Marriage Counseling Therapists in Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN
![Photo of Juliana Breeden, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/78efb46d-c78d-4ecd-bfc2-68e7bcabba69/2/320x400.jpeg)
Juliana Breeden
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
Hello! My name is Juliana and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Nashville, TN, where I offer individual, couples, and family therapy. I am passionate about bringing hope into the lives of those with mental health issues and distress in their relationships. Whether a life transition has you feeling anxious and unsteady, or relationship problems are all consuming, I am committed to creating a safe space for you to process and explore your thoughts and emotions. It is possible to reframe and rewrite the stories that become our reality, and I am here to help with that revision process.
Hello! My name is Juliana and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Nashville, TN, where I offer individual, couples, and family therapy. I am passionate about bringing hope into the lives of those with mental health issues and distress in their relationships. Whether a life transition has you feeling anxious and unsteady, or relationship problems are all consuming, I am committed to creating a safe space for you to process and explore your thoughts and emotions. It is possible to reframe and rewrite the stories that become our reality, and I am here to help with that revision process.
![Photo of Blakely Patterson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c756b71-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Blakely Patterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
Are you feeling lonely and disconnected in your relationship? Maybe struggling with whether or not you can ever feel fulfilled in it? There is so much to consider, it can leave you paralyzed. Let me help you find clarity. Assessing where you are and what you want for your life is an important time to get guidance. I enjoy working with clients who are navigating this decision as well as other major transitions; Healing a marriage, divorce adjustment, blending a step-family, recovering from infidelity, or any other family issue. Let's work together to develop a plan to improve the areas of your life that are making you feel stuck.
Are you feeling lonely and disconnected in your relationship? Maybe struggling with whether or not you can ever feel fulfilled in it? There is so much to consider, it can leave you paralyzed. Let me help you find clarity. Assessing where you are and what you want for your life is an important time to get guidance. I enjoy working with clients who are navigating this decision as well as other major transitions; Healing a marriage, divorce adjustment, blending a step-family, recovering from infidelity, or any other family issue. Let's work together to develop a plan to improve the areas of your life that are making you feel stuck.
![Photo of Libby Sanders Burke, MMFT, JD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453f3532-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Libby Sanders Burke
Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT, JD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
I have a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and have specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
My passion as a counselor is two-fold: to walk alongside couples who feel emotionally distant and distressed in their relationships on the path toward connection and healing, and to journey with women who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, conflict resolution, and other relational issues.
I have a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and have specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
My passion as a counselor is two-fold: to walk alongside couples who feel emotionally distant and distressed in their relationships on the path toward connection and healing, and to journey with women who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, conflict resolution, and other relational issues.
![Photo of Chris Roberts, MA, LPC-MHS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ff604eb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
**EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE** I enjoy working with individuals, marriages, and couples who have the courage to enter the heartache of their past or current struggles, and creatively collaborate to find new ways to thrive and live and love more fully. I have experience with anxiety, depression, anger, grief, marital dissastifaction, OCD, and divorce. As a professional counselor, my goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where a person can acknowledge their current limitations and begin to move forward in positive strides.
**EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE** I enjoy working with individuals, marriages, and couples who have the courage to enter the heartache of their past or current struggles, and creatively collaborate to find new ways to thrive and live and love more fully. I have experience with anxiety, depression, anger, grief, marital dissastifaction, OCD, and divorce. As a professional counselor, my goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where a person can acknowledge their current limitations and begin to move forward in positive strides.
![Photo of Holly Cook, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/420e5482-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Holly Cook
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
I work with a wide range of problems including, trauma, PTSD, attachment issues, depression, anxiety, marital/relationship issues, life & transition issues & addictions/recovery.
At the core of everything I do in therapy is the belief that true healing happens through empowerment and love, not fear. Therapy encompasses a bit of art, science, intuition, and loving kindness. What works in therapy is a real person connecting to a real person and I believe the best therapists are those who show you where to look, but don't tell you what to see. My approach is based on a model of healing and empowerment to help you reconnect with that whole, thoughtful, creative, fearless human being you are and to trust your inner wisdom.
