Marriage Counseling Therapists in Tacoma, WA

Photo of Kathy Augsback, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kathy Augsback
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98406
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and work with individuals, couples and families.
I help women and their families step into parenthood while empowering them to create generational cycles of healing, healthy boundaries and self trust. The majority of my practice focuses on adjusting to pregnancy and motherhood, decreasing anxiety and navigating the cultural nuances that exist in your family system.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and work with individuals, couples and families.
I help women and their families step into parenthood while empowering them to create generational cycles of healing, healthy boundaries and self trust. The majority of my practice focuses on adjusting to pregnancy and motherhood, decreasing anxiety and navigating the cultural nuances that exist in your family system.
(253) 528-5557 View (253) 528-5557
Photo of Albina Terpetska, MFT , Intern, Pre-Licensed Professional
Albina Terpetska
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT , Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98402
As a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Intern, I am passionate about building strong therapeutic relationships and nurturing deep, meaningful connections with my clients. I provide an accepting, welcoming, and safe environment where you can feel supported, listened to, and understood. My approach integrates a variety of therapeutic modalities tailored to your needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (STST), Attachment-based, Parts work, and Mindfulness.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Intern, I am passionate about building strong therapeutic relationships and nurturing deep, meaningful connections with my clients. I provide an accepting, welcoming, and safe environment where you can feel supported, listened to, and understood. My approach integrates a variety of therapeutic modalities tailored to your needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (STST), Attachment-based, Parts work, and Mindfulness.
(253) 465-2820 View (253) 465-2820
Photo of Jennifer Paul Greco - Affirming Connections PLLC, MA, LMFT, LMHC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Affirming Connections PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98409
Waitlist for new clients
I respect it takes courage to seek and partner with a therapist. My core values as a clinician are to provide others utmost respect, hope, resiliency, concern, empathy, challenge, creating a path to recovery and healing. I enjoy working with adults through age sixty-five, and children ages four through twenty-one, including families. I have been a Marriage and Family Therapist for thirty plus years, I am honored to enter with others in their healing journey.
I respect it takes courage to seek and partner with a therapist. My core values as a clinician are to provide others utmost respect, hope, resiliency, concern, empathy, challenge, creating a path to recovery and healing. I enjoy working with adults through age sixty-five, and children ages four through twenty-one, including families. I have been a Marriage and Family Therapist for thirty plus years, I am honored to enter with others in their healing journey.
(253) 263-1105 View (253) 263-1105
Photo of Annie Hennig, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Annie Hennig
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98406
Waitlist for new clients
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I enjoy working with a variety of clients seeking guidance and support in managing challenges or transitions in life and within relationships. I work with individuals, couples, parents, and families who are seeking to improve their communication, coping, and ability to find satisfaction and confidence in working through challenges that affect them. My areas of interest include couples, maternal mental health, pregnancy-related issues, parenting, and self esteem.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I enjoy working with a variety of clients seeking guidance and support in managing challenges or transitions in life and within relationships. I work with individuals, couples, parents, and families who are seeking to improve their communication, coping, and ability to find satisfaction and confidence in working through challenges that affect them. My areas of interest include couples, maternal mental health, pregnancy-related issues, parenting, and self esteem.
(253) 993-4655 View (253) 993-4655
Photo of Ashley Lesley, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ashley Lesley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98404  (Online Only)
I am an independently licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for Washington and Idaho. I specialize in working with couples, families, and adults facing transitional life experiences and those looking to break free from undesired patterns of thinking and behaving. I enjoy identifying and navigating life’s twists and turns to help others identify a more enjoyable way of life through a Christian perspective of life. I am a solution-focused therapist, which means we begin our journey with the end in mind: where do you see yourself and how do we get there, together?
I am an independently licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for Washington and Idaho. I specialize in working with couples, families, and adults facing transitional life experiences and those looking to break free from undesired patterns of thinking and behaving. I enjoy identifying and navigating life’s twists and turns to help others identify a more enjoyable way of life through a Christian perspective of life. I am a solution-focused therapist, which means we begin our journey with the end in mind: where do you see yourself and how do we get there, together?
