Couples Counseling Therapists in Chapel Hill, NC

Photo of Zena Chase, MS, LCMHC, NCC
Zena Chase
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
I have worked with children and adults from all walks of life who struggle with chronic illnesses, loss, Adjustment Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Abuse, Eating Disorders, Substance Use, Couples & Family therapies.
I’m very passionate about helping people, and celebrating their courageous strides. It takes courage to seek counseling, and courage to trust the process. I strive to create a partnership that is therapeutic in nature, and intentional in effort. It is with that intention, courage, and partnership that I assist my clients’ in reaching therapeutic goals, accepting and achieving growth, increasing awareness, and fostering resilience.
I have worked with children and adults from all walks of life who struggle with chronic illnesses, loss, Adjustment Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Abuse, Eating Disorders, Substance Use, Couples & Family therapies.
I’m very passionate about helping people, and celebrating their courageous strides. It takes courage to seek counseling, and courage to trust the process. I strive to create a partnership that is therapeutic in nature, and intentional in effort. It is with that intention, courage, and partnership that I assist my clients’ in reaching therapeutic goals, accepting and achieving growth, increasing awareness, and fostering resilience.
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Photo of Sage Navarra, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sage Navarra
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I do individual psychotherapy and coaching work. I specialize in relationships, trauma and anxiety. My intention is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental relationship in which people can explore their feelings, needs, beliefs and perceptual frames in order to make significant and lasting changes. For some people learning the effective use of assertiveness, self compassion and boundaries can be key components to changing their relationship to self and others.
I do individual psychotherapy and coaching work. I specialize in relationships, trauma and anxiety. My intention is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental relationship in which people can explore their feelings, needs, beliefs and perceptual frames in order to make significant and lasting changes. For some people learning the effective use of assertiveness, self compassion and boundaries can be key components to changing their relationship to self and others.
(919) 426-2713 View (919) 426-2713
Photo of Dr. Sophia Walder-Hoge, PsyD, HSP-P, Psychologist
Dr. Sophia Walder-Hoge
Psychologist, PsyD, HSP-P
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I welcome the inclusion of individual interests and experiences and support the development of a strong therapeutic relationship.
As a licensed psychologist, I provide therapy with children, families, teens, and adults experiencing a variety of challenges, including ADHD, self-esteem, interpersonal and relational difficulties, anxiety and mood disorders, major life transitions, behavioral/conduct issues, and developmental disorders/ASD. My approach to therapy emphasizes a humanist, strengths-based, and trauma-informed style. I strive to support growth, self-understanding, and adaptive skill-building in an open and nonjudgmental space.
I welcome the inclusion of individual interests and experiences and support the development of a strong therapeutic relationship.
As a licensed psychologist, I provide therapy with children, families, teens, and adults experiencing a variety of challenges, including ADHD, self-esteem, interpersonal and relational difficulties, anxiety and mood disorders, major life transitions, behavioral/conduct issues, and developmental disorders/ASD. My approach to therapy emphasizes a humanist, strengths-based, and trauma-informed style. I strive to support growth, self-understanding, and adaptive skill-building in an open and nonjudgmental space.
(984) 265-2176 View (984) 265-2176
Photo of Sarah C Morris, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarah C Morris
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
You may have a child, partner, or family relationship that's strained or feels on the breaking point.
All are welcome to discover new ways to feel secure and look for possibilities. Whether you are healing from trauma, in pain, facing conflicts, seeking connection with your best self, your faith, or your motivation, you deserve joy. You may need help for yourself or in a relationship with a concern that’s new or one you’ve held since childhood or worked through before. I offer an understanding perspective from someone with over a decade of professional experience supporting people through change. I'm ready to help you or your family access your strengths, heal, and feel safe to love and grow.
You may have a child, partner, or family relationship that's strained or feels on the breaking point.
All are welcome to discover new ways to feel secure and look for possibilities. Whether you are healing from trauma, in pain, facing conflicts, seeking connection with your best self, your faith, or your motivation, you deserve joy. You may need help for yourself or in a relationship with a concern that’s new or one you’ve held since childhood or worked through before. I offer an understanding perspective from someone with over a decade of professional experience supporting people through change. I'm ready to help you or your family access your strengths, heal, and feel safe to love and grow.
(336) 361-1732 View (336) 361-1732
