Photo of Dawn Raffa, PhD, Psychologist
Dawn Raffa
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
I treat individuals, couples and families and specialize with children and adolescents.
I provide an empathetic, supportive and caring atmosphere to assist my clients in developing trust to work collaboratively on finding realistic solutions to their problems using evidence based treatment. My treatment approaches include CBT, ACT and ERP for individuals suffering from various disorders and psychological distress. In addition, to psychotherapy, I conduct psychological evaluations/testing, psychoeducational testing, ADHD evaluations, independent medical evaluations and biofeedback. Moreover, I have a background with PIP and workman's comprehension clients as well as with parent coordination.
I treat individuals, couples and families and specialize with children and adolescents.
I provide an empathetic, supportive and caring atmosphere to assist my clients in developing trust to work collaboratively on finding realistic solutions to their problems using evidence based treatment. My treatment approaches include CBT, ACT and ERP for individuals suffering from various disorders and psychological distress. In addition, to psychotherapy, I conduct psychological evaluations/testing, psychoeducational testing, ADHD evaluations, independent medical evaluations and biofeedback. Moreover, I have a background with PIP and workman's comprehension clients as well as with parent coordination.
(609) 997-9708 View (609) 997-9708
Photo of Catarina Martins, MA, LPC, NCC, Counselor
Catarina Martins
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
I hope to hear from you soon; in the meantime, I will be crafting, reading, spending time with family, friends, my partner, and my cat!.
Some of the scariest moments in life are when we feel as though we are losing or have lost control, and I hope to assist you in getting through the chaos. By providing a safe, non-judgmental, and encouraging environment, my goal is to support you in creating a life in alignment with your values and who you would like to be.
I hope to hear from you soon; in the meantime, I will be crafting, reading, spending time with family, friends, my partner, and my cat!.
Some of the scariest moments in life are when we feel as though we are losing or have lost control, and I hope to assist you in getting through the chaos. By providing a safe, non-judgmental, and encouraging environment, my goal is to support you in creating a life in alignment with your values and who you would like to be.
(609) 474-3991 View (609) 474-3991
Photo of Renee Sudol, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Renee Sudol
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pennington, NJ 08534  (Online Only)
I believe that connections heal and that you feeling seen, heard and understood in a therapeutic relationship is paramount.
Eating disorders are insidious and impact the entire family system. It can feel overwhelming, frustrating and confusing to know how to support a loved one with an eating disorder. My sessions help give caregivers (parents, partners or other supports) stability again. A person with an ED has a much better prognosis of sustained recovery when their family is educated, supported and involved. I offer resources and practical strategies to manage ED behaviors. Caregivers learn how to establish boundaries and communicate effectively. They learn they are part of the solution, not the problem. Treatment is not permanent, but family is.
I believe that connections heal and that you feeling seen, heard and understood in a therapeutic relationship is paramount.
Eating disorders are insidious and impact the entire family system. It can feel overwhelming, frustrating and confusing to know how to support a loved one with an eating disorder. My sessions help give caregivers (parents, partners or other supports) stability again. A person with an ED has a much better prognosis of sustained recovery when their family is educated, supported and involved. I offer resources and practical strategies to manage ED behaviors. Caregivers learn how to establish boundaries and communicate effectively. They learn they are part of the solution, not the problem. Treatment is not permanent, but family is.
(609) 303-5668 View (609) 303-5668
Photo of Jessica Smedley, EdS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Smedley
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
Waitlist for new clients
I have worked with adolescents, adults, and their families on a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship building.
Have you been struggling to find peace with yourself and in your relationships? Are you feeling more anxious or stressed lately and need help? Are you experiencing a life transition and feeling stuck or held back? I love to work with individuals, couples, and families to help them process their feelings and experiences so that they can live healthier lives. I take an empathic approach to each client and will tailor therapy to your individual and/or your relationship needs.
I have worked with adolescents, adults, and their families on a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship building.
Have you been struggling to find peace with yourself and in your relationships? Are you feeling more anxious or stressed lately and need help? Are you experiencing a life transition and feeling stuck or held back? I love to work with individuals, couples, and families to help them process their feelings and experiences so that they can live healthier lives. I take an empathic approach to each client and will tailor therapy to your individual and/or your relationship needs.