I work with a wide range of problems including, trauma, PTSD, attachment issues, depression, anxiety, marital/relationship issues, life & transition issues & addictions/recovery.
At the core of everything I do in therapy is the belief that true healing happens through empowerment and love, not fear. Therapy encompasses a bit of art, science, intuition, and loving kindness. What works in therapy is a real person connecting to a real person and I believe the best therapists are those who show you where to look, but don't tell you what to see. My approach is based on a model of healing and empowerment to help you reconnect with that whole, thoughtful, creative, fearless human being you are and to trust your inner wisdom.
![Photo of Hannah Dunsmore, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1aea025f-8352-4f1b-9f45-73f70a97d697/6/320x400.jpeg)
Hannah Dunsmore
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
Do you feel stuck in patterns that you know aren’t working for you anymore, but feel powerless to change them? Have you experienced persistent anxiety or depression for so long it’s starting to feel impossible to find relief? For clients who have trauma histories, sometimes talk therapy isn’t enough to fully heal from the past. Traumatic experiences can get stuck in our nervous system, sending a constant signal to our bodies that we are in danger, even long after the danger has passed. Unfortunately, what we know on a mind level we don’t always feel in our bodies.
Do you feel stuck in patterns that you know aren’t working for you anymore, but feel powerless to change them? Have you experienced persistent anxiety or depression for so long it’s starting to feel impossible to find relief? For clients who have trauma histories, sometimes talk therapy isn’t enough to fully heal from the past. Traumatic experiences can get stuck in our nervous system, sending a constant signal to our bodies that we are in danger, even long after the danger has passed. Unfortunately, what we know on a mind level we don’t always feel in our bodies.
![Photo of Stephen Hopkins, Psy, D, MHP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/528fa4d2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stephen Hopkins
Psychologist, Psy, D, MHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
There are moments in life when we can hit an emotional road block. New challenges may present themselves that are difficult to overcome alone. Life can become either overwhelming or we can learn new coping strategies and overcome old wounds. These difficulties do not have to derail us. This is why I strive to help people return to a place where they can grow and flourish to their fullest potential. I believe in an integrated vision of the human person. As a psychologist, I seek healing that acknowledges the interdependent psychological, biological and spiritual aspects of my clients.
There are moments in life when we can hit an emotional road block. New challenges may present themselves that are difficult to overcome alone. Life can become either overwhelming or we can learn new coping strategies and overcome old wounds. These difficulties do not have to derail us. This is why I strive to help people return to a place where they can grow and flourish to their fullest potential. I believe in an integrated vision of the human person. As a psychologist, I seek healing that acknowledges the interdependent psychological, biological and spiritual aspects of my clients.
![Photo of Andy Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f8e291f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Andy Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
You feel tired, overwhelmed and you wish you could shake that feeling of dread that keeps following you around. Your passions feel distant and hidden from you. You feel like everyone else has it figured out better than you and you keep catching yourself beating yourself up over it. It feels like nothing you do is good enough and you are constantly trying to keep up. You thought it would be different by now and you feel like it's your fault. You find yourself trying to numb the pain but deep down you know it's not helping. Something has to change.
You feel tired, overwhelmed and you wish you could shake that feeling of dread that keeps following you around. Your passions feel distant and hidden from you. You feel like everyone else has it figured out better than you and you keep catching yourself beating yourself up over it. It feels like nothing you do is good enough and you are constantly trying to keep up. You thought it would be different by now and you feel like it's your fault. You find yourself trying to numb the pain but deep down you know it's not helping. Something has to change.
![Photo of Mari Swann, TLMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67ab767f-92c5-4b25-b99a-f36dd9dc99e9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mari Swann
Pre-Licensed Professional, TLMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
Humans have the uncanny ability to tell ourselves stories that make us feel bad, stuck and unable to move forward. Somehow, it's easier for us to believe the worst version of what could be true than it is to see possibilities. In an attempt to belong, we may find ourselves shape-shifting to accommodate others- believing that someone other than who we are is the only way we can fit in. Over time, this can leave us with little certainty or confidence in our true, authentic voice.
