Marriage Counseling Therapists in Billings, MT

Photo of Charles J. Habeck - Charles J. Habeck Psy.D., LCPC, LAC,PC, PsyD, LCPC, LAC, MAC, Counselor
Charles J. Habeck Psy.D., LCPC, LAC,PC
Counselor, PsyD, LCPC, LAC, MAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59102
Waitlist for new clients
I am competent at assessment of both mental health and addiction problems, and can provide treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance misuse, codependency, gambling and sexual compulsivity, marital counseling, legal problems, grief counseling, identity and self-worth issues.
The struggle is real- for all of us. I am committed to helping a person grow toward improved insights and coping skills to resolve their problems and related emotions, in a non-judgmental and supportive manner. My goal is for one to learn more about themselves and to function at a higher level in the whole-person dimensions of their life. Whether one is motivated for short-term and situational concerns, or more internally motivated for deeper understanding of self and life-stage fulfillment, the counselor/ client relationship remains paramount as an agent of change.
I am competent at assessment of both mental health and addiction problems, and can provide treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance misuse, codependency, gambling and sexual compulsivity, marital counseling, legal problems, grief counseling, identity and self-worth issues.
The struggle is real- for all of us. I am committed to helping a person grow toward improved insights and coping skills to resolve their problems and related emotions, in a non-judgmental and supportive manner. My goal is for one to learn more about themselves and to function at a higher level in the whole-person dimensions of their life. Whether one is motivated for short-term and situational concerns, or more internally motivated for deeper understanding of self and life-stage fulfillment, the counselor/ client relationship remains paramount as an agent of change.
(406) 415-2010 View (406) 415-2010
Photo of Sean Kennedy, MS, MSW, SWLC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Sean Kennedy
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MSW, SWLC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59105
Marital and Family Therapy: Assisting couples and families with relationship dynamics and parenting challenges.
Sean is passionate about helping individuals and families grow and solve problems as they work towards a happy, responsible, and balanced life. His therapy practice is designed to be a welcoming, calming space where clients can collaborate to find questions, ideas, and solutions tailored to their unique situations.
Marital and Family Therapy: Assisting couples and families with relationship dynamics and parenting challenges.
Sean is passionate about helping individuals and families grow and solve problems as they work towards a happy, responsible, and balanced life. His therapy practice is designed to be a welcoming, calming space where clients can collaborate to find questions, ideas, and solutions tailored to their unique situations.
(406) 686-8832 View (406) 686-8832
Photo of Summer Peterson - Agami Karma Therapy, LCPC, MFT, C-IAYT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Agami Karma Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MFT, C-IAYT
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59102
I work with those motivated to self understanding, growth and positive change. Life often throws us out of balance creating adverse symptoms, such as grief, depression, anxiety. Perhaps, you have a history of trauma that continues to effect you in life, work, or relationships. Or there is tension in your family system, marriage, relationships, and/or career. Whatever it is that "isn't working" there is a way to move through it... sometimes we just need a little guidance and extra support. I am that guidance and support, to lead you into a state a mind-body-soul balance.
I work with those motivated to self understanding, growth and positive change. Life often throws us out of balance creating adverse symptoms, such as grief, depression, anxiety. Perhaps, you have a history of trauma that continues to effect you in life, work, or relationships. Or there is tension in your family system, marriage, relationships, and/or career. Whatever it is that "isn't working" there is a way to move through it... sometimes we just need a little guidance and extra support. I am that guidance and support, to lead you into a state a mind-body-soul balance.
(406) 823-3716 View (406) 823-3716
Photo of Grady Johnson, MMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Grady Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59102
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! I'm Grady, a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in couple and family therapy, pre marital counseling, relationship/attachment issues, and play therapy. Beginning therapy is an exciting and potentially daunting experience. It's hard to know where to start when you've been feeling stuck. Know that you've made an excellent choice stepping up for yourself and your loved ones. In the therapy room, I aim to provide a welcoming, calming environment where my clients and I can collaborate to uncover questions, ideas and solutions that work for each family, couple, or individual's unique life situation.
Welcome! I'm Grady, a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in couple and family therapy, pre marital counseling, relationship/attachment issues, and play therapy. Beginning therapy is an exciting and potentially daunting experience. It's hard to know where to start when you've been feeling stuck. Know that you've made an excellent choice stepping up for yourself and your loved ones. In the therapy room, I aim to provide a welcoming, calming environment where my clients and I can collaborate to uncover questions, ideas and solutions that work for each family, couple, or individual's unique life situation.
