Marriage Counseling Therapists in Vancouver, WA

Photo of Kit Kryger, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kit Kryger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
Everyone goes through challenges situations in life and while you my have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it, in fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, marital/relational difficulties and are committed to making long lasting changes in your life by acquiring the long-lasting benefits and tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome those challenges-take the first step.
Everyone goes through challenges situations in life and while you my have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it, in fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, marital/relational difficulties and are committed to making long lasting changes in your life by acquiring the long-lasting benefits and tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome those challenges-take the first step.
(971) 351-2323 View (971) 351-2323
Photo of Dr. Richard Shaw, DMFT, LMHC, LMFT, Counselor
Dr. Richard Shaw
Counselor, DMFT, LMHC, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98664
Hi, my name is Richard Shaw and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Oregon, providing Professional Counseling Services for more than 25 years, currently offering in office and zoom appointments. I am also an Associate Professor of over 25 years in the Graduate School of Counseling at George Fox University. I have been married for over 30 years and have two adult children. I am originally from Nebraska and in my free time, I enjoy movies, the Oregon coast and college and professional football.
Hi, my name is Richard Shaw and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Oregon, providing Professional Counseling Services for more than 25 years, currently offering in office and zoom appointments. I am also an Associate Professor of over 25 years in the Graduate School of Counseling at George Fox University. I have been married for over 30 years and have two adult children. I am originally from Nebraska and in my free time, I enjoy movies, the Oregon coast and college and professional football.
(360) 215-3925 View (360) 215-3925
Photo of Collin Anders Hansen, MS, LMHC, SRT, PBTT, Counselor
Collin Anders Hansen
Counselor, MS, LMHC, SRT, PBTT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98684
There is hope for your marriage.
Pornography & sex addiction are real and destroy lives! If you've been affected by porn & sex addiction you've most likely been risking your job, your family, maybe even going to jail. You've likely tried to stop but can't. It's too much! The shame and guilt are overwhelming. And, if you're reading this, it's likely you've been caught by by a significant other and are facing the end of your relationship unless you get help!
There is hope for your marriage.
Pornography & sex addiction are real and destroy lives! If you've been affected by porn & sex addiction you've most likely been risking your job, your family, maybe even going to jail. You've likely tried to stop but can't. It's too much! The shame and guilt are overwhelming. And, if you're reading this, it's likely you've been caught by by a significant other and are facing the end of your relationship unless you get help!
(360) 842-0925 View (360) 842-0925
Photo of Kenna Joner - Restoration Counseling NW, MEd, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Restoration Counseling NW
Counselor, MEd, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
I am also a certified SYMBIS (save your marriage before it starts by Dr.
Are you feeling lonely in your marriage and get in fights often? Do you desire to tackle life as a team but don't know how? Are you working on rebuilding trust with your spouse? Call me today to learn how and what to do connect and build a strong bond. When we are connected we have less anxiety and fear.
I am also a certified SYMBIS (save your marriage before it starts by Dr.
Are you feeling lonely in your marriage and get in fights often? Do you desire to tackle life as a team but don't know how? Are you working on rebuilding trust with your spouse? Call me today to learn how and what to do connect and build a strong bond. When we are connected we have less anxiety and fear.
(360) 234-3742 View (360) 234-3742
Photo of Joey Schweinfurth, MA, Counselor
Joey Schweinfurth
Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98686
My areas of focus includes: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, marriage/couples counseling, divorce/separation support, self-esteem/confidence issues.
I firmly believe that there is power in lending an ear and meeting someone where they are at through providing empathy and support. With that support change is possible, and clients can work towards seeing the growth an healing they desire. I would be honored to provide that ear to listen and support you as we work together to reach your goals and achieve the change you wish to see in your life. I primarily work with individuals 13+ who are dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, divorce/separation support, communication & self-esteem issues and men's issues. Se habla espanol, por favor contactarme para mas detalles.
My areas of focus includes: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, marriage/couples counseling, divorce/separation support, self-esteem/confidence issues.
I firmly believe that there is power in lending an ear and meeting someone where they are at through providing empathy and support. With that support change is possible, and clients can work towards seeing the growth an healing they desire. I would be honored to provide that ear to listen and support you as we work together to reach your goals and achieve the change you wish to see in your life. I primarily work with individuals 13+ who are dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, divorce/separation support, communication & self-esteem issues and men's issues. Se habla espanol, por favor contactarme para mas detalles.
