Marriage Counseling Therapists in Teaneck, NJ

Photo of Nadine O'Reilly - Englewood Therapy Associates, Psychologist
Englewood Therapy Associates
Psychologist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Our therapists have advanced training in evidence-based modalities, including EMDR, Marriage and Family Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play Therapy, and Hypnotherapy.
We are a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians located in the heart of East Hill Englewood in Bergen County, NJ. We offer in-person and virtual therapy to children, teens, adults, couples and families. We treat stress, anxiety, burnout, relationship difficulties, depression and anger. We specialize in reluctant therapy-seekers and have a strong track record in creating and maintaining lasting working relationships with a solutions-focused approach.
Our therapists have advanced training in evidence-based modalities, including EMDR, Marriage and Family Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play Therapy, and Hypnotherapy.
We are a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians located in the heart of East Hill Englewood in Bergen County, NJ. We offer in-person and virtual therapy to children, teens, adults, couples and families. We treat stress, anxiety, burnout, relationship difficulties, depression and anger. We specialize in reluctant therapy-seekers and have a strong track record in creating and maintaining lasting working relationships with a solutions-focused approach.
(551) 282-1829 View (551) 282-1829
Photo of Barbara C Hollman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Barbara C Hollman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Talking to someone can really help. It's hard to take the first step...As a psychotherapist in private practice for 25 years, I believe everyone has a desire to grow and be healthy. I am committed to working with clients in a confidential & effective manner, one that is solution focused and respectful of underlying values & choices. My clients describe me as warm, authentic, & empathic. I am a NJ and NY licensed clinical social worker. I received a certificate of Psychoanalysis from Manhattan Institute of Psychoanalysis after completing a 5 year advanced course of study. I have specialized training in marriage & relationships, overeating, & parenting issues.
Talking to someone can really help. It's hard to take the first step...As a psychotherapist in private practice for 25 years, I believe everyone has a desire to grow and be healthy. I am committed to working with clients in a confidential & effective manner, one that is solution focused and respectful of underlying values & choices. My clients describe me as warm, authentic, & empathic. I am a NJ and NY licensed clinical social worker. I received a certificate of Psychoanalysis from Manhattan Institute of Psychoanalysis after completing a 5 year advanced course of study. I have specialized training in marriage & relationships, overeating, & parenting issues.
(201) 875-3124 View (201) 875-3124
Photo of Deborah G Schuster, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Deborah G Schuster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
35+ years experience includes treatment of Depression, Anxiety, Personality & Adjustment Disorders associated with Family/ Marital issues, Divorce, Parenting, Grief & Illness.
Too often individuals & couples self-impose obstacles to their own happiness. Within a warm, caring atmosphere, I endeavor to help rid clients of these roadblocks--to get them unstuck from repetitive, unproductive behaviors and/or relational patterns so that they may move on to richer fuller lives. While nurturing & supportive, I am active & solution focused, concentrating on the present with an understanding of the past.
35+ years experience includes treatment of Depression, Anxiety, Personality & Adjustment Disorders associated with Family/ Marital issues, Divorce, Parenting, Grief & Illness.
Too often individuals & couples self-impose obstacles to their own happiness. Within a warm, caring atmosphere, I endeavor to help rid clients of these roadblocks--to get them unstuck from repetitive, unproductive behaviors and/or relational patterns so that they may move on to richer fuller lives. While nurturing & supportive, I am active & solution focused, concentrating on the present with an understanding of the past.
(201) 688-7003 View (201) 688-7003
Photo of Susan S. Turkenkopf - Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP, MSW, LCSW, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666  (Online Only)
I, Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP, deal with the following issues and symptoms in my Private Practice: ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, Eating Disorders/Body Image, Internet/Online Problems, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Adolescent-Parent/Authority Difficulties, School Phobia/School Refusal/Separation, Learning Disabilities, Self-Esteem/Confidence,Gay/Lesbian/Gender/SexualityDivorce/ Marital Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Anger Management, Social Anxiety, Substance Abuse Depression/Anxiety/Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disdorder, Personality Disorders, Sleep Issues, Smoking/Addictions, Available Weekends COVID low fee available
I, Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP, deal with the following issues and symptoms in my Private Practice: ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, Eating Disorders/Body Image, Internet/Online Problems, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Adolescent-Parent/Authority Difficulties, School Phobia/School Refusal/Separation, Learning Disabilities, Self-Esteem/Confidence,Gay/Lesbian/Gender/SexualityDivorce/ Marital Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Anger Management, Social Anxiety, Substance Abuse Depression/Anxiety/Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disdorder, Personality Disorders, Sleep Issues, Smoking/Addictions, Available Weekends COVID low fee available
(551) 209-3661 View (551) 209-3661
Photo of Andy Cooper, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andy Cooper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Let's face it, it's not easy coming to the decision to seek out counseling, let alone calling a complete stranger to do so. My hope is that, if you decide to take this step to contact me, we will not be strangers for long. I have been a clinician in various capacities for over 15 years and have always worked very hard to make people feel comfortable talking to me. During those years I have developed a general practice where I have seen people for anxiety, depression, parenting, marriage and sexuality.
