Couples Counseling Therapists in White Marsh, MD
![Photo of Paul B Sheesley - Paul B. Sheesley, MA, LPC, LCPC, LCADC, MA, LCPC, LPC, LCADC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/347d13e0-60e4-4106-95f4-11a5192df531/2/320x400.jpeg)
Paul B. Sheesley, MA, LPC, LCPC, LCADC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC, LCADC
Verified Verified
White Marsh, MD 21162
My work with individuals, couples and families is drawn from psychodynamic, emotionally focused, cognitive behavioral theories using a variety of thoughtful and targeted interventions.
Therapy is not education or advice-giving. People are unique, so elements of therapy are tailored because healing is different for everybody. My treatment approach is an atmosphere were you can speak your mind safely, to someone who listens, listens intelligently, and cares is important. I believe a successful counseling experience depends on the therapists ability to understand and respect the unique concerns, background, and context of each patient. I am committed to achieving such an understanding in every counseling relationship.
My work with individuals, couples and families is drawn from psychodynamic, emotionally focused, cognitive behavioral theories using a variety of thoughtful and targeted interventions.
Therapy is not education or advice-giving. People are unique, so elements of therapy are tailored because healing is different for everybody. My treatment approach is an atmosphere were you can speak your mind safely, to someone who listens, listens intelligently, and cares is important. I believe a successful counseling experience depends on the therapists ability to understand and respect the unique concerns, background, and context of each patient. I am committed to achieving such an understanding in every counseling relationship.
![Photo of Aanchal Mohanty, LGPC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e5369714-45ac-4eeb-acf6-ecdf87a69e61/1/320x400.png)
Aanchal Mohanty
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White Marsh, MD 21162 (Online Only)
Imagine this: You're feeling lost, hurt, and uncertain about the future of your relationship. Trust has been shattered, and the foundation of your partnership feels like it's crumbling. Every conversation feels strained, and the distance between you grows daily. You yearn to rebuild, to reconnect, and to heal from the pain of betrayal. You want to believe your relationship can be salvaged, but you’re unsure where to start. The love you once shared feels distant, but a part of you still believes it can be reignited. Despite the overwhelming emotions, you still hold onto hope that your relationship can emerge stronger.
Imagine this: You're feeling lost, hurt, and uncertain about the future of your relationship. Trust has been shattered, and the foundation of your partnership feels like it's crumbling. Every conversation feels strained, and the distance between you grows daily. You yearn to rebuild, to reconnect, and to heal from the pain of betrayal. You want to believe your relationship can be salvaged, but you’re unsure where to start. The love you once shared feels distant, but a part of you still believes it can be reignited. Despite the overwhelming emotions, you still hold onto hope that your relationship can emerge stronger.
![Photo of Erica Marshall, LGPC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7089c604-f592-4956-808a-dc1d66f8695e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Erica Marshall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White Marsh, MD 21162
I truly believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important element to successful therapy.
Is trauma, stress, and/or anxiety and interfering with your life? Do you feel alone and overwhelmed? Are you struggling to feel like yourself? You're in the right place. I specialize in working with adults who are looking to heal from trauma, stress, and anxiety.
I truly believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important element to successful therapy.
Is trauma, stress, and/or anxiety and interfering with your life? Do you feel alone and overwhelmed? Are you struggling to feel like yourself? You're in the right place. I specialize in working with adults who are looking to heal from trauma, stress, and anxiety.
![Photo of Joseph Kim, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/09fec7cc-9241-4bbd-8147-5371dab32e1a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life can present us with dark days and many different challenges, and at times it may seem like there is no way out. Perhaps you are trying to manage anxiety or mood swings, coping with a loss, or struggling with relationship issues. At Sure Anchor, we provide you with a safe and supportive environment to identify problems, explore their root cause, and move towards healing and wholeness, all through the lens of the Gospel. I practice from a Biblical perspective, utilizing clinically sound interventions such as CBT and psychodynamic theory.
Life can present us with dark days and many different challenges, and at times it may seem like there is no way out. Perhaps you are trying to manage anxiety or mood swings, coping with a loss, or struggling with relationship issues. At Sure Anchor, we provide you with a safe and supportive environment to identify problems, explore their root cause, and move towards healing and wholeness, all through the lens of the Gospel. I practice from a Biblical perspective, utilizing clinically sound interventions such as CBT and psychodynamic theory.