(206) 627-4414 View (206) 627-4414
Photo of Kelley Kohlwes, LMFT, MHP, CMHS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelley Kohlwes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MHP, CMHS
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98406
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained in evidenced-based practices as well as systemic frameworks for the management of depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, relational challenges, stress management, adolescent therapy, couples therapy, and trauma-related challenges.
Working from a relational-narrative perspective, I am committed to supporting you in your life journey. If you are feeling unhappy within your relationship, personal experiences or simply feel “stuck”, I’m here to help support you in the pursuit of your preferred way of living. I am passionate about working with individuals experiencing life transitions and couples in any relational stage, offering support to all gender identities and sexual orientations.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained in evidenced-based practices as well as systemic frameworks for the management of depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, relational challenges, stress management, adolescent therapy, couples therapy, and trauma-related challenges.
Working from a relational-narrative perspective, I am committed to supporting you in your life journey. If you are feeling unhappy within your relationship, personal experiences or simply feel “stuck”, I’m here to help support you in the pursuit of your preferred way of living. I am passionate about working with individuals experiencing life transitions and couples in any relational stage, offering support to all gender identities and sexual orientations.
(253) 666-6954 View (253) 666-6954
Photo of Stephanie Munizza, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stephanie Munizza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98403
I have a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
If you’re reading this, you may be looking for something more and/or different. You might wish to change patterns that no longer serve you. If you are interested in an offering of mindfulness practice as a way to get to know the various parts of you and understand your mind / body connection, please contact me. “You can’t do what you want till you know what you’re doing.” Moshe Feldenkrais. I work with teens, adults, couples, and families. I offer trauma sensitive yoga sessions, workshops and group therapy on request. I value authenticity and bring lighthearted tenderness to the therapeutic relationship.
I have a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
If you’re reading this, you may be looking for something more and/or different. You might wish to change patterns that no longer serve you. If you are interested in an offering of mindfulness practice as a way to get to know the various parts of you and understand your mind / body connection, please contact me. “You can’t do what you want till you know what you’re doing.” Moshe Feldenkrais. I work with teens, adults, couples, and families. I offer trauma sensitive yoga sessions, workshops and group therapy on request. I value authenticity and bring lighthearted tenderness to the therapeutic relationship.
(253) 733-2088 View (253) 733-2088
Photo of Joshua Lennox, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Joshua Lennox
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98444
The types of therapy I provide include; couples, marriage, individuals, and family therapy.
Hello. My name is Joshua Lennox, of Northwest Pastoral Counseling. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor serving South Tacoma, and surrounding areas. I realize that if you are reading this there is most likely something painful, or difficult in your life. Maybe it is: depression, infidelity, anxiety, relationship problems, the loss of someone or something, a struggling child, spiritual issues, infertility, or any of the other many issues we as humans sometimes experience. I'm here to tell you that there is hope. I look forward to meeting with you to assist you with the situations you are currently facing.
The types of therapy I provide include; couples, marriage, individuals, and family therapy.
Hello. My name is Joshua Lennox, of Northwest Pastoral Counseling. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor serving South Tacoma, and surrounding areas. I realize that if you are reading this there is most likely something painful, or difficult in your life. Maybe it is: depression, infidelity, anxiety, relationship problems, the loss of someone or something, a struggling child, spiritual issues, infertility, or any of the other many issues we as humans sometimes experience. I'm here to tell you that there is hope. I look forward to meeting with you to assist you with the situations you are currently facing.
(253) 218-4469 View (253) 218-4469
Photo of Gregory Scea - Confidential Associates, LLC, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Confidential Associates, LLC
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98405
The Confidential Associates staff is highly experienced (over 60 years combined experience) and extensively trained. We stay current with the latest research/evidence-based treatments for such patient concerns as: Depression, Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Pre- Marriage Counseling, Communication Problems, Chemical Dependency, Anger, Stress, Self-Esteem, LGBT, Work Stress, Bereavement, Trauma, and Child/Adolescent Behavior Problems. To promote positive changes, we utilize a combination of interview, direction, and education to create a sense of trust and respect. This approach has been found to increase efficiency of the counseling process, which saves treatment time and costs.
