Couples Counseling Therapists in Arlington, TX
![Photo of Linda Doutre, MSEd, LMFT, LPC, CBT, ETT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f34991f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Linda Doutre
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LMFT, LPC, CBT, ETT
Verified Verified
Arlington, TX 76013
I am a developmental therapist with over 30 years experience in psychotherapy. I have extended training in Gestalt therapy, Bioenergetic Analysis ( a somatic relational therapy) and Emotional Transformational Therapy (ETT)therapy using different protocols of color and light), sound resonance healing with tuning forks; I provide couple and family therapy, diagnostic developmental testing/TOVA, and professional coaching for relationship issues, and professional development. In my years of practice, I have explored many different and effective ways of working with clients. I am Teletherapy certified and a certified life coach.
I am a developmental therapist with over 30 years experience in psychotherapy. I have extended training in Gestalt therapy, Bioenergetic Analysis ( a somatic relational therapy) and Emotional Transformational Therapy (ETT)therapy using different protocols of color and light), sound resonance healing with tuning forks; I provide couple and family therapy, diagnostic developmental testing/TOVA, and professional coaching for relationship issues, and professional development. In my years of practice, I have explored many different and effective ways of working with clients. I am Teletherapy certified and a certified life coach.
![Photo of Christopher Norman, LMFT, MA, MDiv, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca24624d-2778-482c-ab51-170a01b49d80/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher Norman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MDiv
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76010
Waitlist for new clients
I strive to empower couples, families, and individuals to live a life of greater happiness and deeper, more meaningful connection.
Sometimes in life, we just get stuck. During those times, we may feel like we can't move forward in our relationships, cope with the stress of life, break a bad habit, or deal with our past. This is where counseling can help! I approach counseling from a family systems view. This means that even during individual counseling, I consider how various internal and external factors impact a client’s life and presenting problem. Through this process, the hope is for each person to find freedom and joy in life.
I strive to empower couples, families, and individuals to live a life of greater happiness and deeper, more meaningful connection.
Sometimes in life, we just get stuck. During those times, we may feel like we can't move forward in our relationships, cope with the stress of life, break a bad habit, or deal with our past. This is where counseling can help! I approach counseling from a family systems view. This means that even during individual counseling, I consider how various internal and external factors impact a client’s life and presenting problem. Through this process, the hope is for each person to find freedom and joy in life.
![Photo of MacArthur Gilmer, MS, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9137b2d-ebec-4c7b-9856-e2f0f263b8a6/1/320x400.jpeg)
MacArthur Gilmer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76010
I truly believe in the statement: "A calm and undisturbed heart and mind are the life and health of the body..." I understand dealing with hard times. It is my goal to help people live and achieve more satisfying lives. Whether you are dealing with anger, feeling disconnected, marital / relationship issues, anxiety, depression, loneliness, chemical/ alcohol dependency, family, or teen & adolescent issues, seeking professional help is always a start to making changes and growth.
I truly believe in the statement: "A calm and undisturbed heart and mind are the life and health of the body..." I understand dealing with hard times. It is my goal to help people live and achieve more satisfying lives. Whether you are dealing with anger, feeling disconnected, marital / relationship issues, anxiety, depression, loneliness, chemical/ alcohol dependency, family, or teen & adolescent issues, seeking professional help is always a start to making changes and growth.
![Photo of Andrea Smith Love - Paradigm Shift Counseling, PLLC, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb90b4b5-33d4-4b72-8ced-bf0e5352d01f/3/320x400.jpeg)
Paradigm Shift Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Arlington, TX 76015 (Online Only)
Welcome! Have you been in your way? Perhaps, past hurt, betrayal and trauma has lead to unhealthy thought patterns and self sabotaging behaviors. Have you normalized prioritizing others while minimizing your needs? If you are visiting, you desire change but unsure where to start. It may be that you are at a fork in the road in your personal life, relationships, family or employment. The past year has transformed your life immensely and you have faced unprecedented emotional, educational and career challenges that has left you, simply put, exhausted. I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental space for adults, teens and couples.