![Photo of Carla Nolan, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d3b1ada-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carla Nolan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White Marsh, MD 21162 (Online Only)
You will find me a highly enthusiastic therapist with experience working with individuals and families with various backgrounds and concerns. Examples of issues that I have helped others address include balancing work life and personal life, stressors of coping with a chronic illness, survivors of trauma and those who may struggle with loneliness, life challenges and disappointments. I am passionate about caring for people and assisting them in achieving a state of well being, and would welcome the opportunity to help you make your way forward to reach your desired goals.
You will find me a highly enthusiastic therapist with experience working with individuals and families with various backgrounds and concerns. Examples of issues that I have helped others address include balancing work life and personal life, stressors of coping with a chronic illness, survivors of trauma and those who may struggle with loneliness, life challenges and disappointments. I am passionate about caring for people and assisting them in achieving a state of well being, and would welcome the opportunity to help you make your way forward to reach your desired goals.
![Photo of Erric L Hetzer, MSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c537f56-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erric L Hetzer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White Marsh, MD 21162
I believe that everyone has within them the strength to face any challenge life brings. My duty as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker is to help people understand their problem, find that internal strength, and develop the supports needed to take back control and find success in their lives. I have been working with children, adolescents, and adults Harford County, MD for over 11 years. I have an excellent reputation among my peers and clients for successfully providing compassionate and innovative services.
I believe that everyone has within them the strength to face any challenge life brings. My duty as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker is to help people understand their problem, find that internal strength, and develop the supports needed to take back control and find success in their lives. I have been working with children, adolescents, and adults Harford County, MD for over 11 years. I have an excellent reputation among my peers and clients for successfully providing compassionate and innovative services.
![Photo of Violeta Luna, PhD, LMHC, LCPC, NCC, , Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2dd28180-5d23-4927-ae94-c08b16ee019b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Many times in life, we can overcome difficult situations by learning about ourselves and how we can approach future struggles differently. However, when we exhaust our coping skills, or past events and memories become too overwhelming, we need help. I am equipped to work with clients on their specific issues, either temporary or chronic. My general approach is to address clients' wellness in the 'body, mind, and spirit dimensions to facilitate their growth and development in life.
Many times in life, we can overcome difficult situations by learning about ourselves and how we can approach future struggles differently. However, when we exhaust our coping skills, or past events and memories become too overwhelming, we need help. I am equipped to work with clients on their specific issues, either temporary or chronic. My general approach is to address clients' wellness in the 'body, mind, and spirit dimensions to facilitate their growth and development in life.
![Photo of Michelle A. Perry, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/408770ea-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My approach to therapy emphasizes insight, healing, and empowerment to help individuals reach their highest potential and lead more gratifying lives. Through an alliance of trust and collaboration, we will work together to disentangle confusing thoughts, feelings and behaviors in order to re-discover your capacity to make meaningful choices that are right for you and your relationships. My work focuses on facilitating change, transformation, and personal growth in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment. I believe that we each have the innate capacity to heal and reach our true potential.
My approach to therapy emphasizes insight, healing, and empowerment to help individuals reach their highest potential and lead more gratifying lives. Through an alliance of trust and collaboration, we will work together to disentangle confusing thoughts, feelings and behaviors in order to re-discover your capacity to make meaningful choices that are right for you and your relationships. My work focuses on facilitating change, transformation, and personal growth in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment. I believe that we each have the innate capacity to heal and reach our true potential.
