Couples Counseling Therapists in Greenville, SC

Photo of Danielle Anderson, MMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Danielle Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29601
You and your partner want to break free.
I am currently accepting NEW clients. You sometimes wonder if anyone around you could understand the battle you’ve been facing each day. It’s as if you and your partner are losing the love you once felt so deeply for each other. No matter how hard you try, it feels like you are stuck, fighting the same battles over and over again. You sometimes wonder how you even got to this place, and long for the connection and trust you once shared. But damage has been done and fear creeps in. Sometimes you both worry, “Can we heal what has been broken? Can we share that connection again?”
You and your partner want to break free.
I am currently accepting NEW clients. You sometimes wonder if anyone around you could understand the battle you’ve been facing each day. It’s as if you and your partner are losing the love you once felt so deeply for each other. No matter how hard you try, it feels like you are stuck, fighting the same battles over and over again. You sometimes wonder how you even got to this place, and long for the connection and trust you once shared. But damage has been done and fear creeps in. Sometimes you both worry, “Can we heal what has been broken? Can we share that connection again?”
(864) 362-9582 View (864) 362-9582
Photo of Heather N Shures, MEd, EdS, LPC-A, NCC
Heather N Shures
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MEd, EdS, LPC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607
Please do not hesitate to reach out! I have immediate openings for individual and couples counseling.
I have immediate openings for new clients in office! I work with both individuals (ages 18+) and couples with primary areas of focus often including self-esteem, identity, communication, boundary-setting, and fostering healthy relationships of all kinds. I have experience working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, lifestyles, and experiences. I also have unique experience and special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ clients, polyamorous relationships, service industry professionals, and self-proclaimed “people pleasers”.
Please do not hesitate to reach out! I have immediate openings for individual and couples counseling.
I have immediate openings for new clients in office! I work with both individuals (ages 18+) and couples with primary areas of focus often including self-esteem, identity, communication, boundary-setting, and fostering healthy relationships of all kinds. I have experience working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, lifestyles, and experiences. I also have unique experience and special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ clients, polyamorous relationships, service industry professionals, and self-proclaimed “people pleasers”.
(864) 712-7130 View (864) 712-7130
Photo of Vanessa Monique Williams, NCC, LCMHCA
Vanessa Monique Williams
LPC Associate, NCC, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607
Issues often addressed in counseling include, but are not limited to: • Family/ Couples • Anger Management • Grief and Loss • Depression • Anxiety Interpersonal Conflict • Self Esteem Issues.
Immediately accepting new clients! My counseling approach is largely based on Motivational Interviewing (MI), Acceptance/Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I have interests specifically in the areas of grief & loss, marriage & couples’ relational issues, and family of origin issues. I see my role as a counselor as a partner who works with the client to process feelings, find healing, and regain hope. I believe that each client can navigate the challenges & the changes life brings and am committed to helping my clients work toward achieving symptom reduction, more self-awareness, & increased confidence.
Issues often addressed in counseling include, but are not limited to: • Family/ Couples • Anger Management • Grief and Loss • Depression • Anxiety Interpersonal Conflict • Self Esteem Issues.
Immediately accepting new clients! My counseling approach is largely based on Motivational Interviewing (MI), Acceptance/Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I have interests specifically in the areas of grief & loss, marriage & couples’ relational issues, and family of origin issues. I see my role as a counselor as a partner who works with the client to process feelings, find healing, and regain hope. I believe that each client can navigate the challenges & the changes life brings and am committed to helping my clients work toward achieving symptom reduction, more self-awareness, & increased confidence.
(864) 362-1421 View (864) 362-1421
Greenville Therapy Center, PA
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP, LMFT
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29615
Combined our therapists have over 150 years experience and work with individuals, couples, and families.
We provide high quality psychotherapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults. Our mission is to provide a caring, respectful environment where we assist individuals, couples, and families in coping with life's challenges. Our experienced therapists help clients build skills to reduce troubling symptoms, improve relationships, and enhance personal growth. Shree Yongue, LISW-CP; Steve Compton, LISW-CP; Frankie Rhodes, LPC; LAC, Karen Scott, Psy D.
Combined our therapists have over 150 years experience and work with individuals, couples, and families.
We provide high quality psychotherapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults. Our mission is to provide a caring, respectful environment where we assist individuals, couples, and families in coping with life's challenges. Our experienced therapists help clients build skills to reduce troubling symptoms, improve relationships, and enhance personal growth. Shree Yongue, LISW-CP; Steve Compton, LISW-CP; Frankie Rhodes, LPC; LAC, Karen Scott, Psy D.
