Marriage Counseling Therapists in Massachusetts

Photo of LaShanta Petroski-Ackley, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
LaShanta Petroski-Ackley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dracut, MA 01826  (Online Only)
For couples seeking to improve their family and other close relationships suffering from anger management issues, medical concerns, PTSD, career, or money difficulties, I personalize my approach, using a range of methods drawing from cognitive behavioral, internal family systems in the Gottman method, using at several principles for making a marriage work.
Therapy should be tailored to address the specific needs of each client. Having trained in a variety of practices in methods, I’ve worked together with my client, to determine which approach works best for them to address their ADHD, anxiety, depression or relationship challenges. I work with adults and couples of all ages, including college, aged and older adults. I specialize in treating mood and anxiety disorders, major life transitions (e.g career, college), relational/familial concerns in trauma/PTSD. I also have specialized training and working with couples, and individuals struggling with anger management issues.
For couples seeking to improve their family and other close relationships suffering from anger management issues, medical concerns, PTSD, career, or money difficulties, I personalize my approach, using a range of methods drawing from cognitive behavioral, internal family systems in the Gottman method, using at several principles for making a marriage work.
Therapy should be tailored to address the specific needs of each client. Having trained in a variety of practices in methods, I’ve worked together with my client, to determine which approach works best for them to address their ADHD, anxiety, depression or relationship challenges. I work with adults and couples of all ages, including college, aged and older adults. I specialize in treating mood and anxiety disorders, major life transitions (e.g career, college), relational/familial concerns in trauma/PTSD. I also have specialized training and working with couples, and individuals struggling with anger management issues.
(351) 666-5313 View (351) 666-5313
Photo of Mitch Blum - Dr. Mitch and Lisa Marriages/Couples Workshops, PsyD, MSW, Life, Coach
Dr. Mitch and Lisa Marriages/Couples Workshops
PsyD, MSW, Life, Coach
Verified Verified
Springfield, MA 01103
Relationships in Crisis: We Have Several Private Couples/Marriage Workshops & Individual Sessions, in order to Rapidly Accelerate Your Healing & Your Communication Process (Traditional 45 min. session Simply Does Not Work). During these 2 to 4 weeks, we will see both of you Together & Individually, as well as Help each of you Learn the Art of Empathy, Sensitivity & Compassion. These Workshops are Informative & Powerful, in order to Accelerate the Healing Process & Stop any further Damage from Occurring. In Addition, Our Success RATE is 85% of Our Couples that have Successfully Completed Our Couples Workshops or Alcohol Treatment.
Relationships in Crisis: We Have Several Private Couples/Marriage Workshops & Individual Sessions, in order to Rapidly Accelerate Your Healing & Your Communication Process (Traditional 45 min. session Simply Does Not Work). During these 2 to 4 weeks, we will see both of you Together & Individually, as well as Help each of you Learn the Art of Empathy, Sensitivity & Compassion. These Workshops are Informative & Powerful, in order to Accelerate the Healing Process & Stop any further Damage from Occurring. In Addition, Our Success RATE is 85% of Our Couples that have Successfully Completed Our Couples Workshops or Alcohol Treatment.
(413) 359-6997 View (413) 359-6997
Photo of Damon Blank, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Damon Blank
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hopkinton, MA 01748  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
My clients are men and women who want satisfaction and success in their work, family and social relationships. I work with individuals, couples, families and groups. I have been in private practice for 41 years. I believe that forming healthy, open, and constructive relationships with my clients becomes a model for healing and growth. I am an experiential psychotherapist. This means that my clients thinking, feeling and state of being is the focus for enhanced personal understanding and acceptance.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
My clients are men and women who want satisfaction and success in their work, family and social relationships. I work with individuals, couples, families and groups. I have been in private practice for 41 years. I believe that forming healthy, open, and constructive relationships with my clients becomes a model for healing and growth. I am an experiential psychotherapist. This means that my clients thinking, feeling and state of being is the focus for enhanced personal understanding and acceptance.
(508) 603-7782 View (508) 603-7782
Photo of Woomendy Jean, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Woomendy Jean
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
Franklin, MA 02038  (Online Only)
She obtained her Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy through Capella University and completed a certification program in Trauma.
Woomendy is invested in the wellbeing of others by supporting and helping them work through feelings and improve relationships. She is a firm believer that we all have the ability to solve problems in our lives. However, she understands traumatic events, overwhelming stress, and uncomfortable environmental factors may interfere with our capacity to solve our problems alone. Woomendy's vision is to provide a nonjudgmental and empathetic space for individuals, couples, and families to to meet their needs and achieve their goals.