Let's face it, it's not easy coming to the decision to seek out counseling, let alone calling a complete stranger to do so. My hope is that, if you decide to take this step to contact me, we will not be strangers for long. I have been a clinician in various capacities for over 15 years and have always worked very hard to make people feel comfortable talking to me. During those years I have developed a general practice where I have seen people for anxiety, depression, parenting, marriage and sexuality.
(201) 730-4141 View (201) 730-4141
Photo of Noah Hercky, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Noah Hercky
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Teaneck, NJ 07666  (Online Only)
Noah Hercky is a licensed couple and family therapist (LMFT) and AAMFT Approved Supervisor. He is practice founder, therapist, and supervisor at Treeline Couple and Family Therapy, and Senior Psychotherapist at Mindful Marriage and Family Therapy. Noah is available to work remotely with residents of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
Noah Hercky is a licensed couple and family therapist (LMFT) and AAMFT Approved Supervisor. He is practice founder, therapist, and supervisor at Treeline Couple and Family Therapy, and Senior Psychotherapist at Mindful Marriage and Family Therapy. Noah is available to work remotely with residents of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
(908) 514-4236 View (908) 514-4236
Photo of Esther Gross, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Esther Gross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
I have a strong interest in working with children, adults and couples, providing both premarital and marital counseling.
Change for the better begins here. Whatever issue is concerning you, together we can build a therapeutic relationship where you will feel genuine acceptance and empathy. We will build on your strengths choosing from a wide range of therapeutic approaches to identify the one best suited for you and move you forward to a more satisfying approach to life. If you are suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, depression, loss, or relationship issues we can begin the healing process together. Changing negative patterns into rewarding individual and social interactions can provide you with a more relaxed and fulfilling life.
I have a strong interest in working with children, adults and couples, providing both premarital and marital counseling.
Change for the better begins here. Whatever issue is concerning you, together we can build a therapeutic relationship where you will feel genuine acceptance and empathy. We will build on your strengths choosing from a wide range of therapeutic approaches to identify the one best suited for you and move you forward to a more satisfying approach to life. If you are suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, depression, loss, or relationship issues we can begin the healing process together. Changing negative patterns into rewarding individual and social interactions can provide you with a more relaxed and fulfilling life.
(201) 258-3101 View (201) 258-3101
Photo of Richard Drobnick - Mars & Venus Counseling Center, LCSW, DCSW, CPC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mars & Venus Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DCSW, CPC
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Tele-counseling available - Hackensack, TEANECK, Paramus, Ramsey, ORADELL, Ridgewood, DENVILLE, Parsippany, MANHATTAN: Adult counseling - Couples counseling - Relationship counseling - Premarital counseling - Marriage counseling - Family counseling - Child counseling - Teen counseling - ADHD - Addiction counseling - Grief & bereavement - Pet loss therapy - Stress and anxiety - Depression - Low self-esteem - Perfectionism - Worry - Indecision - Procrastination - Phobias - Assertiveness issues - Panic - Life Coaching / Weekends available / Spanish-speaking / Most insurances welcomed / Full-service counseling for over 35 years.
Tele-counseling available - Hackensack, TEANECK, Paramus, Ramsey, ORADELL, Ridgewood, DENVILLE, Parsippany, MANHATTAN: Adult counseling - Couples counseling - Relationship counseling - Premarital counseling - Marriage counseling - Family counseling - Child counseling - Teen counseling - ADHD - Addiction counseling - Grief & bereavement - Pet loss therapy - Stress and anxiety - Depression - Low self-esteem - Perfectionism - Worry - Indecision - Procrastination - Phobias - Assertiveness issues - Panic - Life Coaching / Weekends available / Spanish-speaking / Most insurances welcomed / Full-service counseling for over 35 years.