(864) 900-9089 View (864) 900-9089
Photo of Angelica Perez-Litwin Lumin Center, PhD, MBA, Psychologist
Angelica Perez-Litwin Lumin Center
Psychologist, PhD, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29605
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Career Therapist with 20 years of professional experience. I work closely with wonderful people like you who lead very busy lives, whether due to a highly stressful job, career, business or just being a parent trying to do it all. Many of my clients feel anxious, depressed, and/or overwhelmed balancing work and life. Others are experiencing a significant life transition -- a career change, the end of a relationship, or a relocation. I also work with healthcare providers, attorneys, engineers, entrepreneurs, and those in academia, among others.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Career Therapist with 20 years of professional experience. I work closely with wonderful people like you who lead very busy lives, whether due to a highly stressful job, career, business or just being a parent trying to do it all. Many of my clients feel anxious, depressed, and/or overwhelmed balancing work and life. Others are experiencing a significant life transition -- a career change, the end of a relationship, or a relocation. I also work with healthcare providers, attorneys, engineers, entrepreneurs, and those in academia, among others.
(864) 252-1049 View (864) 252-1049
Photo of Dawn Hayes, LMFT-A, MMFT, CYT-500, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Dawn Hayes
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT-A, MMFT, CYT-500
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29607
Waitlist for new clients
As a systemic family therapist, I am uniquely prepared to work with couples and individuals.
Are you wondering when the ingredients of your life and relationships became too bland or too spicy? Are you finding yourself working with the same recipe on repeat, even though it doesn’t fulfill what you are looking for? Are you and your partner feeling pulled apart by disconnection and arguments? Do you feel misunderstood at home or work? Maybe your life has changed beyond what is familiar or comfortable and you're not sure who you are today. Perhaps what was once important to you doesn’t feel as fulfilling, but identifying the missing ingredients feels challenging or foreign.
As a systemic family therapist, I am uniquely prepared to work with couples and individuals.
Are you wondering when the ingredients of your life and relationships became too bland or too spicy? Are you finding yourself working with the same recipe on repeat, even though it doesn’t fulfill what you are looking for? Are you and your partner feeling pulled apart by disconnection and arguments? Do you feel misunderstood at home or work? Maybe your life has changed beyond what is familiar or comfortable and you're not sure who you are today. Perhaps what was once important to you doesn’t feel as fulfilling, but identifying the missing ingredients feels challenging or foreign.
(864) 387-3325 View (864) 387-3325
Photo of Susannah Baldwin, Counsel, MEd, LPC, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Susannah Baldwin
Licensed Professional Counselor, Counsel, MEd, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607
I work exclusively with adults and couples that are having issues surrounding their Reproductive Journey- this is my passion, area of expertise and life's work.
If you're struggling to navigate decisions or feelings around fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, birth trauma, loss, parenting, peri-menopause or the many other things that occur during this time of life, I can help. During a time you may have expected to be wondrous, you may have found unexpected challenges and distress. You may feel the image you had of your future to be shattered and find yourself not sure where to go from here. If you're a woman or couple and this sounds familiar, I can help you find your way to feeling better.
I work exclusively with adults and couples that are having issues surrounding their Reproductive Journey- this is my passion, area of expertise and life's work.
If you're struggling to navigate decisions or feelings around fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, birth trauma, loss, parenting, peri-menopause or the many other things that occur during this time of life, I can help. During a time you may have expected to be wondrous, you may have found unexpected challenges and distress. You may feel the image you had of your future to be shattered and find yourself not sure where to go from here. If you're a woman or couple and this sounds familiar, I can help you find your way to feeling better.
(864) 336-2867 View (864) 336-2867
Photo of Jessica Fairfax, MMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica Fairfax
Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29611  (Online Only)
I also help couples regain connection and manage stress together.
You’re exhausted with trying to live up to everyone's standards. Your partner, your kids, your parents, your work. You feel like you can't get it right and you're just trying to keep it all together. You want to show up better for yourself and your family, but lately just getting through the day is a win. Your inner critic is loud and overpowering, pointing out flaws in yourself every day. You find yourself getting snippy with your family and playing back past frustrations in your head over and over again. You want to be your best for everyone but most days you’re too exhausted. You crave a sense of peace and rest.
I also help couples regain connection and manage stress together.