The Confidential Associates staff is highly experienced (over 60 years combined experience) and extensively trained. We stay current with the latest research/evidence-based treatments for such patient concerns as: Depression, Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Pre- Marriage Counseling, Communication Problems, Chemical Dependency, Anger, Stress, Self-Esteem, LGBT, Work Stress, Bereavement, Trauma, and Child/Adolescent Behavior Problems. To promote positive changes, we utilize a combination of interview, direction, and education to create a sense of trust and respect. This approach has been found to increase efficiency of the counseling process, which saves treatment time and costs.
(253) 242-6789 View (253) 242-6789
Photo of Kimberly Jorguson, MEd, LMHCA, Counselor
Kimberly Jorguson
Counselor, MEd, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98446
First of all , if you are looking for support through a challenging time in life- I am proud of you ! Admitting you need help is the first and often most challenging part. Often the things we face in life can leave us feeling a bit angry, hopeless, anxious or just plain confused. Whether it's anger management, marital counseling or positive life support through grief or illness, I can help. Using solution focused techniques we develop a plan to help get you to feel positive again.
First of all , if you are looking for support through a challenging time in life- I am proud of you ! Admitting you need help is the first and often most challenging part. Often the things we face in life can leave us feeling a bit angry, hopeless, anxious or just plain confused. Whether it's anger management, marital counseling or positive life support through grief or illness, I can help. Using solution focused techniques we develop a plan to help get you to feel positive again.
(253) 366-8722 View (253) 366-8722
Photo of Benjamin Michael Shafer, LMFTA, MA, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Benjamin Michael Shafer
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA, MA, MS
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98403
I am a marriage and family therapist associate (LMFTA) with a Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the AAMFT-accredited Northcentral University.
I see the fact that you are here looking for a therapist as immensely brave. I honor your courage. I genuinely love people. My personal experiences with childhood trauma, family relationships, religion, and the sciences have granted me opportunities to empathize with and understand a diverse range of emotional, mental, and relational issues and to apply effective treatment methods for my clients. I am aware that my privilege and life opportunities require me to be intentional about providing a safe space for my clients, especially those who have experienced marginalization and societal oppression and I consistently strive to do so.
I am a marriage and family therapist associate (LMFTA) with a Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the AAMFT-accredited Northcentral University.
I see the fact that you are here looking for a therapist as immensely brave. I honor your courage. I genuinely love people. My personal experiences with childhood trauma, family relationships, religion, and the sciences have granted me opportunities to empathize with and understand a diverse range of emotional, mental, and relational issues and to apply effective treatment methods for my clients. I am aware that my privilege and life opportunities require me to be intentional about providing a safe space for my clients, especially those who have experienced marginalization and societal oppression and I consistently strive to do so.
(253) 215-1154 View (253) 215-1154
Photo of Erin Manning, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Erin Manning
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98406
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I strive to create a space for individuals and families to feel safe and open as we work through some of life's hardest challenges. It can feel overwhelming considering where to start and what to tackle first. Seeking guidance takes a lot of strength and courage.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I strive to create a space for individuals and families to feel safe and open as we work through some of life's hardest challenges. It can feel overwhelming considering where to start and what to tackle first. Seeking guidance takes a lot of strength and courage.
(253) 793-0858 View (253) 793-0858
Photo of Kathy Augsback, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kathy Augsback
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98402
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and specialize in Perinatal Mental Health.
I help women step into motherhood while empowering them to create generational cycles of healing, healthy boundaries and self trust. The majority of my practice focuses on adjusting to pregnancy and motherhood, decreasing anxiety and navigating the cultural nuances that exist in your family system.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and specialize in Perinatal Mental Health.
