Marriage Counseling Therapists in Collin County, TX

Photo of Bond Buchanan, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bond Buchanan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75023
My areas of focus include depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, grief, distorted thinking, work related stress, marriage counseling, cultural issues, phobias, life transitions, family relations, parenting difficulties, and trauma.
Welcome! Whether you are struggling with a temporary setback, or an ongoing problem, I can assist you. It is my experience that, as human beings, we all face life challenges, be they relational, personal, emotional, or physical, and our mental health affects how we respond to those challenges. I offer counseling to all ages (children, teens, adults) and provide services to individuals, couples, and families. Therapy can be short-term/ solution-focused, or longer- term, depending on your needs and desires.
My areas of focus include depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, grief, distorted thinking, work related stress, marriage counseling, cultural issues, phobias, life transitions, family relations, parenting difficulties, and trauma.
Welcome! Whether you are struggling with a temporary setback, or an ongoing problem, I can assist you. It is my experience that, as human beings, we all face life challenges, be they relational, personal, emotional, or physical, and our mental health affects how we respond to those challenges. I offer counseling to all ages (children, teens, adults) and provide services to individuals, couples, and families. Therapy can be short-term/ solution-focused, or longer- term, depending on your needs and desires.
(903) 905-8791 View (903) 905-8791
Photo of Deborah Muse, MA, LPC, LMFT, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor
Deborah Muse
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
Hello and welcome! I’m Deborah Muse, a licensed professional counselor & marriage family therapist with over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples & families to overcome life’s challenges & achieve meaningful growth. My mission is to provide a safe & supportive space, a listening ear, and a non-judgmental heart for individuals to share struggles, explore feelings and receive the support & guidance they need to gain insight & find solutions to their problems & create a healthier & happier life. Feeling heard and understood is powerful in the healing process & I'm honored to walk alongside others in this process.
Hello and welcome! I’m Deborah Muse, a licensed professional counselor & marriage family therapist with over 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples & families to overcome life’s challenges & achieve meaningful growth. My mission is to provide a safe & supportive space, a listening ear, and a non-judgmental heart for individuals to share struggles, explore feelings and receive the support & guidance they need to gain insight & find solutions to their problems & create a healthier & happier life. Feeling heard and understood is powerful in the healing process & I'm honored to walk alongside others in this process.
(469) 618-8838 View (469) 618-8838
Photo of Phoebe Lo, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Phoebe Lo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
I enjoy helping children, teens, young adults, and adults who have experienced sexual trauma, life adjustment related issues, and conflicts within marriage and family relationships.
Finding a therapist that matches your personality and to your liking is a full-time job itself - I get it. Therapy is more than just having a safe space to talk, it is a place where you can be you, and it would be my honor to host that space for you. As an immigrant in America (coming from Malaysia when I was 19 years old), I have gained an understanding of bringing harmony to different world views in marriage and family relationships as well as helping individuals with difficult life transitions.
I enjoy helping children, teens, young adults, and adults who have experienced sexual trauma, life adjustment related issues, and conflicts within marriage and family relationships.
Finding a therapist that matches your personality and to your liking is a full-time job itself - I get it. Therapy is more than just having a safe space to talk, it is a place where you can be you, and it would be my honor to host that space for you. As an immigrant in America (coming from Malaysia when I was 19 years old), I have gained an understanding of bringing harmony to different world views in marriage and family relationships as well as helping individuals with difficult life transitions.
(214) 441-7674 View (214) 441-7674
Photo of Shane Adamson, LCSW, EFT, CSAT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shane Adamson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EFT, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
Specialties include: building loving & connected marriages, overcoming sex addiction and intimacy issues, and healing from betrayal trauma, weekend marriage retreats.
I consider it an honor to help individuals and relationships heal, grow and thrive. I have witnessed amazing transformation through counseling. My 28 years of experience combined with my education has prepared me with a skill set to help people heal complex problems and improve relationships. I specialize in marriage, addiction, and helping people be happy and enjoy loving relationships. I have advanced training and skills in helping couples with complex issues such as infidelity or problematic sexual behavior as well as general marriage enrichment. I am willing to visit by phone for 10-15 min to assess for fit. Call Me.
Specialties include: building loving & connected marriages, overcoming sex addiction and intimacy issues, and healing from betrayal trauma, weekend marriage retreats.