(201) 283-8187 View (201) 283-8187
Photo of Esther East, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Esther East
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
My work is rooted in years of exposure to the range of human experiences including addiction, mental health crises, marital tensions, trauma history and parenting challenges.
With over 30 years of experience helping couples, families and adults understand and change the relationship issues that are preventing them for having richer and more satisfying lives, I welcome the opportunity to partner with them on their personal journeys. I encourage the inborn capacity we all have for fearless self examination and believe that everyone can change.
My work is rooted in years of exposure to the range of human experiences including addiction, mental health crises, marital tensions, trauma history and parenting challenges.
With over 30 years of experience helping couples, families and adults understand and change the relationship issues that are preventing them for having richer and more satisfying lives, I welcome the opportunity to partner with them on their personal journeys. I encourage the inborn capacity we all have for fearless self examination and believe that everyone can change.
(551) 210-2981 View (551) 210-2981
Photo of Rena J Goldin, PsyD, CGT, Psychologist
Rena J Goldin
Psychologist, PsyD, CGT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Teaneck, NJ 07666
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, as well as a Certified Gottman Couples Therapist with a practice operating in Bergen County, New Jersey. The knowledge, behavioral and emotional, gained through working with a Certified Gottman Therapist is invaluable to people in all states of a relationship. I believe that the Gottman Method is advantageous to all couples, pre- marital and marital. While most people enter couple's therapy after many years of distress and frustration, the interventions and skills learned are equally beneficial to couples at the beginning stage of their relationship.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, as well as a Certified Gottman Couples Therapist with a practice operating in Bergen County, New Jersey. The knowledge, behavioral and emotional, gained through working with a Certified Gottman Therapist is invaluable to people in all states of a relationship. I believe that the Gottman Method is advantageous to all couples, pre- marital and marital. While most people enter couple's therapy after many years of distress and frustration, the interventions and skills learned are equally beneficial to couples at the beginning stage of their relationship.
(201) 775-4783 View (201) 775-4783
Photo of Barry P Cohen, PhD, Psychologist
Barry P Cohen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
With over thirty years of experience, I have worked with a broad range of patients and problems, including depression, anxiety, social phobia, grief, relationship and marital problems.
Psychotherapy can be a life changing process. In order to choose a therapist, you should consider their training and experience, but ultimately your therapist must be someone with whom you feel comfortable, safe and trusting. Psychotherapy is a collaboration, where the two of us are working together toward a full understanding of your problems in living. With that greater understanding, you will have more freedom of choice to be how you want to be, and who you want to be. We will need to understand your personal strengths as well as the difficulties and problems you have encountered.
With over thirty years of experience, I have worked with a broad range of patients and problems, including depression, anxiety, social phobia, grief, relationship and marital problems.
Psychotherapy can be a life changing process. In order to choose a therapist, you should consider their training and experience, but ultimately your therapist must be someone with whom you feel comfortable, safe and trusting. Psychotherapy is a collaboration, where the two of us are working together toward a full understanding of your problems in living. With that greater understanding, you will have more freedom of choice to be how you want to be, and who you want to be. We will need to understand your personal strengths as well as the difficulties and problems you have encountered.
(201) 397-1696 View (201) 397-1696
Photo of Linda Sofer - Linda O. Sofer, LCSW, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Linda O. Sofer, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
I would like to introduce myself, and offer you information about my practice and approach to therapy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have been working with adults, adolescents, couples, and families for over 25 years. I have expertise in areas concerning relationships, marriage/divorce, parenting, career, self esteem, loss, depression, anxiety, and living with chronic illness. My theoretical approaches include: Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic, Cognitive/Behavioral, and Family Systems.
I would like to introduce myself, and offer you information about my practice and approach to therapy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have been working with adults, adolescents, couples, and families for over 25 years. I have expertise in areas concerning relationships, marriage/divorce, parenting, career, self esteem, loss, depression, anxiety, and living with chronic illness. My theoretical approaches include: Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic, Cognitive/Behavioral, and Family Systems.
(732) 658-0567 View (732) 658-0567
Photo of Abbie Elkin, PhD, Psychologist
Abbie Elkin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
), relationship changes ( marriage, separation, divorce), and employment changes (unemployment, changing careers, and retirement) etc.
