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, women’s issues, family dynamics, marital conflicts, communication challenges, life transitions, perinatal mental health, and more.
My goal is to establish a strong therapeutic bond with clients, supporting them with coping skills, problem-solving strategies, and personalized treatment to enhance their quality of life. I work with teens, individuals, and couples dealing with diverse issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, women’s issues, family dynamics, marital conflicts, communication challenges, life transitions, perinatal mental health, and more.
(346) 616-1246 View (346) 616-1246
Photo of Dr. Melissa Riggs- Couples Therapist, Psychologist
Dr. Melissa Riggs- Couples Therapist
Psychologist
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Relationships are hard! You may not be sure when it started, but you no longer recognize the person sleeping next to you. It’s devastating to think that your marriage may be ending. Maybe you and your partner fight all the time. Or perhaps the two of you are drifting away and no longer feel compatible. On the outside, people think you have it all and you seem to juggle all of life’s demands effortlessly. But on the inside, you are falling apart. You’re exhausted trying to maintain this façade and wondering how much longer you can keep this up. You still have a flicker of hope and want to rekindle what you used to have.
Relationships are hard! You may not be sure when it started, but you no longer recognize the person sleeping next to you. It’s devastating to think that your marriage may be ending. Maybe you and your partner fight all the time. Or perhaps the two of you are drifting away and no longer feel compatible. On the outside, people think you have it all and you seem to juggle all of life’s demands effortlessly. But on the inside, you are falling apart. You’re exhausted trying to maintain this façade and wondering how much longer you can keep this up. You still have a flicker of hope and want to rekindle what you used to have.
(936) 246-2162 View (936) 246-2162
Photo of Betsy Lamb, LPC-A, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Betsy Lamb
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC-A, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Are you feeling alone, hopeless, or unheard in your marriage/relationship? Are you longing for improved communication, deeper connection, and/or more intimacy? As a couple or individual, are you tired of constantly arguing all the time or shutting the other person out? Are you feeling like you have exhausted all of your options trying to make your marriage or relationship work and you don't know where else to turn? If this sounds familiar, then I would love the opportunity to work with you. I am extremely passionate about couples work and am eager to help others build and recreate the relationship they long for.
Are you feeling alone, hopeless, or unheard in your marriage/relationship? Are you longing for improved communication, deeper connection, and/or more intimacy? As a couple or individual, are you tired of constantly arguing all the time or shutting the other person out? Are you feeling like you have exhausted all of your options trying to make your marriage or relationship work and you don't know where else to turn? If this sounds familiar, then I would love the opportunity to work with you. I am extremely passionate about couples work and am eager to help others build and recreate the relationship they long for.
(346) 258-5488 View (346) 258-5488
Photo of Heather Roberts, MA, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Heather Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Typical issues presented to me in therapy include family and relational conflict, low self-esteem, self-injurious behaviors in adolescents as well as adolescent issues, depression, anxiety, marital strain, and changes in school or work performance.
I believe that every client has the tools and knowledge necessary to improve their lives. This knowledge becomes hidden by the stress and responsibilities we face on a daily basis. My role as a therapist is to help you uncover those tools in order for you to live a more fulfilling life. If your family is facing a difficult challenge, if you need a different perspective on a situation, or if you are at a loss of what to do with your teen's behavior, I would be honored to help you throughout the process of positive change.
Typical issues presented to me in therapy include family and relational conflict, low self-esteem, self-injurious behaviors in adolescents as well as adolescent issues, depression, anxiety, marital strain, and changes in school or work performance.
I believe that every client has the tools and knowledge necessary to improve their lives. This knowledge becomes hidden by the stress and responsibilities we face on a daily basis. My role as a therapist is to help you uncover those tools in order for you to live a more fulfilling life. If your family is facing a difficult challenge, if you need a different perspective on a situation, or if you are at a loss of what to do with your teen's behavior, I would be honored to help you throughout the process of positive change.
(281) 602-3316 View (281) 602-3316
Photo of Pitagoras A Miranda, LMFT, LCDCI, Marriage & Family Therapist
Pitagoras A Miranda
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCDCI
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77386
I have a profound commitment to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the complexities of relationships and personal growth. I can help you find the healing amidst the challenging circumstances you or your loved one is currently living through. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Marine Corps Veteran, I bring a unique blend of discipline, empathy, and cultural sensitivity to my practice. My academic background in Pastoral Ministries, Sociology, and Family Therapy, combined with personal experiences as a husband and father, enrich my holistic approach. I offer a complimentary consultation, feel free to call.
