Couples Counseling Therapists in Blaine, MN

Photo of Kelly Rachu, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelly Rachu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Blaine, MN 55449
I enjoy working with individuals and couples around self-empowerment & esteem, relationship issues, family of origin issues, maternal and paternal mental health, and parenting.
I am passionate about self-empowerment and believe that relationships with self, significant other, family, and friends are important and interconnected. I approach therapy with a focus on mind-body wellness and work collaboratively with my clients. I provide a safe and compassionate environment where clients from all cultures and communities feel heard and understood.
I enjoy working with individuals and couples around self-empowerment & esteem, relationship issues, family of origin issues, maternal and paternal mental health, and parenting.
I am passionate about self-empowerment and believe that relationships with self, significant other, family, and friends are important and interconnected. I approach therapy with a focus on mind-body wellness and work collaboratively with my clients. I provide a safe and compassionate environment where clients from all cultures and communities feel heard and understood.
(651) 401-7290 View (651) 401-7290
Photo of Trista Weber - Renew and Restore Counseling, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Renew and Restore Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blaine, MN 55014  (Online Only)
As a relationship focused therapist I view the relationship as the client.
Hi! I'm Trista Weber and I believe relational wellness includes a healthy relationship with others as well as ourselves. If you are feeling unsure about how to make changes, how to move forward, I want to help you turn your conflict into an opportunity for growth and connection. I have training in working with couple specific issues using Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy techniques.
As a relationship focused therapist I view the relationship as the client.
Hi! I'm Trista Weber and I believe relational wellness includes a healthy relationship with others as well as ourselves. If you are feeling unsure about how to make changes, how to move forward, I want to help you turn your conflict into an opportunity for growth and connection. I have training in working with couple specific issues using Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy techniques.
(612) 284-2306 View (612) 284-2306
Photo of Callie Steinberg, MS, LPCC, NCC
Callie Steinberg
MS, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blaine, MN 55434
My specialties include Child (6+), Adolescent and Adult individual therapy, Couples therapy, mood disorders (anxiety and depression), and low self esteem.
Is life overwhelming right now? Are you looking for support in overcoming difficult life situations, managing low self-esteem, or navigating the challenging terrain of anxiety or depression? Is your child struggling with emotional regulation or life changes? Do you find yourself hiding infidelity, seeking out anonymous partners, compulsively using pornography or struggling being open and honest in your relationships? I am a skilled and compassionate therapist; I am committed to offering a non-judgmental, safe, supportive and collaborative therapy environment.
My specialties include Child (6+), Adolescent and Adult individual therapy, Couples therapy, mood disorders (anxiety and depression), and low self esteem.
Is life overwhelming right now? Are you looking for support in overcoming difficult life situations, managing low self-esteem, or navigating the challenging terrain of anxiety or depression? Is your child struggling with emotional regulation or life changes? Do you find yourself hiding infidelity, seeking out anonymous partners, compulsively using pornography or struggling being open and honest in your relationships? I am a skilled and compassionate therapist; I am committed to offering a non-judgmental, safe, supportive and collaborative therapy environment.
(651) 946-5069 View (651) 946-5069
Photo of Robyn Jenkins, MS, Counselor
Robyn Jenkins
Counselor, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blaine, MN 55449  (Online Only)
My areas of specialty include: trauma, couples work, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, family conflict, and military and law enforcement issues.
I believe for clients to have the most beneficial therapeutic experience, there must be a strong relationship between client and counselor. Because of this, I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is comfortable, non-judgmental, and empathetic. I collaborate with clients to identify their strengths and resources, as well as the obstacles that can get in the way of change. I work together with clients to identify, learn and practice the tools necessary for change to occur.
My areas of specialty include: trauma, couples work, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, family conflict, and military and law enforcement issues.
I believe for clients to have the most beneficial therapeutic experience, there must be a strong relationship between client and counselor. Because of this, I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is comfortable, non-judgmental, and empathetic. I collaborate with clients to identify their strengths and resources, as well as the obstacles that can get in the way of change. I work together with clients to identify, learn and practice the tools necessary for change to occur.
(651) 362-1646 View (651) 362-1646
Photo of Steven Freund, MS, MFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Steven Freund
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blaine, MN 55434  (Online Only)
I focus on work with couples, poly groups and sex therapy.