She obtained her Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy through Capella University and completed a certification program in Trauma.
Woomendy is invested in the wellbeing of others by supporting and helping them work through feelings and improve relationships. She is a firm believer that we all have the ability to solve problems in our lives. However, she understands traumatic events, overwhelming stress, and uncomfortable environmental factors may interfere with our capacity to solve our problems alone. Woomendy's vision is to provide a nonjudgmental and empathetic space for individuals, couples, and families to to meet their needs and achieve their goals.
(508) 557-2452 View (508) 557-2452
Photo of Yuki Kawaguchi, LMFT, LMHC, Counselor
Yuki Kawaguchi
Counselor, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
Northampton, MA 01060
Waitlist for new clients
I have been working as a therapist since 1997. As a marriage and family therapist, I work with couples, families, as well as individuals.
I have been working as a therapist since 1997. As a marriage and family therapist, I work with couples, families, as well as individuals.
(617) 682-9194 View (617) 682-9194
Photo of Gary Martinello, Counselor
Gary Martinello
Counselor
Verified Verified
Danvers, MA 01923
I've been in private practice for 34 years. I've had extensive training in both theoretical and didactic psychotherapy. An important part of my training was my own work and research in understanding myself and my marriage and other important relationships. This is why I think I am so confident at being both a couples therapist and an individual therapist. I believe this is primarily an educational process or a re-educational process.
I've been in private practice for 34 years. I've had extensive training in both theoretical and didactic psychotherapy. An important part of my training was my own work and research in understanding myself and my marriage and other important relationships. This is why I think I am so confident at being both a couples therapist and an individual therapist. I believe this is primarily an educational process or a re-educational process.
(978) 877-4833 View (978) 877-4833
Photo of Paul Doud, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Paul Doud
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Wendell, MA 01379  (Online Only)
Hundreds of marital therapists have used it with great success to help couples meet marital challenges, and to transform their relationships into secure, loving connections.
Intimate life partnerships are incredibly important to us. They provide a solid base for all that we do in life, from raising children, to doing our work in the world, to simply enjoying life. When that relationship becomes less than safe and secure, it can throw us into deep distress. We get into arguing, misunderstanding, distancing, emotional pain, fear, confusion, hopelessness or numbing out. Our best attempts to regain a loving connection may not work, or make things worse. This is not uncommon. Couples caught up in repeating patterns of distress and disconnection often need help to get unstuck and reconnected in love.
Hundreds of marital therapists have used it with great success to help couples meet marital challenges, and to transform their relationships into secure, loving connections.
Intimate life partnerships are incredibly important to us. They provide a solid base for all that we do in life, from raising children, to doing our work in the world, to simply enjoying life. When that relationship becomes less than safe and secure, it can throw us into deep distress. We get into arguing, misunderstanding, distancing, emotional pain, fear, confusion, hopelessness or numbing out. Our best attempts to regain a loving connection may not work, or make things worse. This is not uncommon. Couples caught up in repeating patterns of distress and disconnection often need help to get unstuck and reconnected in love.
(413) 475-7442 View (413) 475-7442
Photo of David McPherson, MFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
David McPherson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hyannis, MA 02601
Additionally, I have had the privilege of walking alongside couples and helping them in their relationship skills, whether that be pre-marital counseling, marital therapy, or just relationship building.
Accepting New Clients!While I serve clients of all ages, my focus is primarily on adolescents, young adults and couples. Having served in education as a teacher, coach, and in various administrator roles for over 25 years, I am well-acquainted with issues that students face, ranging from anxiety and depression to stress management and identity development. Each person is unique and I strive to help each one develop wholly, seeking to help them find who they are and how to live life to its fullest potential!
Additionally, I have had the privilege of walking alongside couples and helping them in their relationship skills, whether that be pre-marital counseling, marital therapy, or just relationship building.
Accepting New Clients!While I serve clients of all ages, my focus is primarily on adolescents, young adults and couples. Having served in education as a teacher, coach, and in various administrator roles for over 25 years, I am well-acquainted with issues that students face, ranging from anxiety and depression to stress management and identity development. Each person is unique and I strive to help each one develop wholly, seeking to help them find who they are and how to live life to its fullest potential!