I've been practicing since 2003. My approach is to guide people beyond their immediate struggles by helping them understand themselves better and by tapping into their natural abilities to help themselves overcome challenges. My insight-oriented approach helps clients get to the root of what is troubling them and relieves their symptoms.
), relationship changes ( marriage, separation, divorce), and employment changes (unemployment, changing careers, and retirement) etc.
I've been practicing since 2003. My approach is to guide people beyond their immediate struggles by helping them understand themselves better and by tapping into their natural abilities to help themselves overcome challenges. My insight-oriented approach helps clients get to the root of what is troubling them and relieves their symptoms.
(917) 746-8572 View (917) 746-8572
Photo of Becky Fenton, PsyD, Psychologist
Becky Fenton
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, self-harm, executive functioning deficits or relationship difficulties? Are you unhappy in your marriage or with your family dynamic? I assist clients in addressing challenges across the lifespan, including navigating stressful life events and moving beyond roadblocks to achieve personal growth. I provide treatment (and parent coaching using PMT and PCIT) to address problematic behaviors, troubling emotions, procrastination, maladaptive thought patterns, & relationship issues. I also specialize in school refusal &Executive Function Coaching. Intrigued?
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, self-harm, executive functioning deficits or relationship difficulties? Are you unhappy in your marriage or with your family dynamic? I assist clients in addressing challenges across the lifespan, including navigating stressful life events and moving beyond roadblocks to achieve personal growth. I provide treatment (and parent coaching using PMT and PCIT) to address problematic behaviors, troubling emotions, procrastination, maladaptive thought patterns, & relationship issues. I also specialize in school refusal &Executive Function Coaching. Intrigued?
(516) 253-5633 View (516) 253-5633
Photo of Shoval M. Gur-Aryeh, PhD, Psychologist
Shoval M. Gur-Aryeh
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
I provide individual therapy, as well as marital counseling.
At its heart, psychotherapy is about self-exploration and making positive change. When we feel good, just about anything is possible. But, when our thoughts and feelings are unhealthy, we become weighed down and limited in what we can achieve, whether professionally, in relationships, or in other endeavors. There is great transformative power in therapy and I am confident we can work together to improve your emotional well-being!
I provide individual therapy, as well as marital counseling.
At its heart, psychotherapy is about self-exploration and making positive change. When we feel good, just about anything is possible. But, when our thoughts and feelings are unhealthy, we become weighed down and limited in what we can achieve, whether professionally, in relationships, or in other endeavors. There is great transformative power in therapy and I am confident we can work together to improve your emotional well-being!
(201) 815-4465 View (201) 815-4465
Photo of Richard Eli Zilka, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Richard Eli Zilka
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Waitlist for new clients
Using my own EFT-based model called " Marital R&R" - Marital Rupture and Repair - I work with my clients towards achieving these natural human longings in their relationship.
All relationships rupture...but not all relationships repair. A couple's ability to safely and effectively repair their ruptures, and heal their pain, is an essential ingredient to any healthy long-term connection. In my office, I meet a great variety of people and relationship types; some are merely dating, while others are already engaged, or have begun the marital journey... and yet others are anywhere from 10-50 years into their marriage. What unites them all is the great human need and desire to feel understood, seen, safe, loved, and held.
Using my own EFT-based model called " Marital R&R" - Marital Rupture and Repair - I work with my clients towards achieving these natural human longings in their relationship.
All relationships rupture...but not all relationships repair. A couple's ability to safely and effectively repair their ruptures, and heal their pain, is an essential ingredient to any healthy long-term connection. In my office, I meet a great variety of people and relationship types; some are merely dating, while others are already engaged, or have begun the marital journey... and yet others are anywhere from 10-50 years into their marriage. What unites them all is the great human need and desire to feel understood, seen, safe, loved, and held.
(973) 359-5887 View (973) 359-5887
Photo of Tamara Leah Sauer-Diner - BetterWay Counseling Tamara Leah Sauer-Diner LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
BetterWay Counseling Tamara Leah Sauer-Diner LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Teaneck, NJ 07666  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Tamara Leah Sauer-Diner is an experienced therapist licensed in both NJ and California. Tamara tailors her approach to best suit the client and their needs and draws from a variety of evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, Exposure Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy. Tamara has experience with crisis management, trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, depression, body image and relationship issues. Tamara obtained her master’s degree in Marriage And Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide with Summa Cum Laude. Tamara accepts insurance.