I want to support you in the analysis of your, patterns, challenges and transitions. Are you unsure of your direction, your next move? Do you find yourself in familiar place, in spite of the fact that you've changed partners, jobs or the place you live? I've been there and at one particularly trying time in my life decided to go back to school and study RELATIONSHIPS. What I learned, backed by contemporary research, changed my life and set me on the path to helping others. KNOWLEDGE can help you establish a more satisfying direction and life. Start today with a free phone consultation or half hour session.
I focus on work with couples, poly groups and sex therapy.
I want to support you in the analysis of your, patterns, challenges and transitions. Are you unsure of your direction, your next move? Do you find yourself in familiar place, in spite of the fact that you've changed partners, jobs or the place you live? I've been there and at one particularly trying time in my life decided to go back to school and study RELATIONSHIPS. What I learned, backed by contemporary research, changed my life and set me on the path to helping others. KNOWLEDGE can help you establish a more satisfying direction and life. Start today with a free phone consultation or half hour session.
(651) 413-6471 View (651) 413-6471
Photo of Terry Riley, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Terry Riley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blaine, MN 55434
I work with adolescents (males ages 13-19), families, couples, and adults.
Overwhelmed? Feeling distressed with worry, fear, sadness, despair, or a combination of difficult feelings? Relationship challenges? Parenting challenges? Terry is a family therapist who believes most people can manage their own lives, except for those few times when life throws a curveball, then we may have difficulty figuring how to handle that ball. We often find ourselves going in circles using old techniques. My desire and privilege is to come alongside you in your journey forward.
I work with adolescents (males ages 13-19), families, couples, and adults.
Overwhelmed? Feeling distressed with worry, fear, sadness, despair, or a combination of difficult feelings? Relationship challenges? Parenting challenges? Terry is a family therapist who believes most people can manage their own lives, except for those few times when life throws a curveball, then we may have difficulty figuring how to handle that ball. We often find ourselves going in circles using old techniques. My desire and privilege is to come alongside you in your journey forward.
(612) 295-0615 View (612) 295-0615
Photo of Killy J Kitzmann, MS, LADC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Killy J Kitzmann
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, LADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blaine, MN 55449
Whether you're dealing with past trauma, current crises, or substance abuse issues, I'm ready to partner with you on your healing journey.
“I offer a safe and supportive space where my clients can openly discuss their thoughts and experiences without fear of judgment. My approach is grounded in evidence-based therapeutic techniques, designed to help clients explore their inner selves, understand their emotions, and develop effective coping strategies. Together, we'll work towards achieving your unique goals and building a more fulfilling life."
Whether you're dealing with past trauma, current crises, or substance abuse issues, I'm ready to partner with you on your healing journey.
“I offer a safe and supportive space where my clients can openly discuss their thoughts and experiences without fear of judgment. My approach is grounded in evidence-based therapeutic techniques, designed to help clients explore their inner selves, understand their emotions, and develop effective coping strategies. Together, we'll work towards achieving your unique goals and building a more fulfilling life."
(651) 427-7438 View (651) 427-7438
Photo of Kat Ludwig, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kat Ludwig
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Blaine, MN 55434
Waitlist for new clients
I've also lead and taught as a supervisor at a large couples clinic.
Are you tired of therapists who say that they do relationship therapy only to have you practice basic communication skills? Are you tired of the lack of progress and want to get unstuck once and for all? I specialize in making sure that time does continue to pass by while you are feeling weighed down in the status quo. I'm straightforward and honest. My clients describe me as annoyingly neutral when they try to get me to take sides against their partners. They also describe me as willing to ask the hard questions and willing to keep people accountable. I love helping people navigate every stage of coupling or uncoupling.
I've also lead and taught as a supervisor at a large couples clinic.
Are you tired of therapists who say that they do relationship therapy only to have you practice basic communication skills? Are you tired of the lack of progress and want to get unstuck once and for all? I specialize in making sure that time does continue to pass by while you are feeling weighed down in the status quo. I'm straightforward and honest. My clients describe me as annoyingly neutral when they try to get me to take sides against their partners. They also describe me as willing to ask the hard questions and willing to keep people accountable. I love helping people navigate every stage of coupling or uncoupling.