I have a profound commitment to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the complexities of relationships and personal growth. I can help you find the healing amidst the challenging circumstances you or your loved one is currently living through. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Marine Corps Veteran, I bring a unique blend of discipline, empathy, and cultural sensitivity to my practice. My academic background in Pastoral Ministries, Sociology, and Family Therapy, combined with personal experiences as a husband and father, enrich my holistic approach. I offer a complimentary consultation, feel free to call.
(936) 978-2347 View (936) 978-2347
Photo of Paula McDonald-Neely - Paula McDonald-Neely, LCSW, LCSW, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Paula McDonald-Neely, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PLLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Waitlist for new clients
My professional experience includes work in the following areas: Depression, Anxiety and PTSD; Teen/Adolescent Mental Health; Family Therapy including Marriage Counseling, Divorce Recovery and Co-Parenting strategies; Anger Management; Substance Abuse/Recovery, Domestic Violence Intervention and Life Changes/Transition Counseling.
Paula McDonald-Neely, LCSW, PLLC provides individual, couples and family therapy. My approach is client-centered and utilizes a variety of techniques and intervention strategies personalized to meet your individual needs. Whether you have been struggling for several years or have only recently encountered obstacles in your life, I am ready to work together to pave a path to help you not only overcome, but to thrive. Are you ready to begin your journey to live your best life now?
My professional experience includes work in the following areas: Depression, Anxiety and PTSD; Teen/Adolescent Mental Health; Family Therapy including Marriage Counseling, Divorce Recovery and Co-Parenting strategies; Anger Management; Substance Abuse/Recovery, Domestic Violence Intervention and Life Changes/Transition Counseling.
Paula McDonald-Neely, LCSW, PLLC provides individual, couples and family therapy. My approach is client-centered and utilizes a variety of techniques and intervention strategies personalized to meet your individual needs. Whether you have been struggling for several years or have only recently encountered obstacles in your life, I am ready to work together to pave a path to help you not only overcome, but to thrive. Are you ready to begin your journey to live your best life now?
(281) 712-6418 View (281) 712-6418
Photo of Jessica Pass Haskell, LMFTS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica Pass Haskell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFTS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
With 15+ years as a marriage and family therapist, I guide individuals like you toward self-discovery, aimed at elevating all aspects of your life.
Feeling stuck in your relationships despite success elsewhere? As a big-vision individual, you're constantly evolving, yet overthinking keeps you from connecting. Sound familiar? Let's break free from this cycle together. Join me on a journey to unlock your potential and cultivate meaningful connections.
With 15+ years as a marriage and family therapist, I guide individuals like you toward self-discovery, aimed at elevating all aspects of your life.
Feeling stuck in your relationships despite success elsewhere? As a big-vision individual, you're constantly evolving, yet overthinking keeps you from connecting. Sound familiar? Let's break free from this cycle together. Join me on a journey to unlock your potential and cultivate meaningful connections.
(936) 282-5269 x5 View (936) 282-5269 x5
Photo of Leonard Bohanon, PhD, Psychologist
Leonard Bohanon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Help for when Relationships Hurt! I bring Experience on the Cutting Edge. I'm a therapist with over 40 years of experience! If you're worried that would make me old-fashioned - you should know that I teach in Marriage & Family Therapy training programs, and always focus on up-to-date, "cutting edge" methods. The one word I would use to describe my approach is "collaborative." This means treatment individually tailored to you and your situation (no cookie-cutter approaches!). Because of that, I primarily offer "strengths-based" approaches that focus primarily on your strengths, not your weaknesses.
Help for when Relationships Hurt! I bring Experience on the Cutting Edge. I'm a therapist with over 40 years of experience! If you're worried that would make me old-fashioned - you should know that I teach in Marriage & Family Therapy training programs, and always focus on up-to-date, "cutting edge" methods. The one word I would use to describe my approach is "collaborative." This means treatment individually tailored to you and your situation (no cookie-cutter approaches!). Because of that, I primarily offer "strengths-based" approaches that focus primarily on your strengths, not your weaknesses.
(832) 628-5253 View (832) 628-5253
Photo of Tessa Stuckey, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tessa Stuckey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
I strive to create a comfortable and inviting environment so I can hear one's life story, goals, heartaches and tough life decisions. I have a deep understanding and love for all things LOVE. Love within a family system, love within a marriage, and love within one's self. Unfortunately love isn't always enough. I enjoy working with adolescents, college students, adults, couples/marriage counseling, parenting and family therapy. My interests include adolescents, marital and relationship problems, communication skills, anxiety and depressive disorders, life transitions, coping skills, emotional disturbance, peer relationships, self-harming, self-esteem building, and family conflicts.