![Photo of Erika Conley, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f7a9d14-327e-4a69-878f-f9225e6a3a3a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Erika has the desire to treat her clients from a holistic lens as she believes treating the client as a whole is important. She believes that the mind-body connection is a powerful one and believes in utilizing techniques that support that connection. She wants her clients to feel understood, seen and heard. Believes that being herself with her clients will allow them room to feel safe to be themselves as well. She works from an empathetic and non judgmental point of view. Erika's goal is to make her clients comfortable enough to open up about anything they may be dealing with and to help them understand themselves on a deeper level
Erika has the desire to treat her clients from a holistic lens as she believes treating the client as a whole is important. She believes that the mind-body connection is a powerful one and believes in utilizing techniques that support that connection. She wants her clients to feel understood, seen and heard. Believes that being herself with her clients will allow them room to feel safe to be themselves as well. She works from an empathetic and non judgmental point of view. Erika's goal is to make her clients comfortable enough to open up about anything they may be dealing with and to help them understand themselves on a deeper level
![Photo of Ellen Marie Dumer, MS, NCC, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb1f9245-c26c-46ba-b99f-f71227f07636/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ellen Marie Dumer
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LCPC
Verified Verified
White Marsh, MD 21162
The joy of being therapist is working with courageous clients ready to explore their lives. My focus is on the integration of traditional and holistic psychotherapy, along with the exploration of spirituality. My practice is created with the intention of assisting you in living an exceptional life. We can work together in person or online in a secure environment. You can SEE MY OPENINGS & SET UP AN APPOINTMENT by visiting www.schedule.care Enter my last name as your therapist and follow the prompts.
The joy of being therapist is working with courageous clients ready to explore their lives. My focus is on the integration of traditional and holistic psychotherapy, along with the exploration of spirituality. My practice is created with the intention of assisting you in living an exceptional life. We can work together in person or online in a secure environment. You can SEE MY OPENINGS & SET UP AN APPOINTMENT by visiting www.schedule.care Enter my last name as your therapist and follow the prompts.
![Photo of Shanay Dulic - Evolving Me Therapeutic Services-ShaNay Dulic, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4c476d6-713b-410c-81cb-8c709ce851fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Evolving Me Therapeutic Services-ShaNay Dulic
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White Marsh, MD 21162
When life knocks you down, our three natural responses are to fight, flight or freeze. The question is, which response do you resonate most with? Do you become overwhelmed with life and freeze, do you shut down and run away from situations or do you fight for the life that you want? Life has a tendancy to put us in a choke hold, but we have to move forward and I would love to teach you how to put your best foot forward and become the best version of yourself. I believe we are ever evolving people so, who you were yesterday isn’t who you are going to be tomorrow but who you can become has endless possibilities.
When life knocks you down, our three natural responses are to fight, flight or freeze. The question is, which response do you resonate most with? Do you become overwhelmed with life and freeze, do you shut down and run away from situations or do you fight for the life that you want? Life has a tendancy to put us in a choke hold, but we have to move forward and I would love to teach you how to put your best foot forward and become the best version of yourself. I believe we are ever evolving people so, who you were yesterday isn’t who you are going to be tomorrow but who you can become has endless possibilities.
![Photo of Siyu Wang - Counseling On Call, LGPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e1d3fb8-ce61-4dda-9c0f-9e22a07085ff/1/320x400.png)
Hello, I am Siyu – a person-centered therapist who values and warmly accepts clients. I am real, integrated, and authentic during our therapy hours. I can help clients pay attention to and value their experiences, process their experiences both cognitively and bodily, view prior experiences in new ways, and increase their confidence in making choices and in pursuing a course of action. Also, I am a therapist with a diverse cultural background, so I can deeply understand the minority population’s feelings and struggles. I have worked with adolescents and adults with ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma and stress. I also provide EMDR!
Hello, I am Siyu – a person-centered therapist who values and warmly accepts clients. I am real, integrated, and authentic during our therapy hours. I can help clients pay attention to and value their experiences, process their experiences both cognitively and bodily, view prior experiences in new ways, and increase their confidence in making choices and in pursuing a course of action. Also, I am a therapist with a diverse cultural background, so I can deeply understand the minority population’s feelings and struggles. I have worked with adolescents and adults with ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma and stress. I also provide EMDR!
![Photo of Erin West, MS, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/727b218f-f3a4-45ba-a657-0901bcb5cd30/3/320x400.jpeg)
Erin West
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
White Marsh, MD 21162
Not accepting new clients
I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults with a range of diagnoses and have done individual, couples, family, and group therapy.
Welcome! You have taken the beginning steps toward reaching your goals! For those new to counseling the thought of starting therapy may bring many emotions including anxiety, fear, relief, and hope. The therapeutic environment you will experience with me is a calm and safe place where you can freely express your feelings without judgement. I believe in working with my clients to develop a treatment plan with goals which will utilize clients' skills and personal strengths to facilitate progress in feeling more in control of your life, emotions, and behaviors. I currently am accepting clients ages 18 and over.