(360) 531-7451 View (360) 531-7451
Photo of Dawn Tec Yah, LMHCA, Counselor
Dawn Tec Yah
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98686  (Online Only)
As a seasoned therapist specializing in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy with a focus on Addiction Studies, I offer tailored interventions to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and promote recovery.
I am currently welcoming couples and families who are committed to nurturing their relationships. They may be navigating communication barriers, emotional disconnects, or transitional life stages. These clients seek a collaborative space to fortify their bonds, develop understanding, and foster a healthy family dynamic. Their objective is to achieve harmony and a deeper connection, ultimately enhancing their collective well-being.
As a seasoned therapist specializing in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy with a focus on Addiction Studies, I offer tailored interventions to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and promote recovery.
I am currently welcoming couples and families who are committed to nurturing their relationships. They may be navigating communication barriers, emotional disconnects, or transitional life stages. These clients seek a collaborative space to fortify their bonds, develop understanding, and foster a healthy family dynamic. Their objective is to achieve harmony and a deeper connection, ultimately enhancing their collective well-being.
(360) 996-6071 View (360) 996-6071
Photo of Anjelika Layco - Angel's Marriage and Individual Counseling, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Angel's Marriage and Individual Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661  (Online Only)
With over 16 years of experience helping couples who struggle with marital distress, I am dedicated to helping you rebuild emotional and physical intimacy and create a positive pattern of communication that will create greater bonding and will keep your love blossoming.
Online Marriage Counseling for residents of Oregon, Washington and California - Do you want to decrease conflict and increase intimacy? Do you wish to establish and maintain a loving relationship with your partner where you feel safe, loved, and connected? If you said yes to these questions, Emotionally Focused Couples Counseling can greatly benefit you. You and your partner deserve to be happy, and I am here to help. Please visit my website Angels Marriage Counseling to schedule an appointment and verify your insurance (if you plan on using your insurance).
With over 16 years of experience helping couples who struggle with marital distress, I am dedicated to helping you rebuild emotional and physical intimacy and create a positive pattern of communication that will create greater bonding and will keep your love blossoming.
Online Marriage Counseling for residents of Oregon, Washington and California - Do you want to decrease conflict and increase intimacy? Do you wish to establish and maintain a loving relationship with your partner where you feel safe, loved, and connected? If you said yes to these questions, Emotionally Focused Couples Counseling can greatly benefit you. You and your partner deserve to be happy, and I am here to help. Please visit my website Angels Marriage Counseling to schedule an appointment and verify your insurance (if you plan on using your insurance).
(360) 558-3433 View (360) 558-3433
Photo of Ronda Lois Foyt, MA, MHC, MFT, Counselor
Ronda Lois Foyt
Counselor, MA, MHC, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660
I am a skilled marriage and family therapist focusing on, but not limited to, marriage and reconciliation, separation and transition, conflict management and trauma recovery.
Life can be difficult and painful for us all. If you're struggling with anxiety or depression, or you're simply feeling run down by the complexities of life, I can help you. My therapeutic approach is very direct. Therapy with me can feel intense but my clients often tell me that they needed the push I gave them. Too often, people go to counselors who are very nice, but who don't have the courage to challenge people in a compassionate but direct way. If you are ready for a wonderful life change, please contact me.
I am a skilled marriage and family therapist focusing on, but not limited to, marriage and reconciliation, separation and transition, conflict management and trauma recovery.
Life can be difficult and painful for us all. If you're struggling with anxiety or depression, or you're simply feeling run down by the complexities of life, I can help you. My therapeutic approach is very direct. Therapy with me can feel intense but my clients often tell me that they needed the push I gave them. Too often, people go to counselors who are very nice, but who don't have the courage to challenge people in a compassionate but direct way. If you are ready for a wonderful life change, please contact me.
(360) 469-0294 View (360) 469-0294
Photo of Nancy K Warren - Nancy Warren, MA LMHC, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Nancy Warren, MA LMHC
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
For the past 25 years, I have worked with individuals with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep difficulties, troubled relationships, marital distress, chronic illness, and life transitions. My practice currently focuses on working with clients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. I also see patients with cancer across the cancer continuum, from diagnosis, treatment, to survivorship or recurrence and end of life. I am passionate about working with both of these patient groups.