I consider it an honor to help individuals and relationships heal, grow and thrive. I have witnessed amazing transformation through counseling. My 28 years of experience combined with my education has prepared me with a skill set to help people heal complex problems and improve relationships. I specialize in marriage, addiction, and helping people be happy and enjoy loving relationships. I have advanced training and skills in helping couples with complex issues such as infidelity or problematic sexual behavior as well as general marriage enrichment. I am willing to visit by phone for 10-15 min to assess for fit. Call Me.
(214) 838-6024 View (214) 838-6024
Photo of Ganyu Shi, Counselor
Ganyu Shi
Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75071
We collaborate in solving life confusion, emotional anxiety, and depression, addiction recovery, addiction analysis, marriage and family conflict, parenting, and analyzing and dealing with frustration and confusion.
Brokenness comes from relationships, and brokenness comes from the individual's heart. Perhaps you are struggling with the pain of a broken heart and have no way to repair it, and your life is bleak with no future in sight. When I was young, I also experienced a "broken heart," which is hard to describe! After that, I regained my faith and finished my Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling, CCPC (7000 hours of practice), and became a senior lecturer in Marriage and Family Counseling. Twenty years ago, I received nearly 1,000 Chinese with various kinds of "brokenness" psychological problems.
We collaborate in solving life confusion, emotional anxiety, and depression, addiction recovery, addiction analysis, marriage and family conflict, parenting, and analyzing and dealing with frustration and confusion.
Brokenness comes from relationships, and brokenness comes from the individual's heart. Perhaps you are struggling with the pain of a broken heart and have no way to repair it, and your life is bleak with no future in sight. When I was young, I also experienced a "broken heart," which is hard to describe! After that, I regained my faith and finished my Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling, CCPC (7000 hours of practice), and became a senior lecturer in Marriage and Family Counseling. Twenty years ago, I received nearly 1,000 Chinese with various kinds of "brokenness" psychological problems.
(972) 848-8853 View (972) 848-8853
Photo of David J Bryan, MA, LPC-S, CSAT, CMAT, Licensed Professional Counselor
David J Bryan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, CSAT, CMAT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Allen, TX 75002  (Online Only)
While some marital issues can come as a surprise, such as with the discovery of infidelity or sexual addiction, relationships often don’t fail overnight. Instead it’s a slow fade. Divorce rates tell the story of marriages in slow decline with too little help coming too late. Do you and your partner struggle to communicate effectively? Perhaps your conflicts have become destructive. Maybe you both live more as roommates than partners or even lovers. Are resentments growing as battlelines are drawn? Has one of you threatened divorce in the heat of an argument? Or have you been devastated by infidelity or sexual addiction?
While some marital issues can come as a surprise, such as with the discovery of infidelity or sexual addiction, relationships often don’t fail overnight. Instead it’s a slow fade. Divorce rates tell the story of marriages in slow decline with too little help coming too late. Do you and your partner struggle to communicate effectively? Perhaps your conflicts have become destructive. Maybe you both live more as roommates than partners or even lovers. Are resentments growing as battlelines are drawn? Has one of you threatened divorce in the heat of an argument? Or have you been devastated by infidelity or sexual addiction?
(972) 882-9331 View (972) 882-9331
Photo of Ruby Pappachen, LMSW, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ruby Pappachen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMSW, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75024
As humans, we all experience pain. The source of your pain may look similar or different from others, but it is unique to you. Often we are overwhelmed by our circumstances and desire relief. Sometimes our pain manifests as anxiety, depression, marital conflict, grief or identity crisis. Whatever your circumstance or however deep your pain, I believe it is important to have a safe, non-judgmental and neutral place to share your story and seek healing. My desire is to see each of us being functional and purposeful members of society even in the midst of struggles.
As humans, we all experience pain. The source of your pain may look similar or different from others, but it is unique to you. Often we are overwhelmed by our circumstances and desire relief. Sometimes our pain manifests as anxiety, depression, marital conflict, grief or identity crisis. Whatever your circumstance or however deep your pain, I believe it is important to have a safe, non-judgmental and neutral place to share your story and seek healing. My desire is to see each of us being functional and purposeful members of society even in the midst of struggles.