(774) 358-6724 View (774) 358-6724
Photo of Michael Burroughs, LMHC, Counselor
Michael Burroughs
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
My graduate studies were in marriage and family therapy and this has become a specialty area for me. I work very well with couples and with individuals whose emotional suffering seems to be stemming from relationship conflict. I also work with people struggling with depression, loss, anxiety, and trauma related pain. My approach has been heavily affected by my undergraduate work as well. I have a bachelor's degree in philosophy and religious studies.
My graduate studies were in marriage and family therapy and this has become a specialty area for me. I work very well with couples and with individuals whose emotional suffering seems to be stemming from relationship conflict. I also work with people struggling with depression, loss, anxiety, and trauma related pain. My approach has been heavily affected by my undergraduate work as well. I have a bachelor's degree in philosophy and religious studies.
(508) 403-7536 View (508) 403-7536
Photo of Maru Torres-Gregory, JD, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maru Torres-Gregory
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02138
For over 19 yrs, I have assisted clients struggling with individual and interpersonal issues arising from couple/marital distress, self-confidence, perfectionism, body image, women’s and men’s issues, cultural differences, and difficulties in the workplace, especially in higher ed (academics, staff, and students), and highly competitive/demanding workplaces.
As a systemically trained and culturally attuned couples and family therapist, I recognize the impact of our relationships—with loved ones, ourselves, and our broader context— in leading a meaningful life. I will help you identify and change painful patterns that hold you back. And because I believe that therapy is most successful when approached as a collaboration between client and therapist, together we will attend to your relational, self and cultural contexts in order to co-construct wished-for outcomes, find desired meanings and develop expanded perspectives to pressing issues in your life.
For over 19 yrs, I have assisted clients struggling with individual and interpersonal issues arising from couple/marital distress, self-confidence, perfectionism, body image, women’s and men’s issues, cultural differences, and difficulties in the workplace, especially in higher ed (academics, staff, and students), and highly competitive/demanding workplaces.
As a systemically trained and culturally attuned couples and family therapist, I recognize the impact of our relationships—with loved ones, ourselves, and our broader context— in leading a meaningful life. I will help you identify and change painful patterns that hold you back. And because I believe that therapy is most successful when approached as a collaboration between client and therapist, together we will attend to your relational, self and cultural contexts in order to co-construct wished-for outcomes, find desired meanings and develop expanded perspectives to pressing issues in your life.
(617) 819-8466 View (617) 819-8466
Photo of Ann L. Vasey, LMHC, LMFT, Counselor
Ann L. Vasey
Counselor, LMHC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hudson, MA 01749  (Online Only)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), National Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor.
Each person's needs are assessed to develop an approach which is best suited to the individual. Collaboratively a treatment plan is created, building on strengths. In addition to traditional therapy, a holistic approach is available. Traditional therapy with listening, assessment, support, and presenting an objective view enables positive movement. Integrating many perspectives widens the opportunity for balanced change. Drawing on over twenty years of experience, I counsel adults, adolescents, couples, and provide family therapy.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), National Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor.
Each person's needs are assessed to develop an approach which is best suited to the individual. Collaboratively a treatment plan is created, building on strengths. In addition to traditional therapy, a holistic approach is available. Traditional therapy with listening, assessment, support, and presenting an objective view enables positive movement. Integrating many perspectives widens the opportunity for balanced change. Drawing on over twenty years of experience, I counsel adults, adolescents, couples, and provide family therapy.
(978) 309-9969 View (978) 309-9969
Photo of Elizabeth A Greene, LMHC, MFT, GT, CTGM/DM, Counselor
Elizabeth A Greene
Counselor, LMHC, MFT, GT, CTGM/DM
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Worcester, MA 01608
Waitlist for new clients
My background is I went to Graduate school and Springfield College with a concentration in Mental health therapy and Marriage and Family therapy.
Hi, I am Elizabeth Greene and I am a Licensed Mental health therapist. Do you want to find someone who you feel really listens to you and who really cares about your goals as much as you do? People who come to me, individuals, couples and families have told me that I put them at ease and they really feel comfortable talking with me. They also have liked that I really try to find out what works for them by trying different things and also see the best way they learn.
My background is I went to Graduate school and Springfield College with a concentration in Mental health therapy and Marriage and Family therapy.
