Couples Counseling Therapists in Philadelphia, PA

Photo of Reena R Kolar, PhD, Psychologist
Reena R Kolar
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience helping families, couples, and adults learn coping skills and strategies to manage stress and anxiety in their daily lives.
Are you a student or professional facing academic, social, or emotional issues? Are you struggling to manage anxiety, depression, or relationships? Life transitions, daily stress, relationship concerns, depression or past trauma can be difficult to handle on your own. If you are unsure where to go for counseling or if local therapists have long waiting lists, I might be able to help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or just need extra support, please reach out. We can get started with a free call to discuss your concerns and come up with a plan that fits into your busy schedule.
I have extensive experience helping families, couples, and adults learn coping skills and strategies to manage stress and anxiety in their daily lives.
Are you a student or professional facing academic, social, or emotional issues? Are you struggling to manage anxiety, depression, or relationships? Life transitions, daily stress, relationship concerns, depression or past trauma can be difficult to handle on your own. If you are unsure where to go for counseling or if local therapists have long waiting lists, I might be able to help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or just need extra support, please reach out. We can get started with a free call to discuss your concerns and come up with a plan that fits into your busy schedule.
(484) 972-0334 View (484) 972-0334
Photo of Lisa Richman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa Richman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19118  (Online Only)
Having also worked with couples and families, I can provide the guidance necessary to work through difficult relationship dynamics.
The only constant in life is change. However, change can often be challenging and painful, leaving us feeling stuck in old patterns. I believe that every individual is capable of change, given the right tools and support. Utilizing a client-centered, humanistic, and trauma-informed approach, I provide the safe, supportive space that my clients need in order to achieve the growth and change that they seek. Having worked most recently with members of the LGBTQ community, I understand how important it is to have the acceptance and support of someone in a non-judgmental space in order to grow.
Having also worked with couples and families, I can provide the guidance necessary to work through difficult relationship dynamics.
The only constant in life is change. However, change can often be challenging and painful, leaving us feeling stuck in old patterns. I believe that every individual is capable of change, given the right tools and support. Utilizing a client-centered, humanistic, and trauma-informed approach, I provide the safe, supportive space that my clients need in order to achieve the growth and change that they seek. Having worked most recently with members of the LGBTQ community, I understand how important it is to have the acceptance and support of someone in a non-judgmental space in order to grow.
(267) 729-9858 View (267) 729-9858
Photo of Mitch Lisa - Dr. Mitch-Lisa Marriage/Couples Workshops/Seminars, PsyD, MSW, Life, Coach
Dr. Mitch-Lisa Marriage/Couples Workshops/Seminars
PsyD, MSW, Life, Coach
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Relationships in Crisis: We Have Several Private Couples/Marriage Workshops & Seminars, in order to Rapidly Accelerate Your Healing & Your Communication Process (Traditional 45 min. session (Simply Does Not Work). During these 2 to 4 weeks, we will see both of you Together & Individually, as well as Help each of you Learn the Art of Empathy, Sensitivity & Compassion. These Workshops/Seminars are Designed to be Informative & Powerful, in order to Accelerate Your Healing Process & Stop any further Damage from Occurring. Our Success RATE is 85% of Our Couples that have Successfully Completed Our Couples Workshops or Alcohol Treatment.
Relationships in Crisis: We Have Several Private Couples/Marriage Workshops & Seminars, in order to Rapidly Accelerate Your Healing & Your Communication Process (Traditional 45 min. session (Simply Does Not Work). During these 2 to 4 weeks, we will see both of you Together & Individually, as well as Help each of you Learn the Art of Empathy, Sensitivity & Compassion. These Workshops/Seminars are Designed to be Informative & Powerful, in order to Accelerate Your Healing Process & Stop any further Damage from Occurring. Our Success RATE is 85% of Our Couples that have Successfully Completed Our Couples Workshops or Alcohol Treatment.
(267) 367-6452 View (267) 367-6452
Photo of Katie Fries - All of You Therapy, LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
All of You Therapy, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
We can help you reconnect to yourself and others through a variety of individual, family, and couples therapy techniques (EFT, EMDR, Gottman, family therapy, etc.
Our clients are sensitive, thoughtful adults who have experienced childhood abuse, neglect, and overall family dysfunction and have found ways to appear like they "have it all together" on the outside, but internally are suffering with painful memories, feelings of deep shame, and an overall sense of unworthiness. In our work with adults who have been raised by emotionally immature parents, we help clients re-discover, or perhaps discover for the first time, a true sense of self and identity. Many of our clients are parents who are committed to breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma for the good of their children.
We can help you reconnect to yourself and others through a variety of individual, family, and couples therapy techniques (EFT, EMDR, Gottman, family therapy, etc.