Welcome! Have you been in your way? Perhaps, past hurt, betrayal and trauma has lead to unhealthy thought patterns and self sabotaging behaviors. Have you normalized prioritizing others while minimizing your needs? If you are visiting, you desire change but unsure where to start. It may be that you are at a fork in the road in your personal life, relationships, family or employment. The past year has transformed your life immensely and you have faced unprecedented emotional, educational and career challenges that has left you, simply put, exhausted. I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental space for adults, teens and couples.
![Photo of Michelle Dalton, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/888cf584-bf50-40c1-99d2-9c2671a79d61/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Dalton
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76001 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with couples, individuals, and families experiencing a variety of concerns, including communication problems, coping with chronic illnesses, coping with neurodiversity, and family conflict.
I believe in tailoring my approach to each unique case, as I believe each individual brings something different into the therapy room. I believe in setting collaborative goals to ensure you feel heard and that we are working towards the goals you have for your life.
I specialize in working with couples, individuals, and families experiencing a variety of concerns, including communication problems, coping with chronic illnesses, coping with neurodiversity, and family conflict.
I believe in tailoring my approach to each unique case, as I believe each individual brings something different into the therapy room. I believe in setting collaborative goals to ensure you feel heard and that we are working towards the goals you have for your life.
![Photo of Dr. Ryan Kent Lloyd, PhD, LMFT-S, LCDC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cbebaff5-86d8-474f-9c52-b7251d430c70/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ryan Kent Lloyd
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76017
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive experience working with co-occurring psychiatric & substance use disorders, criminal justice, high-conflict families & couples.
Howdy! My name is Ryan Lloyd and I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Supervisor, AAMFT Supervisor Candidate, & Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor working in North Texas. One of the mantras I live by is "we can't do better if we don't know better." I say this as I involve psychoeducation into my work with clients and view therapy as a learning experience. I value honesty in the therapeutic relationship and don't shy away from challenging clients to foster growth within themselves and their relationships. It's important to me to collaborate with my clients and I welcome you to explore growth, learning, and healing with me.
I have extensive experience working with co-occurring psychiatric & substance use disorders, criminal justice, high-conflict families & couples.
Howdy! My name is Ryan Lloyd and I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Supervisor, AAMFT Supervisor Candidate, & Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor working in North Texas. One of the mantras I live by is "we can't do better if we don't know better." I say this as I involve psychoeducation into my work with clients and view therapy as a learning experience. I value honesty in the therapeutic relationship and don't shy away from challenging clients to foster growth within themselves and their relationships. It's important to me to collaborate with my clients and I welcome you to explore growth, learning, and healing with me.
![Photo of Dr. Joanne Isabela Franks, LPC-S, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cc8cc42-c61e-4ace-8fde-f874943142dd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Joanne Isabela Franks
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76017
I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families.
Many of my clients are looking for a safe, warm space to fully express themselves and work through their struggles. We will work together to instill hope and help you move forward. I provide a safe, accepting, supportive environment that assists clients in exploring steps toward healing and growth. I welcome you to explore growth and healing with me. I work to bring hope, wholeness and acceptance to my clients.
I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families.
Many of my clients are looking for a safe, warm space to fully express themselves and work through their struggles. We will work together to instill hope and help you move forward. I provide a safe, accepting, supportive environment that assists clients in exploring steps toward healing and growth. I welcome you to explore growth and healing with me. I work to bring hope, wholeness and acceptance to my clients.
![Photo of Roger Ron Doss, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3b313d5-7029-46ce-97f0-a656e80de4c2/1/320x400.jpeg)
I bring a practical, insightful perspective to helping couples in conflict. Seeing the other's viewpoint is both challenging and necessary. My ability to see options helps individuals make better choices in personal situations. A true believer in the value of actively-engaging in life, I see a strong need for play for adults and children. As Executive Director at the Family Counseling Center, I count the variety involved in my job as an asset. In addition to my therapeutic practice, I also teach in our organization's private elementary school and oversee the multiple details of running the organization.
I bring a practical, insightful perspective to helping couples in conflict. Seeing the other's viewpoint is both challenging and necessary. My ability to see options helps individuals make better choices in personal situations. A true believer in the value of actively-engaging in life, I see a strong need for play for adults and children. As Executive Director at the Family Counseling Center, I count the variety involved in my job as an asset. In addition to my therapeutic practice, I also teach in our organization's private elementary school and oversee the multiple details of running the organization.
