Couples Counseling Therapists in Columbia, MD

Photo of Elizabeth Venenga, LCPC
Elizabeth Venenga
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044  (Online Only)
I treat clients seeking help for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, relationship issues, adjustment concerns, LGBTQIA+ issues, non-monogamous relationships, issues related to sex/intimacy, and trauma.
My focus in the counseling relationship is on promoting growth and healing by exploring the role of individual identity, coping strategies, support systems, and trauma in your life. I hope to help you find meaning, achieve personal goals, engage in healthy relationships, and confront past hurtful or painful experiences. I use a client-centered approach to therapy while also incorporating aspects of CBT, DBT, and existential psychotherapy.
I treat clients seeking help for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, relationship issues, adjustment concerns, LGBTQIA+ issues, non-monogamous relationships, issues related to sex/intimacy, and trauma.
My focus in the counseling relationship is on promoting growth and healing by exploring the role of individual identity, coping strategies, support systems, and trauma in your life. I hope to help you find meaning, achieve personal goals, engage in healthy relationships, and confront past hurtful or painful experiences. I use a client-centered approach to therapy while also incorporating aspects of CBT, DBT, and existential psychotherapy.
(240) 213-9081 View (240) 213-9081
Photo of Jan Bracalente Carlson, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jan Bracalente Carlson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
I have particular expertise in helping individuals struggling with family and marital discord, school and work difficulties, separation and loss and dealing with chronic illness. Together we will discover your strengths and build resilience. Treatment will be tailored to your particular circumstance and the healing power of the therapeutic relationship will help you move towards your potential. My approach is warm and creative and I hope you will feel supported and respected as an individual and safe in revealing your vulnerabilities. I hope you will feel a sense of hope and possibility throughout the time we will spend together.
I have particular expertise in helping individuals struggling with family and marital discord, school and work difficulties, separation and loss and dealing with chronic illness. Together we will discover your strengths and build resilience. Treatment will be tailored to your particular circumstance and the healing power of the therapeutic relationship will help you move towards your potential. My approach is warm and creative and I hope you will feel supported and respected as an individual and safe in revealing your vulnerabilities. I hope you will feel a sense of hope and possibility throughout the time we will spend together.
(410) 469-1153 x4 View (410) 469-1153 x4
Photo of Ilana Levy-Paris, PhD, Psychologist
Ilana Levy-Paris
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
I use my understanding of the relationship between the brain and behavior as a foundation for approaching therapy.
I offer a broad range of services for children through older adults and I enjoy working with individuals as well as couples and families to improve mental health, relationships, and daily life. Sessions are structured to support my clients in setting goals for themselves, adjusting to difficult situations, improving communication skills, and learning coping strategies. For those with challenges in the areas of attention, language, memory, executive functions, or social skills, my background in neuropsychology allows me to provide psychoeducation, school consultations, and therapy tailored to your specific strengths and weaknesses.
I use my understanding of the relationship between the brain and behavior as a foundation for approaching therapy.
I offer a broad range of services for children through older adults and I enjoy working with individuals as well as couples and families to improve mental health, relationships, and daily life. Sessions are structured to support my clients in setting goals for themselves, adjusting to difficult situations, improving communication skills, and learning coping strategies. For those with challenges in the areas of attention, language, memory, executive functions, or social skills, my background in neuropsychology allows me to provide psychoeducation, school consultations, and therapy tailored to your specific strengths and weaknesses.
(443) 737-6761 View (443) 737-6761
Photo of Risa J Garon, LCSW-C, BCD, CFLE, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Risa J Garon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, BCD, CFLE
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
I work with individuals and couples, facilitate groups, provide marital, separation, and remarriage therapy as well as blended family counseling. I help clients of all ages make decisions and, most importantly, strengthen relationships. I enjoy working with teens, either individually or within a group. I specialize in working with separating and divorcing couples to improve their communication, make decisions, and create parenting plans that focus on each child’s developmental needs and challenges. I believe that children benefit from a loving and healthy relationship with both parents and caregivers.
I work with individuals and couples, facilitate groups, provide marital, separation, and remarriage therapy as well as blended family counseling. I help clients of all ages make decisions and, most importantly, strengthen relationships. I enjoy working with teens, either individually or within a group. I specialize in working with separating and divorcing couples to improve their communication, make decisions, and create parenting plans that focus on each child’s developmental needs and challenges. I believe that children benefit from a loving and healthy relationship with both parents and caregivers.
(410) 942-9335 x203 View (410) 942-9335 x203
Photo of Sean Lare, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sean Lare