Photo of Anne Olivar, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anne Olivar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I enjoy working with students and people of all ages, as well as parents, couples, and families.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe in practical and person-centered therapy, meaning you are in charge of the process while I guide and support you. I specialize in using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help manage big emotions and change unhelpful patterns. Dialectical work challenges us to understand seemingly opposing thoughts and feelings. In DBT, we focus on building skills in 4 areas: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotional Regulation, and Distress Tolerance to help achieve our goals.
I enjoy working with students and people of all ages, as well as parents, couples, and families.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe in practical and person-centered therapy, meaning you are in charge of the process while I guide and support you. I specialize in using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help manage big emotions and change unhelpful patterns. Dialectical work challenges us to understand seemingly opposing thoughts and feelings. In DBT, we focus on building skills in 4 areas: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotional Regulation, and Distress Tolerance to help achieve our goals.
(919) 410-8512 View (919) 410-8512
Photo of W. Ryan Murdoch, LCMHC, Counselor
W. Ryan Murdoch
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Finding the right help in times of stress, conflict, fear, and emptiness is important, even if it is difficult. Choosing a counselor is about finding someone you feel confident can understand you where you are, and that you trust to help find the path forward. The people I serve value my openness, compassion, curiosity, insight and calm. If you are struggling with trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or feeling worthless, then I would like to help you find the pathways to healing that best work for you.
Finding the right help in times of stress, conflict, fear, and emptiness is important, even if it is difficult. Choosing a counselor is about finding someone you feel confident can understand you where you are, and that you trust to help find the path forward. The people I serve value my openness, compassion, curiosity, insight and calm. If you are struggling with trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or feeling worthless, then I would like to help you find the pathways to healing that best work for you.
(919) 535-4811 x108 View (919) 535-4811 x108
Photo of Ruth C Bruening, MS, LCMHC
Ruth C Bruening
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
I am committed to providing my clients with the necessary tools to lead rich & fulfilling lives and to deal with life's challenges in a productive & satisfying way. I serve adults, couples, families, and older teens from an overall perspective to increase awareness & utilize mindfulness to enrich and optimize life experiences.
I am committed to providing my clients with the necessary tools to lead rich & fulfilling lives and to deal with life's challenges in a productive & satisfying way. I serve adults, couples, families, and older teens from an overall perspective to increase awareness & utilize mindfulness to enrich and optimize life experiences.
(301) 710-9486 View (301) 710-9486
Photo of Page J. Littlewood, MBA, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Page J. Littlewood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
For couples, my approach will include Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) because it is the most effective, evidence based method available today.
I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist. My work supports individuals, couples, families and small businesses seeking to unlock their ability to access the best they have to offer. We all need to experience a secure bond with another to provide a safe haven for comfort and support and a secure base to go out into the world. Together, we can find the secure bond, fun, love, and caring masked by conflicts, connect you with the resources we are all born with that build self esteem, strengthen relationships, bring into awareness and transform old and familiar patterns of communication that are defensive rather than connecting.
For couples, my approach will include Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) because it is the most effective, evidence based method available today.
I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist. My work supports individuals, couples, families and small businesses seeking to unlock their ability to access the best they have to offer. We all need to experience a secure bond with another to provide a safe haven for comfort and support and a secure base to go out into the world. Together, we can find the secure bond, fun, love, and caring masked by conflicts, connect you with the resources we are all born with that build self esteem, strengthen relationships, bring into awareness and transform old and familiar patterns of communication that are defensive rather than connecting.
(919) 948-3457 View (919) 948-3457
Photo of Taylor Starns, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Taylor Starns
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
As a Therapist, I believe that central to our success is a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship. I prioritize creating a safe relational space for my clients so that we can identify areas of strength and areas of growth. I specialize in Mood Disorders such as anxiety and depression, Eating Disorders, life transitions, Gender and Sexuality, and social/relational issues. I am a Certified EMDR Practitioner with extensive training and experience in supporting LGBTQIA+ adolescents and adults through transitions and mental health distress.