I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults with a range of diagnoses and have done individual, couples, family, and group therapy.
Welcome! You have taken the beginning steps toward reaching your goals! For those new to counseling the thought of starting therapy may bring many emotions including anxiety, fear, relief, and hope. The therapeutic environment you will experience with me is a calm and safe place where you can freely express your feelings without judgement. I believe in working with my clients to develop a treatment plan with goals which will utilize clients' skills and personal strengths to facilitate progress in feeling more in control of your life, emotions, and behaviors. I currently am accepting clients ages 18 and over.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Jacquette Jacobs - Healthy Minds LLC, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e2277b8-db42-4e13-a4ff-40b9ebeb2462/2/320x400.jpeg)
Healthy Minds LLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Nottingham, MD 21236
Personal strength, Personal growth, Personal PEACE of Mind! I enjoy helping people through their journey of self discovery and symptom reduction. I counsel, educate, empower, and edify those in need. My services include individual, family, group, and couples therapy. I enroll both adults and minors 5yo and up. I am a mobile therapist - providing services in-home, school, and the community. Individuals receiving services with Healthy Minds LLC are treated with unconditional positive regard. Treatment goals are individually developed. Progress is made through consistency, follow-through, and the determination for recovery.
Personal strength, Personal growth, Personal PEACE of Mind! I enjoy helping people through their journey of self discovery and symptom reduction. I counsel, educate, empower, and edify those in need. My services include individual, family, group, and couples therapy. I enroll both adults and minors 5yo and up. I am a mobile therapist - providing services in-home, school, and the community. Individuals receiving services with Healthy Minds LLC are treated with unconditional positive regard. Treatment goals are individually developed. Progress is made through consistency, follow-through, and the determination for recovery.
![Photo of Mary Rimi, LCPC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52940c3f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Rimi
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nottingham, MD 21236 (Online Only)
I work with individuals, couples, and families, to identify their strengths and create solutions that may help them best manage their current situation.
**Teletherapy Option Available** The decision to come to therapy typically arises when we reach a point where we say "I can't do this alone." The "this" could be anything; maybe you are experiencing significant stressors at work or in your relationship; perhaps you've had years of trying to manage symptoms of trauma, depression or anxiety alone, and you're tired; it could be that your relationship or family has gone through a major change, and you are struggling to adjust. Whatever the issue is, I am happy that you have acknowledged that support is needed, and in that acknowledgment you are on your way to progress already.
I work with individuals, couples, and families, to identify their strengths and create solutions that may help them best manage their current situation.
**Teletherapy Option Available** The decision to come to therapy typically arises when we reach a point where we say "I can't do this alone." The "this" could be anything; maybe you are experiencing significant stressors at work or in your relationship; perhaps you've had years of trying to manage symptoms of trauma, depression or anxiety alone, and you're tired; it could be that your relationship or family has gone through a major change, and you are struggling to adjust. Whatever the issue is, I am happy that you have acknowledged that support is needed, and in that acknowledgment you are on your way to progress already.
![Photo of Nathalie Savell, CHHC, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7467b8d8-6bd7-40ca-a27d-e7372c453ab6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nathalie Savell
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, CHHC, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Perry Hall, MD 21128
Women in power struggling with anxiety and/or relationship challenges. On the outside it appears as though you "have it all" but what no one knows is the mental and emotional anguish that you go through on a regular basis. Your success is not the only thing that matters - your well-being matters too! You CAN live with less anxiety, better relationships and a more authentic connection with yourself and others. You've already made the first step by coming here. I help women in power who are used to managing A LOT but struggle with some day-to-day life stuff learn skills and tools to feel empowered in every area of their lives.
Women in power struggling with anxiety and/or relationship challenges. On the outside it appears as though you "have it all" but what no one knows is the mental and emotional anguish that you go through on a regular basis. Your success is not the only thing that matters - your well-being matters too! You CAN live with less anxiety, better relationships and a more authentic connection with yourself and others. You've already made the first step by coming here. I help women in power who are used to managing A LOT but struggle with some day-to-day life stuff learn skills and tools to feel empowered in every area of their lives.