For the past 25 years, I have worked with individuals with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep difficulties, troubled relationships, marital distress, chronic illness, and life transitions. My practice currently focuses on working with clients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. I also see patients with cancer across the cancer continuum, from diagnosis, treatment, to survivorship or recurrence and end of life. I am passionate about working with both of these patient groups.
(360) 680-1693 View (360) 680-1693
Photo of Alan Pasternak - Pasternak Counseling, Alan Pasternak, Psychologist
Pasternak Counseling
Psychologist, Alan Pasternak
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98685
As a semiretired Psychologist, I do not have an office and visit my client(s) in their home or office anywhere in Clark county. I am married to a Marriage and Family Therapist and understand the difficulties that couples have even with our level of knowledge. I help each member of the couple rise above the conflict and participate in healing their relationship by encouraging personal responsibility and self-disclosure and by getting in touch with the goodness in each person and the love they are missing.
As a semiretired Psychologist, I do not have an office and visit my client(s) in their home or office anywhere in Clark county. I am married to a Marriage and Family Therapist and understand the difficulties that couples have even with our level of knowledge. I help each member of the couple rise above the conflict and participate in healing their relationship by encouraging personal responsibility and self-disclosure and by getting in touch with the goodness in each person and the love they are missing.
(360) 227-5356 View (360) 227-5356
Photo of Mae Marie Soderquist-Bell, MA,  LMHC, LPC, Counselor
Mae Marie Soderquist-Bell
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98662  (Online Only)
Pre/post marital couples therapy is another speciality of mine.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? All of us experience seasons of unbalance, heartache, and emotional distress. My practice is centered on us co-authoring respectful and lasting solutions to the struggles you have experienced in the past or are presently experiencing. It is important to me for sessions to include: hopefulness, compassion, and a sense of humor. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State. I also have a Professional Counselor License for the State of Oregon (LPC). I have worked at CHARIS Counseling Associates for over a decade. Before my counseling career, I was a high school teacher with PPS.
Pre/post marital couples therapy is another speciality of mine.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? All of us experience seasons of unbalance, heartache, and emotional distress. My practice is centered on us co-authoring respectful and lasting solutions to the struggles you have experienced in the past or are presently experiencing. It is important to me for sessions to include: hopefulness, compassion, and a sense of humor. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State. I also have a Professional Counselor License for the State of Oregon (LPC). I have worked at CHARIS Counseling Associates for over a decade. Before my counseling career, I was a high school teacher with PPS.
(360) 450-0984 View (360) 450-0984
Photo of Rinatta Paries, MA, CMHA, MFTA, Counselor
Rinatta Paries
Counselor, MA, CMHA, MFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98685  (Online Only)
Struggling with your relationship or marriage? Suffering over a painful breakup? Having trouble finding the right partner? Suffering from pain of an affair? Feeling stressed about what is happening with your teen or want to connect more with your young adult? Relationship-related situations such as these are solvable with therapy! As your therapist, I will help you navigate your way through painful situations and move towards creating lifelong, loving relationships, rich in connection and communication. Along the way, you will find yourself releasing trauma, feeling better, functioning better, and creating a life you love.
Struggling with your relationship or marriage? Suffering over a painful breakup? Having trouble finding the right partner? Suffering from pain of an affair? Feeling stressed about what is happening with your teen or want to connect more with your young adult? Relationship-related situations such as these are solvable with therapy! As your therapist, I will help you navigate your way through painful situations and move towards creating lifelong, loving relationships, rich in connection and communication. Along the way, you will find yourself releasing trauma, feeling better, functioning better, and creating a life you love.
(360) 776-7076 View (360) 776-7076
Photo of Brad Peterson, LMHC, LPC, Counselor
Brad Peterson
Counselor, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98684
I offer a unique blend of faith-based spiritual direction along with competent and experienced mental health counseling and effective treatment planning. A majority of my clients are seeking an experienced mental health therapist/relationship counselor in whom they place confidence that their most deeply-held spiritual values are understood and shared. I primarily treat Christian individuals, couples and families that are facing difficulties with anger and abuse, blended-family, sexual addiction, unfaithfulness, marital discord, or depression and anxiety, along with a variety of spiritual concerns.