As a Therapist, I believe that central to our success is a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship. I prioritize creating a safe relational space for my clients so that we can identify areas of strength and areas of growth. I specialize in Mood Disorders such as anxiety and depression, Eating Disorders, life transitions, Gender and Sexuality, and social/relational issues. I am a Certified EMDR Practitioner with extensive training and experience in supporting LGBTQIA+ adolescents and adults through transitions and mental health distress.
(919) 348-4936 View (919) 348-4936
Photo of Linda Brandt Hammock, LCAS, LCMHC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Linda Brandt Hammock
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LCAS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Linda uses a variety of modalities, including CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, attachment theory, schema therapy, behavioral interventions, relationship skill development and more, to create customized treatment plans with a focus on teaching her clients the healthy coping skills needed to face recovery head-on.
At Serenity4U in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, you'll find the support needed to tackle the intricacies of substance abuse, whether it concerns yourself or a loved one. Linda leans on a lifetime of professional experience —as well as her personal journey—to assist her clients in finding hope as they take the first steps toward recovery or wellness. In addition to working with adults, Linda has expertise in working both with young people who are struggling with substance related issues and their parents.
Linda uses a variety of modalities, including CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, attachment theory, schema therapy, behavioral interventions, relationship skill development and more, to create customized treatment plans with a focus on teaching her clients the healthy coping skills needed to face recovery head-on.
At Serenity4U in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, you'll find the support needed to tackle the intricacies of substance abuse, whether it concerns yourself or a loved one. Linda leans on a lifetime of professional experience —as well as her personal journey—to assist her clients in finding hope as they take the first steps toward recovery or wellness. In addition to working with adults, Linda has expertise in working both with young people who are struggling with substance related issues and their parents.
(336) 523-0726 View (336) 523-0726
Photo of Aimee Jenkins, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Aimee Jenkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Our first session together is usually focused on helping to build a therapeutic relationship between us by allowing me into your space for just a bit and helping me to gain more insight into your life, current functioning, desires, and goals.
My belief is that in order to create and sustain a happy, well-balanced life, we must first define what "happy" looks like, then figure out how to obtain it! This can oftentimes be daunting when experiencing the challenges of mental health, and significant life transitions. I have dedicated my entire career to partnering with individuals and families and meeting them where they are to work on achieving this goal. I regularly use mindfulness skills and always promote a trauma-informed approach to all we work on. Regardless, I work to meet you where you are and utilize appropriate interventions. My focus
Our first session together is usually focused on helping to build a therapeutic relationship between us by allowing me into your space for just a bit and helping me to gain more insight into your life, current functioning, desires, and goals.
My belief is that in order to create and sustain a happy, well-balanced life, we must first define what "happy" looks like, then figure out how to obtain it! This can oftentimes be daunting when experiencing the challenges of mental health, and significant life transitions. I have dedicated my entire career to partnering with individuals and families and meeting them where they are to work on achieving this goal. I regularly use mindfulness skills and always promote a trauma-informed approach to all we work on. Regardless, I work to meet you where you are and utilize appropriate interventions. My focus
(984) 206-3619 View (984) 206-3619
Photo of Valencia Sandersdavis - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Chapel Hill
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Chapel Hill
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
We offer individual counseling, psychiatry/medication management (virtual only), family counseling, couples therapy/marriage counseling, and child & teen therapy.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
We offer individual counseling, psychiatry/medication management (virtual only), family counseling, couples therapy/marriage counseling, and child & teen therapy.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
(919) 373-6068 View (919) 373-6068
Photo of Anne Storelli, LCMHC, LMFT
Anne Storelli
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be challenging, and most of us need help at one time or another. I offer a safe place to process thoughts and feelings, a place to be heard and understood - an experience that is increasingly rare in our modern, fast paced lives. Taking time to explore your interior world can be a tremendous opportunity for growth in your own sense of well-being and in your relationships with others. I enjoy working with adults and children, couples and families, focusing on your personal challenges and empowering you to find a way to meet your goals.