(214) 833-6447 View (214) 833-6447
Photo of Raven Mims, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Raven Mims
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
I have a general practice focusing on clients with life’s adjustment, marriage & family issues, conditions unique to childhood & adolescence, coping with disabilities, trauma recovery, crisis intervention, stress management, and conflict resolution. I primarily approach counseling from a CBT perspective, however, I integrate theoretical approaches (including solution-focused, strengths-based and biblical principles), to better understand aspects of the clients’ problems for effectual treatment. I serve clients from ages 5 through adulthood regardless of their race, nationality, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation.
I have a general practice focusing on clients with life’s adjustment, marriage & family issues, conditions unique to childhood & adolescence, coping with disabilities, trauma recovery, crisis intervention, stress management, and conflict resolution. I primarily approach counseling from a CBT perspective, however, I integrate theoretical approaches (including solution-focused, strengths-based and biblical principles), to better understand aspects of the clients’ problems for effectual treatment. I serve clients from ages 5 through adulthood regardless of their race, nationality, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation.
(972) 640-9455 View (972) 640-9455
Photo of Virginia Secrest, PhD, Psychologist
Virginia Secrest
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75093
I have worked in the field of psychology throughout my entire career. Beginning in graduate school, I was able to gain experience working in a private psychiatric hospital and later worked on various research projects focusing on marriage, self-management, television impact on children, and others. Upon graduating, I took a position of Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology at SMU then later transitioned to private practice. I have had my practice of psychology for more than 30 years.
I have worked in the field of psychology throughout my entire career. Beginning in graduate school, I was able to gain experience working in a private psychiatric hospital and later worked on various research projects focusing on marriage, self-management, television impact on children, and others. Upon graduating, I took a position of Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology at SMU then later transitioned to private practice. I have had my practice of psychology for more than 30 years.
(469) 812-0896 View (469) 812-0896
Photo of Marnie Pettit - Pettit Counseling, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Pettit Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75071
I work with marital conflict, infidelity, betrayal trauma, sexuality, relationship problems, toxic relationships, and areas relating to life transitions such as premarital counseling and blending families.
Accepting new clients in-person and online! Specializing in couples experiencing infidelity, betrayal trauma, and sexual issues. I work to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment to enhance communication and reduce conflict. I aim to help you develop intentional strategies to work through your challenges and meet your needs. I view mistakes as an opportunity to grow and believe you can find your path to healing. No matter how complex or long-standing the roadblocks are, I am confident we can repair, rebuild and restore.
I work with marital conflict, infidelity, betrayal trauma, sexuality, relationship problems, toxic relationships, and areas relating to life transitions such as premarital counseling and blending families.
Accepting new clients in-person and online! Specializing in couples experiencing infidelity, betrayal trauma, and sexual issues. I work to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment to enhance communication and reduce conflict. I aim to help you develop intentional strategies to work through your challenges and meet your needs. I view mistakes as an opportunity to grow and believe you can find your path to healing. No matter how complex or long-standing the roadblocks are, I am confident we can repair, rebuild and restore.
(972) 525-4911 View (972) 525-4911
Photo of Kiran Turna, LPC-A
Kiran Turna
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate , LPC-A
Verified Verified
Frisco, TX 75036
Are you experiencing exhaustion, anxiety, or dissatisfaction with your current life situation? Are you having trouble adapting to recent changes or managing unexpected losses in your life? Do you yearn for inner peace and balance? Counseling can provide you hope and healing. I specialize in counseling individuals through life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, interpersonal relationships, and marital conflict. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you reach your untapped potential and lead a fulfilling life by identifying and addressing harmful thought patterns and behaviors.
Are you experiencing exhaustion, anxiety, or dissatisfaction with your current life situation? Are you having trouble adapting to recent changes or managing unexpected losses in your life? Do you yearn for inner peace and balance? Counseling can provide you hope and healing. I specialize in counseling individuals through life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, interpersonal relationships, and marital conflict. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you reach your untapped potential and lead a fulfilling life by identifying and addressing harmful thought patterns and behaviors.
(469) 415-1393 View (469) 415-1393
Photo of Earnell McGhaney, MS, NCC, VSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Earnell McGhaney
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, VSP
Verified Verified
Plano, TX 75024  (Online Only)
“You are the expert on you.” This is a statement that I love sharing with my clients because I feel it emphasizes that you are the most important part of this relationship. Therapy is an opportunity to grow and explore oneself and I feel that the relationship between a client and therapist is of the utmost importance. I hold this relationship in high regard and look forward to walking along side you during this journey. I specialize in trauma counseling and marriage counseling. My goal in therapy is not just symptom reduction but liberation from suffering.