I help women step into motherhood while empowering them to create generational cycles of healing, healthy boundaries and self trust. The majority of my practice focuses on adjusting to pregnancy and motherhood, decreasing anxiety and navigating the cultural nuances that exist in your family system.
(253) 364-5789 View (253) 364-5789
Photo of Kasandra McCown, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kasandra McCown
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98402  (Online Only)
I am an Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and my work is informed through an emotionally focused perspective.
Currently not taking new clietns. I have a passion for working with individuals, kids, couples and families who are currently or have experienced anxiety, depression, grief, difficult life transitions, parenting struggles and medical trauma related to cancer, autoimmune diseases and other rare blood disorders. I believe that hardships in life are unique to everyone and for some of us it is hard to get through alone. My goal is to provide you and those close to you a safe space where challenging thoughts and feelings can be openly shared and we can work collaboratively to find ways to help you cope.
I am an Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and my work is informed through an emotionally focused perspective.
Currently not taking new clietns. I have a passion for working with individuals, kids, couples and families who are currently or have experienced anxiety, depression, grief, difficult life transitions, parenting struggles and medical trauma related to cancer, autoimmune diseases and other rare blood disorders. I believe that hardships in life are unique to everyone and for some of us it is hard to get through alone. My goal is to provide you and those close to you a safe space where challenging thoughts and feelings can be openly shared and we can work collaboratively to find ways to help you cope.
(253) 733-1922 View (253) 733-1922
Photo of Tim McTighe, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tim McTighe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98403
In addition to being a licensed marriage and family therapist, I was an adjunct professor at Seattle University where I teach Community Corrections and Addiction Studies.
I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist for 34 years. Although specializing in children and adolescents, I have experience with juvenile and adult offenders, substance abusers, and those experiencing depression, anxiety, anger management and adjustment issues. I have extensive background in providing therapy to those in our law enforcement and military communities. I am equally comfortable and experienced in providing individual, couples, and family services. In addition to private practices in Tacoma and Vashon, I am employed as a therapist at Vashon Youth and Family Services. I
In addition to being a licensed marriage and family therapist, I was an adjunct professor at Seattle University where I teach Community Corrections and Addiction Studies.
I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist for 34 years. Although specializing in children and adolescents, I have experience with juvenile and adult offenders, substance abusers, and those experiencing depression, anxiety, anger management and adjustment issues. I have extensive background in providing therapy to those in our law enforcement and military communities. I am equally comfortable and experienced in providing individual, couples, and family services. In addition to private practices in Tacoma and Vashon, I am employed as a therapist at Vashon Youth and Family Services. I
(206) 745-6192 View (206) 745-6192
Photo of Jared Peck - Nurturing Couples and Family Therapy, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Nurturing Couples and Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98402
I would love to help you reach your goal to have a happier life, marriage, or family.
Are you experiencing a lack of connection and or trust within your relationship? Do you feel you struggle to understand your significant other? Do you sometimes feel like you can't be vulnerable or trust your significant other? As we learn to feel safe in a family, we learn to open up and turn to each other. I know that family and loved ones are an important part of our mental and social health. Negative relationships can have an effect on your ability to feel good about yourself. Depression anxiety stress and many other issues are affected by our relationships. Improving your relationship will improve all aspects of your life.
I would love to help you reach your goal to have a happier life, marriage, or family.
Are you experiencing a lack of connection and or trust within your relationship? Do you feel you struggle to understand your significant other? Do you sometimes feel like you can't be vulnerable or trust your significant other? As we learn to feel safe in a family, we learn to open up and turn to each other. I know that family and loved ones are an important part of our mental and social health. Negative relationships can have an effect on your ability to feel good about yourself. Depression anxiety stress and many other issues are affected by our relationships. Improving your relationship will improve all aspects of your life.
(253) 262-0780 View (253) 262-0780
Photo of Aleesia Morales, MA, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Aleesia Morales
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98402  (Online Only)
My training as a Marriage and Family Therapist grounds me in a systemic lens, where authenticity, safety, non-judgment, and kindness are key parts of the work I do, along with listening to learn.