(651) 376-3575 View (651) 376-3575
Photo of Cris Roman, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cris Roman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Blaine, MN 55449
My goal is to provide empathetic, creative problem-solving, and dynamic counsel to those who find themselves both stressed and depressed by the circumstances of the life they are living -- both alone and in relationship with others. This is not about "mental illness" or behavioral change alone. This is about providing a caring, non-judgmental and trained ear to those in need of someone to hear them, offer a new perspective of looking at things and creating new proactive approaches to life's problems. This is for those who may be apprehensive about therapy, but need to converse with a non-judgmental, objective listener.
My goal is to provide empathetic, creative problem-solving, and dynamic counsel to those who find themselves both stressed and depressed by the circumstances of the life they are living -- both alone and in relationship with others. This is not about "mental illness" or behavioral change alone. This is about providing a caring, non-judgmental and trained ear to those in need of someone to hear them, offer a new perspective of looking at things and creating new proactive approaches to life's problems. This is for those who may be apprehensive about therapy, but need to converse with a non-judgmental, objective listener.
(320) 313-1796 View (320) 313-1796
Photo of Amber Fuller - Fuller Living & Associates, LLC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Fuller Living & Associates, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Blaine, MN 55434
We offer counseling in Blaine, Anoka, and Roseville for individuals, couples, and families. We journey with clients through their life struggle. We provide a safe and non-judgmental environment in which we hear you through ears of empathy and understanding. We have experience working with individuals facing many issues and we believe in the power of effective and efficient care. We believe that there is always hope, that getting to your dreams is possible and that healing is attainable. We journey alongside you through your life difficulties with ears, eyes, and hearts of empathy and understanding.
We offer counseling in Blaine, Anoka, and Roseville for individuals, couples, and families. We journey with clients through their life struggle. We provide a safe and non-judgmental environment in which we hear you through ears of empathy and understanding. We have experience working with individuals facing many issues and we believe in the power of effective and efficient care. We believe that there is always hope, that getting to your dreams is possible and that healing is attainable. We journey alongside you through your life difficulties with ears, eyes, and hearts of empathy and understanding.
(763) 647-8188 View (763) 647-8188
Photo of Janet K Schlegel, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Janet K Schlegel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Blaine, MN 55434
My specialties include sexual abuse, anger management, couples and marriage counseling, anxiety and depression.
Do you think change has to be hard or take a long time? Do you want more out of life? Are you wondering if you will ever be happy again? Do you want better quality relationships? Do you wish you could put a spark back into your marriage? Are you tired of trying and feeling hopeless? I take a no nonsense approach to therapy and use razor sharp precision to get to the core issues. I am highly skilled at helping clients remove the "porcupine quills" that hurt whenever a bad memory is triggered.
My specialties include sexual abuse, anger management, couples and marriage counseling, anxiety and depression.
Do you think change has to be hard or take a long time? Do you want more out of life? Are you wondering if you will ever be happy again? Do you want better quality relationships? Do you wish you could put a spark back into your marriage? Are you tired of trying and feeling hopeless? I take a no nonsense approach to therapy and use razor sharp precision to get to the core issues. I am highly skilled at helping clients remove the "porcupine quills" that hurt whenever a bad memory is triggered.
(763) 260-1889 x1 View (763) 260-1889 x1
Photo of Rachel Larson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Larson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Blaine, MN 55449
Starting the process of feeling satisfied and connected in your relationship is a phone call away.
You try to talk about something important to you and somehow it becomes a fight. How can this person you love and built your life with feel like such a stranger sometimes? Does it have to be this hard? To others, it seems like you have the perfect life and relationship. They’d be surprised to know the truth. When one or both of your buttons are pushed, things go off the rails. You know you love each other deeply and both want a solid and healthy relationship – but when these conflicts happen, you feel so disconnected and hopeless that you question whether you’ll ever be able to truly resolve things and find a deep connection again.
Starting the process of feeling satisfied and connected in your relationship is a phone call away.
You try to talk about something important to you and somehow it becomes a fight. How can this person you love and built your life with feel like such a stranger sometimes? Does it have to be this hard? To others, it seems like you have the perfect life and relationship. They’d be surprised to know the truth. When one or both of your buttons are pushed, things go off the rails. You know you love each other deeply and both want a solid and healthy relationship – but when these conflicts happen, you feel so disconnected and hopeless that you question whether you’ll ever be able to truly resolve things and find a deep connection again.