Hi, I am Elizabeth Greene and I am a Licensed Mental health therapist. Do you want to find someone who you feel really listens to you and who really cares about your goals as much as you do? People who come to me, individuals, couples and families have told me that I put them at ease and they really feel comfortable talking with me. They also have liked that I really try to find out what works for them by trying different things and also see the best way they learn.
(508) 556-4405 View (508) 556-4405
Photo of Michael J McManus, LICSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michael J McManus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlton, MA 01507
Current openings with clinicians credentialed with BCBS. The ideal client who I work with therapeutically is motivated and desires change. This client values the therapeutic relationship while also working toward success quickly. This client should be excited, even if a little bit anxious, about gaining valuable insight into themselves and their place in their life. As far as couples/marriage counseling is concerned, couples should be motivated to stay together and not simply stop off at therapy before divorce. Couples should be willing to work hard and look at themselves as individuals as well as a family.
Current openings with clinicians credentialed with BCBS. The ideal client who I work with therapeutically is motivated and desires change. This client values the therapeutic relationship while also working toward success quickly. This client should be excited, even if a little bit anxious, about gaining valuable insight into themselves and their place in their life. As far as couples/marriage counseling is concerned, couples should be motivated to stay together and not simply stop off at therapy before divorce. Couples should be willing to work hard and look at themselves as individuals as well as a family.
(508) 455-3496 View (508) 455-3496
Beth N Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Truro, MA 02666
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist offering private psychotherapy. I treat individuals (children to older adults), couples and families. I have extensive experience in couple and relationship difficulties; mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder; trauma and post traumatic stress disorder; anxiety, panic and stress; grief; divorce; parent/child conflicts; work or career-related problems and chronic or terminal illness. My practice is gay affirmative and I treat gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender clients.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist offering private psychotherapy. I treat individuals (children to older adults), couples and families. I have extensive experience in couple and relationship difficulties; mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder; trauma and post traumatic stress disorder; anxiety, panic and stress; grief; divorce; parent/child conflicts; work or career-related problems and chronic or terminal illness. My practice is gay affirmative and I treat gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender clients.
(860) 733-0343 View (860) 733-0343
Photo of Octavia Nankunda, LMHC, Counselor
Octavia Nankunda
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Haverhill, MA 01830  (Online Only)
I’m a graduate of Masters of Education from Cambridge College with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counselling. A holder of a Bachelors of Science Degree in Information Technology. I’m an avid counsellor experienced in Marriage and Family Therapy, Individual counseling, supporting clients with mental illness and developmental disabilities. I’m compassionate, motivated and an excellent gardener.
I’m a graduate of Masters of Education from Cambridge College with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counselling. A holder of a Bachelors of Science Degree in Information Technology. I’m an avid counsellor experienced in Marriage and Family Therapy, Individual counseling, supporting clients with mental illness and developmental disabilities. I’m compassionate, motivated and an excellent gardener.
(351) 333-6421 x01830 View (351) 333-6421 x01830
Photo of Karen M Beauregard, LMHC, LADC-I, MCCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen M Beauregard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMHC, LADC-I, MCCS
Verified Verified
Framingham, MA 01702
My couples specialties include marriage, premarital, domestic partners, dating, divorce, pregnancy, postpartum and (co) parenting.
No couples openings until September. If you in a relationship and are struggling or just wanting to build on the positive life you have built together, we will work to address the concerns in your relationship - improving communication, enhancing or restoring intimacy, increasing friendship, having more fun together, repairing past hurts and resolving conflicts more effectively. We will identify the relationship challenges you are facing, their underlying causes and the dreams you each have for your relationship. We can then together change the behaviors and thought patterns that are keeping you from being the couple you want to be.
My couples specialties include marriage, premarital, domestic partners, dating, divorce, pregnancy, postpartum and (co) parenting.
No couples openings until September. If you in a relationship and are struggling or just wanting to build on the positive life you have built together, we will work to address the concerns in your relationship - improving communication, enhancing or restoring intimacy, increasing friendship, having more fun together, repairing past hurts and resolving conflicts more effectively. We will identify the relationship challenges you are facing, their underlying causes and the dreams you each have for your relationship. We can then together change the behaviors and thought patterns that are keeping you from being the couple you want to be.
(508) 219-6704 View (508) 219-6704
Photo of Mike Snoonian, LMHC, MEd, Counselor
Mike Snoonian
Counselor, LMHC, MEd
Verified Verified
I help those struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief, self-esteem, peer relationships, LGBT+ concerns, marital issues, and more.
