Marriage Counseling Therapists in Winston Salem, NC

Photo of Olivia Bunce, MA, LMFTA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Olivia Bunce
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Currently Accepting Couples and Families. Thank you for taking the first step towards healing. As a marriage and family therapist, I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families. I utilize systemic, evidence-based theories and practices to meet my client where they are and take them where they want to go. This simply means I view people within the context of their relationships and utilize interventions that have proven to be effective.
Currently Accepting Couples and Families. Thank you for taking the first step towards healing. As a marriage and family therapist, I work with adolescents, adults, couples and families. I utilize systemic, evidence-based theories and practices to meet my client where they are and take them where they want to go. This simply means I view people within the context of their relationships and utilize interventions that have proven to be effective.
(336) 891-4028 View (336) 891-4028
Photo of Corey Christopher Winston, MSW, LCSW, LCASA, CCSOTS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Corey Christopher Winston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCASA, CCSOTS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101  (Online Only)
To those couples anticipating marriage, let's prepare and enrich your foundation! I provide pre- marital and marital counseling.
Accepting New Clients for Telehealth Appointments! I have over 15 years of experience working in the mental health field working in a variety of settings with children, adolescents, adults and families. Everyone has a different life filled with different challenges. My focus is investigating what you are experiencing, understanding the challenges you face and offering you array of options for healing. This can be your first step toward a new life. Your search most likely reflects your search for something better and that takes great strength!
To those couples anticipating marriage, let's prepare and enrich your foundation! I provide pre- marital and marital counseling.
Accepting New Clients for Telehealth Appointments! I have over 15 years of experience working in the mental health field working in a variety of settings with children, adolescents, adults and families. Everyone has a different life filled with different challenges. My focus is investigating what you are experiencing, understanding the challenges you face and offering you array of options for healing. This can be your first step toward a new life. Your search most likely reflects your search for something better and that takes great strength!
(910) 312-2478 View (910) 312-2478
Photo of Harry Lerner, MA, LCMHC, QS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Harry Lerner
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, QS, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101  (Online Only)
As a family systems therapist, I believe that individuals are best understood within the context of relationships and through the assessment of our various daily interactions. I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapy, which depending on the need, may include couples, whole families, or just an individual. Specifically, much of my practice focuses on relationship stress, family issues, couple/ marital satisfaction, communication skills, anxiety/depression, child/adolescent disorders and behaviors, and parenting success. (Please visit our website for more detail about our clinicians and specialties)
As a family systems therapist, I believe that individuals are best understood within the context of relationships and through the assessment of our various daily interactions. I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapy, which depending on the need, may include couples, whole families, or just an individual. Specifically, much of my practice focuses on relationship stress, family issues, couple/ marital satisfaction, communication skills, anxiety/depression, child/adolescent disorders and behaviors, and parenting success. (Please visit our website for more detail about our clinicians and specialties)
(336) 750-6615 View (336) 750-6615
Photo of Dominique Correa Mood disorders Marriage And Family Therapy, MS, LCMHC-A
Dominique Correa Mood disorders Marriage And Family Therapy
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MS, LCMHC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27106
As a therapist specializing in marriage, couple, and family therapy, as well as depression, anxiety, and infidelity recovery, I offer a comprehensive approach tailored to your unique needs.
Welcome to a safe space where healing and growth thrive. If you're a person of color, particularly African American or Latino, navigating the complexities of relationships, battling with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trust issues, borderline personality concerns, or grappling with the aftermath of infidelity, you've found a supportive sanctuary. Together, let's embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment, fostering stronger connections and cultivating emotional resilience.
As a therapist specializing in marriage, couple, and family therapy, as well as depression, anxiety, and infidelity recovery, I offer a comprehensive approach tailored to your unique needs.
Welcome to a safe space where healing and growth thrive. If you're a person of color, particularly African American or Latino, navigating the complexities of relationships, battling with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trust issues, borderline personality concerns, or grappling with the aftermath of infidelity, you've found a supportive sanctuary. Together, let's embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment, fostering stronger connections and cultivating emotional resilience.