You’re exhausted with trying to live up to everyone's standards. Your partner, your kids, your parents, your work. You feel like you can't get it right and you're just trying to keep it all together. You want to show up better for yourself and your family, but lately just getting through the day is a win. Your inner critic is loud and overpowering, pointing out flaws in yourself every day. You find yourself getting snippy with your family and playing back past frustrations in your head over and over again. You want to be your best for everyone but most days you’re too exhausted. You crave a sense of peace and rest.
(864) 383-1614 View (864) 383-1614
Photo of Maria Parry, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maria Parry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29615
For couples, my first goal is to help them rediscover a sense of connection and understanding.
Now accepting new clients (individuals or couples). My two niches are couples therapy and Enneagram. You may be trying to find a sense of who you are, as you struggle with patterns of emotional and/or relationship distress. Or perhaps you are a couple whose relationship feels disconnected, and you’re wondering if emotional connection can be found again. Whether you are trying to find “wholeness” as an individual or in your relationship, I’d love to help in your journey. Some of the emotional issues I work with include self esteem (self identity), anxiety, depression, and life transitions/adjustment.
For couples, my first goal is to help them rediscover a sense of connection and understanding.
Now accepting new clients (individuals or couples). My two niches are couples therapy and Enneagram. You may be trying to find a sense of who you are, as you struggle with patterns of emotional and/or relationship distress. Or perhaps you are a couple whose relationship feels disconnected, and you’re wondering if emotional connection can be found again. Whether you are trying to find “wholeness” as an individual or in your relationship, I’d love to help in your journey. Some of the emotional issues I work with include self esteem (self identity), anxiety, depression, and life transitions/adjustment.
(864) 514-5759 View (864) 514-5759
Photo of Brian Wall, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brian Wall
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29615  (Online Only)
Brian is a clinical professional with a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor designation and a stellar record of success in the mental health and addiction treatment space. He has over two decades of experience in guiding individuals and teams. In addition to family systems work, he specializes in teens/young adults and has extensive experience in helping individuals/ couples of all ages with addictions and related coping skills, relationship and family conflicts, depression/mood instability, life transitions, trauma and abuse, and processing grief and loss. Brian completed his Master of Counseling Psychology.
Brian is a clinical professional with a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor designation and a stellar record of success in the mental health and addiction treatment space. He has over two decades of experience in guiding individuals and teams. In addition to family systems work, he specializes in teens/young adults and has extensive experience in helping individuals/ couples of all ages with addictions and related coping skills, relationship and family conflicts, depression/mood instability, life transitions, trauma and abuse, and processing grief and loss. Brian completed his Master of Counseling Psychology.
(864) 528-4904 View (864) 528-4904
Photo of Paige Kupferer, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Paige Kupferer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29607
Real Talk Therapy received its name because as a therapist I believe it is so important for the therapist and client to have a real, genuine interaction in the therapeutic relationship.
My name is Paige Kupferer,LPC. Real Talk Therapy is my VIRTUAL and IN Office private practice, created to assist young adults, college students, and adults through the twists and turns of real life. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, chronic illness, or other difficulties, Real Talk Therapy allows you a space to be your real, genuine self. This is a nurturing and compassionate environment where you can begin to process your life challenges. You can learn new coping skills and tools to help navigate your life journey. We will work together to identify and work towards your personal goals.
Real Talk Therapy received its name because as a therapist I believe it is so important for the therapist and client to have a real, genuine interaction in the therapeutic relationship.
My name is Paige Kupferer,LPC. Real Talk Therapy is my VIRTUAL and IN Office private practice, created to assist young adults, college students, and adults through the twists and turns of real life. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, chronic illness, or other difficulties, Real Talk Therapy allows you a space to be your real, genuine self. This is a nurturing and compassionate environment where you can begin to process your life challenges. You can learn new coping skills and tools to help navigate your life journey. We will work together to identify and work towards your personal goals.
(864) 774-9783 View (864) 774-9783
Photo of Chrystal Roberts, M Ed, LPC, LPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Chrystal Roberts
Licensed Professional Counselor, M Ed, LPC, LPCS
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29615  (Online Only)
I treat individuals & couples with many presenting issues.
Whatever you are going through, you don't have to do it alone. You want to heal & you want to grow, but you may not know where to start. I am here to support you & guide you. Successful therapy is a collaborative effort. You can expect me to take on the roles of supporter, encourager, analyst, challenger, & guide in our work together. We will work on healing and finding the answers you seek. You can overcome pains of the past & reach a point of self-acceptance, confidence, & wholeness. Let me help you break chains & old patterns & become empowered to have a fulfilling life that you live as your true, whole, authentic self.
