Marriage Counseling Therapists in Charlotte, NC

Photo of Shawna Lauer, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shawna Lauer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28203
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, EMDR, trauma, attachment, anxiety, evidenced-based treatments and culturally informed care.
Accepting New Clients-Email for Availability. If you’re a woman or mother struggling with anxiety or depression, you're not alone. I am here to help you feel better. I understand whole-heartedly the challenges that women face when experiencing infertility, pregnancy, grief/loss, trauma & postpartum depression and anxiety. Women often feel stressed out by the transition to parenthood, adjusting to new roles, relationship challenges, major career decisions, caring for a baby and parenting young children. I’ve dedicated my career to helping families thrive, grow and heal and we will work together to help you feel like yourself again.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, EMDR, trauma, attachment, anxiety, evidenced-based treatments and culturally informed care.
Accepting New Clients-Email for Availability. If you’re a woman or mother struggling with anxiety or depression, you're not alone. I am here to help you feel better. I understand whole-heartedly the challenges that women face when experiencing infertility, pregnancy, grief/loss, trauma & postpartum depression and anxiety. Women often feel stressed out by the transition to parenthood, adjusting to new roles, relationship challenges, major career decisions, caring for a baby and parenting young children. I’ve dedicated my career to helping families thrive, grow and heal and we will work together to help you feel like yourself again.
(980) 246-2550 View (980) 246-2550
Photo of Dorothy E Gasparro, EdS, LPC, LCMHC, LMHC, CTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dorothy E Gasparro
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC, LCMHC, LMHC, CTP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28204  (Online Only)
I received my Masters degree in counseling from The University of South Florida and a post Masters degree (EdS) in Marriage and Family Therapy from The College of New Jersey.
If you're searching for a therapist you know there has to be a good fit between the two of you in order for that partnership to be successful. I don't believe there is a one size fits all when it comes to life's challenges and no one size fits all when I work with clients. Life has a habit of throwing us a curve ball on occasion and it's nice to work through that with someone who isn't in the middle of your life. Reach out and let's talk. I take a strength-based approach and use various modalities to facilitate insight, reach personal goals, and work through issues.
I received my Masters degree in counseling from The University of South Florida and a post Masters degree (EdS) in Marriage and Family Therapy from The College of New Jersey.
If you're searching for a therapist you know there has to be a good fit between the two of you in order for that partnership to be successful. I don't believe there is a one size fits all when it comes to life's challenges and no one size fits all when I work with clients. Life has a habit of throwing us a curve ball on occasion and it's nice to work through that with someone who isn't in the middle of your life. Reach out and let's talk. I take a strength-based approach and use various modalities to facilitate insight, reach personal goals, and work through issues.
(919) 646-2761 View (919) 646-2761
Photo of Samantha Atkinson-Lorenz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Samantha Atkinson-Lorenz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28210
I work with adults who want help addressing anxiety, depression, parenting, relationship and marital issues, premarital counseling, life transitions, stress, and more.
“Healing doesn’t mean the hurt never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives.” Hello and welcome! I’m Samantha. I enjoy working with people of all ages and I see children, teens and adults. I also have specific experience working in maternal mental health and specifically with clients who are experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Additionally, I have experience working with parents who are learning to juggle this role, but who also want to stay true to who they are as an individual.
I work with adults who want help addressing anxiety, depression, parenting, relationship and marital issues, premarital counseling, life transitions, stress, and more.
“Healing doesn’t mean the hurt never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives.” Hello and welcome! I’m Samantha. I enjoy working with people of all ages and I see children, teens and adults. I also have specific experience working in maternal mental health and specifically with clients who are experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Additionally, I have experience working with parents who are learning to juggle this role, but who also want to stay true to who they are as an individual.
(704) 666-4809 View (704) 666-4809
Photo of Michelle Einson, PsyD, Psychologist
Michelle Einson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28277
My service include individual and family therapy, marital counseling, and specialty treatments including biofeedback, hypnotherapy, and virtual reality.
Raising a child with developmental, medical, or psychological difficulties can be a struggle for even the best of families. Couples, as well, often need help with navigating the myriad of "man/woman communication styles and parenting difficulties..