(336) 948-8627 View (336) 948-8627
Photo of Adrienne Reich, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Adrienne Reich
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27101
My areas of interest include marital counseling, I welcome you to reach out to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards becoming a better you.
Life can have difficult and challenging seasons. My goal as a counselor is to build a relationship with my clients that is based on respect and trust as well as to provide a safe, non-judgmental place for you to process through any of life’s challenges. I use evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and solution-focused therapy to help you reach your goals and determine any steps that need to be taken for you to be the best version of yourself that you can be.
My areas of interest include marital counseling, I welcome you to reach out to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards becoming a better you.
Life can have difficult and challenging seasons. My goal as a counselor is to build a relationship with my clients that is based on respect and trust as well as to provide a safe, non-judgmental place for you to process through any of life’s challenges. I use evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and solution-focused therapy to help you reach your goals and determine any steps that need to be taken for you to be the best version of yourself that you can be.
(336) 939-0712 View (336) 939-0712
Photo of Chelsea Sapp Golden, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Chelsea Sapp Golden
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27103  (Online Only)
Whether you are looking for someone to help you get off to a healthy start in a new marriage or teetering on the brink of divorce, couples counseling can make a world of difference! Maybe your child is having issues at school, struggling academically, acting out, having trouble making & maintaining friendships, or just feeling lost in a new or bigger school. My job is to help clients see their life challenges in a new way, so you can take the next steps toward lasting change. Skilled and compassionate use of evidence-based techniques can help clients explore options, figure out the best course of action, and implement life changes.
Whether you are looking for someone to help you get off to a healthy start in a new marriage or teetering on the brink of divorce, couples counseling can make a world of difference! Maybe your child is having issues at school, struggling academically, acting out, having trouble making & maintaining friendships, or just feeling lost in a new or bigger school. My job is to help clients see their life challenges in a new way, so you can take the next steps toward lasting change. Skilled and compassionate use of evidence-based techniques can help clients explore options, figure out the best course of action, and implement life changes.
(336) 361-1242 View (336) 361-1242
Photo of Christopher J. Koniarczyk, LCMHC, LAC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christopher J. Koniarczyk
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, LAC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101
It is my belief that finding the right therapist for YOU is the most important thing you can do. Working with young adults and their families is my specialty but my practice is open to anyone looking to grow, heal, and change. Is your child struggling to complete school or find employment? Has your marriage/relationship become challenging? Are you dealing with depression or anxiety that has become unmanageable? Are you a parent looking for support? Whatever life is throwing at you, I can help.
It is my belief that finding the right therapist for YOU is the most important thing you can do. Working with young adults and their families is my specialty but my practice is open to anyone looking to grow, heal, and change. Is your child struggling to complete school or find employment? Has your marriage/relationship become challenging? Are you dealing with depression or anxiety that has become unmanageable? Are you a parent looking for support? Whatever life is throwing at you, I can help.
(336) 619-2073 View (336) 619-2073
Photo of Tonya Moore, NCC, LCMHCS, BCPCC, CCTP
Tonya Moore
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervis, NCC, LCMHCS, BCPCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27106
I specialize in marriage counseling with 13 years experience.
There are times when there is the feeling that all hope is gone. I believe that God has a plan for your life, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...and will bring you back from captivity. My goal is simple: to help my clients discover that "plan", gain insight, make changes, and grow in God's grace. I am here to assist you in your journey back to wholeness: mentally, emotionally, relationally, and/or spiritually. Whether you're trying to restore a broken marriage, mend family relationships, pick up the pieces or seeking a fresh start, hope and healing awaits you.
I specialize in marriage counseling with 13 years experience.
There are times when there is the feeling that all hope is gone. I believe that God has a plan for your life, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...and will bring you back from captivity. My goal is simple: to help my clients discover that "plan", gain insight, make changes, and grow in God's grace. I am here to assist you in your journey back to wholeness: mentally, emotionally, relationally, and/or spiritually. Whether you're trying to restore a broken marriage, mend family relationships, pick up the pieces or seeking a fresh start, hope and healing awaits you.