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21046
No matter what brings you or your family to therapy, working with a trans-affirming, trans-competent therapist who "gets it," who is knowledgeable in the challenges that transgender and non-binary individuals, couples, and families may face, and who is accepting and supportive of all people, makes the therapeutic relationship process easier.
Are you or someone you love questioning gender? Are you or someone you love needing support with your transition processes? Are you transgender or non-binary and have had challenges finding an affirming, trans-competent provider? I am a queer trans-man with years of experience working with children, teens, and adults who are transgender, gender diverse, or questioning their gender, and their family members. Whether you are seeking therapy related to your gender or not, and whatever challenges have brought you to therapy, I am here to listen and to help you reach your full potential.
No matter what brings you or your family to therapy, working with a trans-affirming, trans-competent therapist who "gets it," who is knowledgeable in the challenges that transgender and non-binary individuals, couples, and families may face, and who is accepting and supportive of all people, makes the therapeutic relationship process easier.
Are you or someone you love questioning gender? Are you or someone you love needing support with your transition processes? Are you transgender or non-binary and have had challenges finding an affirming, trans-competent provider? I am a queer trans-man with years of experience working with children, teens, and adults who are transgender, gender diverse, or questioning their gender, and their family members. Whether you are seeking therapy related to your gender or not, and whatever challenges have brought you to therapy, I am here to listen and to help you reach your full potential.
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Photo of Patrice Cox - Accepting New Clients! Contact Us to Schedule!, #, 1, MD, Counselor
Accepting New Clients! Contact Us to Schedule!
Counselor, #, 1, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044  (Online Only)
Whether you're navigating a major life change, career transition, or relationship challenges, therapy with me offers valuable support.
As your therapist, I can provide you with a dedicated space to explore and process your emotions, helping you gain clarity, understanding, and relief. By working through challenges, you can experience increased emotional resilience, improved self-regulation, and a greater sense of inner peace. Through therapy, I will help you develop and refine effective coping strategies to navigate life's stressors. Together, we will identify healthier ways of managing difficult emotions, handling conflicts, and responding to challenging situations
Whether you're navigating a major life change, career transition, or relationship challenges, therapy with me offers valuable support.
As your therapist, I can provide you with a dedicated space to explore and process your emotions, helping you gain clarity, understanding, and relief. By working through challenges, you can experience increased emotional resilience, improved self-regulation, and a greater sense of inner peace. Through therapy, I will help you develop and refine effective coping strategies to navigate life's stressors. Together, we will identify healthier ways of managing difficult emotions, handling conflicts, and responding to challenging situations
(240) 202-2418 View (240) 202-2418
Photo of Shelia Lipscomb, LCPC
Shelia Lipscomb
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044  (Online Only)
Shelia Lipscomb is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) who has more than 2 years of experience working with teens, adults, and seniors who are suffering the effects of anxiety, anger, depression, ADHD, chronic stress, relationship issues, family conflict, academic issues, behavioral disorders, and more.
Shelia Lipscomb is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) who has more than 2 years of experience working with teens, adults, and seniors who are suffering the effects of anxiety, anger, depression, ADHD, chronic stress, relationship issues, family conflict, academic issues, behavioral disorders, and more.
(240) 201-2790 View (240) 201-2790
Photo of Jaydee Amoloza, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jaydee Amoloza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044
Are you feeling overwhelmed or unsure? Does your child seem to be worrying more than usual or struggling with school? Are you and your partner having trouble communicating? Facing challenges with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, school, work or home can feel like an incredibly lonely struggle. But you are not alone. I know that deciding to seek therapy for yourself, your child or your family takes tremendous courage. I believe taking that step is a sign of strength and hope.
Are you feeling overwhelmed or unsure? Does your child seem to be worrying more than usual or struggling with school? Are you and your partner having trouble communicating? Facing challenges with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, school, work or home can feel like an incredibly lonely struggle. But you are not alone. I know that deciding to seek therapy for yourself, your child or your family takes tremendous courage. I believe taking that step is a sign of strength and hope.
(240) 873-2302 View (240) 873-2302
Photo of Julie Furman, LMSW, MSN-RN, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julie Furman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MSN-RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21045
I specialize in individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, self-esteem, and emotional regulation, in addition to supporting couples as they navigate relationship challenges.