(908) 224-4362 View (908) 224-4362
Photo of Pamela Farrell, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Pamela Farrell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
One size never fits all. Using a collaborative approach, I work to help clients identify goals and areas for change. Building on your unique strengths and resilience, we will work to integrate and enhance skills needed to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship and sexual issues. My goal is to help clients explore past interpersonal patterns and relational dynamics in a safe therapeutic setting, in order to create more positive and fulfilling experiences for the future. Additionally, I use psycho-education to deepen an understanding of healthy communication skills, boundary management, emotion regulation and increased distress tolerance.
One size never fits all. Using a collaborative approach, I work to help clients identify goals and areas for change. Building on your unique strengths and resilience, we will work to integrate and enhance skills needed to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship and sexual issues. My goal is to help clients explore past interpersonal patterns and relational dynamics in a safe therapeutic setting, in order to create more positive and fulfilling experiences for the future. Additionally, I use psycho-education to deepen an understanding of healthy communication skills, boundary management, emotion regulation and increased distress tolerance.
(908) 287-2067 View (908) 287-2067
Photo of Christine M Ruth, MDiv, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christine M Ruth
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pennington, NJ 08534
Are you feeling stuck in a difficult circumstance or a relational conflict? Do you find yourself limited by fear, anxiety, lack of motivation or clarity? Are you discerning whether or not to stay in a current relationship? This can be a painful space. I believe we all have access to deep, still waters within us that can guide and direct us to deeper peace and clarity. Sometimes, we struggle to access that "knowing part" of us. I have 20 years of helping guide men, women, couples, adolescents and families gain skills and find deeper, more peaceful waters in seasons of grief, anxiety, depression, divorce & couple's conflict.
Are you feeling stuck in a difficult circumstance or a relational conflict? Do you find yourself limited by fear, anxiety, lack of motivation or clarity? Are you discerning whether or not to stay in a current relationship? This can be a painful space. I believe we all have access to deep, still waters within us that can guide and direct us to deeper peace and clarity. Sometimes, we struggle to access that "knowing part" of us. I have 20 years of helping guide men, women, couples, adolescents and families gain skills and find deeper, more peaceful waters in seasons of grief, anxiety, depression, divorce & couple's conflict.
(609) 293-2326 View (609) 293-2326
Photo of Leeor Gal, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Leeor Gal
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
Maybe you have anxiety, experienced trauma, or diagnosed with ADHD and you're looking to heal those parts. Perhaps you’re struggling with your partner, friends, boss, or parents and you’re looking to understand those relationships deeper. It can feel overwhelming and isolating working on healing from negative experiences, I get it. We may oftentimes find ourselves feeling stuck and unsure of where to go to next. I want to help you overcome that. Changing is not necessarily the answer, but rather growing into the version of you that you want to see.
Maybe you have anxiety, experienced trauma, or diagnosed with ADHD and you're looking to heal those parts. Perhaps you’re struggling with your partner, friends, boss, or parents and you’re looking to understand those relationships deeper. It can feel overwhelming and isolating working on healing from negative experiences, I get it. We may oftentimes find ourselves feeling stuck and unsure of where to go to next. I want to help you overcome that. Changing is not necessarily the answer, but rather growing into the version of you that you want to see.
(215) 515-5647 View (215) 515-5647
Photo of Jaimie (Farkas) Miraglia, LCSW, LCADC, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jaimie (Farkas) Miraglia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCADC, CCTP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I believe strongly in the resilience of people, and that a healthy therapeutic relationship can promote trust, healing, and personal growth. Learning to listen to yourself with the support of a trusting individual, can help you live a more fulfilling life. I believe everyone has innate strengths, giving them the ability to find solutions in areas of their life causing stress. I will support you, encourage you, and challenge you to achieve the goals you have by building a trusting environment and relationship in which you can feel safe to discover areas of yourself that are in need of healing and manageability.
I believe strongly in the resilience of people, and that a healthy therapeutic relationship can promote trust, healing, and personal growth. Learning to listen to yourself with the support of a trusting individual, can help you live a more fulfilling life. I believe everyone has innate strengths, giving them the ability to find solutions in areas of their life causing stress. I will support you, encourage you, and challenge you to achieve the goals you have by building a trusting environment and relationship in which you can feel safe to discover areas of yourself that are in need of healing and manageability.