Our clients are sensitive, thoughtful adults who have experienced childhood abuse, neglect, and overall family dysfunction and have found ways to appear like they "have it all together" on the outside, but internally are suffering with painful memories, feelings of deep shame, and an overall sense of unworthiness. In our work with adults who have been raised by emotionally immature parents, we help clients re-discover, or perhaps discover for the first time, a true sense of self and identity. Many of our clients are parents who are committed to breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma for the good of their children.
(215) 999-8214 View (215) 999-8214
Photo of Noris DeJesus-Petrone, MA, LP-MFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Noris DeJesus-Petrone
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LP-MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19143  (Online Only)
For over 19 years, I have been helping children ages 6 and over, adolescents, adults, couples and families to work towards self-acceptance, heal from trauma, grief, cope with anxiety and depression, become better coparents and explore the challenges of immigration.
I have always known that helping others is my purpose. My own personal life challenges and feeling that I was in a dark place pushed me a strong desire to understand myself and my feelings at a deeper level. I realized that I wanted to leave the world better than I had found it, and I wanted to do so by helping others to heal. My own healing journey brought me to help others through therapy. I use a strengths-based approach to help my clients ease the pain that they are experiencing, by not only being there and offering an empathetic ear, but by helping them to find the joy in life that they may have thought would be lost forever.
For over 19 years, I have been helping children ages 6 and over, adolescents, adults, couples and families to work towards self-acceptance, heal from trauma, grief, cope with anxiety and depression, become better coparents and explore the challenges of immigration.
I have always known that helping others is my purpose. My own personal life challenges and feeling that I was in a dark place pushed me a strong desire to understand myself and my feelings at a deeper level. I realized that I wanted to leave the world better than I had found it, and I wanted to do so by helping others to heal. My own healing journey brought me to help others through therapy. I use a strengths-based approach to help my clients ease the pain that they are experiencing, by not only being there and offering an empathetic ear, but by helping them to find the joy in life that they may have thought would be lost forever.
(215) 458-2064 View (215) 458-2064
Photo of Britt Turner-Craighead, Pre-Licensed Professional
Britt Turner-Craighead
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19104  (Online Only)
I’m here for anyone bravely navigating the challenges of trust, intimacy, or grief—whether you're single or in a relationship. If you’re dealing with trauma, balancing work and personal life, or facing issues like commitment or infidelity, I want to help. My goal is to provide clarity, healing, and reconnection, whether you’re mending a relationship or seeking inner peace. I’m committed to listening, supporting, and empowering you to turn struggles into growth and step confidently into a more fulfilling, authentic life.
I’m here for anyone bravely navigating the challenges of trust, intimacy, or grief—whether you're single or in a relationship. If you’re dealing with trauma, balancing work and personal life, or facing issues like commitment or infidelity, I want to help. My goal is to provide clarity, healing, and reconnection, whether you’re mending a relationship or seeking inner peace. I’m committed to listening, supporting, and empowering you to turn struggles into growth and step confidently into a more fulfilling, authentic life.
(267) 369-6153 View (267) 369-6153
Photo of Kate Manser, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kate Manser
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103  (Online Only)
With our work individually or as a relationship with your partner(s), you will find that you'll be able to express your emotions clearly to the people in your life, advocate for your needs and wants more effectively, and as a result find yourself feeling less stress.
As a queer woman who practices polyamory, I can understand how we are often unprepared for the difficulties that arise when living in a mononormative society. It makes sense that emotions like fear or depression are brought up when we go outside of those norms, even for the seasoned consensually nonmonogamous folks. Together we can navigate your polyamorous relationship structure if you or you and your partner(s) find yourselves with insecure attachment styles impacting your relationship(s), are having difficulty managing boundaries, or need help dismantling couple's privlege.
With our work individually or as a relationship with your partner(s), you will find that you'll be able to express your emotions clearly to the people in your life, advocate for your needs and wants more effectively, and as a result find yourself feeling less stress.
As a queer woman who practices polyamory, I can understand how we are often unprepared for the difficulties that arise when living in a mononormative society. It makes sense that emotions like fear or depression are brought up when we go outside of those norms, even for the seasoned consensually nonmonogamous folks. Together we can navigate your polyamorous relationship structure if you or you and your partner(s) find yourselves with insecure attachment styles impacting your relationship(s), are having difficulty managing boundaries, or need help dismantling couple's privlege.
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Photo of Arlene Goldman, PhD, Psychologist