Are you searching for inner peace, but just can’t seem to find it? Do the stressors of life feel like they keep getting in the way, resulting in increased helplessness, and fear? With a nonjudgemental, client-centered, and strength-based approach, I will work alongside you to help you achieve your maximum potential. Having spent years working as a Mental Health Nurse, I view my clients and their challenges holistically and come with a unique ability to incorporate mind, body, and soul into our work. Every individual has qualities to help them be resilient, and together, we will work towards achieving your personal goals.
I specialize in individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, self-esteem, and emotional regulation, in addition to supporting couples as they navigate relationship challenges.
Are you searching for inner peace, but just can’t seem to find it? Do the stressors of life feel like they keep getting in the way, resulting in increased helplessness, and fear? With a nonjudgemental, client-centered, and strength-based approach, I will work alongside you to help you achieve your maximum potential. Having spent years working as a Mental Health Nurse, I view my clients and their challenges holistically and come with a unique ability to incorporate mind, body, and soul into our work. Every individual has qualities to help them be resilient, and together, we will work towards achieving your personal goals.
(667) 382-8715 View (667) 382-8715
Photo of Felisha C Pierce, MFC-MA, LCPC
Felisha C Pierce
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MFC-MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044  (Online Only)
I am here to help navigate through marriage, family, and relationship concerns of any kind.
Providing collaborative efforts to help assist individuals who may be navigating through challenging times and are in need of support. In life there are moments of uncertainty and unpredictability that may yield the need for specific guidance that is unique to the individual or family. I am able to offer warm concern that is focused on achieving personal change and growth goals. My ultimate purpose is to connect, understand, and grow therapeutic relationships that are tailored to the needs and desires of the client as a tool to encourage, motivate, and empower the building of self-growth and effective development.
I am here to help navigate through marriage, family, and relationship concerns of any kind.
Providing collaborative efforts to help assist individuals who may be navigating through challenging times and are in need of support. In life there are moments of uncertainty and unpredictability that may yield the need for specific guidance that is unique to the individual or family. I am able to offer warm concern that is focused on achieving personal change and growth goals. My ultimate purpose is to connect, understand, and grow therapeutic relationships that are tailored to the needs and desires of the client as a tool to encourage, motivate, and empower the building of self-growth and effective development.
(240) 209-9668 View (240) 209-9668
Photo of Dr. Karlissa Wise, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Karlissa Wise
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21046  (Online Only)
The services provided are individual therapy, couples therapy, and a co-parenting group.
The demands that life throws at us can be exhausting. Being unhappy at work, meeting deadlines, and co-parenting difficulties can all lead to stress. The stress of what we experience in life can lead to issues including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Wise Counseling & Consultation specializes in treating clients with anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, and low self-esteem. Clients seeking therapy for these matters are looking for solutions to resolve problems that they are currently facing. Your goal is to obtain healthy coping skills to properly manage daily life stressors.
The services provided are individual therapy, couples therapy, and a co-parenting group.
The demands that life throws at us can be exhausting. Being unhappy at work, meeting deadlines, and co-parenting difficulties can all lead to stress. The stress of what we experience in life can lead to issues including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Wise Counseling & Consultation specializes in treating clients with anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, and low self-esteem. Clients seeking therapy for these matters are looking for solutions to resolve problems that they are currently facing. Your goal is to obtain healthy coping skills to properly manage daily life stressors.
(443) 230-5685 View (443) 230-5685
Photo of Marla Vannucci, PhD, Psychologist
Marla Vannucci
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21045  (Online Only)
I work with individuals and couples, using psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems therapies to find new approaches and solutions to problems that may have seemed insurmountable.
UPDATE: I currently have openings for new telehealth clients (MD, IL, and PSYPACT states). My practice consists of a small group of psychologists focused on helping clients make changes toward more fulfilling, connected, and healthier lives. Knowing it can be difficult to reach out for help, I create a caring, safe space in which we work collaboratively to foster healing and eliminate barriers to finding meaning and living life more fully. Therapy is a collaborative endeavor, and it is key to develop an effective and nurturing relationship in which we have a common understanding of the challenges you face.
I work with individuals and couples, using psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems therapies to find new approaches and solutions to problems that may have seemed insurmountable.
UPDATE: I currently have openings for new telehealth clients (MD, IL, and PSYPACT states). My practice consists of a small group of psychologists focused on helping clients make changes toward more fulfilling, connected, and healthier lives. Knowing it can be difficult to reach out for help, I create a caring, safe space in which we work collaboratively to foster healing and eliminate barriers to finding meaning and living life more fully. Therapy is a collaborative endeavor, and it is key to develop an effective and nurturing relationship in which we have a common understanding of the challenges you face.