Tamara Leah Sauer-Diner is an experienced therapist licensed in both NJ and California. Tamara tailors her approach to best suit the client and their needs and draws from a variety of evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, Exposure Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy. Tamara has experience with crisis management, trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, depression, body image and relationship issues. Tamara obtained her master’s degree in Marriage And Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide with Summa Cum Laude. Tamara accepts insurance.
(201) 817-1858 View (201) 817-1858
Photo of Jennifer Figueroa, MFT-LP
Jennifer Figueroa
MFT-LP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Teaneck, NJ 07666
I provide specialized expertise in working with individuals who have been dealing with a range of issues: anxiety, depression, relationships, mood disorders, natural transitions (e.g. marriage, career changes) that is having a negative impact on their relationships. Helping couples develop productive communication, improving intimacy and recovering from infidelity are some of the goals I have helped my couples achieve. My therapeutic framework is eclectic with individualized, interactive therapy. I graduated from Long Island University with a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Bachelor's in Psychology.
I provide specialized expertise in working with individuals who have been dealing with a range of issues: anxiety, depression, relationships, mood disorders, natural transitions (e.g. marriage, career changes) that is having a negative impact on their relationships. Helping couples develop productive communication, improving intimacy and recovering from infidelity are some of the goals I have helped my couples achieve. My therapeutic framework is eclectic with individualized, interactive therapy. I graduated from Long Island University with a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Bachelor's in Psychology.
(646) 701-9213 View (646) 701-9213
Photo of Alan Lerner, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alan Lerner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
I can help you with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, grief, family conflict, marital conflict, family violence (including domestic violence), parenting issues, adolescent issues, career issues, substance use, and many, many others.
Hope. Healing. Understanding. You deserve to live a fulfilling life with healthy relationships and satisfying life choices. I look forward to helping you along that journey. It is natural and common to be "blocked" or "stuck" as one travels through life's challenges. It is normal to feel sad, frustrated, confused... to feel like no one understands what you are going through, even a partner or your family members. I am an experienced clinician who has successfully helped many individuals, couples and families understand the barriers to meeting their needs and identify the ways and means to move forward.
I can help you with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, grief, family conflict, marital conflict, family violence (including domestic violence), parenting issues, adolescent issues, career issues, substance use, and many, many others.
Hope. Healing. Understanding. You deserve to live a fulfilling life with healthy relationships and satisfying life choices. I look forward to helping you along that journey. It is natural and common to be "blocked" or "stuck" as one travels through life's challenges. It is normal to feel sad, frustrated, confused... to feel like no one understands what you are going through, even a partner or your family members. I am an experienced clinician who has successfully helped many individuals, couples and families understand the barriers to meeting their needs and identify the ways and means to move forward.
(201) 292-0566 View (201) 292-0566
Photo of Aaron Cohen, LCSW, MS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Aaron Cohen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MS
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
I synthesize Emotionally Focused Therapy, The Gottman Method, and other approaches to help couples improve their relationship, restoring respect, appreciation, and love to the marriage.
We all would like to make choices that lead to a fulfilling and rewarding life. Too often, those choices seem out of reach and one feels stuck in an unyielding reality that one cannot control or change. There are tools that you can employ to take control of your life, redirecting thoughts, regulating emotions, and changing your behavior in a more productive way. Accompanied with self-discovery and insight, you can experience life in a different way and choose to live a happier and more satisfying life. Personal change empowers you to discover new opportunities for self-growth and expand your ability to live life to its fullest.
I synthesize Emotionally Focused Therapy, The Gottman Method, and other approaches to help couples improve their relationship, restoring respect, appreciation, and love to the marriage.
We all would like to make choices that lead to a fulfilling and rewarding life. Too often, those choices seem out of reach and one feels stuck in an unyielding reality that one cannot control or change. There are tools that you can employ to take control of your life, redirecting thoughts, regulating emotions, and changing your behavior in a more productive way. Accompanied with self-discovery and insight, you can experience life in a different way and choose to live a happier and more satisfying life. Personal change empowers you to discover new opportunities for self-growth and expand your ability to live life to its fullest.
(862) 362-2304 View (862) 362-2304
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.