Life can be challenging, and most of us need help at one time or another. I offer a safe place to process thoughts and feelings, a place to be heard and understood - an experience that is increasingly rare in our modern, fast paced lives. Taking time to explore your interior world can be a tremendous opportunity for growth in your own sense of well-being and in your relationships with others. I enjoy working with adults and children, couples and families, focusing on your personal challenges and empowering you to find a way to meet your goals.
(919) 587-8073 View (919) 587-8073
Photo of Rachel E. Coleman, MS/EdS, LCMHCA, NCC
Rachel E. Coleman
MS/EdS, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
I believe therapy is a collaborative process and view the therapeutic relationship as foundational to the entire experience.
Limited evening and weekend availability! Thank you for visiting my page. Choosing a therapist can be a big decision, so I'd love to talk with you to see if I can be a resource in your journey towards reaching your goals. I work with individuals seeking support for anxiety, depression, stress, career planning/development, and trauma. I also offer relationship therapy for both couples and various partnership agreements. I view my work through a social justice lens and practice cultural humility to create a space that is welcoming to all clients.
I believe therapy is a collaborative process and view the therapeutic relationship as foundational to the entire experience.
Limited evening and weekend availability! Thank you for visiting my page. Choosing a therapist can be a big decision, so I'd love to talk with you to see if I can be a resource in your journey towards reaching your goals. I work with individuals seeking support for anxiety, depression, stress, career planning/development, and trauma. I also offer relationship therapy for both couples and various partnership agreements. I view my work through a social justice lens and practice cultural humility to create a space that is welcoming to all clients.
(919) 372-4553 View (919) 372-4553
Photo of Kendra A. Surmitis, PhD, LPC, NCC
Kendra A. Surmitis
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I am suited to treat a variety of personal and relational concerns including: anxiety, personality issues, depression, relationship concerns, and the impact of trauma.
My name is Dr. Kendra A. Surmitis, and I provide a comfortable, private space for individuals seeking personalized counseling, mindfulness, dream work, and psychoanalysis. Do you wonder about the impact of your early relationships on your ability to enjoy your life and relationships today? Are you interested to learn more about your personality and avenues for greater life fulfillment? We will work together to find meaningful answers to your deepest questions while supporting your quality of life. I invite you to visit my practice website for information and to contact me for a complimentary consultation.
I am suited to treat a variety of personal and relational concerns including: anxiety, personality issues, depression, relationship concerns, and the impact of trauma.
My name is Dr. Kendra A. Surmitis, and I provide a comfortable, private space for individuals seeking personalized counseling, mindfulness, dream work, and psychoanalysis. Do you wonder about the impact of your early relationships on your ability to enjoy your life and relationships today? Are you interested to learn more about your personality and avenues for greater life fulfillment? We will work together to find meaningful answers to your deepest questions while supporting your quality of life. I invite you to visit my practice website for information and to contact me for a complimentary consultation.
(984) 207-3191 View (984) 207-3191
Photo of Caroline Holcomb, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caroline Holcomb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and centered on your strengths. I believe that a trusting relationship with your therapist can be incredibly healing, and I hope to provide a safe, compassionate environment for connection and change. I enjoy working with individuals and couples on a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, grief & loss, relationship issues, eating disorders & body image, life transitions, and identity. No matter what brings you in, my goal is to create a space where you can feel seen and where we can uncover the innate resources & wisdom within you that bring you to the answers you seek.
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and centered on your strengths. I believe that a trusting relationship with your therapist can be incredibly healing, and I hope to provide a safe, compassionate environment for connection and change. I enjoy working with individuals and couples on a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, grief & loss, relationship issues, eating disorders & body image, life transitions, and identity. No matter what brings you in, my goal is to create a space where you can feel seen and where we can uncover the innate resources & wisdom within you that bring you to the answers you seek.
(984) 213-4971 View (984) 213-4971
Photo of Greg Welikson, PhD, Psychologist
Greg Welikson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27517  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I provide individual therapy to young adults and adults, couples counseling, premarital counseling, and career assessment/counseling.
I feel privileged to help clients become more connected with themselves and others, experience symptom reduction, and develop more satisfying relationships. A caring, understanding, and empathetic therapeutic relationship is the foundation of my work with clients, and I am proud that past clients have expressed feeling safe, cared for, and accepted when working with me. I have extensive experience working with clients who have or are currently experiencing, anxiety, depression, relationship distress, loneliness, trauma, academic or career distress, identity development, and/or difficult life transitions.