(240) 201-9583 View (240) 201-9583
Photo of Dr. Orlando Wright - Halcyon Clinical Services, LLC, PhD, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Halcyon Clinical Services, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21045  (Online Only)
Our therapists work with teenagers, adults, and couples to successfully move through life transitions.
Halcyon Clinical a multi-disciplinary practice, is currently accepting new clients via the teletherapy platform and at our location in Howard County. Sessions are structured using evidence-based interventions, and our proprietary Care Measured tool examines a client's progress during treatment. Currently, offering clinical supervision for LMSW/LGPC.
Our therapists work with teenagers, adults, and couples to successfully move through life transitions.
Halcyon Clinical a multi-disciplinary practice, is currently accepting new clients via the teletherapy platform and at our location in Howard County. Sessions are structured using evidence-based interventions, and our proprietary Care Measured tool examines a client's progress during treatment. Currently, offering clinical supervision for LMSW/LGPC.
(443) 400-7503 View (443) 400-7503
Photo of Tiffany Cruz, LCSW-C, CCATP, CMIP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tiffany Cruz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CCATP, CMIP
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21045  (Online Only)
Let's keep it real. Self work is difficult. Yet, you realized that you want to do things differently in your life. Keep going!! You want to once again experience happiness, a sense of control, a sense of peace, but are unsure how to get those things back. At times the picture seems blurry. It is difficult to see hope or even positives in lieu of emotional distress. Let me help you to clearly define the change you want to make to live a life of fulfillment. Through self-exploration we create hope, define our preferred future, and lessen fear. Add in a strong therapeutic relationship, and together, we create real change!
Let's keep it real. Self work is difficult. Yet, you realized that you want to do things differently in your life. Keep going!! You want to once again experience happiness, a sense of control, a sense of peace, but are unsure how to get those things back. At times the picture seems blurry. It is difficult to see hope or even positives in lieu of emotional distress. Let me help you to clearly define the change you want to make to live a life of fulfillment. Through self-exploration we create hope, define our preferred future, and lessen fear. Add in a strong therapeutic relationship, and together, we create real change!
(240) 201-2477 View (240) 201-2477
Photo of Angelica Newsome, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Angelica Newsome
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
Waitlist for new clients
My focus is on couples as well adults suffering with depression, anxiety, chronic medical conditions and chronic pain.
With the demands life makes on us, sometimes it becomes too much. The same way we go to the doctor for physical ailments, sometimes we need assistance managing our mental and emotional wellbeing. Do you need support as you balance the many roles you have in your life? Have you noticed your physical health being impacted by the stress? Maybe you've had huge milestones or life events happen and are having a hard time adjusting? Or maybe you've been hearing buzz phrases like 'self care' and are wondering what that looks like beyond home spa days?
My focus is on couples as well adults suffering with depression, anxiety, chronic medical conditions and chronic pain.
With the demands life makes on us, sometimes it becomes too much. The same way we go to the doctor for physical ailments, sometimes we need assistance managing our mental and emotional wellbeing. Do you need support as you balance the many roles you have in your life? Have you noticed your physical health being impacted by the stress? Maybe you've had huge milestones or life events happen and are having a hard time adjusting? Or maybe you've been hearing buzz phrases like 'self care' and are wondering what that looks like beyond home spa days?
(240) 775-2537 View (240) 775-2537
Photo of Cathy Brookman, PhD, Psychologist
Cathy Brookman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
I work with adults, adolescents, and couples.
I believe that people are naturally resilient. Therapy offers an opportunity to boost resilience by nurturing awareness and finding greater strength and fulfillment. Most of us have found ways to manage stress, but the things that worked in the past might not work today. We often feel stuck. I seek to provide a space for observation, reflection, and exploration so that new narratives and choice can emerge. Understanding linkages between early, implicit learning experiences, including attachment patterns, and present modes of thinking and behaving is key to sustainable growth and change. Together we'll address your personal goals.
I work with adults, adolescents, and couples.
I believe that people are naturally resilient. Therapy offers an opportunity to boost resilience by nurturing awareness and finding greater strength and fulfillment. Most of us have found ways to manage stress, but the things that worked in the past might not work today. We often feel stuck. I seek to provide a space for observation, reflection, and exploration so that new narratives and choice can emerge. Understanding linkages between early, implicit learning experiences, including attachment patterns, and present modes of thinking and behaving is key to sustainable growth and change. Together we'll address your personal goals.
(443) 502-0995 View (443) 502-0995
Photo of Gina L Rothbaum, LCPC
Gina L Rothbaum
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