(609) 201-1367 View (609) 201-1367
Photo of Brittany Murasky, LPC, NCC, CCTP, CATP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brittany Murasky
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CCTP, CATP
Verified Verified
Pennington, NJ 08534
Welcome to Best of You, where I am committed to partnering with my clients to assist them in evolving into the best possible version of themselves. This collaborative process begins with a focus on building a strong therapeutic alliance grounded in trust and acceptance. I will provide you with a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space to identify and explore patterns of thinking and behavior that no longer serve you. I will assist you in harnessing your resilience whether it be to bravely face past trauma, break unhealthy patterns in your relationships, or connect to yourself and others in a more meaningful way.
Welcome to Best of You, where I am committed to partnering with my clients to assist them in evolving into the best possible version of themselves. This collaborative process begins with a focus on building a strong therapeutic alliance grounded in trust and acceptance. I will provide you with a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space to identify and explore patterns of thinking and behavior that no longer serve you. I will assist you in harnessing your resilience whether it be to bravely face past trauma, break unhealthy patterns in your relationships, or connect to yourself and others in a more meaningful way.
(609) 913-2110 View (609) 913-2110
Photo of Mark R Dell, PsyD, MA, Psychologist
Mark R Dell
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pennington, NJ 08534
I have decided to focus my efforts on those disillusioned, displaced, and depressed individuals who struggle with three attributes that are necessary (if not imperative) to live a fulfilling life: Self-reliance, Self-sufficiency, and Self-governance. I believe that the facilitation of these realistic, accountable, and disciplined attributes will only create a much more valuable and enlightening existence for all of us. I also address the dangers of SELF-censorship which have increased tenfold in the united states. We see it at work, our academic institutions, and within close relationships. People are afraid to speak.
I have decided to focus my efforts on those disillusioned, displaced, and depressed individuals who struggle with three attributes that are necessary (if not imperative) to live a fulfilling life: Self-reliance, Self-sufficiency, and Self-governance. I believe that the facilitation of these realistic, accountable, and disciplined attributes will only create a much more valuable and enlightening existence for all of us. I also address the dangers of SELF-censorship which have increased tenfold in the united states. We see it at work, our academic institutions, and within close relationships. People are afraid to speak.
(609) 439-4175 View (609) 439-4175
Photo of Nikema Nicole Missouri - Determine Your Focus Therapy, LPC, MA, BA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Determine Your Focus Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, BA
Verified Verified
Pennington, NJ 08534
My clients learn to skillfully and creatively solve their relational problems of loveless ness, toxicity, and co-dependency to gain the peace and love they need in their lives. I teach clients to be resourceful and open their perspective about the difficulties in their lives to acceptance. This opens our work to the possibility of new channels of personal empathy and self-compassion. Clients learn to deal with challenging, ingrained anxieties and stubborn habitual patterns of behavior, emotion, and beliefs about themselves and others. We build new maps of meaning that enable clients to experience confidence and freedom.
My clients learn to skillfully and creatively solve their relational problems of loveless ness, toxicity, and co-dependency to gain the peace and love they need in their lives. I teach clients to be resourceful and open their perspective about the difficulties in their lives to acceptance. This opens our work to the possibility of new channels of personal empathy and self-compassion. Clients learn to deal with challenging, ingrained anxieties and stubborn habitual patterns of behavior, emotion, and beliefs about themselves and others. We build new maps of meaning that enable clients to experience confidence and freedom.
(609) 293-2369 View (609) 293-2369

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Jaclyn M Calu, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jaclyn M Calu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540
Many of us struggle with everyday stressors. Whether stemming from family dynamics, work difficulties, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, low self esteem, identity confusion or a combination of contributors, these stressors can have a profound effect on our quality of life. Finding change and accepting support is a journey that takes time, compassion and patience. I offer psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families with a strengths-based approach, aimed at making clients feel engaged and vested in their treatment process. Through self reflection and collaborative efforts, I work with clients to balance these life stressors and make them more manageable.
Many of us struggle with everyday stressors. Whether stemming from family dynamics, work difficulties, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, low self esteem, identity confusion or a combination of contributors, these stressors can have a profound effect on our quality of life. Finding change and accepting support is a journey that takes time, compassion and patience. I offer psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families with a strengths-based approach, aimed at making clients feel engaged and vested in their treatment process. Through self reflection and collaborative efforts, I work with clients to balance these life stressors and make them more manageable.