![Photo of Cathy Brookman, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c211c2e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Kristi Thrailkill, LCSW-C, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65d06ec9-cf65-4962-9881-a4eec54b9a53/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristi Thrailkill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Perry Hall, MD 21128
Welcome! I specialize in Anxiety & OCD. I love helping my clients overcome the "stuckness" that comes with intrusive thought patterns, obsessive thoughts, and compulsive behaviors. I have a passion for working with couples navigating big (and little) adjustments that often come with maintaining a long standing relationship - infidelity, fizzled sparks, empty nests, etc. And...sometimes we just need a place to spill the tea and gain a new perspective. Struggling with a divorce, parenting, employment distress, other big life hurdle? I'm happy to offer a listening ear and help you choose what direction you should take next.
Welcome! I specialize in Anxiety & OCD. I love helping my clients overcome the "stuckness" that comes with intrusive thought patterns, obsessive thoughts, and compulsive behaviors. I have a passion for working with couples navigating big (and little) adjustments that often come with maintaining a long standing relationship - infidelity, fizzled sparks, empty nests, etc. And...sometimes we just need a place to spill the tea and gain a new perspective. Struggling with a divorce, parenting, employment distress, other big life hurdle? I'm happy to offer a listening ear and help you choose what direction you should take next.
![Photo of Rebecca Harrison Radcliffe - Rebecca H Radcliffe Counseling, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5588a03-6c90-4d82-ac57-699aec1b12e1/3/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca H Radcliffe Counseling
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Middle River, MD 21220 (Online Only)
Rebecca is a Licensed Counselor and certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist who specializes in working with clients dealing with issues of infertility, miscarriage, infant loss, birth trauma, postpartum mood/anxiety disorders and relationship issues facing couples during the journey to parenthood.
The journey to parenthood can be a scary and isolating time. Societal stigma, limited access to maternal health services, economic hardships and absence of 'a Village' all contribute to an increased sense of anxiety and depression during the perinatal time period. For this reason, mental health and patient advocacy services are more needed than ever during this transitionary period in life. Based on her own experiences with infertility and prenatal loss, Rebecca has become driven to provide empathetic, trauma informed care to individuals going through all stages of parenthood ranging from pre-conception to postpartum parenting.
Rebecca is a Licensed Counselor and certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist who specializes in working with clients dealing with issues of infertility, miscarriage, infant loss, birth trauma, postpartum mood/anxiety disorders and relationship issues facing couples during the journey to parenthood.
The journey to parenthood can be a scary and isolating time. Societal stigma, limited access to maternal health services, economic hardships and absence of 'a Village' all contribute to an increased sense of anxiety and depression during the perinatal time period. For this reason, mental health and patient advocacy services are more needed than ever during this transitionary period in life. Based on her own experiences with infertility and prenatal loss, Rebecca has become driven to provide empathetic, trauma informed care to individuals going through all stages of parenthood ranging from pre-conception to postpartum parenting.
![Photo of Mara Katz - Mara Katz - Relationship Trauma Therapist, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a28875af-4e9e-45f9-9e5b-d043df7c2689/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mara Katz - Relationship Trauma Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nottingham, MD 21236
Are you experiencing a crisis in your relationship? Looking for ways to improve connection and intimacy? Considering starting or ending a relationship? Whether you are entering into a new relationship, maintaining a long-term relationship, navigating a crisis in a relationship, or working individually to determine next steps, my primary goal is to support you and your relationship goals. Drawing on a variety of treatment models, I view each individual and couple as unique in their experiences and needs and I strive to tailor treatment to build on your strengths to facilitate change and growth.
Are you experiencing a crisis in your relationship? Looking for ways to improve connection and intimacy? Considering starting or ending a relationship? Whether you are entering into a new relationship, maintaining a long-term relationship, navigating a crisis in a relationship, or working individually to determine next steps, my primary goal is to support you and your relationship goals. Drawing on a variety of treatment models, I view each individual and couple as unique in their experiences and needs and I strive to tailor treatment to build on your strengths to facilitate change and growth.
See more therapy options for White Marsh
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.