(336) 223-5183 View (336) 223-5183
Photo of Wayne R. Bills, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Wayne R. Bills
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27106
Marriage need a tuneup? Feeling overwhelmed? Anxious? Depressed? .... I can help. If you are looking for someone who can guide you through a change process, and you are ready to do what it takes, let's talk. I serve the Piedmont Triad area, and can also meet with you via Tele-counseling from anywhere in NC. Why wait any longer? Just pick up the phone and call. Let's talk about your needs, challenges and goals. We can then determine if my skills and experience are right for you.
Marriage need a tuneup? Feeling overwhelmed? Anxious? Depressed? .... I can help. If you are looking for someone who can guide you through a change process, and you are ready to do what it takes, let's talk. I serve the Piedmont Triad area, and can also meet with you via Tele-counseling from anywhere in NC. Why wait any longer? Just pick up the phone and call. Let's talk about your needs, challenges and goals. We can then determine if my skills and experience are right for you.
(336) 652-3029 View (336) 652-3029
Photo of Heath L Greene - Associates in Christian Counseling, PhD, Psychologist
Associates in Christian Counseling
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27106
Counseling, psychotherapy, psychological testing for children and adults, marital and pre marital counseling, parent-child counseling, Christian counseling, etc.
For twenty years our group has brought encouragement and professional services to people of all ages. Our credentialed staff can work with a wide range of individual, marital and family issues. In addition to our main office in Winston-Salem, we also offer services in Surry County and Rockingham County. Details and contact info for each location are available on our website using the link above.
Counseling, psychotherapy, psychological testing for children and adults, marital and pre marital counseling, parent-child counseling, Christian counseling, etc.
For twenty years our group has brought encouragement and professional services to people of all ages. Our credentialed staff can work with a wide range of individual, marital and family issues. In addition to our main office in Winston-Salem, we also offer services in Surry County and Rockingham County. Details and contact info for each location are available on our website using the link above.
(336) 896-0065 View (336) 896-0065
Photo of James Wise, MFT, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
James Wise
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFT, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101
As a family systems therapist, I view clients from the perspective of their holistic environment. Together we will look at where you are coming from, and where you want to go. I work with clients between 13-80 experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, relationship issues, marital conflict, family conflict, major life adjustments, adolescent issues, parenting issues, men’s issues, and more. I also work with couples and families to improve communication, process trauma, and enhance relationships. There is a soft spot in my heart for teens, young families, couples, men, and those who grieve.
As a family systems therapist, I view clients from the perspective of their holistic environment. Together we will look at where you are coming from, and where you want to go. I work with clients between 13-80 experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, relationship issues, marital conflict, family conflict, major life adjustments, adolescent issues, parenting issues, men’s issues, and more. I also work with couples and families to improve communication, process trauma, and enhance relationships. There is a soft spot in my heart for teens, young families, couples, men, and those who grieve.
(336) 606-3593 View (336) 606-3593
Photo of Taylor Stotler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Taylor Stotler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27103  (Online Only)
You are the only expert of your own life, but sometimes we need a little help. My perspective is that I'm the GPS and you're the driver- you know where you are isn't where you want to be and I am there to guide you and re-route as needed. I have worked with a wide range of clients with a focus on military members and dependents, life stressors, trauma (combat and otherwise), marital distress, depression, anxiety, and domestic violence. I am LGBT+, kink, and sex work friendly. I believe that it takes courage to come to therapy and you deserve authenticity and a space where you can address your concerns without fear of being judged.
You are the only expert of your own life, but sometimes we need a little help. My perspective is that I'm the GPS and you're the driver- you know where you are isn't where you want to be and I am there to guide you and re-route as needed. I have worked with a wide range of clients with a focus on military members and dependents, life stressors, trauma (combat and otherwise), marital distress, depression, anxiety, and domestic violence. I am LGBT+, kink, and sex work friendly. I believe that it takes courage to come to therapy and you deserve authenticity and a space where you can address your concerns without fear of being judged.
(336) 203-9460 View (336) 203-9460
Photo of Danielle Henderson - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Winston-Salem, Counselor
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Winston-Salem
Counselor
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27104
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.