I treat individuals & couples with many presenting issues.
Whatever you are going through, you don't have to do it alone. You want to heal & you want to grow, but you may not know where to start. I am here to support you & guide you. Successful therapy is a collaborative effort. You can expect me to take on the roles of supporter, encourager, analyst, challenger, & guide in our work together. We will work on healing and finding the answers you seek. You can overcome pains of the past & reach a point of self-acceptance, confidence, & wholeness. Let me help you break chains & old patterns & become empowered to have a fulfilling life that you live as your true, whole, authentic self.
(864) 528-4426 View (864) 528-4426
Photo of Wendy Chaney, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Wendy Chaney
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607  (Online Only)
I provide teletherapy on-screen help by phone or computer for Individual, Family, and Couples Therapy.
I believe that you have what it takes to get thru life challenges and can benefit from someone who can offer you guidance and support to get thru those challenges. Whether it's for you, your family, or your relationship. I want you to know I will give you my best to offer my expertise. My goal is to provide you with knowledge for you or your relationship to reach a healthy place in your life. I want to help you find peace within you and within relationships. I can help with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, abuse, trauma, ADHD, relationship problems, family issues, and mood issues.
I provide teletherapy on-screen help by phone or computer for Individual, Family, and Couples Therapy.
I believe that you have what it takes to get thru life challenges and can benefit from someone who can offer you guidance and support to get thru those challenges. Whether it's for you, your family, or your relationship. I want you to know I will give you my best to offer my expertise. My goal is to provide you with knowledge for you or your relationship to reach a healthy place in your life. I want to help you find peace within you and within relationships. I can help with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, abuse, trauma, ADHD, relationship problems, family issues, and mood issues.
(864) 301-8680 View (864) 301-8680
Photo of Jennifer Edris, LPC, LMFT, CACI, MAC, LAC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Edris
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPC, LMFT, CACI, MAC, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29615
Areas of Treatment: Marriage, Divorce, Anger Management Addiction, Coping Skills, Family Conflict, Infertility, Anxiety, Career Counseling, Depression, Parenting, Relationship Issues, Sleep Problems.
River Falls Counseling provides professional psychological services for adolescents, adults, couples, and families seeking help. Competent licensed and certified therapist with a variety of specializations Conveniently located in Greenville off of Roper Mtn. Rd. and I-85 We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and most EAP plans Flexible hours (day and evenings) Sliding scale for those in need
Areas of Treatment: Marriage, Divorce, Anger Management Addiction, Coping Skills, Family Conflict, Infertility, Anxiety, Career Counseling, Depression, Parenting, Relationship Issues, Sleep Problems.
River Falls Counseling provides professional psychological services for adolescents, adults, couples, and families seeking help. Competent licensed and certified therapist with a variety of specializations Conveniently located in Greenville off of Roper Mtn. Rd. and I-85 We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and most EAP plans Flexible hours (day and evenings) Sliding scale for those in need
(864) 907-4443 View (864) 907-4443
Photo of Lori D Blackman, LISW-CP, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lori D Blackman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP, LCSW
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29607
I have many years experience working with adults and children suffering from depression, anxiety, OCD, anger issues, trauma, and abuse. I have also worked in the field of drug and alcohol addiction. After my graduate studies, my primary focus and training was working with children suffering from ADHD, ODD, depression, and anxiety. I used behavioral management coupled with parenting strategies to improve the overall parent/child relationship. I gained incredible knowledge and insight regarding chronic pain as well as grief and loss while working with the elderly population through home health care and hospice.
I have many years experience working with adults and children suffering from depression, anxiety, OCD, anger issues, trauma, and abuse. I have also worked in the field of drug and alcohol addiction. After my graduate studies, my primary focus and training was working with children suffering from ADHD, ODD, depression, and anxiety. I used behavioral management coupled with parenting strategies to improve the overall parent/child relationship. I gained incredible knowledge and insight regarding chronic pain as well as grief and loss while working with the elderly population through home health care and hospice.
(864) 263-2743 View (864) 263-2743
Photo of Stephen Tuttle, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Stephen Tuttle
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29615
He seeks to develop a healthy, trusting working relationship with you and to journey with you as you work through your challenges and obstacles, guiding and encouraging you where he can so that you live a meaningful life.