(609) 778-4387 View (609) 778-4387
Photo of Christine Marie Agnese-Etzrodt, PsyD, Psychologist
Christine Marie Agnese-Etzrodt
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08542
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, body image dissatisfaction, chronic illness and trauma.
Welcome to finding peace and happiness in your life again. Sometimes it can feel like peace and happiness are out of your grasp, but I am here to remind you that healing is possible for you. We all have times in our lives when we are struggling and need to know that help and support is there for us. Together you and I can find that path for you. I will help you to feel good about yourself and your life. Here you will find a place where you are always accepted.
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, body image dissatisfaction, chronic illness and trauma.
Welcome to finding peace and happiness in your life again. Sometimes it can feel like peace and happiness are out of your grasp, but I am here to remind you that healing is possible for you. We all have times in our lives when we are struggling and need to know that help and support is there for us. Together you and I can find that path for you. I will help you to feel good about yourself and your life. Here you will find a place where you are always accepted.
(267) 433-2539 View (267) 433-2539
Photo of Tracey Post, MSSW, LCSW, SEP, CCPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tracey Post
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW, SEP, CCPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540
Waitlist for new clients
I want you to have the best life imaginable: to live in a body that can feel what it feels and with a mind that can know what it knows. I believe we heal through connection and relationship; it is how we survive then thrive. Sometimes we need to make meaning of our experiences; sometimes we just want to manage or reduce unwanted symptoms and sometimes we need someone to simply be present- to sit and witness and listen or hold the silence. I hope you will find all these elements working with me and together we will walk the path to healing. Come in and let's explore together!
I want you to have the best life imaginable: to live in a body that can feel what it feels and with a mind that can know what it knows. I believe we heal through connection and relationship; it is how we survive then thrive. Sometimes we need to make meaning of our experiences; sometimes we just want to manage or reduce unwanted symptoms and sometimes we need someone to simply be present- to sit and witness and listen or hold the silence. I hope you will find all these elements working with me and together we will walk the path to healing. Come in and let's explore together!
(609) 207-7158 View (609) 207-7158
Photo of Anita McLean, PhD, PsyD, Psychologist
Anita McLean
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08542
I have over 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals and couples from different backgrounds. Mental health can be compromised by chronic stress that negatively affects our mind and body. Stress can result from living challenging workplace environments, family difficulties, personal emotional problems, the experience loss or trauma. I have particular expertise in helping those living in intense high pressure environments stressors that may have caused depression and anxiety, identity concerns, relationship problems, workplace conflicts or academic difficulties, family problems, and serious mental health challenges.
I have over 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals and couples from different backgrounds. Mental health can be compromised by chronic stress that negatively affects our mind and body. Stress can result from living challenging workplace environments, family difficulties, personal emotional problems, the experience loss or trauma. I have particular expertise in helping those living in intense high pressure environments stressors that may have caused depression and anxiety, identity concerns, relationship problems, workplace conflicts or academic difficulties, family problems, and serious mental health challenges.
(732) 603-1764 View (732) 603-1764
Photo of Dr. Ashlyn Jones, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Ashlyn Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Ewing, NJ 08638
As a licensed professional counselor and a counselor educator/supervisor, I have engaged with the profession of counseling for multiple years in a variety of capacities from practicing as a clinician to teaching in a graduate counseling program. My experience and focus in my practice and education are trauma informed care, suicidal assessment and treatment, grief and loss, divorce issues, faith/spirituality issues, and marital/relationship counseling. I have enjoyed helping a number of clients reach their goals and commit to change.
As a licensed professional counselor and a counselor educator/supervisor, I have engaged with the profession of counseling for multiple years in a variety of capacities from practicing as a clinician to teaching in a graduate counseling program. My experience and focus in my practice and education are trauma informed care, suicidal assessment and treatment, grief and loss, divorce issues, faith/spirituality issues, and marital/relationship counseling. I have enjoyed helping a number of clients reach their goals and commit to change.