My service include individual and family therapy, marital counseling, and specialty treatments including biofeedback, hypnotherapy, and virtual reality.
Raising a child with developmental, medical, or psychological difficulties can be a struggle for even the best of families. Couples, as well, often need help with navigating the myriad of "man/woman communication styles and parenting difficulties..
(980) 389-2892 View (980) 389-2892
Photo of Mickey Jensen, MA, LMFT-A, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Mickey Jensen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28262
I have experience in working with individuals (i.e. children/preadolescents 3-12, adolescents and adults) struggling with adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, emotion regulation and behavioral challenges. I work with couples who are seeking premarital or marital counseling and work to promote a safe atmosphere where couples can explore their current challenges, process their emotions, and foster hope. I also work with couples and families to create a nurturing and supportive environment where members can grow as individuals as well as develop healthy relationships.
I have experience in working with individuals (i.e. children/preadolescents 3-12, adolescents and adults) struggling with adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, emotion regulation and behavioral challenges. I work with couples who are seeking premarital or marital counseling and work to promote a safe atmosphere where couples can explore their current challenges, process their emotions, and foster hope. I also work with couples and families to create a nurturing and supportive environment where members can grow as individuals as well as develop healthy relationships.
(980) 428-9720 View (980) 428-9720
Photo of Josh Jensen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Josh Jensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28277
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am passionate about seeing the family as a system that has strengths and flaws.
Josh is thoughtful in his approach to serving individuals and families through various struggles and transitions. He strives to create a warm, collaborative and non-judgmental environment where therapy can work towards clear solutions, deeper truths and a fuller acceptance of strengths and struggles. He has been in private practice since 2009 and has expertise in working with anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD grief, OCD, dream interpretation and the integration of spiritual concerns with the work of therapy. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, Josh is excited about working with all aspects of the family system and throughout major
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am passionate about seeing the family as a system that has strengths and flaws.
Josh is thoughtful in his approach to serving individuals and families through various struggles and transitions. He strives to create a warm, collaborative and non-judgmental environment where therapy can work towards clear solutions, deeper truths and a fuller acceptance of strengths and struggles. He has been in private practice since 2009 and has expertise in working with anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD grief, OCD, dream interpretation and the integration of spiritual concerns with the work of therapy. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, Josh is excited about working with all aspects of the family system and throughout major
(704) 209-7503 View (704) 209-7503
Photo of Alicia Newell - Renew Coaching and Counseling , MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Renew Coaching and Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28216  (Online Only)
I have diverse training in Solutions-Focused, Gottman Method Marriage Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and somatic, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Veterans specific, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
I believe that we all deserve to be on a path towards our dreams in a joy-filled life. I understand that there are many obstacles that get in the way of this and that we cannot do it alone. Having someone trustworthy and experienced to walk alongside to help navigate the ups and downs and complexities of life is important for all of us. As you work to re-align your path towards your goals and live out your dreams, I want to be there with you to listen deeply to where you have been, understand fully where you are at, and get on board with where you want to go.
I have diverse training in Solutions-Focused, Gottman Method Marriage Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and somatic, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Veterans specific, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
I believe that we all deserve to be on a path towards our dreams in a joy-filled life. I understand that there are many obstacles that get in the way of this and that we cannot do it alone. Having someone trustworthy and experienced to walk alongside to help navigate the ups and downs and complexities of life is important for all of us. As you work to re-align your path towards your goals and live out your dreams, I want to be there with you to listen deeply to where you have been, understand fully where you are at, and get on board with where you want to go.
(980) 478-8538 View (980) 478-8538
Photo of Sarah S. McArthur, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarah S. McArthur
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28204
In my time as a therapist, I have worked with individuals, couples, and families on issues ranging from struggles with life changes and adjustments to the challenges that arise from substance use/abuse. Some other areas I've worked with include anxiety, depression, pre- marital concerns, LGBTQIA, relationship issues, and familial conflicts. My treatment approach is client/person-centered where I act as a supportive guide along whatever journey you are on.