(336) 537-1362 View (336) 537-1362
Photo of Dr. Edwena Kirby, PhD, LCMHCS
Dr. Edwena Kirby
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, PhD, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27107
I am also trained in Marriage and Family Issues, Rapid Resolution Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing.
Your thoughts are what guide your decisions. Perhaps the strength you used to have has weaken, causing you to doubt or question your ability and/or who you are. Start today, seek a new life for yourself. Imagine what your future can look like. See that together we can create change and healing, allowing you to move beyond pain, sadness, anxiety, and confusion. Accurate assessment and therapeutic approaches, including understanding and professional guidance will help you experience daily peace, love, laughter and happiness. I am fully convinced from a high success rate among those who have sought and received therapeutic counseling and moved forward, experiencing a healthy productive life that you will also.
I am also trained in Marriage and Family Issues, Rapid Resolution Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing.
Your thoughts are what guide your decisions. Perhaps the strength you used to have has weaken, causing you to doubt or question your ability and/or who you are. Start today, seek a new life for yourself. Imagine what your future can look like. See that together we can create change and healing, allowing you to move beyond pain, sadness, anxiety, and confusion. Accurate assessment and therapeutic approaches, including understanding and professional guidance will help you experience daily peace, love, laughter and happiness. I am fully convinced from a high success rate among those who have sought and received therapeutic counseling and moved forward, experiencing a healthy productive life that you will also.
(336) 685-8661 View (336) 685-8661
Photo of Rachel Tegowski, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Tegowski
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained to work with individual clients, couples and families from a relational and systemic approach using evidence based therapy modalities to help you achieve your goals.
Let me begin by commending you for demonstrating the strength to take the first step of reaching out for support. By having the courage to begin the therapeutic process, you are taking the first step towards overcoming whatever difficulties you are currently facing and creating a more positive future for yourself, your relationship, or your family. Oftentimes the stressors of life can become overwhelming for us to handle on our own and can negatively impact our relationships with others. Fortunately, you are not alone as I am here to listen with empathy and compassion.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained to work with individual clients, couples and families from a relational and systemic approach using evidence based therapy modalities to help you achieve your goals.
Let me begin by commending you for demonstrating the strength to take the first step of reaching out for support. By having the courage to begin the therapeutic process, you are taking the first step towards overcoming whatever difficulties you are currently facing and creating a more positive future for yourself, your relationship, or your family. Oftentimes the stressors of life can become overwhelming for us to handle on our own and can negatively impact our relationships with others. Fortunately, you are not alone as I am here to listen with empathy and compassion.
(336) 276-2470 View (336) 276-2470
Photo of J Dale Hancock, PhD, MA, BS, Pastoral Counselor
J Dale Hancock
Pastoral Counselor, PhD, MA, BS
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27103
Experience Counseling since 1998 Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor (NCCA) Board Certified: Marriage & Family Therapy Board Certified: Child & Adolescent Therapy Board Certified: Crisis & Abuse Therapy Nationally Certified Parent Trainer Professional Dr.
Meet Dr. Hancock We all need help sometimes. Mechanics, accountants, plumbers, medical professionals and many others are needed in our lives. Think of me as your family issues specialist. One of my greatest joys is to help people reach their goals. I hope you will feel as loved and well taken care of as my current and past clients do. I have led over 15,000 hours of counseling so far in my career. And having led approximately 500 parenting seminars and numerous marriage retreats the call on my life is clearly to help families be strong, loving, and successful.
Experience Counseling since 1998 Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor (NCCA) Board Certified: Marriage & Family Therapy Board Certified: Child & Adolescent Therapy Board Certified: Crisis & Abuse Therapy Nationally Certified Parent Trainer Professional Dr.
Meet Dr. Hancock We all need help sometimes. Mechanics, accountants, plumbers, medical professionals and many others are needed in our lives. Think of me as your family issues specialist. One of my greatest joys is to help people reach their goals. I hope you will feel as loved and well taken care of as my current and past clients do. I have led over 15,000 hours of counseling so far in my career. And having led approximately 500 parenting seminars and numerous marriage retreats the call on my life is clearly to help families be strong, loving, and successful.