(406) 709-8075 View (406) 709-8075
Photo of Jeannette E. Phillips, LCPC, LMFT, Counselor
Jeannette E. Phillips
Counselor, LCPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59101
I have been engaged in the field of social work and counseling for 40+ years, and have enjoyed success working with diverse populations with a wide variety of issues--including relationship distress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, neurocognitive disorders, adoption/foster care, personality disorders, self-esteem, family conflict, aging, parenting problems, and spirituality. I hold Montana licenses in both Clinical Professional Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. I work from a systemic perspective, with an eye toward discovering and utilizing both internal and external sources of strength and support.
I have been engaged in the field of social work and counseling for 40+ years, and have enjoyed success working with diverse populations with a wide variety of issues--including relationship distress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, neurocognitive disorders, adoption/foster care, personality disorders, self-esteem, family conflict, aging, parenting problems, and spirituality. I hold Montana licenses in both Clinical Professional Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. I work from a systemic perspective, with an eye toward discovering and utilizing both internal and external sources of strength and support.
(406) 413-9747 View (406) 413-9747
Photo of Joel Grinder, MS, LCPC, Counselor
Joel Grinder
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59102
Couples and Marriages go through the Relate Strong curriculum.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and I have been licensed for 9 years helping people feel supported, navigate, and overcome obstacles. I have experience helping those who are experiencing anxiety, depression, Reactive Attachment Disorder, experience oppositional defiance, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and marriage and couples counseling. I also work with those who have experienced emotional abuse while in narcissistic relationships and wanting control of their life again. Minds into Focus Counseling provides a safe place to express emotions, process events while learning how to move forward.
Couples and Marriages go through the Relate Strong curriculum.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and I have been licensed for 9 years helping people feel supported, navigate, and overcome obstacles. I have experience helping those who are experiencing anxiety, depression, Reactive Attachment Disorder, experience oppositional defiance, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and marriage and couples counseling. I also work with those who have experienced emotional abuse while in narcissistic relationships and wanting control of their life again. Minds into Focus Counseling provides a safe place to express emotions, process events while learning how to move forward.
(406) 612-1192 View (406) 612-1192
Photo of Virginia Power, MAC, BSED, CCEF-MT
Virginia Power
MAC, BSED, CCEF-MT
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59101
You recognized that you needed some help. Sometimes, this takes a long time to identify, get up the nerve to seek help, and then reach out and ask for it. You are brave, and I'm proud of you for reaching this point. Now, let's meet and talk about it. I work with people processing trauma, anxiety, addiction, suffering, abuse recovery, depression, relational struggles, loneliness, sorrow, and loss. I work with children to help with abuse and neglect issues, divorce care, family struggles, and school and peer troubles. I work with couples for pre marital and marriage counseling and with women of all ages.
You recognized that you needed some help. Sometimes, this takes a long time to identify, get up the nerve to seek help, and then reach out and ask for it. You are brave, and I'm proud of you for reaching this point. Now, let's meet and talk about it. I work with people processing trauma, anxiety, addiction, suffering, abuse recovery, depression, relational struggles, loneliness, sorrow, and loss. I work with children to help with abuse and neglect issues, divorce care, family struggles, and school and peer troubles. I work with couples for pre marital and marriage counseling and with women of all ages.
(406) 804-7073 View (406) 804-7073
Photo of Lourie Helmer, MS, LCPC, Counselor
Lourie Helmer
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59102  (Online Only)
My extensive experience covers a vast array of issues including: behavioral issues, oppositional defiance, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, abuse issues (emotional, physical, sexual), marital/couple conflicts, peer pressure, anger management and conflict resolution.
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor of sixteen years and have twenty-five years of experience working with life issues of individuals and families. My experience includes working in residential placement facilities, school settings (CSCT), the legal system (probation), community programs and private practice. I work with children, adolescents and adults by providing support and counseling as they seek to understand and manage their lives.
My extensive experience covers a vast array of issues including: behavioral issues, oppositional defiance, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, abuse issues (emotional, physical, sexual), marital/couple conflicts, peer pressure, anger management and conflict resolution.
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor of sixteen years and have twenty-five years of experience working with life issues of individuals and families. My experience includes working in residential placement facilities, school settings (CSCT), the legal system (probation), community programs and private practice. I work with children, adolescents and adults by providing support and counseling as they seek to understand and manage their lives.