![Photo of Haley Stromberg, LMFT, MMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9d82d779-5bb0-4199-96a7-b6d9e8f9c1fc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Haley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in marital and family relationship counseling and trauma therapy. Haley takes a holistic approach to mental health addressing the needs of the individual by considering the societal, relational, biological, spiritual, and emotional factors in a person's life. Haley approaches therapy with a collaborative stance, considering the client the expert on their life and situations and offers her expertise on relational dynamics, trauma and the brain, attachment wounds, and self-parenting to help her clients navigate their past hurts, current relationships, anxiety, and more.
Haley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in marital and family relationship counseling and trauma therapy. Haley takes a holistic approach to mental health addressing the needs of the individual by considering the societal, relational, biological, spiritual, and emotional factors in a person's life. Haley approaches therapy with a collaborative stance, considering the client the expert on their life and situations and offers her expertise on relational dynamics, trauma and the brain, attachment wounds, and self-parenting to help her clients navigate their past hurts, current relationships, anxiety, and more.
![Photo of Christine R Nickerson, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68578862-d9c7-41ad-a8b1-d17b08a87ac8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christine R Nickerson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Arlington, TX 76016
The road to discovering yourself can be difficult and confusing. With the right skills and strategies, you can increase your capacity to navigate a thriving life and enhance your emotional awareness. I strive to help my clients regain control of their lives. As a clinical therapist, I work to help children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families manage the struggles and stress of life, as well as those affected by low self-esteem, depression, anger, anxiety, poor communication styles, and trauma.
The road to discovering yourself can be difficult and confusing. With the right skills and strategies, you can increase your capacity to navigate a thriving life and enhance your emotional awareness. I strive to help my clients regain control of their lives. As a clinical therapist, I work to help children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families manage the struggles and stress of life, as well as those affected by low self-esteem, depression, anger, anxiety, poor communication styles, and trauma.
![Photo of Debra Ellis - Debra Ellis - Ellis Counseling Agency, LPC-S, LBSW, ACBSW, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c227953-7db7-4624-ba99-b6eded832311/1/320x400.jpeg)
Debra Ellis - Ellis Counseling Agency
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LBSW, ACBSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, TX 76012
My expertise spans across an area dealing with mental health disorders, substance misuse, grief & loss, infertility, stress, anger management & couples therapy.
Welcome to Ellis Counseling Agency! As an experienced behavioral specialist, I am committed to offering extensive support for a variety of challenges that you or your family may be facing. My specialty is nurturing personal well-being, catering to both individuals and families. With the goal of steering you towards realizing your full potential, I am honored to possess dual licenses as a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a Licensed Social Worker. Over my expansive career spanning more than 25 years in behavioral health, substance abuse, case management, and medical social work, I have gained priceless experience.
My expertise spans across an area dealing with mental health disorders, substance misuse, grief & loss, infertility, stress, anger management & couples therapy.
Welcome to Ellis Counseling Agency! As an experienced behavioral specialist, I am committed to offering extensive support for a variety of challenges that you or your family may be facing. My specialty is nurturing personal well-being, catering to both individuals and families. With the goal of steering you towards realizing your full potential, I am honored to possess dual licenses as a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a Licensed Social Worker. Over my expansive career spanning more than 25 years in behavioral health, substance abuse, case management, and medical social work, I have gained priceless experience.