I offer a unique blend of faith-based spiritual direction along with competent and experienced mental health counseling and effective treatment planning. A majority of my clients are seeking an experienced mental health therapist/relationship counselor in whom they place confidence that their most deeply-held spiritual values are understood and shared. I primarily treat Christian individuals, couples and families that are facing difficulties with anger and abuse, blended-family, sexual addiction, unfaithfulness, marital discord, or depression and anxiety, along with a variety of spiritual concerns.
(360) 234-3741 View (360) 234-3741
Photo of Melissa Hyland Wilson, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Melissa Hyland Wilson
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98683  (Online Only)
My passion is helping people achieve personal growth. Life throws at us a series of curveballs. At times we feel stuck and unsure how to make it to the other side of these challenges whether they are due to a life change such as marriage, divorce, new career, trauma, grief and loss or a host of other difficulties. With over 25 years in the counseling field, I have learned that people are individuals who do not fit into one mold. I employee a variety of techniques and approaches to fit your individual needs. Change starts within the therapeutic relationship. Compassion, humor and warmth assist in creating this relationship.
My passion is helping people achieve personal growth. Life throws at us a series of curveballs. At times we feel stuck and unsure how to make it to the other side of these challenges whether they are due to a life change such as marriage, divorce, new career, trauma, grief and loss or a host of other difficulties. With over 25 years in the counseling field, I have learned that people are individuals who do not fit into one mold. I employee a variety of techniques and approaches to fit your individual needs. Change starts within the therapeutic relationship. Compassion, humor and warmth assist in creating this relationship.
(360) 302-4364 View (360) 302-4364
Photo of Rick D. Boehm - Boehm Counseling & Consulting Services, MS, LMHC, MAC, Counselor
Boehm Counseling & Consulting Services
Counselor, MS, LMHC, MAC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98685
Emergency appointment times available to both new and existing clients; crisis intervention; crisis marital therapy program available when marriages are severely damaged; hospital visitation.
Client motivation focused;,believing personal change is possible for anyone who desires it. The human spirit is powerful and will persevere if nurtured, empowered & supported. My therapeutic approach: teaching, empower, intervene &support for the therapeutic change process with clients. Combining education + professional & personal experience I provide a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic approach conducive to healthy changes. Perspective of personal strengths vs the medical model of "sickness" clients are empowered with hope and skills for positive change.
Emergency appointment times available to both new and existing clients; crisis intervention; crisis marital therapy program available when marriages are severely damaged; hospital visitation.
Client motivation focused;,believing personal change is possible for anyone who desires it. The human spirit is powerful and will persevere if nurtured, empowered & supported. My therapeutic approach: teaching, empower, intervene &support for the therapeutic change process with clients. Combining education + professional & personal experience I provide a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic approach conducive to healthy changes. Perspective of personal strengths vs the medical model of "sickness" clients are empowered with hope and skills for positive change.
(360) 215-3885 View (360) 215-3885
Photo of Caroline Gearing, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Caroline Gearing
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
As a licensed marriage and family therapist I specialize in sexual addiction work for men and women transitioning from sexual addiction to healthy sexuality, and partners and couples dealing with sexual addiction. Groups provided: sex addiction, partner of sexual addict, couples dealing with sexual addiction, and love addiction. Strong focus on couples counseling, premarital counseling using Prepare/Enrich assessment tools. Expertise with sexual therapy for couples and individuals. Specialty dealing with narcissistic people and assisting clients with great transitional challenges. I am a highly dedicated counselor and therapist partnering with my clients to successfully move forward in their lives.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist I specialize in sexual addiction work for men and women transitioning from sexual addiction to healthy sexuality, and partners and couples dealing with sexual addiction. Groups provided: sex addiction, partner of sexual addict, couples dealing with sexual addiction, and love addiction. Strong focus on couples counseling, premarital counseling using Prepare/Enrich assessment tools. Expertise with sexual therapy for couples and individuals. Specialty dealing with narcissistic people and assisting clients with great transitional challenges. I am a highly dedicated counselor and therapist partnering with my clients to successfully move forward in their lives.