Stephen Tuttle is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 6 years of experience providing clinical assessment and therapeutic care to children and adolescents seeking help with anger management, self-esteem, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, family issues, and sexual offending behaviors. He has a strong desire to continue working with today’s youth while also engaging in therapeutic care with adults, couples, and families with a variety of needs who are motivated for treatment and searching for a fellow traveler in their journey towards a meaningful and purposeful life.
He seeks to develop a healthy, trusting working relationship with you and to journey with you as you work through your challenges and obstacles, guiding and encouraging you where he can so that you live a meaningful life.
Stephen Tuttle is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 6 years of experience providing clinical assessment and therapeutic care to children and adolescents seeking help with anger management, self-esteem, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, family issues, and sexual offending behaviors. He has a strong desire to continue working with today’s youth while also engaging in therapeutic care with adults, couples, and families with a variety of needs who are motivated for treatment and searching for a fellow traveler in their journey towards a meaningful and purposeful life.
(864) 513-9943 View (864) 513-9943
Photo of Tory Ervin, MMFT, LMFT, CCHP-MH, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tory Ervin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT, LMFT, CCHP-MH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29601
Feeling disconnected from others can be lonely and isolating - especially when you live with the others. The past few years have been traumatic for everyone to some degree and re-discovering the human interactions we all need to promote happiness and longevity is essential whether you are coupled or single - adult or child. Individuals who need a boost to their communication skills, understanding or discovery of self, and couples who are trying to enrich and re-connect energize my practice.
Feeling disconnected from others can be lonely and isolating - especially when you live with the others. The past few years have been traumatic for everyone to some degree and re-discovering the human interactions we all need to promote happiness and longevity is essential whether you are coupled or single - adult or child. Individuals who need a boost to their communication skills, understanding or discovery of self, and couples who are trying to enrich and re-connect energize my practice.
(864) 756-3081 View (864) 756-3081
Photo of John Simpson Kilgo III - John Kilgo - Olive Tree Counseling, LPC, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
John Kilgo - Olive Tree Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
Greenville, SC 29615
Often times our lives and relationships don't go according to our plans. We have problems with our past, not connecting or understanding relationships, how others have hurt us, or how to navigate the difficulty of finances. These situations are just a few that could require some additional help. You are not alone in this. In fact, most individuals and couples can relate to these experiences. Assistance can come in many forms, including the client central focus that Olive Tree Counseling strives to accomplish.
Often times our lives and relationships don't go according to our plans. We have problems with our past, not connecting or understanding relationships, how others have hurt us, or how to navigate the difficulty of finances. These situations are just a few that could require some additional help. You are not alone in this. In fact, most individuals and couples can relate to these experiences. Assistance can come in many forms, including the client central focus that Olive Tree Counseling strives to accomplish.
(864) 207-4897 View (864) 207-4897
Photo of Andrele Jean-Charles, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Andrele Jean-Charles
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607  (Online Only)
With an integrated approach that includes CBT, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-focused therapy (to name a few), I help individuals and couples address communication issues, relationship challenges and personal growth goals and adaptation to new life stages.
Immediate openings, accepting new clients!
With an integrated approach that includes CBT, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-focused therapy (to name a few), I help individuals and couples address communication issues, relationship challenges and personal growth goals and adaptation to new life stages.
Immediate openings, accepting new clients!
(864) 668-8185 View (864) 668-8185
Photo of Taylor Spoltore, MMFT, LMFT, AADC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Taylor Spoltore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT, LMFT, AADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Greenville, SC 29607
I have specialized training to treat you and your relationship as a whole.
It feels like you don't even know how to talk to the people in your own home anymore. It hasn't always been this way, but for awhile now, you and your significant other just aren't on the same page. Maybe it feels like you don't really know your kids, ever since they've become teenagers it's like you can't communicate with them. You miss having the real intimacy with your spouse. You miss being close with your family. You want that again but it feels like there's this wall between you, everything is a fight, and you don't know how to fix it.
I have specialized training to treat you and your relationship as a whole.
It feels like you don't even know how to talk to the people in your own home anymore. It hasn't always been this way, but for awhile now, you and your significant other just aren't on the same page. Maybe it feels like you don't really know your kids, ever since they've become teenagers it's like you can't communicate with them. You miss having the real intimacy with your spouse. You miss being close with your family. You want that again but it feels like there's this wall between you, everything is a fight, and you don't know how to fix it.
(864) 334-7319 View (864) 334-7319
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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.