15 Second Videos
Ryan Kent Lloyd
Esther De La Rosa Scott
Dr. Willis, Psychologist
Candyology Coaching Services
Dr. Lisa Cooney
Center for Hope Counseling
Amy L Jenkins
Jim Seibold
Georgiana Carpenter
Brian Webb
Bisola Adediji
Deebra Jennings
Federico Mendez
Michael Anthony Johnson Sr. - The Growth Exchange Llc
Landry Therapy Group PLLC - Mansfield
Christina Dianne Walker
Therapeutic Transitions & Associates LLC
Susan Baldelomar
Stanley Psychology, PLLC
Tequila Johnson
Gregorio Lozano
Cindy Olvera
Janna McKinley At Theater Of The Mind Therapy
Shatoya Young
Shanbriel Jackson
LaShea White
Jacob A Corona
Ulrica LaTasha Kassar
Innova Counseling Services
Natalie N. Dyer
Shelly Smith Cavin
Therapy Central - Your Mental Health Spa
Stephanie Collins
Debbie Newhouse
Tim Hill
Elsa Christie Marley
Richard Trammel - Level 3 Sports Psychology
Dennareo Gilmore
Chryssee M Wright-Ohiri
Renee Greer Counseling, Consulting & Supervision
Kelsei Favors
LaKedra L Brown
Katie Parker Bowman
Transformed Life Counseling, PLLC
Sherri Park
Karen Blandino
Trish Bertrand
![Photo of Ivon Herrera, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0466a16d-5cb6-446f-ba4b-0f727832a0d3/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ivon Herrera
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76010 (Online Only)
Our therapeutic relationship is based on the three principles of listening, selecting and building.
I have primarily worked with individuals who identify as immigrants or children of immigrants. Concerns have ranged from adjustment, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, family conflict, grief, life transitions and stress. Additionally, I work with transgenerational and intergenerational trauma addressing themes such as culture.
Our therapeutic relationship is based on the three principles of listening, selecting and building.
I have primarily worked with individuals who identify as immigrants or children of immigrants. Concerns have ranged from adjustment, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, family conflict, grief, life transitions and stress. Additionally, I work with transgenerational and intergenerational trauma addressing themes such as culture.
![Photo of Joseph Andrew Remsik, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/347757d0-045d-43de-ba1f-a2173bb8b714/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joseph Andrew Remsik
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76012
I am a client centered clinician. I specialize in GLBT issues, trauma, couples, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addictions, and family therapy. I work with individuals with multiple health concerns, including cancer, ostomy patients and caregivers. I have served our Military for several years and offer readjustment therapy for all Veterans. I am dynamic and sensitive with regard to culture and race. I employ a multitude of clinical tools and theory and am focused on you, the individual. I am also a certified Jikiden Reiki Practitioner. These times are tough, please call me if I can be of any assistance.
I am a client centered clinician. I specialize in GLBT issues, trauma, couples, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addictions, and family therapy. I work with individuals with multiple health concerns, including cancer, ostomy patients and caregivers. I have served our Military for several years and offer readjustment therapy for all Veterans. I am dynamic and sensitive with regard to culture and race. I employ a multitude of clinical tools and theory and am focused on you, the individual. I am also a certified Jikiden Reiki Practitioner. These times are tough, please call me if I can be of any assistance.
![Photo of Shelita Jordan, LPC, LSOTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14605be3-2085-4d7a-8a57-2562729f1d5a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shelita Jordan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas who has over 6 years of experience providing therapeutic care and clinical assessments to adults, couples, and children seeking help with childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, anger management, coping, learning disabilities, alcohol use, women’s issues, relationship concerns, sex offender treatment, and victims of sexual abuse. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at Prairie View A&M and received her Master of Arts in Counseling at Prairie View A&M University.
Shelita Jordan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas who has over 6 years of experience providing therapeutic care and clinical assessments to adults, couples, and children seeking help with childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, anger management, coping, learning disabilities, alcohol use, women’s issues, relationship concerns, sex offender treatment, and victims of sexual abuse. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at Prairie View A&M and received her Master of Arts in Counseling at Prairie View A&M University.
![Photo of Jorge M. Gama, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52b3045a-2502-443e-ae39-69c8516ebec8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jorge M. Gama
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76017
Life is tough. There is no way around it. Everyone has issues that they can't deal with alone and every situation is unique to you. Your relationship could be insecure with your spouse, parent, child. You could be suffering from an explosive event in your life and be struggling with PTSD. You lost a loved one three years ago and still cannot seem to get past their absence. You are feeling a lack of control and your boundaries are consistently crossed. I know life is tough, but it can be better.
Life is tough. There is no way around it. Everyone has issues that they can't deal with alone and every situation is unique to you. Your relationship could be insecure with your spouse, parent, child. You could be suffering from an explosive event in your life and be struggling with PTSD. You lost a loved one three years ago and still cannot seem to get past their absence. You are feeling a lack of control and your boundaries are consistently crossed. I know life is tough, but it can be better.