(336) 804-8691 View (336) 804-8691
Photo of Esther Mendez, MS, CRC, LCMHC
Esther Mendez
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, CRC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27107
Personal power is necessary when bad things happen to good people. With over 18 years of experience in the mental health field, I've worked with individuals of all ages and their families. So whether it's the end of a marriage or a job; PTSD; depression or the roller coaster of ADHD, Bipolar Disorders, Behavioral Addictions and more, I'm here to help you step through the door of your "old" normal and into improved personal power and an increased sense of personal success that will become your "new" normal with a happier, healthier life.
Personal power is necessary when bad things happen to good people. With over 18 years of experience in the mental health field, I've worked with individuals of all ages and their families. So whether it's the end of a marriage or a job; PTSD; depression or the roller coaster of ADHD, Bipolar Disorders, Behavioral Addictions and more, I'm here to help you step through the door of your "old" normal and into improved personal power and an increased sense of personal success that will become your "new" normal with a happier, healthier life.
(336) 814-9297 View (336) 814-9297
Photo of Jackeline Vazquez - The Counseling Center, LCMHC, LCASA, NCC, Counselor
The Counseling Center
Counselor, LCMHC, LCASA, NCC
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27106
We enjoy working with groups for marriages, women's issues and spiritual counseling.
At the Counseling Center, we specialize in counseling families, couples with marital concerns, individuals dealing with trauma, addiction, and mood and personality disorders. We are Christian counselors with clinical backgrounds. TCC counselors are licensed by the state of North Carolina.
We enjoy working with groups for marriages, women's issues and spiritual counseling.
At the Counseling Center, we specialize in counseling families, couples with marital concerns, individuals dealing with trauma, addiction, and mood and personality disorders. We are Christian counselors with clinical backgrounds. TCC counselors are licensed by the state of North Carolina.
(336) 891-3238 View (336) 891-3238
Photo of Kristin Vergo, MA, LMFT, LPC, LCMHC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristin Vergo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27101
I also help pre marital couples prepare for marriage, and assist longer term relationships to reestablish connection with each other, improve communication, co-parent more effectively, and increase trust.
Are you searching for more purpose in your life? Are your relationships unfulfilling? Do you feel disconnected to yourself and others? I help clients create a life and relationships that are more in line with what they value and feel more nourishing on a soul level.
I also help pre marital couples prepare for marriage, and assist longer term relationships to reestablish connection with each other, improve communication, co-parent more effectively, and increase trust.
Are you searching for more purpose in your life? Are your relationships unfulfilling? Do you feel disconnected to yourself and others? I help clients create a life and relationships that are more in line with what they value and feel more nourishing on a soul level.
(336) 900-0945 View (336) 900-0945
Photo of Tonya Moore - Trinity Christian Counseling, LCMHCS, LCMHC, NCC, BCPCC, ICST, Licensed Professional Counselor
Trinity Christian Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHCS, LCMHC, NCC, BCPCC, ICST
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27106
Do you struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem, or anger? Do you need marital counseling or parenting guidance? Do you have a child or teen who is struggling? We are here to help while offering hope.
Have there been times when you felt that all hope was lost? It isn't. Do you wonder how you are going to take that next step? God is on your side. He has beautiful plans for your life, plans to give you hope and a future! The team at Trinity Christian Counseling desires nothing more than to assist you in discovering that plan and to walk along side you as you grow in God's grace. Using the Bible, Christ-centered wisdom, and psychological principles, we will help guide you back to emotional, spiritual, behavioral, and relational wholeness.
Do you struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem, or anger? Do you need marital counseling or parenting guidance? Do you have a child or teen who is struggling? We are here to help while offering hope.
Have there been times when you felt that all hope was lost? It isn't. Do you wonder how you are going to take that next step? God is on your side. He has beautiful plans for your life, plans to give you hope and a future! The team at Trinity Christian Counseling desires nothing more than to assist you in discovering that plan and to walk along side you as you grow in God's grace. Using the Bible, Christ-centered wisdom, and psychological principles, we will help guide you back to emotional, spiritual, behavioral, and relational wholeness.
(336) 397-4718 View (336) 397-4718
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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.