(406) 861-7048 View (406) 861-7048
Photo of Dianna Grantham, LCPC, LAC, Counselor
Dianna Grantham
Counselor, LCPC, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59102
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Addiction Counselor in the State of Montana. Addiction is a treatable disease and can be managed successfully. Some individuals have co-occurring disorders, which I also treat. I specialize in Chemical Dependency and Gambling evaluations, Court ordered treatment, Relapse Prevention, Couples/ Marriage Counseling, as well as anxiety, depression, and grief issues you may be dealing with. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each individual, focusing on your strengths. Together, we will identify and develop goals, moving towards positive solutions. I provide a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Addiction Counselor in the State of Montana. Addiction is a treatable disease and can be managed successfully. Some individuals have co-occurring disorders, which I also treat. I specialize in Chemical Dependency and Gambling evaluations, Court ordered treatment, Relapse Prevention, Couples/ Marriage Counseling, as well as anxiety, depression, and grief issues you may be dealing with. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each individual, focusing on your strengths. Together, we will identify and develop goals, moving towards positive solutions. I provide a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment.
(406) 224-4196 View (406) 224-4196
Photo of Dr. Mark A White, LMFT, CSAT-S, CMAT-S, CPTT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Mark A White
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-S, CMAT-S, CPTT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59102
I specialize in helping individuals and relationships reconcile, recover, and prosper after infidelity, compulsive sexual behaviors, porn addiction, marital conflict, and parenting problems.
Searching for hope and healing from compulsive sexual behavior, experiencing the trauma of betrayal and infidelity, or relationship distress? Effective, lasting, long-term recovery requires expert guidance. I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and Partner Betrayal Trauma Therapist. Individually, are you experiencing anxiety or depression in your specific context? With a focus on your context, experience, and emotion, I specialize in deconstructing your presenting issues to clarify specific problems that you desire to change or respond to. I offer telehealth services by secure video conferencing and phone.
I specialize in helping individuals and relationships reconcile, recover, and prosper after infidelity, compulsive sexual behaviors, porn addiction, marital conflict, and parenting problems.
Searching for hope and healing from compulsive sexual behavior, experiencing the trauma of betrayal and infidelity, or relationship distress? Effective, lasting, long-term recovery requires expert guidance. I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and Partner Betrayal Trauma Therapist. Individually, are you experiencing anxiety or depression in your specific context? With a focus on your context, experience, and emotion, I specialize in deconstructing your presenting issues to clarify specific problems that you desire to change or respond to. I offer telehealth services by secure video conferencing and phone.
(806) 878-9550 View (806) 878-9550
Photo of Carrie L Ovard, MS, LAMFT, LCMHC, LCPC, Counselor
Carrie L Ovard
Counselor, MS, LAMFT, LCMHC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59102  (Online Only)
I am also a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and licensed as a Clinical Professional Counselor with the State of Montana.
My areas of specialization include adoption, anger management, antisocial personality, anxiety, behavioral issues, bipolar disorder, codependency, depression, divorce, domestic abuse, domestic violence, dual diagnosis, emotional disturbance, family conflict, grief, life transitions, marital and pre marital, oppositional defiance, parenting, peer relationships, relationship issues, school issues, sex therapy, suicidal ideation and trauma and PTSD. I focus on a wide range of clients including adults, teenagers, preteenagers, and children. I use several therapeutic modalities/approaches.
I am also a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and licensed as a Clinical Professional Counselor with the State of Montana.
My areas of specialization include adoption, anger management, antisocial personality, anxiety, behavioral issues, bipolar disorder, codependency, depression, divorce, domestic abuse, domestic violence, dual diagnosis, emotional disturbance, family conflict, grief, life transitions, marital and pre marital, oppositional defiance, parenting, peer relationships, relationship issues, school issues, sex therapy, suicidal ideation and trauma and PTSD. I focus on a wide range of clients including adults, teenagers, preteenagers, and children. I use several therapeutic modalities/approaches.
(435) 233-9025 View (435) 233-9025
Photo of Charlotte Dionne O'Hara, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Charlotte Dionne O'Hara
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59102  (Online Only)
My speciality is in anger management, marriage counseling, domestic violence, PTSD, depression, anxiety and stress.
We all face challenges, uncertainties and various struggles in life. Taking the steps to make changes at times are not always easy. I invite you to therapy if you are struggling with relationship issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or just feeling stuck in everyday life. I will provide you with a safe and private space where you can focus just on yourself and with tools to help you build a healthier relationship with yourself and with others around you.