Humans have the uncanny ability to tell ourselves stories that make us feel bad, stuck and unable to move forward. Somehow, it's easier for us to believe the worst version of what could be true than it is to see possibilities. In an attempt to belong, we may find ourselves shape-shifting to accommodate others- believing that someone other than who we are is the only way we can fit in. Over time, this can leave us with little certainty or confidence in our true, authentic voice.
![Photo of Kacey L Holley, MA, LPC-, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d68076f-af5f-473a-a18d-39c6bcc5bcac/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kacey L Holley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-, MHSP
Verified Verified
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
Willow Counseling offers discounted rates for our counseling interns. Please contact us to learn more! Life can present unexpected challenges, but you don’t have to struggle alone. Even a situation that may have begun as a small dilemma, can grow to become overwhelming, confusing, and often painful. Whether you are battling depression, anxiety, past or current trauma, or feel as if you are drowning without a rescue in sight, you find yourself searching for a lifeline. I am here to offer you support in navigating life’s difficult emotions. Just know that you are welcome here.
Willow Counseling offers discounted rates for our counseling interns. Please contact us to learn more! Life can present unexpected challenges, but you don’t have to struggle alone. Even a situation that may have begun as a small dilemma, can grow to become overwhelming, confusing, and often painful. Whether you are battling depression, anxiety, past or current trauma, or feel as if you are drowning without a rescue in sight, you find yourself searching for a lifeline. I am here to offer you support in navigating life’s difficult emotions. Just know that you are welcome here.
![Photo of Angie de Meistre, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be8aebfb-9986-4805-80b1-6ccf584dc0bc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Angie de Meistre
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
Waitlist for new clients
I employ an integrative and holistic Attachment and Mindfulness-based therapeutic framework rooted in Narrative, Restoration (RT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) modalities to support and help co-create opportunities for healing for women (19+), families, and couples navigating the perinatal and postpartum period, pregnancy and infant loss, and infertility. Additionally, I have experience working with relationship stress, seismic life transitions, grief and loss, family conflict, anxiety, depression, chronic illnesses and major medical diagnoses, and trauma.
I employ an integrative and holistic Attachment and Mindfulness-based therapeutic framework rooted in Narrative, Restoration (RT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) modalities to support and help co-create opportunities for healing for women (19+), families, and couples navigating the perinatal and postpartum period, pregnancy and infant loss, and infertility. Additionally, I have experience working with relationship stress, seismic life transitions, grief and loss, family conflict, anxiety, depression, chronic illnesses and major medical diagnoses, and trauma.
15 Second Videos
Stephen Hopkins
Kacey L Holley
Michelle Foraker
Kyra Rane Weyenberg
Tyler Nicodem
Ashley Fox
Diana Partington
Alex Ruh
Russell Durdunji
Maricia Beach
![Photo of Rob Rickman, LPC-MHS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e69a522a-03eb-4cd2-b49a-ffe8c3a91184/1/320x400.png)
Rob Rickman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-MHS
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
The decision to begin therapy takes courage and a desire to improve one’s life. Having the support of a trusted and trained helper can make a significant difference through the myriad challenges we encounter. No matter what you are going through, I have years of experience helping people cultivate more fulfilling lives through evidence-based treatment. If you want to pursue growth & healthy goals, we would work well together. I am also highly motivated to provide a safe space for people in the Queer, Trans, Black, Latinx, Asian, Indian, Jewish, Muslim, immigrant, atheist, agnostic & other diverse communities. You are welcome here.
The decision to begin therapy takes courage and a desire to improve one’s life. Having the support of a trusted and trained helper can make a significant difference through the myriad challenges we encounter. No matter what you are going through, I have years of experience helping people cultivate more fulfilling lives through evidence-based treatment. If you want to pursue growth & healthy goals, we would work well together. I am also highly motivated to provide a safe space for people in the Queer, Trans, Black, Latinx, Asian, Indian, Jewish, Muslim, immigrant, atheist, agnostic & other diverse communities. You are welcome here.