Arlene Goldman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I help individuals and couples resolve their sexual and relationship issues and enhance their lives. I've been a psychologist and sex therapist for over 30 years, my approach begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause(s) contributing to your difficulties. Then you and I create a plan that is tailored to helping you, decrease anxiety, resolve blocks, learn communication and coping skills and achieve relationship and sexual satisfaction. My approach draws from my training in sex therapy, family systems, psychodynamic and cognitive therapies as well as hypnosis and EMDR.
I help individuals and couples resolve their sexual and relationship issues and enhance their lives. I've been a psychologist and sex therapist for over 30 years, my approach begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause(s) contributing to your difficulties. Then you and I create a plan that is tailored to helping you, decrease anxiety, resolve blocks, learn communication and coping skills and achieve relationship and sexual satisfaction. My approach draws from my training in sex therapy, family systems, psychodynamic and cognitive therapies as well as hypnosis and EMDR.
(267) 348-4224 View (267) 348-4224
Photo of Debra Ettinger, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Debra Ettinger
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103  (Online Only)
I've had the privilege of working with individuals, couples and families for over thirty years regarding life transitions and relationship building.
Often as we journey through life we experience challenging events. At these times answers may seem out of reach. While friends and family can be supportive, they sometimes are unable to help us heal. I offer a compassionate, safe place to fully explore yourself and your relationships -- past, present and future.
I've had the privilege of working with individuals, couples and families for over thirty years regarding life transitions and relationship building.
Often as we journey through life we experience challenging events. At these times answers may seem out of reach. While friends and family can be supportive, they sometimes are unable to help us heal. I offer a compassionate, safe place to fully explore yourself and your relationships -- past, present and future.
(215) 645-4634 View (215) 645-4634
Photo of Christine McGuire - Evergreen Counseling and Psychological Associates, PsyD, PhD, LCSW, LPC, Psychologist
Evergreen Counseling and Psychological Associates
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD, LCSW, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19118
Waitlist for new clients
Our clinicians have training, certification in CBT, Short Term Psychodynamic, Mindfulness, EMDR, Family Therapy (Systems, Structural), and Couples Therapy, Autism Evaluation and Diagnosis, educational testing and full battery psychological assessment for children and adults.
We welcome you to Evergreen! We are a private practice group of compassionate and skilled Clinical Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. We understand it's not easy to open up to someone you don't know, but we strive to make your experience as easy and comfortable as possible. We are here to support you, to help develop workable solutions, and to improve overall health and well-being. We know that change and happiness are possible. You don't have to struggle; help is available. Our office staff are here and want to hear from you.
Our clinicians have training, certification in CBT, Short Term Psychodynamic, Mindfulness, EMDR, Family Therapy (Systems, Structural), and Couples Therapy, Autism Evaluation and Diagnosis, educational testing and full battery psychological assessment for children and adults.
We welcome you to Evergreen! We are a private practice group of compassionate and skilled Clinical Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. We understand it's not easy to open up to someone you don't know, but we strive to make your experience as easy and comfortable as possible. We are here to support you, to help develop workable solutions, and to improve overall health and well-being. We know that change and happiness are possible. You don't have to struggle; help is available. Our office staff are here and want to hear from you.
(215) 392-6685 View (215) 392-6685
Photo of Algernon Baker - Relationship Specialist, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Algernon Baker - Relationship Specialist
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19143  (Online Only)
Are you and your partner tired of having the same argument over and over again? Does it feel like you're stuck in a relationship that just is'nt growing or going anywhere? Somewhere along the way, you lost the passion you had for each other and now you're just roommates going through the motions. Even when you try to have a conversation with your partner, it ends up in another argument. You're not ready to give up on what you've built together but you can't go on with the way things are either. You want to get unstuck and start to move forward. I can help.
Are you and your partner tired of having the same argument over and over again? Does it feel like you're stuck in a relationship that just is'nt growing or going anywhere? Somewhere along the way, you lost the passion you had for each other and now you're just roommates going through the motions. Even when you try to have a conversation with your partner, it ends up in another argument. You're not ready to give up on what you've built together but you can't go on with the way things are either. You want to get unstuck and start to move forward. I can help.
(215) 791-8636 View (215) 791-8636
Photo of Asher Eli Volkens, MS
Asher Eli Volkens
MS
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19118