Hello, my name is Aleesia Morales and I appreciate your curiosity. I believe that if we know better, we can do and be better; in whatever way we define better. I work with people individually or interconnected with others, such as, family member(s)/partner(s). I welcome all people from any race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and religious/spiritual backgrounds. I have experience working with an array of people with dynamic backgrounds, and I have a passion for supporting people who identify with the BIPOC community.
My training as a Marriage and Family Therapist grounds me in a systemic lens, where authenticity, safety, non-judgment, and kindness are key parts of the work I do, along with listening to learn.
Hello, my name is Aleesia Morales and I appreciate your curiosity. I believe that if we know better, we can do and be better; in whatever way we define better. I work with people individually or interconnected with others, such as, family member(s)/partner(s). I welcome all people from any race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and religious/spiritual backgrounds. I have experience working with an array of people with dynamic backgrounds, and I have a passion for supporting people who identify with the BIPOC community.
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Photo of Angie Osborne, MA ED,  , MA LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Angie Osborne
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA ED, , MA LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tacoma, WA 98406
Are you or a loved one dealing with an illness or a diagnosis which is causing you to consider aspects of Legacy Planning & considering impacts of your possible death? I have found in my work as a marriage and family therapist that we have the capability through Emotional Estate Planning to guide our loved ones with personalized hope when faced with the reality of death. Your Legacy of Hope is about highlighting the emotional planning comprised of words, messages, thoughts, hopes and dreams which is often overlooked in the estate planning process. I work with clients to create Hope. Hope for those they love & Hope for themselves.
Are you or a loved one dealing with an illness or a diagnosis which is causing you to consider aspects of Legacy Planning & considering impacts of your possible death? I have found in my work as a marriage and family therapist that we have the capability through Emotional Estate Planning to guide our loved ones with personalized hope when faced with the reality of death. Your Legacy of Hope is about highlighting the emotional planning comprised of words, messages, thoughts, hopes and dreams which is often overlooked in the estate planning process. I work with clients to create Hope. Hope for those they love & Hope for themselves.
(253) 364-6649 View (253) 364-6649
Photo of Marcia Cameron-Parker - Loving Kindness Family Counseling Services, LMHC, Counselor
Loving Kindness Family Counseling Services
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98409
Some areas of focus in therapy: depression and anxiety, stress reduction, relationship problems, self esteem, sexual abuse, domestic violence, marital problems, behavioral problems in children, ADD & ADHD, parenting.
There are times in our lives that sometimes we just need a listening ear. There are other times when life comes at you fast with experiences and challenges that can be difficult to face alone. I am 100% committed to helping you find that extra help you need. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental and compassionate place for you to feel comfortable in sharing and expressing yourself.
Some areas of focus in therapy: depression and anxiety, stress reduction, relationship problems, self esteem, sexual abuse, domestic violence, marital problems, behavioral problems in children, ADD & ADHD, parenting.
There are times in our lives that sometimes we just need a listening ear. There are other times when life comes at you fast with experiences and challenges that can be difficult to face alone. I am 100% committed to helping you find that extra help you need. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental and compassionate place for you to feel comfortable in sharing and expressing yourself.
(253) 655-2265 View (253) 655-2265
Photo of Rachel Everett, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Everett
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tacoma, WA 98407  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome to my page. It is so important to find a therapist you feel is a good fit for you! As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, relationships are my bread and butter. I work with individual adults and couples to identify what is and isn't working in relationships, so you can practice setting boundaries, communicating needs, and living in accordance with your values. Looking at our environment helps us identify what we can control to reduce anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms. I am trained in EMDR, ACT, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Welcome to my page. It is so important to find a therapist you feel is a good fit for you! As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, relationships are my bread and butter. I work with individual adults and couples to identify what is and isn't working in relationships, so you can practice setting boundaries, communicating needs, and living in accordance with your values. Looking at our environment helps us identify what we can control to reduce anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms. I am trained in EMDR, ACT, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
(719) 624-3379 View (719) 624-3379
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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.