In my time as a therapist, I have worked with individuals, couples, and families on issues ranging from struggles with life changes and adjustments to the challenges that arise from substance use/abuse. Some other areas I've worked with include anxiety, depression, pre- marital concerns, LGBTQIA, relationship issues, and familial conflicts. My treatment approach is client/person-centered where I act as a supportive guide along whatever journey you are on.
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Photo of Dorothy Brooks, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dorothy Brooks
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210
Dorothy Brooks, MA, LMFT, LCASA Dorothy Brooks is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2019. She has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dorothy has a passion for hearing clients' life stories. By doing this she is able to uniquely cater to their wants and needs of therapy by pulling from their life experiences, some that were traumatic as well as positive, to help facilitate understanding as well as change in their journey. She believes we are the authors of our stories and is here to simply help you write your masterpiece.
Dorothy Brooks, MA, LMFT, LCASA Dorothy Brooks is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2019. She has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dorothy has a passion for hearing clients' life stories. By doing this she is able to uniquely cater to their wants and needs of therapy by pulling from their life experiences, some that were traumatic as well as positive, to help facilitate understanding as well as change in their journey. She believes we are the authors of our stories and is here to simply help you write your masterpiece.
(704) 440-5633 View (704) 440-5633
Photo of Chelsea Brianne Carman, MA
Chelsea Brianne Carman
MA
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28212  (Online Only)
I am able to provide a biblical perspective to their mental health or marital struggles.
Throughout my career (so far) I have witnessed many individuals struggle and wrestle with their mental health and their faith. There is a stigma that rests within the church and mental health that is still present today so many Christians are faced with masking their mental health. I am here to say that this should not be. You can struggle with mental health concerns and remain a believer and child of God. I am here to meet you where you are at and work through your symptoms, one step at a time. I also have found that people forego their mental health due to financial strains. You don't have to do that with me. Give me a call.
I am able to provide a biblical perspective to their mental health or marital struggles.
Throughout my career (so far) I have witnessed many individuals struggle and wrestle with their mental health and their faith. There is a stigma that rests within the church and mental health that is still present today so many Christians are faced with masking their mental health. I am here to say that this should not be. You can struggle with mental health concerns and remain a believer and child of God. I am here to meet you where you are at and work through your symptoms, one step at a time. I also have found that people forego their mental health due to financial strains. You don't have to do that with me. Give me a call.
(980) 428-6453 View (980) 428-6453
Photo of Buffy Wimmer, MACC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Buffy Wimmer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MACC, LPC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28278
Waitlist for new clients
I also received formal training in : Level I & II Gottman Institute for couples and marital therapy.
Thank you for your interest in discovering the best therapist for your particular needs. Please take a few minutes and read through my information or review my website for more information. I received my undergraduate degree from UNC- Chapel Hill and my Masters in Christian Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. I have worked as a pastoral counselor at a large church in Charlotte for almost 10 years and am currently in private practice. I have been married almost 44 years and have 6 grandchildren. Please consider calling for an appointment..I received formal training in :Positive Psychology,EMDR andBrainspotting ,
I also received formal training in : Level I & II Gottman Institute for couples and marital therapy.
Thank you for your interest in discovering the best therapist for your particular needs. Please take a few minutes and read through my information or review my website for more information. I received my undergraduate degree from UNC- Chapel Hill and my Masters in Christian Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. I have worked as a pastoral counselor at a large church in Charlotte for almost 10 years and am currently in private practice. I have been married almost 44 years and have 6 grandchildren. Please consider calling for an appointment..I received formal training in :Positive Psychology,EMDR andBrainspotting ,
(980) 250-2438 View (980) 250-2438
Photo of Christopher B Briggman, MRC, LCMHC, LPC, CRC, CVE
Christopher B Briggman
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MRC, LCMHC, LPC, CRC, CVE
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28201  (Online Only)
I’ve worked with clients of all ages to address depression, anxiety, death, workplace stress, marriage stress, and parenting issues.
My ideal client is anyone who needs therapy or is looking for a new counselor to provide a fresh perspective on life. Based on my 11 years of experience, I am confident that counseling can provide any client with support and resources to handle their personal issues based on any aspect of mental health and/or their past problems, current issues, or future goals. My ideal client seeks to achieve balance in their professional and personal life. The ability to empathize is an innate trait that works best when serving my clients.