I have 20 years experience in the field of psychology. I have worked as a therapist in private practice, prisons, and clinics in the Philadelphia area. I am a United States Veteran, who served my country honorably, and now honorably serves the community. I specialize in couples and family therapy, religious abuse, depression and anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I strive to support the Client to achieve their goals and live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.
I have 20 years experience in the field of psychology. I have worked as a therapist in private practice, prisons, and clinics in the Philadelphia area. I am a United States Veteran, who served my country honorably, and now honorably serves the community. I specialize in couples and family therapy, religious abuse, depression and anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I strive to support the Client to achieve their goals and live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.
(267) 458-5485 View (267) 458-5485
Photo of Sanela Solak, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Sanela Solak
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19119
Someone made a mistake at work that you had to stay late to fix – no problem. Your spouse forgot to pick up the cake you reminded him about five times – all good. The kids knocked over and broke an heirloom vase – don’t worry about it. You are so understanding and forgiving with everyone in your life. But, if you make the tiniest error, you can’t let yourself live it down. You’re unsure why it’s so impossible for you to accept anything less than perfection. You suspect it may have to do with unresolved pain from your past. But you can’t let anyone know you’re suffering, so you pretend everything is fine and hope no one notices.
Someone made a mistake at work that you had to stay late to fix – no problem. Your spouse forgot to pick up the cake you reminded him about five times – all good. The kids knocked over and broke an heirloom vase – don’t worry about it. You are so understanding and forgiving with everyone in your life. But, if you make the tiniest error, you can’t let yourself live it down. You’re unsure why it’s so impossible for you to accept anything less than perfection. You suspect it may have to do with unresolved pain from your past. But you can’t let anyone know you’re suffering, so you pretend everything is fine and hope no one notices.
(267) 341-7421 View (267) 341-7421
Photo of Jenna Rosenau, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jenna Rosenau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103  (Online Only)
My joy is helping adult individuals and couples who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and traumatic experiences.
Whether you're going through a life transition, struggling in a relationship, or experiencing anxiety, it takes courage to seek help. Regardless of what you're going through, I want you to recognize that your resilience in life has brought you this far. I would like to help you from here by guiding you through this therapeutic process, as it may relate to personal trauma, early life experiences, and/or unhealthy patterns. I will help you unlock old patterns and beliefs about yourself that are no longer serving you or your relationships. I will support you in tapping into a deeper understanding of who you are at your core.
My joy is helping adult individuals and couples who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and traumatic experiences.
Whether you're going through a life transition, struggling in a relationship, or experiencing anxiety, it takes courage to seek help. Regardless of what you're going through, I want you to recognize that your resilience in life has brought you this far. I would like to help you from here by guiding you through this therapeutic process, as it may relate to personal trauma, early life experiences, and/or unhealthy patterns. I will help you unlock old patterns and beliefs about yourself that are no longer serving you or your relationships. I will support you in tapping into a deeper understanding of who you are at your core.
(267) 356-4219 View (267) 356-4219
Photo of Danielle Costanzo, MFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Danielle Costanzo
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Hi! I'm Danielle Costanzo and I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist who works collaboratively with individuals, couples, and families. My approach is honest and nonjudgmental, and I prioritize building authentic connections with my clients. With genuine warmth, compassion, and humor, I create a safe environment to both support and challenge you.
Hi! I'm Danielle Costanzo and I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist who works collaboratively with individuals, couples, and families. My approach is honest and nonjudgmental, and I prioritize building authentic connections with my clients. With genuine warmth, compassion, and humor, I create a safe environment to both support and challenge you.
(267) 435-2959 View (267) 435-2959
Photo of Joslyn Justi, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joslyn Justi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19125  (Online Only)
Relationships are hard. My goal is to help couples identify the patterns in which they get stuck, the emotional needs underneath their arguments, and what is preventing them from understanding their partners. I utilize strategies that help build mutual trust and emotional safety in order to regulate intense feelings of anxiety, fear, and pain. Couples will learn how to argue fairly, communicate effectively without escalating into blame or criticism, and improve their listening skills. Couples therapy helps create new and sustainable ways of connecting to one another and nourishing the love and respect in their relationships.