(215) 593-2308 View (215) 593-2308
Photo of Robin Marie Downs - Robin Downs and Associates, MA, Pastoral Counselor
Robin Downs and Associates
Pastoral Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Ewing, NJ 08638
Robin Downs and Associates has been serving clients for 25 years and provides biblically based, culturally sensitive, and compassionate counseling that empowers individuals, couples, and families to lead healthier lives emotionally, psychologically, relationally and spiritually . We are dedicated to helping our clients explore their hearts, their identity and purpose, and to bring wise principles into their relationships in order to bring healing. We have helped clients all around the world through Telehealth and also have counselors on staff in two locations- Ewing, NJ and Wrightstown, PA.
Robin Downs and Associates has been serving clients for 25 years and provides biblically based, culturally sensitive, and compassionate counseling that empowers individuals, couples, and families to lead healthier lives emotionally, psychologically, relationally and spiritually . We are dedicated to helping our clients explore their hearts, their identity and purpose, and to bring wise principles into their relationships in order to bring healing. We have helped clients all around the world through Telehealth and also have counselors on staff in two locations- Ewing, NJ and Wrightstown, PA.
(609) 247-4343 View (609) 247-4343
Photo of Antonia C Fried, PsyD, Psychologist
Antonia C Fried
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08542
In my practice, I work with depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, psychosis, trauma, sexual abuse, anxiety, couples conflicts, and life transitions.
A meaningful and attuned connection between therapist and client is the best predictor of a successful treatment. My first goal in our therapy is to develop a good understanding of your perspective, concerns and needs. I believe in working collaboratively with you to move in the direction you most wish to go. My areas of practice include psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, couples and families. I also provide consultation to study abroad programs and supervision for mental health professionals.
In my practice, I work with depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, psychosis, trauma, sexual abuse, anxiety, couples conflicts, and life transitions.
A meaningful and attuned connection between therapist and client is the best predictor of a successful treatment. My first goal in our therapy is to develop a good understanding of your perspective, concerns and needs. I believe in working collaboratively with you to move in the direction you most wish to go. My areas of practice include psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, couples and families. I also provide consultation to study abroad programs and supervision for mental health professionals.
(609) 531-0002 View (609) 531-0002
Photo of Nicole A Glover - Restoring PEACES, LLC, LPC, BCC, LCADC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Restoring PEACES, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, BCC, LCADC, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Trenton, NJ 08618  (Online Only)
We are here to help restore the peace in your life. We believe in placing energy on acceptance and change in order to evolve. This practice encompasses a wide array of techniques and strategies to work with individuals and families towards a healing goal. We have found in therapy that meeting the client where they are has been a successful starting point in healing. We treat adolescents, adults, families and couples with issues such as depression and anxiety, substance abuse, conduct and adjustment disorders as well as anger. We have been trained in Cognitive Behavior, Motivational, Reality, Trauma & Dialectical Behavior Therapies.
We are here to help restore the peace in your life. We believe in placing energy on acceptance and change in order to evolve. This practice encompasses a wide array of techniques and strategies to work with individuals and families towards a healing goal. We have found in therapy that meeting the client where they are has been a successful starting point in healing. We treat adolescents, adults, families and couples with issues such as depression and anxiety, substance abuse, conduct and adjustment disorders as well as anger. We have been trained in Cognitive Behavior, Motivational, Reality, Trauma & Dialectical Behavior Therapies.
(609) 297-8152 View (609) 297-8152
Photo of Wendy Miriam Lafollette Wright, LCSW, MSW, PsyAnal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Wendy Miriam Lafollette Wright
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, PsyAnal
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540
Do you have relational conflicts? I help individuals, couples, and families to improve communications. In life we face challenging times: Loss, divorce, transitions and disappointments. Chronic pain, illness, grief and the loss of a loved one often compel individuals to seek therapy. I also specialize in adolescents and college students assisting them with growth and independence. Many issues occur, such as sexual identity, friendship conflicts, drugs and alcohol as well as academic challenges. Building trust in a safe place, may help you transform and grow. Therapy allows a new awareness of life and love can occur!
Do you have relational conflicts? I help individuals, couples, and families to improve communications. In life we face challenging times: Loss, divorce, transitions and disappointments. Chronic pain, illness, grief and the loss of a loved one often compel individuals to seek therapy. I also specialize in adolescents and college students assisting them with growth and independence. Many issues occur, such as sexual identity, friendship conflicts, drugs and alcohol as well as academic challenges. Building trust in a safe place, may help you transform and grow. Therapy allows a new awareness of life and love can occur!
(609) 964-4952 View (609) 964-4952
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.