![Photo of Michael D. Broadnax II, MMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63e3a547-ad34-4ce7-9b90-a6c1d51cd3eb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michael D. Broadnax II
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
Hey, I'm Michael. I'm not just a therapist, but someone dedicated to walking alongside you and your loved ones on a journey towards hope and empowerment. And let me tell you, hope is like the fuel for positive change in therapy. My approach isn't one-size-fits-all. It's dynamic and tailor-made to fit your unique needs. I'm all about creating an environment that helps you find your own strength while also giving you the tools to reach your goals. In our sessions, it's all about you. We'll dive into your thoughts and feelings in a safe space, working together to uncover your strengths and make real, positive changes.
Hey, I'm Michael. I'm not just a therapist, but someone dedicated to walking alongside you and your loved ones on a journey towards hope and empowerment. And let me tell you, hope is like the fuel for positive change in therapy. My approach isn't one-size-fits-all. It's dynamic and tailor-made to fit your unique needs. I'm all about creating an environment that helps you find your own strength while also giving you the tools to reach your goals. In our sessions, it's all about you. We'll dive into your thoughts and feelings in a safe space, working together to uncover your strengths and make real, positive changes.
![Photo of Michelle Foraker, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60f8f65b-4679-49f7-9d9c-d8bd6d36988f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Foraker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37243 (Online Only)
Licensed in Florida, Georgia, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Indiana. I have discovered that virtual counseling is just as effective as in person and is extremely convenient. We are able to maintain a personal, intimate setting. You will receive a warm, compassionate, non-judgmental, and safe space to explore and implement solutions. You will be provided with options to build on your personal strengths and make improvements in your life. I have been providing services to a variety of people and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of assisting you on your journey to achieve your dreams and goals.
Licensed in Florida, Georgia, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Indiana. I have discovered that virtual counseling is just as effective as in person and is extremely convenient. We are able to maintain a personal, intimate setting. You will receive a warm, compassionate, non-judgmental, and safe space to explore and implement solutions. You will be provided with options to build on your personal strengths and make improvements in your life. I have been providing services to a variety of people and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of assisting you on your journey to achieve your dreams and goals.
![Photo of Chad Douglas Johnson, LMFT, MPA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23f52a7e-0a84-4223-b9e7-0d7107f03b8d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chad Douglas Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MPA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
Welcome! You came here today for a reason. Maybe that’s an individual struggle, a relational conflict, you find yourself stuck in a transition or season of life, or you’re simply searching for ways to balance it all. I will help you understand the “why” and figure out the “how” as together we'll navigate your unique challenges to achieve a life of peace, purpose, and authenticity. My approach is collaboratively tailored to fit you, integrating evidence-based tools that work. We will go at your pace, but I will challenge you when needed. Most of all, you will feel heard, understood, and respected in our time together.
Welcome! You came here today for a reason. Maybe that’s an individual struggle, a relational conflict, you find yourself stuck in a transition or season of life, or you’re simply searching for ways to balance it all. I will help you understand the “why” and figure out the “how” as together we'll navigate your unique challenges to achieve a life of peace, purpose, and authenticity. My approach is collaboratively tailored to fit you, integrating evidence-based tools that work. We will go at your pace, but I will challenge you when needed. Most of all, you will feel heard, understood, and respected in our time together.
![Photo of Sarah Parsons, MDiv, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0d7a0e7-b1b8-4acf-9d7f-fe6c07cf2192/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Parsons
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MDiv, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
Waitlist for new clients
I work with adult and older teen clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, addictions (to substances and/or compulsive behaviors) and who are recovering from traumatic experiences. I believe that your natural self underlies any issues you may bring to therapy, and that our job as we work together is to help you rediscover and live from that natural, free, and open-hearted self.
I work with adult and older teen clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, addictions (to substances and/or compulsive behaviors) and who are recovering from traumatic experiences. I believe that your natural self underlies any issues you may bring to therapy, and that our job as we work together is to help you rediscover and live from that natural, free, and open-hearted self.