Relationships are hard. My goal is to help couples identify the patterns in which they get stuck, the emotional needs underneath their arguments, and what is preventing them from understanding their partners. I utilize strategies that help build mutual trust and emotional safety in order to regulate intense feelings of anxiety, fear, and pain. Couples will learn how to argue fairly, communicate effectively without escalating into blame or criticism, and improve their listening skills. Couples therapy helps create new and sustainable ways of connecting to one another and nourishing the love and respect in their relationships.
(878) 313-2066 View (878) 313-2066
Photo of Kaitlin Hatfield, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kaitlin Hatfield
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19104  (Online Only)
Kaitlin Hatfield is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. Kaitlin’s areas of expertise include but are not limited to working with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, body image, relationship issues individual and family therapy. She believes in the importance of developing a therapeutic relationship built on trust and openness to ensure a non-judgmental and inviting environment.
Kaitlin Hatfield is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. Kaitlin’s areas of expertise include but are not limited to working with adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, body image, relationship issues individual and family therapy. She believes in the importance of developing a therapeutic relationship built on trust and openness to ensure a non-judgmental and inviting environment.
(484) 562-6928 View (484) 562-6928
Photo of Rebecca (Rowan) Levy, MA, NCC, PC01569, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca (Rowan) Levy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, PC01569
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19110  (Online Only)
You want something different, but it’s hard to motivate and place what that really is. You are sensitive, creative, queer, thoughtful, and full of so many thoughts. You likely have a habit of overextending yourself in the hopes of finding where you feel you belong. You see patterns in your relationships that you want to examine and change, and some part of you knows that you deserve a more satisfying life. Therapy is a non-judgmental space in which you can overcome familiar patterns by being witnessed and heard, and acquire tools to improve your relationship with yourself and others.
You want something different, but it’s hard to motivate and place what that really is. You are sensitive, creative, queer, thoughtful, and full of so many thoughts. You likely have a habit of overextending yourself in the hopes of finding where you feel you belong. You see patterns in your relationships that you want to examine and change, and some part of you knows that you deserve a more satisfying life. Therapy is a non-judgmental space in which you can overcome familiar patterns by being witnessed and heard, and acquire tools to improve your relationship with yourself and others.
View
Photo of Maria Beatty, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Maria Beatty
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19119
As well, I have worked with couples in adoption and foster transitions.
I have worked with families for over twenty years. I have been a coach, a classroom teacher, early childhood teacher, childbirth instructor, childbirth doula and athletic coach. My deep engagement with all stages of development informs my therapeutic work each and every day. From big life transitions down to mundane tasks, my clients receive grounded and evidence-based care that helps them find balance and resilience so that they can live a fully-engaged vibrant and flourishing existence.
As well, I have worked with couples in adoption and foster transitions.
I have worked with families for over twenty years. I have been a coach, a classroom teacher, early childhood teacher, childbirth instructor, childbirth doula and athletic coach. My deep engagement with all stages of development informs my therapeutic work each and every day. From big life transitions down to mundane tasks, my clients receive grounded and evidence-based care that helps them find balance and resilience so that they can live a fully-engaged vibrant and flourishing existence.
(215) 600-1496 View (215) 600-1496
Photo of Dr. Janeisha Anderson-LaBranch, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Janeisha Anderson-LaBranch
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102  (Online Only)
I am an experienced holistic health and wellness therapist at Discovering Bliss Counseling, helping individuals, couples, and families focus on healing, wellness, and growth. Discovering Bliss Counseling is a boutique private practice providing high-quality, specialized, and customized counseling, therapy, and wellness services tailored to your unique needs. We provide a more customized experience compared to traditional therapy settings; offering high-quality, personalized direction in therapy. With our approach to therapy, we create a safe for you to heal.
I am an experienced holistic health and wellness therapist at Discovering Bliss Counseling, helping individuals, couples, and families focus on healing, wellness, and growth. Discovering Bliss Counseling is a boutique private practice providing high-quality, specialized, and customized counseling, therapy, and wellness services tailored to your unique needs. We provide a more customized experience compared to traditional therapy settings; offering high-quality, personalized direction in therapy. With our approach to therapy, we create a safe for you to heal.
(484) 573-6610 View (484) 573-6610
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Couples Counseling Therapists

Does couples counseling work?

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

When should a couple seek counseling?

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

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

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

How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?

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