I am only offering virtual appointments at this time. My goal is to help my clients learn to cope with the problems and stress they may be experiencing and to help them identify ways to form healthier, happier relationships. To accomplish this, I seek to create a therapeutic relationship that promotes healing and growth, enhances insight and perspective, and helps clients figure out what they want from life and how to achieve those goals. The clients that I work with are individual adults and couples.
I am only offering virtual appointments at this time. My goal is to help my clients learn to cope with the problems and stress they may be experiencing and to help them identify ways to form healthier, happier relationships. To accomplish this, I seek to create a therapeutic relationship that promotes healing and growth, enhances insight and perspective, and helps clients figure out what they want from life and how to achieve those goals. The clients that I work with are individual adults and couples.
(301) 637-7580 View (301) 637-7580
Photo of Karen K Johnson, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen K Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044
I have worked with many couples (some who are parents and some who are not) who welcomed an opportunity for genuine love and understanding with each other; sensitivity to their partner's needs and concerns; a commitment to each other; and true happiness in their relationship.
I'd like to meet you, if you have been putting off finding a therapist to address your mental health needs during this unsettling and unsettled time. I am a good listener and always give my clients' goals priority. I have a gentle touch and have been known to share a laugh with my clients on occasion. I have provided therapeutic support to children, teens, families, couples and individual adults in practice since 1987. My office is in Columbia, Maryland in a building that is handicapped accessible, is near a bus stop, and is a short walk to Columbia Mall. I have hours during the day, in the evening, and Saturdays.
I have worked with many couples (some who are parents and some who are not) who welcomed an opportunity for genuine love and understanding with each other; sensitivity to their partner's needs and concerns; a commitment to each other; and true happiness in their relationship.
I'd like to meet you, if you have been putting off finding a therapist to address your mental health needs during this unsettling and unsettled time. I am a good listener and always give my clients' goals priority. I have a gentle touch and have been known to share a laugh with my clients on occasion. I have provided therapeutic support to children, teens, families, couples and individual adults in practice since 1987. My office is in Columbia, Maryland in a building that is handicapped accessible, is near a bus stop, and is a short walk to Columbia Mall. I have hours during the day, in the evening, and Saturdays.
(443) 291-3314 View (443) 291-3314
Photo of Desiree Adams, LGMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Desiree Adams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LGMFT
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044  (Online Only)
Part of the human experience means we are not protected from facing times that are difficult and painful. These hard to deal with emotions are ones that I like to approach with curiosity as they attempt to communicate something important or simply that something does not feel right. I recognize that these messages contribute to the story that we tell ourselves, they signal to what is getting in the way, and offer critical insight into what we would like to be different. I believe that each person is the expert in their own lives, and that a collaborative therapeutic relationship helps when things feel stuck.
Part of the human experience means we are not protected from facing times that are difficult and painful. These hard to deal with emotions are ones that I like to approach with curiosity as they attempt to communicate something important or simply that something does not feel right. I recognize that these messages contribute to the story that we tell ourselves, they signal to what is getting in the way, and offer critical insight into what we would like to be different. I believe that each person is the expert in their own lives, and that a collaborative therapeutic relationship helps when things feel stuck.
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Photo of Ian Caughlan, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ian Caughlan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046
Congratulations on deciding to seek therapy! It isn’t easy work, but therapy can help you navigate your challenges and develop your strengths to build the life you want. I work with adolescents and adults individually, as well as people in romantic relationships (I am affirming of all genders, sexualities, and relationship structures). My experience is with helping folks to address mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, to communicate more effectively and develop healthier relationships, to navigate stressful life transitions and existential concerns, and to heal from trauma.
Congratulations on deciding to seek therapy! It isn’t easy work, but therapy can help you navigate your challenges and develop your strengths to build the life you want. I work with adolescents and adults individually, as well as people in romantic relationships (I am affirming of all genders, sexualities, and relationship structures). My experience is with helping folks to address mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, to communicate more effectively and develop healthier relationships, to navigate stressful life transitions and existential concerns, and to heal from trauma.
(410) 970-3369 View (410) 970-3369
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Couples Counseling Therapists

Does couples counseling work?

Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.

When should a couple seek counseling?

Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.

How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?

The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.

How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?

The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.