You have just taken the first and hardest step in the counseling process and that is reaching out for help. I am a licensed mental health professional that works with clients to discover and build upon their strengths, to uncover their healthy support systems and to help them tap into new coping skills needed to meet life’s many challenges. After graduating with a masters degree in 2019 from Bridgewater State University, I worked as a school adjustment counselor, where I helped students with their emotional regulation, social skills, academic concerns, and coping strategies.
I help those struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief, self-esteem, peer relationships, LGBT+ concerns, marital issues, and more.
You have just taken the first and hardest step in the counseling process and that is reaching out for help. I am a licensed mental health professional that works with clients to discover and build upon their strengths, to uncover their healthy support systems and to help them tap into new coping skills needed to meet life’s many challenges. After graduating with a masters degree in 2019 from Bridgewater State University, I worked as a school adjustment counselor, where I helped students with their emotional regulation, social skills, academic concerns, and coping strategies.
(774) 260-8697 View (774) 260-8697
Photo of Jeffrey H Zeizel, LICSW, MPH, BCD, SAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jeffrey H Zeizel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MPH, BCD, SAP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woburn, MA 01801
Specialties include: Drug addiction, alcoholism, family problems, marriage problems, teenage issues, depression, anxiety, death and dying, stress, burnout, PTSD, and trauma.
I have been a Clinical Social Worker for over 40 years. I bring a lot of passion to my work, and am quite active in the process. I utilize a goal oriented perspective focusing on solutions and growth, while also helping patients/clients develope their own insights and awareness. I like to give feedback to folks and feel that therapy is a process to help create change. My ideal patient is someone who is motivated to work on their problems, is flexible, has a sense of humor, and knows that the therapist does not have all the answers.
Specialties include: Drug addiction, alcoholism, family problems, marriage problems, teenage issues, depression, anxiety, death and dying, stress, burnout, PTSD, and trauma.
I have been a Clinical Social Worker for over 40 years. I bring a lot of passion to my work, and am quite active in the process. I utilize a goal oriented perspective focusing on solutions and growth, while also helping patients/clients develope their own insights and awareness. I like to give feedback to folks and feel that therapy is a process to help create change. My ideal patient is someone who is motivated to work on their problems, is flexible, has a sense of humor, and knows that the therapist does not have all the answers.
(781) 990-6796 View (781) 990-6796
Photo of Ana Outhet Miller, MDiv, LMFT, LMHC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ana Outhet Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
Beverly, MA 01915
Now offering Teletherapy online video session for couples and marriage counseling. In a relaxed, professional but non-threatening environment, we can explore areas of your life in which you'd like to grow. As a Christian Counselor, the Bible is always the backdrop of the conversation. Nothing about human behavior shocks me. However, God is all about second chances and reconciliation and I love to be a part of the healing process. In addition to the traditional weekly counseling hour long session, I offer phone, and video sessions. I am now offering "marriage intensives" which is extensive hours of therapy over a weekend.
Now offering Teletherapy online video session for couples and marriage counseling. In a relaxed, professional but non-threatening environment, we can explore areas of your life in which you'd like to grow. As a Christian Counselor, the Bible is always the backdrop of the conversation. Nothing about human behavior shocks me. However, God is all about second chances and reconciliation and I love to be a part of the healing process. In addition to the traditional weekly counseling hour long session, I offer phone, and video sessions. I am now offering "marriage intensives" which is extensive hours of therapy over a weekend.
(978) 278-3809 View (978) 278-3809
Photo of Josiah Daniel Colbert - Josiah Colbert  -    Northbound Counseling, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Josiah Colbert - Northbound Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Salem, MA 01970
Waitlist for new clients
Let’s be honest, life can often be difficult and unpredictable. Whether you’re attempting to navigate a complex relationship, quell generational family conflicts, or manage the daily stresses of life, sometimes knowing where to begin can be the hardest part. If you’re struggling with where to start in your personal journey, seeking help from a professional can be a great first step towards making positive changes. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with individuals, couples, and families to improve their relationships and their lives.
Let’s be honest, life can often be difficult and unpredictable. Whether you’re attempting to navigate a complex relationship, quell generational family conflicts, or manage the daily stresses of life, sometimes knowing where to begin can be the hardest part. If you’re struggling with where to start in your personal journey, seeking help from a professional can be a great first step towards making positive changes. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I work with individuals, couples, and families to improve their relationships and their lives.
(508) 715-3583 View (508) 715-3583
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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.