I strive to create a comfortable and inviting environment so I can hear one's life story, goals, heartaches and tough life decisions. I have a deep understanding and love for all things LOVE. Love within a family system, love within a marriage, and love within one's self. Unfortunately love isn't always enough. I enjoy working with adolescents, college students, adults, couples/marriage counseling, parenting and family therapy. My interests include adolescents, marital and relationship problems, communication skills, anxiety and depressive disorders, life transitions, coping skills, emotional disturbance, peer relationships, self-harming, self-esteem building, and family conflicts.
(832) 769-4480 View (832) 769-4480
Photo of Bridgett S Quarles, MSMFT, LMFT-S, CTMH, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bridgett S Quarles
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSMFT, LMFT-S, CTMH
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380  (Online Only)
Additionally, I provide Supervision for Marriage and Family Therapists who are working towards licensure in Texas.
I am most passionate about helping strengthen couples as the foundation for the family and helping adult clients flourish through Christ-centered couple's and mental health therapy to achieve their God-given purpose. Particularly important for couples therapy is understanding that your relationship is the client; and I am passionate about strengthening the client. I will listen carefully with compassion, allowing each individual a voice and I WILL NOT take sides. I'm on the side of your relationship and here to help each person take ownership of it, draw upon its inner resources and rediscover its goals and purpose.
Additionally, I provide Supervision for Marriage and Family Therapists who are working towards licensure in Texas.
I am most passionate about helping strengthen couples as the foundation for the family and helping adult clients flourish through Christ-centered couple's and mental health therapy to achieve their God-given purpose. Particularly important for couples therapy is understanding that your relationship is the client; and I am passionate about strengthening the client. I will listen carefully with compassion, allowing each individual a voice and I WILL NOT take sides. I'm on the side of your relationship and here to help each person take ownership of it, draw upon its inner resources and rediscover its goals and purpose.
(713) 325-3857 View (713) 325-3857
Cecilia Puczek
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380
As a Latina Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Cecilia brings a wealth of personal and professional experience with a deep appreciation for multicultural perspectives.
Feeling anxious about life transitions, discouraged with your relationships, overwhelmed by the dilemmas of life, or caught up in the complexity of your issues, know that you're not alone. With Cecilia's compassionate guidance and experience, there is hope to untangle the difficulties of life and find clarity and healing. Whether you're dealing with issues like depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief and loss, or relationship challenges, Cecilia provides support and guidance to individuals, couples, and families seeking relief.
As a Latina Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Cecilia brings a wealth of personal and professional experience with a deep appreciation for multicultural perspectives.
Feeling anxious about life transitions, discouraged with your relationships, overwhelmed by the dilemmas of life, or caught up in the complexity of your issues, know that you're not alone. With Cecilia's compassionate guidance and experience, there is hope to untangle the difficulties of life and find clarity and healing. Whether you're dealing with issues like depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief and loss, or relationship challenges, Cecilia provides support and guidance to individuals, couples, and families seeking relief.
(936) 265-0544 View (936) 265-0544
Photo of Olivia Blandford, PhD, Psychologist
Olivia Blandford
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Marriage, family, friendships: Relationships can bring us meaning, but also pain, confusion, and sadness. You may feel you have to “hold it together” and keep your struggles under the surface. Maybe you strive to achieve and please, but never have the opportunity to honor your own needs. Are you accomplished, but still feel empty, lost, or lonely? Many individuals and couples come to me to renew and rework their relationships and to feel happier and healthier as a result. You too can successfully move past trauma, conflict, and stressful changes and emerge living a more intentional, satisfying life with better relationships.
Marriage, family, friendships: Relationships can bring us meaning, but also pain, confusion, and sadness. You may feel you have to “hold it together” and keep your struggles under the surface. Maybe you strive to achieve and please, but never have the opportunity to honor your own needs. Are you accomplished, but still feel empty, lost, or lonely? Many individuals and couples come to me to renew and rework their relationships and to feel happier and healthier as a result. You too can successfully move past trauma, conflict, and stressful changes and emerge living a more intentional, satisfying life with better relationships.
(936) 237-6880 View (936) 237-6880
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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.