My speciality is in anger management, marriage counseling, domestic violence, PTSD, depression, anxiety and stress.
We all face challenges, uncertainties and various struggles in life. Taking the steps to make changes at times are not always easy. I invite you to therapy if you are struggling with relationship issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or just feeling stuck in everyday life. I will provide you with a safe and private space where you can focus just on yourself and with tools to help you build a healthier relationship with yourself and with others around you.
(406) 412-0933 View (406) 412-0933
Photo of Nicole Walksalong, LCSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nicole Walksalong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59101
Accepting New Clients! Do you have concerns or worries which are difficult to resolve? Is your child struggling with their feelings and seeing new behaviors? Do you have past life events which seem to linger and cannot resolve on their own? I can help you with that! You'd benefit from working with an experienced therapist who has worked with many concerns including depression, anxiety, marital issues, blended/adoptive families and behavioural issues. I am trained in EMDR therapy and other models of treatment to help address your concerns. I am located in MT but provide tele-health therapy across MT and ND.
Accepting New Clients! Do you have concerns or worries which are difficult to resolve? Is your child struggling with their feelings and seeing new behaviors? Do you have past life events which seem to linger and cannot resolve on their own? I can help you with that! You'd benefit from working with an experienced therapist who has worked with many concerns including depression, anxiety, marital issues, blended/adoptive families and behavioural issues. I am trained in EMDR therapy and other models of treatment to help address your concerns. I am located in MT but provide tele-health therapy across MT and ND.
(406) 510-1382 View (406) 510-1382
Photo of Kati Randell, LSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kati Randell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Billings, MT 59102
***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** Marriage and Couples Counseling available. Do you struggle with challenging behavior patterns? Are you fighting against low self-esteem and unhealthy boundaries? Having difficulty identifying with your relationships or healing from trauma. Individual and couples therapy is a positive way to prioritize time to focus on issues and personal growth. You may have been feeling a mixture of doing the best with what you had and feeling completely overwhelmed! But now you are looking for support in addressing your problems head-on, making long-standing changes, and doing the work involved in therapy.
***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** Marriage and Couples Counseling available. Do you struggle with challenging behavior patterns? Are you fighting against low self-esteem and unhealthy boundaries? Having difficulty identifying with your relationships or healing from trauma. Individual and couples therapy is a positive way to prioritize time to focus on issues and personal growth. You may have been feeling a mixture of doing the best with what you had and feeling completely overwhelmed! But now you are looking for support in addressing your problems head-on, making long-standing changes, and doing the work involved in therapy.
(702) 903-4933 View (702) 903-4933
Photo of Christy Franklin - Christy Franklin Professional Services, MS, LCPC, NCC, CCTP, Counselor
Christy Franklin Professional Services
Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59101
I help adults and parents of struggling children with ADD/ADHD and ASD and provide marriage and family therapy to be utilizing EFT, a gold standard model for treating relationships and also focus on perinatal and postpartum issues.
Looking for a therapist can be difficult, finding one that is good fit can be even harder. I am from the Flathead Valley, I grew up here and I am as real as it gets. If you are looking for a therapist that "gets it" and will "get you," you have come to the right place. Having difficulty in your relationships? I am an Emotionally Focused trained therapist, the gold standard when treating marriage, couples and family, and relationships in general. Experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, racing thoughts, PTSD, depression, childhood and adulthood trauma, perinatal and postpartum issues, the loss of a loved one or a pet? I can help!
I help adults and parents of struggling children with ADD/ADHD and ASD and provide marriage and family therapy to be utilizing EFT, a gold standard model for treating relationships and also focus on perinatal and postpartum issues.
Looking for a therapist can be difficult, finding one that is good fit can be even harder. I am from the Flathead Valley, I grew up here and I am as real as it gets. If you are looking for a therapist that "gets it" and will "get you," you have come to the right place. Having difficulty in your relationships? I am an Emotionally Focused trained therapist, the gold standard when treating marriage, couples and family, and relationships in general. Experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, racing thoughts, PTSD, depression, childhood and adulthood trauma, perinatal and postpartum issues, the loss of a loved one or a pet? I can help!
(406) 407-9479 View (406) 407-9479
Photo of Rachel Lee Stegman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Lee Stegman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59101
Hello and Welcome! Let me help you navigate the emotions and changes that come from life's obstacles in a way that is unique to you. I seek to provide comfortable and personalized services. My goal is to help everyday people, facing a different array of challenges, to overcome those challenges and live extraordinary lives, through a very personalized approach.