“You are the expert on you.” This is a statement that I love sharing with my clients because I feel it emphasizes that you are the most important part of this relationship. Therapy is an opportunity to grow and explore oneself and I feel that the relationship between a client and therapist is of the utmost importance. I hold this relationship in high regard and look forward to walking along side you during this journey. I specialize in trauma counseling and marriage counseling. My goal in therapy is not just symptom reduction but liberation from suffering.
(972) 694-6733 View (972) 694-6733
Photo of Anna Pavlisova, Pre-Licensed Professional
Anna Pavlisova
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
Life and families can get a bit messy. Navigating the path of family life is undoubtedly one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys. Hi! I am Anna Pavlisova, and I am a graduate student intern completing my practicum at Abilene Christian University to satisfy the requirement to obtain my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. As I start my journey as a marriage and family therapy graduate student intern under the supervision of Dr. Kristina Dingus Keuhlen, Ph.D., LMFT-S (202859), I strive to foster a safe and non-judgmental space, tailoring my client-focused approach to meet each client unique needs.
Life and families can get a bit messy. Navigating the path of family life is undoubtedly one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys. Hi! I am Anna Pavlisova, and I am a graduate student intern completing my practicum at Abilene Christian University to satisfy the requirement to obtain my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. As I start my journey as a marriage and family therapy graduate student intern under the supervision of Dr. Kristina Dingus Keuhlen, Ph.D., LMFT-S (202859), I strive to foster a safe and non-judgmental space, tailoring my client-focused approach to meet each client unique needs.
(972) 779-9685 View (972) 779-9685
Photo of Hong Soon Yun, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Hong Soon Yun
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Frisco, TX 75034  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have successful experiences working with clients who struggled with self-esteem issues, marital conflict, dating, premarital counseling, parenting issues, and family-related issues.
Do you feel like you are the only one having difficult issues in your life? Do you feel hopeless or helpless even when you are surrounded by those who love you, families, or even your loving spouse? You are not alone. Individual, Couples, and Family therapy provides a safe place that allows one to find time for resting, develop new coping skills, and discovering a new way for you to deal with your life and its issues. I will walk by your side until you are able to see your life change and feel empowered with strength even though circumstances do not change.
I have successful experiences working with clients who struggled with self-esteem issues, marital conflict, dating, premarital counseling, parenting issues, and family-related issues.
Do you feel like you are the only one having difficult issues in your life? Do you feel hopeless or helpless even when you are surrounded by those who love you, families, or even your loving spouse? You are not alone. Individual, Couples, and Family therapy provides a safe place that allows one to find time for resting, develop new coping skills, and discovering a new way for you to deal with your life and its issues. I will walk by your side until you are able to see your life change and feel empowered with strength even though circumstances do not change.
(972) 236-7525 View (972) 236-7525
Photo of Heather Williams Dutcher, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Heather Williams Dutcher
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Allen, TX 75013
If you are wrestling with relationship issues with others - marriage, parenting/co-parenting, divorce, infidelity, secrecy, blended family issues, emotional abuse or childhood trauma, or if you are wrestling with relational issues within yourself - shame, identity, self-harm, anxiety, and depression, call me.
Relationships provide a window to the heart of an individual like no other. Our closest relationships tend to reveal our most wounded places. Those hurts, if left unresolved, are carried forward and recast into our exiting patterns of relating. All our experiences, but most particularly our pain, become the filter through which we sift and construct our view of self, our approach to life, our capacity love and be loved, and our ability to trust.
If you are wrestling with relationship issues with others - marriage, parenting/co-parenting, divorce, infidelity, secrecy, blended family issues, emotional abuse or childhood trauma, or if you are wrestling with relational issues within yourself - shame, identity, self-harm, anxiety, and depression, call me.
Relationships provide a window to the heart of an individual like no other. Our closest relationships tend to reveal our most wounded places. Those hurts, if left unresolved, are carried forward and recast into our exiting patterns of relating. All our experiences, but most particularly our pain, become the filter through which we sift and construct our view of self, our approach to life, our capacity love and be loved, and our ability to trust.