I’ve worked with clients of all ages to address depression, anxiety, death, workplace stress, marriage stress, and parenting issues.
My ideal client is anyone who needs therapy or is looking for a new counselor to provide a fresh perspective on life. Based on my 11 years of experience, I am confident that counseling can provide any client with support and resources to handle their personal issues based on any aspect of mental health and/or their past problems, current issues, or future goals. My ideal client seeks to achieve balance in their professional and personal life. The ability to empathize is an innate trait that works best when serving my clients.
(843) 594-0397 View (843) 594-0397
Photo of Karen G Strange, LMFT, CST,  CSAT, CPTT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Karen G Strange
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CST, CSAT, CPTT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28201
I welcome opportunities to present workshops to colleges, churches, and local civic organizations on a variety of topics including information on sexual/porn addiction, teaching your children about sex, and creating a sexually vibrant marriage.
As a Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and co-founder of the Center for Sexual and Relational Health, I specialize in helping individuals and couples struggling with sexual/porn addiction, compulsive sexual behaviors, infidelity, and the associated trauma from those behaviors. Because sexual/porn addiction impacts the entire family system, I am also a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist as I help partners navigate the emotional impact created by the problematic behaviors of their loved ones. I journey alongside my clients to help them create a new narrative for themselves so they can move forward.
I welcome opportunities to present workshops to colleges, churches, and local civic organizations on a variety of topics including information on sexual/porn addiction, teaching your children about sex, and creating a sexually vibrant marriage.
As a Certified Sex Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and co-founder of the Center for Sexual and Relational Health, I specialize in helping individuals and couples struggling with sexual/porn addiction, compulsive sexual behaviors, infidelity, and the associated trauma from those behaviors. Because sexual/porn addiction impacts the entire family system, I am also a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist as I help partners navigate the emotional impact created by the problematic behaviors of their loved ones. I journey alongside my clients to help them create a new narrative for themselves so they can move forward.
(864) 662-6427 View (864) 662-6427
Photo of Jessica McCall, MS, LMFT-S, CSAT, CPTT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica McCall
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT-S, CSAT, CPTT, EMDR
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28210
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor (LMFT-S), Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT), and trauma therapist (EMDR). I walk with clients through emotional healing, addiction recovery, and relationship repair. I help individuals and couples struggling with infidelity, betrayal, trust, intimacy, sex, process addictions (sex/porn, love, work, etc.), communication, and complex or attachment-oriented trauma. I am also Certified to work with premarital couples as a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator and I am trained in Discernment Counseling to help couples considering divorce.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor (LMFT-S), Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT), and trauma therapist (EMDR). I walk with clients through emotional healing, addiction recovery, and relationship repair. I help individuals and couples struggling with infidelity, betrayal, trust, intimacy, sex, process addictions (sex/porn, love, work, etc.), communication, and complex or attachment-oriented trauma. I am also Certified to work with premarital couples as a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator and I am trained in Discernment Counseling to help couples considering divorce.
(980) 255-5335 View (980) 255-5335
Photo of Monique Aquino, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Monique Aquino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226
I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) licensed marriage and family therapist with a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in marriage and family therapy.
Life can be a journey with peaks and valleys. Sometimes we can feel stuck along the way, and the tools that once served us are no longer working. This can leave us feeling hopeless, lost, and alone. That is when having a fellow traveler and a safe space to navigate life’s difficulties can help us adjust course and find peace. With more than 17 years of experience, it would honor me to be a part of your healing journey.
I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) licensed marriage and family therapist with a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in marriage and family therapy.
Life can be a journey with peaks and valleys. Sometimes we can feel stuck along the way, and the tools that once served us are no longer working. This can leave us feeling hopeless, lost, and alone. That is when having a fellow traveler and a safe space to navigate life’s difficulties can help us adjust course and find peace. With more than 17 years of experience, it would honor me to be a part of your healing journey.