(763) 600-7411 View (763) 600-7411
Photo of Sukay L Polley, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sukay L Polley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Blaine, MN 55449
Are you experiencing unwanted tension and challenges in your important relationships? Does your family life feel chaotic and you don't know what to do or where to turn? Are you experiencing a personal life crisis? Asking for help is hard. I can help individuals, couples and families work through unique personal situations. Whether you are looking for ways to connect in your meaningful relationships in a healthier way or an adult experiencing specific obstacles in life, I believe we could work together to find relief.
Are you experiencing unwanted tension and challenges in your important relationships? Does your family life feel chaotic and you don't know what to do or where to turn? Are you experiencing a personal life crisis? Asking for help is hard. I can help individuals, couples and families work through unique personal situations. Whether you are looking for ways to connect in your meaningful relationships in a healthier way or an adult experiencing specific obstacles in life, I believe we could work together to find relief.
(612) 999-2798 View (612) 999-2798
Photo of Joanne Harste, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joanne Harste
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Blaine, MN 55434  (Online Only)
Because the therapeutic relationship is essential to the work, I only charge for the first session if the client chooses to continue on with me.
I am committed to empowering individuals, couples and families to take charge of their lives as a means of enhancing their relationships and improving the quality of their lives. Most individuals enter therapy when how they have been doing life is no longer working. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches in my work and incorporate into each clients work those I believe will be most helpful to them and their situation. I most enjoy working with people experiencing especially challenging situations who are seeking more effective ways of coping with life stressors.
Because the therapeutic relationship is essential to the work, I only charge for the first session if the client chooses to continue on with me.
I am committed to empowering individuals, couples and families to take charge of their lives as a means of enhancing their relationships and improving the quality of their lives. Most individuals enter therapy when how they have been doing life is no longer working. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches in my work and incorporate into each clients work those I believe will be most helpful to them and their situation. I most enjoy working with people experiencing especially challenging situations who are seeking more effective ways of coping with life stressors.
(763) 575-8729 View (763) 575-8729
Photo of Rhonda Johnson, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rhonda Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Blaine, MN 55449
Welcome. I have been providing therapy services for 20+ years in many settings including: inpatient hospital units, outpatient hospital clinics, emergency departments and outpatient mental health clinics. I work with adolescents, adults of all ages and couples. I specialize in eating disorders, bipolar disorder and OCD. I believe balance is key to a successful, healthy life. In visiting this website, you are taking the first step in improving your quality of life. I look forward to meeting you.
Welcome. I have been providing therapy services for 20+ years in many settings including: inpatient hospital units, outpatient hospital clinics, emergency departments and outpatient mental health clinics. I work with adolescents, adults of all ages and couples. I specialize in eating disorders, bipolar disorder and OCD. I believe balance is key to a successful, healthy life. In visiting this website, you are taking the first step in improving your quality of life. I look forward to meeting you.
(952) 649-6140 View (952) 649-6140
Photo of Kaelyn Folstad, MA, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kaelyn Folstad
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Blaine, MN 55014
Kaelyn is currently serving clients seeking individual, couples and/or family therapy in-office at Wildflower Wellness located in Circle Pines, MN or virtually through HIPAA compliant telehealth services.
Kaelyn Folstad is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in maternal mental health & wellness, family planning & parenting topics, gender and/or sexuality related issues, & other general mental health challenges. Kaelyn enjoys working with teens, young adults, couples & families utilizing an eclectic combination of interventions to best meet client needs. She is Nationally Certified through Postpartum Support International (PSI) as a pregnancy/perinatal/postpartum mental health provider.
Kaelyn is currently serving clients seeking individual, couples and/or family therapy in-office at Wildflower Wellness located in Circle Pines, MN or virtually through HIPAA compliant telehealth services.
Kaelyn Folstad is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in maternal mental health & wellness, family planning & parenting topics, gender and/or sexuality related issues, & other general mental health challenges. Kaelyn enjoys working with teens, young adults, couples & families utilizing an eclectic combination of interventions to best meet client needs. She is Nationally Certified through Postpartum Support International (PSI) as a pregnancy/perinatal/postpartum mental health provider.
(651) 383-1685 View (651) 383-1685
Photo of Alex Loomis, Pre-Licensed Professional
Alex Loomis
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Blaine, MN 55449
I help couples and families work through a variety of challenges. Difficulties with communication, emotional connectedness, child misbehavior, infidelity, and life transitions, among others. If your goals are to improve the quality of your relationships, create healthier patterns of behavior, support your loved ones while also receiving support, we might be a good fit. Despite living in the age of the internet with all of its opportunities for connection, more people feel isolated than ever before. In working with me, I hope to grow your sense of belonging, security, and significance to those valued people in your life.