(469) 378-9227 View (469) 378-9227
Photo of Melodie Alexander, MS, LPC, LMFT-A, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melodie Alexander
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
Is your marriage everything you hoped it would be? Do you or your partner find yourselves resorting to criticism or shutting down during conflict? Or have you noticed that your relationship feels more like a roommate situation rather than a romantic relationship? Have you longed for a deeper connection with your spouse but feel you've exhausted all your options? I understand marriage can be challenging, and feeling disconnected from your spouse is one of the worst feelings. Please know that you are not alone. I am here to help. Together, we can strive towards (re)kindling the closeness and intimacy that you both desire.
Is your marriage everything you hoped it would be? Do you or your partner find yourselves resorting to criticism or shutting down during conflict? Or have you noticed that your relationship feels more like a roommate situation rather than a romantic relationship? Have you longed for a deeper connection with your spouse but feel you've exhausted all your options? I understand marriage can be challenging, and feeling disconnected from your spouse is one of the worst feelings. Please know that you are not alone. I am here to help. Together, we can strive towards (re)kindling the closeness and intimacy that you both desire.
(214) 253-8937 View (214) 253-8937
Photo of Telishia Tj Johnson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Telishia Tj Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT
Verified Verified
Frisco, TX 75034
Does your relationship seem like one big conflict? Is ongoing tension making it hard to like each other? Could you benefit from having a neutral space where you can freely share your perspective, understand your emotions, and develop strategies for healthier communication? I’m TJ Johnson, and as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT-a), I work with families and couples throughout Texas in rebuilding and strengthening their relationships. Whether you’re having trouble expressing your feelings, enforcing boundaries, or regulating your emotions in disagreements, therapy is an opportunity to gain new insights and skills.
Does your relationship seem like one big conflict? Is ongoing tension making it hard to like each other? Could you benefit from having a neutral space where you can freely share your perspective, understand your emotions, and develop strategies for healthier communication? I’m TJ Johnson, and as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT-a), I work with families and couples throughout Texas in rebuilding and strengthening their relationships. Whether you’re having trouble expressing your feelings, enforcing boundaries, or regulating your emotions in disagreements, therapy is an opportunity to gain new insights and skills.
(469) 425-7763 View (469) 425-7763
Photo of Scott Wakeem, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Scott Wakeem
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Wylie, TX 75098
I work with pre-teens through adults with issues ranging from family/marriage and other relationship issues, adjustment issues, stress, anxiety, all the way to serious mental illness issues.
I work with pre-teens through adults with issues ranging from family/marriage and other relationship issues, adjustment issues, stress, anxiety, all the way to serious mental illness issues.
(469) 658-4520 View (469) 658-4520
Photo of Edward D Goodman, PhD, Psychologist
Edward D Goodman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75252
In marriage and relationship counseling, I help resolve conflicts by understanding the goals of both clients and by facilitating the positive communications and mutually satisfying behaviors that can create rewarding relationship.
I enjoy helping a variety of individual therapy and relationship counseling clients, many with multiple issues such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, work and time stress and difficult relationship issues. Thirty plus years experience helps me make an initial evaluation and begin appropriate therapy or counseling in the first session.
In marriage and relationship counseling, I help resolve conflicts by understanding the goals of both clients and by facilitating the positive communications and mutually satisfying behaviors that can create rewarding relationship.
I enjoy helping a variety of individual therapy and relationship counseling clients, many with multiple issues such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, work and time stress and difficult relationship issues. Thirty plus years experience helps me make an initial evaluation and begin appropriate therapy or counseling in the first session.
(214) 535-8847 View (214) 535-8847
Photo of Megan Pardy, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Megan Pardy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
As an Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have many years of experience working with all different types of relationships and helping to make them stronger.
I believe that good relationships make the difference between surviving and thriving. I am passionate about helping you to create relationships in your life that help you to thrive. Whether that relationship is with your partner/ spouse, mother, child, sister, or even yourself, my role is to facilitate communication and understanding in order for those relationships to be what you envision. I work with individuals, families, and couples who desire to work as a team to create the change you want to see.
As an Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have many years of experience working with all different types of relationships and helping to make them stronger.
I believe that good relationships make the difference between surviving and thriving. I am passionate about helping you to create relationships in your life that help you to thrive. Whether that relationship is with your partner/ spouse, mother, child, sister, or even yourself, my role is to facilitate communication and understanding in order for those relationships to be what you envision. I work with individuals, families, and couples who desire to work as a team to create the change you want to see.
(972) 608-3092 View (972) 608-3092
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See more therapy options for Collin County

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.