(360) 450-4373 View (360) 450-4373
Photo of Mikhael Fuller, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mikhael Fuller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
In my practice, I support teens, adults, and couples residing in Washington or California. I work with a number of issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, intimacy and relationships, identity, life-transitions, conflict, divorce and separation, and anything in-between. I also have experience with adoption and blended families. When working with minor clients, I provide guidance to parents through collaborative consultation throughout our therapeutic relationship. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in both Washington and California.
In my practice, I support teens, adults, and couples residing in Washington or California. I work with a number of issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, intimacy and relationships, identity, life-transitions, conflict, divorce and separation, and anything in-between. I also have experience with adoption and blended families. When working with minor clients, I provide guidance to parents through collaborative consultation throughout our therapeutic relationship. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in both Washington and California.
(925) 248-4981 View (925) 248-4981
Photo of Jaye Bahre, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jaye Bahre
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98665  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Oregon residents ONLY at this time! Beginning in February 2025 I will be taking clients interested in psilocybin therapy! Get on the wait list now! Underneath whatever label is put on the "disorder de jour", my clients have one thing in common: they are all in pain & living with uncomfortable emotions. Depression taking their joy, anxiety keeping them up at night... sometimes its marital issues, struggling with the loneliness or recovering from major life transitions. I can help guide you through your pain by helping you learn ways to manage emotions while growing toward YOUR idea of your "best" self.
Oregon residents ONLY at this time! Beginning in February 2025 I will be taking clients interested in psilocybin therapy! Get on the wait list now! Underneath whatever label is put on the "disorder de jour", my clients have one thing in common: they are all in pain & living with uncomfortable emotions. Depression taking their joy, anxiety keeping them up at night... sometimes its marital issues, struggling with the loneliness or recovering from major life transitions. I can help guide you through your pain by helping you learn ways to manage emotions while growing toward YOUR idea of your "best" self.
(503) 400-3968 View (503) 400-3968
Photo of Kathy Shenk, MA, LMFT, LMHC, CGE, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kathy Shenk
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LMHC, CGE
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98663
Although I use a variety of methods, I have found that Gottman strategies and tools are tremendously successful in improving relationships, especially in marriage and in parenting!.
Assisting individuals, couples, parents and families with the challenges of life is a privilege and a passion! Some of these challenges come from difficult and painful relationships we have with others but can even come in the relationship we have with ourselves! This can cause a loss of connection and an increase in anxiety, anger and depression. However, learning to manage and improve relationships can bring about significant satisfaction, confidence and joy. We are also often faced with the anxiety and fear of transitions and unexpected life changes. I am here to help you navigate these challenges!
Although I use a variety of methods, I have found that Gottman strategies and tools are tremendously successful in improving relationships, especially in marriage and in parenting!.
Assisting individuals, couples, parents and families with the challenges of life is a privilege and a passion! Some of these challenges come from difficult and painful relationships we have with others but can even come in the relationship we have with ourselves! This can cause a loss of connection and an increase in anxiety, anger and depression. However, learning to manage and improve relationships can bring about significant satisfaction, confidence and joy. We are also often faced with the anxiety and fear of transitions and unexpected life changes. I am here to help you navigate these challenges!
(360) 226-7143 View (360) 226-7143
Photo of Stephanie Womack, LMHCA, Counselor
Stephanie Womack
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98661
Waitlist for new clients
I also have a huge heart for couples, whether they are seeking an informed decision about the direction of their relationship, "checking in", or building a strong foundation before commitment/ marriage.
My focus is on supporting adults experiencing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, C/PTSD, grief, shame, boundary issues, adjustment difficulties, and relationship conflicts. I enjoy offering a range of evidence-based interventions tailored to the needs of each individual providing a holistic, person-centered approach that allows me to support clients individually and within their family systems. These interventions include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness practices.
I also have a huge heart for couples, whether they are seeking an informed decision about the direction of their relationship, "checking in", or building a strong foundation before commitment/ marriage.
My focus is on supporting adults experiencing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, C/PTSD, grief, shame, boundary issues, adjustment difficulties, and relationship conflicts. I enjoy offering a range of evidence-based interventions tailored to the needs of each individual providing a holistic, person-centered approach that allows me to support clients individually and within their family systems. These interventions include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness practices.
(360) 614-4927 x109 View (360) 614-4927 x109
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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.