I help couples and families work through a variety of challenges. Difficulties with communication, emotional connectedness, child misbehavior, infidelity, and life transitions, among others. If your goals are to improve the quality of your relationships, create healthier patterns of behavior, support your loved ones while also receiving support, we might be a good fit. Despite living in the age of the internet with all of its opportunities for connection, more people feel isolated than ever before. In working with me, I hope to grow your sense of belonging, security, and significance to those valued people in your life.
(763) 343-7277 View (763) 343-7277
Photo of Danielle Rae Wilson, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Danielle Rae Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Blaine, MN 55014
​LIfe can bring many seasons, just like the weather, and some of those seasons can be difficult to navigate on your own whether its relationship difficulties, trauma, family hardships, and events that cause distress and pain.
I have been working in mental health for the past ten years and specialize in work with adults and adolescents that have experienced significant trauma, anxiety, depression, family issues, grief and loss, marital issues and suicidal ideation. I have been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I also use mindfulness, deep breathing, and art therapy techniques throughout my practice and try to tailor my therapy approach to meet the individual where they are at and what they find most helpful.
​LIfe can bring many seasons, just like the weather, and some of those seasons can be difficult to navigate on your own whether its relationship difficulties, trauma, family hardships, and events that cause distress and pain.
I have been working in mental health for the past ten years and specialize in work with adults and adolescents that have experienced significant trauma, anxiety, depression, family issues, grief and loss, marital issues and suicidal ideation. I have been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I also use mindfulness, deep breathing, and art therapy techniques throughout my practice and try to tailor my therapy approach to meet the individual where they are at and what they find most helpful.
(651) 362-2285 View (651) 362-2285
Photo of Vayda Mental Health Collaborative - Vayda Mental Health Collaborative, Psychologist
Vayda Mental Health Collaborative
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Blaine, MN 55434
Our providers bring diverse backgrounds and experiences + are highly trained and skilled mental health experts! You do not have to suffer alone; let us partner with you and your family to find meaning and mental wellness.
Immediate openings (virtual and in-person therapy)! We invite women & families of all kinds and sizes as we partner with you in growth + healing. Providers are VMHC are uniquely specialized to empower individuals seeking support for anxiety, sexuality, self-identity and self-acceptance, a traumatic childhood or event, perfectionism and burn-out, parenting stress, heartache associated with infertility, pregnancy complications/loss, impact of birth trauma, or postpartum challenges, autism, ADHD, and/or depression. Let's connect!
Our providers bring diverse backgrounds and experiences + are highly trained and skilled mental health experts! You do not have to suffer alone; let us partner with you and your family to find meaning and mental wellness.
Immediate openings (virtual and in-person therapy)! We invite women & families of all kinds and sizes as we partner with you in growth + healing. Providers are VMHC are uniquely specialized to empower individuals seeking support for anxiety, sexuality, self-identity and self-acceptance, a traumatic childhood or event, perfectionism and burn-out, parenting stress, heartache associated with infertility, pregnancy complications/loss, impact of birth trauma, or postpartum challenges, autism, ADHD, and/or depression. Let's connect!
(651) 504-8884 View (651) 504-8884
Photo of Laurie A Grengs, MA, LP, LICSW, Psychologist
Laurie A Grengs
Psychologist, MA, LP, LICSW
Verified Verified
Blaine, MN 55434
Hello! I look forward to assisting you! I work as a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. What your goals and vision are for your life personally and professionally is the focus of your psychotherapy and/or marriage therapy. I do provide a therapeutic environment based on positive regard for you and assist and assess what your wants and needs are psychologically. I am willing, committed, and trained as your psychologist/coach to help empower you in your life choices. I specialize in Couples Counseling, Marriage Therapy, Individual Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Depression Therapy, and Life Coaching.
Hello! I look forward to assisting you! I work as a Licensed Psychologist and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. What your goals and vision are for your life personally and professionally is the focus of your psychotherapy and/or marriage therapy. I do provide a therapeutic environment based on positive regard for you and assist and assess what your wants and needs are psychologically. I am willing, committed, and trained as your psychologist/coach to help empower you in your life choices. I specialize in Couples Counseling, Marriage Therapy, Individual Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Depression Therapy, and Life Coaching.
(763) 250-5380 View (763) 250-5380
1
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.