Hello and Welcome! Let me help you navigate the emotions and changes that come from life's obstacles in a way that is unique to you. I seek to provide comfortable and personalized services. My goal is to help everyday people, facing a different array of challenges, to overcome those challenges and live extraordinary lives, through a very personalized approach.
(406) 412-1051 View (406) 412-1051
Photo of Lisa L Matovich-Brooke Anxiety Depression Ptsd, LCPC, Counselor
Lisa L Matovich-Brooke Anxiety Depression Ptsd
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59101
Are you ready to heal from PTSD, trauma, grief, anxiety or depression? Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? Life can throw us curveballs which can leave us sad, unmotivated, and heartbroken. Loved ones can leave us, relationships end, and life can sometimes be difficult. I believe that even though bad things happen, we can heal and have good lives. I help my clients to work toward finding solutions and skills so that they can find happiness after traumatic events. Life is too short to be sad, anxious, and depressed. You deserve to feel good about yourself!
Are you ready to heal from PTSD, trauma, grief, anxiety or depression? Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? Life can throw us curveballs which can leave us sad, unmotivated, and heartbroken. Loved ones can leave us, relationships end, and life can sometimes be difficult. I believe that even though bad things happen, we can heal and have good lives. I help my clients to work toward finding solutions and skills so that they can find happiness after traumatic events. Life is too short to be sad, anxious, and depressed. You deserve to feel good about yourself!
(406) 642-7846 View (406) 642-7846
Photo of Catherine Day - Lumen Cordis Counseling, LLC Catherine Day, LCPC, LCPC, Counselor
Lumen Cordis Counseling, LLC Catherine Day, LCPC
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59101
Are you experiencing difficulty in getting through the day due to anxiety, depression, or times of mental anguish? Have you experienced trauma that might be affecting your everyday life, relationships, and overall wellbeing? If you are identifying areas in your life that you would like to change/improve, I offer an unconditionally caring, safe, and trustworthy atmosphere, in which to promote your healing, growth, and opportunity to flourish.
Are you experiencing difficulty in getting through the day due to anxiety, depression, or times of mental anguish? Have you experienced trauma that might be affecting your everyday life, relationships, and overall wellbeing? If you are identifying areas in your life that you would like to change/improve, I offer an unconditionally caring, safe, and trustworthy atmosphere, in which to promote your healing, growth, and opportunity to flourish.
(406) 719-1503 View (406) 719-1503
Photo of Lisa H Hjelmstad - Wellness Possebilities, MSW, LCSW, LMFT, MAC, SAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wellness Possebilities
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LMFT, MAC, SAP
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59102
I am committed to helping clients move through a variety of challenges by building self-awareness and supporting the practice of new actions. I provide integrated client solution focused therapy. I am trained in trauma informed interventions, am sensitive to a client's attachment style and work to empower clients to achieve their goals. I enjoy working with individuals, couples and groups. I have a special interest in teaching of behavioral management, mindfulness, somatic experiencing, EMDR, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. Cognitive behavioral resources and tools are the foundation of all my work.
I am committed to helping clients move through a variety of challenges by building self-awareness and supporting the practice of new actions. I provide integrated client solution focused therapy. I am trained in trauma informed interventions, am sensitive to a client's attachment style and work to empower clients to achieve their goals. I enjoy working with individuals, couples and groups. I have a special interest in teaching of behavioral management, mindfulness, somatic experiencing, EMDR, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. Cognitive behavioral resources and tools are the foundation of all my work.
(406) 578-0646 View (406) 578-0646
Photo of Marmee C Morin, MA, PCLC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Marmee C Morin
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, PCLC
Verified Verified
Billings, MT 59102
Are you looking for a better way to relate to people? Have you fallen into communication patterns that you do not feel good about? Are you curious about therapy, coaching or personal development with regards to either your intimate relationships or professional relationships? Starting with session number one, you will learn skills you can use in many areas of life.
Are you looking for a better way to relate to people? Have you fallen into communication patterns that you do not feel good about? Are you curious about therapy, coaching or personal development with regards to either your intimate relationships or professional relationships? Starting with session number one, you will learn skills you can use in many areas of life.
(406) 201-3206 View (406) 201-3206
Marriage Counseling Therapists

How does marriage counseling work?

Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.

How long does marriage counseling typically last?

Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.

Is marriage counseling effective?

Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.

Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?

Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.