![Photo of Esther De La Rosa Scott, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51ed7f58-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Esther De La Rosa Scott
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76017
Whether you are in need of serious help or just looking to strengthen from a good to great in your relationships, counseling services can go a long way to help you navigate life's ups and downs. If you are struggling with grief, stress, anxiety or depression, know you are not alone, there is support to help you heal and recover. Esther works with individuals, couples, families, and teens on behavioral and emotional issues including, depression, anxiety, grief, coping skills, and parenting support. Her passion is partnering with clients to identify and remove barriers from their path to a more meaningful, well-balanced life.
Whether you are in need of serious help or just looking to strengthen from a good to great in your relationships, counseling services can go a long way to help you navigate life's ups and downs. If you are struggling with grief, stress, anxiety or depression, know you are not alone, there is support to help you heal and recover. Esther works with individuals, couples, families, and teens on behavioral and emotional issues including, depression, anxiety, grief, coping skills, and parenting support. Her passion is partnering with clients to identify and remove barriers from their path to a more meaningful, well-balanced life.
![Photo of Frank Friedman, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46f30518-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
For Couples Counseling I use John Gottman's Sound Relationship model, a scientifically based approach.
PANIC ATTACKS, ANXIETY, TRAUMA, SELF-ESTEEM, DEPRESSION and MARITAL Couseling and Relationship issues are areas in which I specialize. They are often related. NON JUDGMENTAL APPROACH.
For Couples Counseling I use John Gottman's Sound Relationship model, a scientifically based approach.
PANIC ATTACKS, ANXIETY, TRAUMA, SELF-ESTEEM, DEPRESSION and MARITAL Couseling and Relationship issues are areas in which I specialize. They are often related. NON JUDGMENTAL APPROACH.
![Photo of Alexis Y Anderson, MMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6443e695-921c-42dd-b32b-7188398eaf8e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexis Y Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76018
Feeling overwhelmed? Feel stuck? Feel lost in your relationship? Would you like to communicate your needs and wants more effectively to your friends and love ones? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please allow me to help you get back to your ideal place.
Feeling overwhelmed? Feel stuck? Feel lost in your relationship? Would you like to communicate your needs and wants more effectively to your friends and love ones? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please allow me to help you get back to your ideal place.
![Photo of Shirley A Willis - Dr. Willis, Psychologist, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c2513c1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals experiencing chronic stress either from previous or current circumstances. Problems may relate to loss or trauma. There may be relationship or family conflict. Problems may exist in the work place or arise after retirement. A person may be having health problem or facing death. Decision-making and problem solving may be difficult. Feelings of fear, worry and even panic may exist. Depression may be setting in. Our struggles vary and change over time. Is your struggle lasting too long. Do you feel stuck and unable to move forward? Are you getting tired of the struggle? Don't ever give up
I work with individuals experiencing chronic stress either from previous or current circumstances. Problems may relate to loss or trauma. There may be relationship or family conflict. Problems may exist in the work place or arise after retirement. A person may be having health problem or facing death. Decision-making and problem solving may be difficult. Feelings of fear, worry and even panic may exist. Depression may be setting in. Our struggles vary and change over time. Is your struggle lasting too long. Do you feel stuck and unable to move forward? Are you getting tired of the struggle? Don't ever give up
![Photo of Victoria Thompson, MS, NCC, LPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/222b6882-5235-4bda-80c8-b5ab358cbc2d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria Thompson
MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76017
Waitlist for new clients
I am here to be a partner in your efforts to grow.
Life happens to all of us, but it seems to affect us differently as individuals. Anxiety, stress, grief, anger, relationships, and transitions can all challenge how we show up on a daily basis and how we experience the world. Thankfully, healing is our birthright, and the power to heal lives within.
I am here to be a partner in your efforts to grow.
Life happens to all of us, but it seems to affect us differently as individuals. Anxiety, stress, grief, anger, relationships, and transitions can all challenge how we show up on a daily basis and how we experience the world. Thankfully, healing is our birthright, and the power to heal lives within.
See more therapy options for Arlington
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.