![Photo of Dr. Philip Chanin, EdD, ABPP, CGP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c649639-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Philip Chanin
Psychologist, EdD, ABPP, CGP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
In my 46 years of practice as a psychologist, in Tennessee, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire, I have had the honor and privilege of working with so many patients on their paths of exploration, personal growth, and healing. My approach is grounded in psychodynamic, existential, and Buddhist theories, with a focus on integrating mindfulness and compassion with self and others. It is my belief that the quality of the psychotherapy relationship between therapist and patient is the principal healing force in treatment. Thus, I do my best to form a good and ethical therapeutic relationship with each of my patients.
In my 46 years of practice as a psychologist, in Tennessee, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire, I have had the honor and privilege of working with so many patients on their paths of exploration, personal growth, and healing. My approach is grounded in psychodynamic, existential, and Buddhist theories, with a focus on integrating mindfulness and compassion with self and others. It is my belief that the quality of the psychotherapy relationship between therapist and patient is the principal healing force in treatment. Thus, I do my best to form a good and ethical therapeutic relationship with each of my patients.
![Photo of Deborah E Doineau, EdD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d233b00-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My clientele consists of children, adolescents, and adults. I use a variety of approaches in working with my clients in an attempt to find the most efficacious approach to meet the particular client's needs. As a psychologist, I also perform psychological evaluations for diagnostic purposes. For example, I evaluate cognitive ability, learning disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and many other issues. Finding oneself can be a daunting task in our complex society. I aspire to help my clients achieve self understanding, a sense of efficacy, and develop tools to assist them in navigating life's challenges on their own.
My clientele consists of children, adolescents, and adults. I use a variety of approaches in working with my clients in an attempt to find the most efficacious approach to meet the particular client's needs. As a psychologist, I also perform psychological evaluations for diagnostic purposes. For example, I evaluate cognitive ability, learning disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and many other issues. Finding oneself can be a daunting task in our complex society. I aspire to help my clients achieve self understanding, a sense of efficacy, and develop tools to assist them in navigating life's challenges on their own.
![Photo of Alyssa Birmingham, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0060f087-0652-4b1f-9fae-4bd40b637c46/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa Birmingham
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
There is something beautiful about becoming the most authentic version of yourself. My passion lies in helping individuals and couples work to uncover what is keeping them stuck and develop a more fulfilling life. Through therapy, we will develop a relationship where you feel heard, understood, and respected while working to recognize and change the unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, and patterns in your life that are no longer serving you. Our sessions will feel like a conversation, where I will offer a fresh perspective and tangible ways to achieve your therapy goals.
There is something beautiful about becoming the most authentic version of yourself. My passion lies in helping individuals and couples work to uncover what is keeping them stuck and develop a more fulfilling life. Through therapy, we will develop a relationship where you feel heard, understood, and respected while working to recognize and change the unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, and patterns in your life that are no longer serving you. Our sessions will feel like a conversation, where I will offer a fresh perspective and tangible ways to achieve your therapy goals.
![Photo of Adam M Horn, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f29f4eb8-3836-4f8e-a88d-6500dd283125/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adam M Horn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hillsboro West End, Nashville, TN 37212
Why Strength to Strength Counseling? In my philosophy of the therapy process, people already have many strengths and resources when they come into the counseling office for the first time. Stress and strain, loss and grief, trauma, sudden life-changes, relationship difficulties, coping challenges, and mental health issues can lead individuals and relationships to points of internal distress and external behaviors that can be disruptive, distressing and concerning to themselves and those around them. As a result, individual happiness, relationships, family life, work, and school performance may suffer.
Why Strength to Strength Counseling? In my philosophy of the therapy process, people already have many strengths and resources when they come into the counseling office for the first time. Stress and strain, loss and grief, trauma, sudden life-changes, relationship difficulties, coping challenges, and mental health issues can lead individuals and relationships to points of internal distress and external behaviors that can be disruptive, distressing and concerning to themselves and those around them. As a result, individual happiness, relationships, family life, work, and school performance may suffer.
See more therapy options for Hillsboro West End, Nashville
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.