(704) 610-4117 View (704) 610-4117
Photo of Doerun Stokes - Abundant Joy Counseling, PLLC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Abundant Joy Counseling, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226
Taking NEW clients: Are you searching for healing for your marriage/relationship? Are you an individual dealing with the overwhelming stressors of life or want to reconnect to your emotions? Maybe a teen or young adult working through identity development? These specific areas, among many others, is why I'm here. I care about the health of the individual as well as the family unit, and believe when it's thriving and growing, all members thrive and grow and heal. It takes courage to ask for help, and I believe your courage will be rewarded. Let's take that next step together!
Taking NEW clients: Are you searching for healing for your marriage/relationship? Are you an individual dealing with the overwhelming stressors of life or want to reconnect to your emotions? Maybe a teen or young adult working through identity development? These specific areas, among many others, is why I'm here. I care about the health of the individual as well as the family unit, and believe when it's thriving and growing, all members thrive and grow and heal. It takes courage to ask for help, and I believe your courage will be rewarded. Let's take that next step together!
(704) 228-6837 View (704) 228-6837
Photo of Donna Moore Kanipe, MACC, LMFT, LCMHC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Donna Moore Kanipe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MACC, LMFT, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, I specialize in working with pre- marital couples, distressed couples, and individuals (21+). My experience includes counseling pre- marital couples, conflicted couples, trauma survivors, divorce care, women grieving betrayals, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, and adjustment after life-altering accidents and medical conditions.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, I specialize in working with pre- marital couples, distressed couples, and individuals (21+). My experience includes counseling pre- marital couples, conflicted couples, trauma survivors, divorce care, women grieving betrayals, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, and adjustment after life-altering accidents and medical conditions.
(704) 215-4203 x121 View (704) 215-4203 x121
Photo of Kristyn Bly - DayBreak Counseling, PLLC, MACC, LCMHC
DayBreak Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MACC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28277
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with expertise in working with individual adults and adolescent girls, couples, and families with a diverse range of needs. It is my life's work to collaborate with and support you as you work to achieve your desired goals. I am proficient in trauma and marital therapy as a result of extensive training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT). My strengths are in the areas of patience, compassion, warmth, depth and authenticity awakening hope for my clients as well as lasting and positive transformation.
I am a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with expertise in working with individual adults and adolescent girls, couples, and families with a diverse range of needs. It is my life's work to collaborate with and support you as you work to achieve your desired goals. I am proficient in trauma and marital therapy as a result of extensive training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT). My strengths are in the areas of patience, compassion, warmth, depth and authenticity awakening hope for my clients as well as lasting and positive transformation.
(980) 447-2581 View (980) 447-2581
Photo of Jonathan Hetterly - Jonathan Hetterly, LLC, MA, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jonathan Hetterly, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28210
I help those with anxiety, depression, addiction, mental health related life disruption, marital struggles, and parenting problems.
The world is in the midst of great changes and challenges. Our mental health must be prioritized, or we will needlessly suffer as we accept and adapt to what is happening in our lives.
I help those with anxiety, depression, addiction, mental health related life disruption, marital struggles, and parenting problems.
The world is in the midst of great changes and challenges. Our mental health must be prioritized, or we will needlessly suffer as we accept and adapt to what is happening in our lives.
(704) 413-3473 x111 View (704) 413-3473 x111
Photo of Briana Wilson - Village Designed Counseling, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Village Designed Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist passionate about helping you experience new ways of understanding, managing, and living life. I help clients who have experienced childhood traumas, and relational challenges, strengthen marriages, prepare for marriage, navigate emotional/psychological distressful experiences, strengthen emotional connections/bonds, and recover the hope and joy that once was. Village Designed Counseling creates an emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually safe place to explore, heal, and recover hope again.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist passionate about helping you experience new ways of understanding, managing, and living life. I help clients who have experienced childhood traumas, and relational challenges, strengthen marriages, prepare for marriage, navigate emotional/psychological distressful experiences, strengthen emotional connections/bonds, and recover the hope and joy that once was. Village Designed Counseling creates an emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually safe place to explore, heal, and recover hope again.
(704) 761-7140 View (704) 761-7140
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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.