I provide individual therapy to young adults and adults, couples counseling, premarital counseling, and career assessment/counseling.
I feel privileged to help clients become more connected with themselves and others, experience symptom reduction, and develop more satisfying relationships. A caring, understanding, and empathetic therapeutic relationship is the foundation of my work with clients, and I am proud that past clients have expressed feeling safe, cared for, and accepted when working with me. I have extensive experience working with clients who have or are currently experiencing, anxiety, depression, relationship distress, loneliness, trauma, academic or career distress, identity development, and/or difficult life transitions.
(919) 887-9547 View (919) 887-9547
Photo of Jason Roberts, MA, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jason Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
I utilize Gottman techniques for enhancing couples' relationships and increasing healthy communication.
I love to help clients identify and break harmful patterns of behavior and work towards a healthier, more sustainable, balance that improves their lives. My style is compassionate, yet direct and transparent. I see problematic behaviors as coping mechanisms for underlying stressors/emotional experiences that need processing. I have extensive experience working with clients with eating disorders and addictions. As a former HS teacher, I enjoy working with young adults. I believe that relationships heal. In every case, I consider clients' contexts, which have great impact on their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Mindfulness practice is built-in to my approach.
I utilize Gottman techniques for enhancing couples' relationships and increasing healthy communication.
I love to help clients identify and break harmful patterns of behavior and work towards a healthier, more sustainable, balance that improves their lives. My style is compassionate, yet direct and transparent. I see problematic behaviors as coping mechanisms for underlying stressors/emotional experiences that need processing. I have extensive experience working with clients with eating disorders and addictions. As a former HS teacher, I enjoy working with young adults. I believe that relationships heal. In every case, I consider clients' contexts, which have great impact on their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Mindfulness practice is built-in to my approach.
(919) 694-6531 View (919) 694-6531
Photo of Kevin L Weber, MS, LCMHC, LMHC, LCAC, NCC, Counselor
Kevin L Weber
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LMHC, LCAC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
With my Gottman Level One Couples Training and experience as a Certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator, I've enjoyed helping many couples with Pre-Marital & Marriage Counseling.
I offer tailor made counseling services, including traditional & psychedelic therapy as well as coaching, to those experiencing life's difficulties. My compassionate and non-judgmental approach is predicated on offering helpful direction towards specific, realistic, client determined goals. I am very comfortable working with individuals or couples of all ages, veterans and business executives. My approaches based on individual client expectations and needs. Each approach is customized and personal. Phone and video and sessions are available for added convenience. I offer a Christian worldview approach upon request.
With my Gottman Level One Couples Training and experience as a Certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator, I've enjoyed helping many couples with Pre-Marital & Marriage Counseling.
I offer tailor made counseling services, including traditional & psychedelic therapy as well as coaching, to those experiencing life's difficulties. My compassionate and non-judgmental approach is predicated on offering helpful direction towards specific, realistic, client determined goals. I am very comfortable working with individuals or couples of all ages, veterans and business executives. My approaches based on individual client expectations and needs. Each approach is customized and personal. Phone and video and sessions are available for added convenience. I offer a Christian worldview approach upon request.
(336) 234-2722 View (336) 234-2722
Photo of Judith S Barnett, PhD, Psychologist
Judith S Barnett
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
I have been working successfully with couples and individuals for 20+ years on a variety of topics including depression, relationship issues, and specializing in the areas of communication, extramarital affairs, online infidelity, couples conflict resolution, and divorce prevention. I am very client-centered and value teaming with my clients to work effectively at their comfort level, staying mindful of their wishes while using my clinical skills and modalities.
I have been working successfully with couples and individuals for 20+ years on a variety of topics including depression, relationship issues, and specializing in the areas of communication, extramarital affairs, online infidelity, couples conflict resolution, and divorce prevention. I am very client-centered and value teaming with my clients to work effectively at their comfort level, staying mindful of their wishes while using my clinical skills and modalities.
(252) 392-0707 View (252) 392-0707
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Couples Counseling Therapists

Does couples counseling work?

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

When should a couple seek counseling?

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

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

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

How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?

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