Couples Counseling Therapists in Arlington, VA

Photo of Dr. Carey Incledon, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Carey Incledon
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22201
I specialize in providing compassionate and scientifically supported individual psychotherapy and am a Certified Gottman Method Couples Therapist.
I consider it a privilege to do the work I do—in fact, helping others heal, grow, and thrive every day brings great meaning to my life. I know from personal experience how life can sometimes feel unbearable. I also know from personal experience what it is like to work closely with a gifted psychologist to create a new perspective and a new life that are even better than before. I am passionate about providing the highest-quality mental health services to each of my clients and would love the opportunity to support you through this time.
I specialize in providing compassionate and scientifically supported individual psychotherapy and am a Certified Gottman Method Couples Therapist.
I consider it a privilege to do the work I do—in fact, helping others heal, grow, and thrive every day brings great meaning to my life. I know from personal experience how life can sometimes feel unbearable. I also know from personal experience what it is like to work closely with a gifted psychologist to create a new perspective and a new life that are even better than before. I am passionate about providing the highest-quality mental health services to each of my clients and would love the opportunity to support you through this time.
(703) 546-9786 View (703) 546-9786
Photo of Sean Maloney, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sean Maloney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
The foundation of my practice is based on the belief that we all have the inherent ability to grow and change and, ultimately, to live the balanced and thriving life we envision for ourselves. Whether you are an executive working to find your rhythm in leadership, a member of the armed services struggling with return from deployment, a young adult questioning your sexual orientation, a couple trying to inspire the next phase of your relationship, or an athlete trying to push through a frustrating plateau, I am ready to work alongside you and tackle all of life’s challenges.
The foundation of my practice is based on the belief that we all have the inherent ability to grow and change and, ultimately, to live the balanced and thriving life we envision for ourselves. Whether you are an executive working to find your rhythm in leadership, a member of the armed services struggling with return from deployment, a young adult questioning your sexual orientation, a couple trying to inspire the next phase of your relationship, or an athlete trying to push through a frustrating plateau, I am ready to work alongside you and tackle all of life’s challenges.
(571) 458-1801 x102 View (571) 458-1801 x102
Photo of Candi Meyer, PhD, Psychologist
Candi Meyer
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22201
I provide therapy to individuals, groups, couples and families.
Most individuals come to me either when stressful life events have overwhelmed their usual coping strategies or they feel stuck in unproductive patterns of behavior. They feel anxious, depressed, or like they are functioning below their potential. Sometimes these feelings make important relationships very difficult. You may have challenges that hinder your ability to enjoy your family, job, studies, or relationships. As your therapist, I will work with you to identify what is holding you back from reaching your goals.
I provide therapy to individuals, groups, couples and families.
Most individuals come to me either when stressful life events have overwhelmed their usual coping strategies or they feel stuck in unproductive patterns of behavior. They feel anxious, depressed, or like they are functioning below their potential. Sometimes these feelings make important relationships very difficult. You may have challenges that hinder your ability to enjoy your family, job, studies, or relationships. As your therapist, I will work with you to identify what is holding you back from reaching your goals.
(571) 200-0854 View (571) 200-0854
Photo of Alex Holt, MA
Alex Holt
Resident in Counseling, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209  (Online Only)
Feeling stuck? Let's find a way to get unstuck. Therapy is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth that can help you enhance your relationships and foster deeper connections with others and, critically, with yourself. If you're looking at this page, it means you've already taken the first step towards healing, and I want to commend you for that and encourage you to continue. Together, we can establish a genuine and trusting relationship, providing a safe space for you to explore your inner world and unleash your potential.
Feeling stuck? Let's find a way to get unstuck. Therapy is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth that can help you enhance your relationships and foster deeper connections with others and, critically, with yourself. If you're looking at this page, it means you've already taken the first step towards healing, and I want to commend you for that and encourage you to continue. Together, we can establish a genuine and trusting relationship, providing a safe space for you to explore your inner world and unleash your potential.
(571) 946-7505 View (571) 946-7505
Photo of Lauren Kane, MEd
Lauren Kane
Resident in Counseling, MEd
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
I treat anxiety, depression, eating disorders, couples, and families.
Does it ever seem like everyone around you is happier than you are? Do you look around and wonder if people are pretending to feel good, because you feel so awful? The answer is, it’s normal to have seasons of anxiety and depression. My goal is to support you through this season and bring you out of it.
I treat anxiety, depression, eating disorders, couples, and families.
Does it ever seem like everyone around you is happier than you are? Do you look around and wonder if people are pretending to feel good, because you feel so awful? The answer is, it’s normal to have seasons of anxiety and depression. My goal is to support you through this season and bring you out of it.
(703) 952-3469 View (703) 952-3469
Photo of S C Nealy, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
S C Nealy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22207
SC Nealy is accepting new VA or DC based clients via telehealth or in person in Arlington, VA and requests for premarital assessments and counseling, particularly with queer-identifying couples.
With over 15 years working in the mental health field, SC Nealy has their second Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is the Clinical Director at LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative, a group therapy practice for queer therapists for queer clients and their allies/families. With a person-centered, emotion-focused approach aimed at finding solutions, healing trauma, building resilience, improving interpersonal relationships, connecting the mind and body, and working through triggers and past pain, SC wants their clients to feel heard, understood, and valued in the therapeutic space and in their lives.
SC Nealy is accepting new VA or DC based clients via telehealth or in person in Arlington, VA and requests for premarital assessments and counseling, particularly with queer-identifying couples.
With over 15 years working in the mental health field, SC Nealy has their second Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is the Clinical Director at LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative, a group therapy practice for queer therapists for queer clients and their allies/families. With a person-centered, emotion-focused approach aimed at finding solutions, healing trauma, building resilience, improving interpersonal relationships, connecting the mind and body, and working through triggers and past pain, SC wants their clients to feel heard, understood, and valued in the therapeutic space and in their lives.
(703) 688-8812 View (703) 688-8812
Photo of Luann C Oliver - LuAnn C. Oliver, LCSW, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
LuAnn C. Oliver, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
My specialized training in sex addiction and sex therapy and uniquely suit me to help couples establish healthy sexual patterns that can endure over time.
Are you feeling alone in your relationships? Do you love your partner, but can't seem to get along? Are you longing for a stronger sexual connection? Do you wonder if your partner still loves you? Have you lost one another through difficult life challenges? Has addiction, infidelity or other battles left you feeling you'll never recover? There is a way out. There is hope. I can help. I want your relationship to be full of love, friendship, meaningful sex, and lasting security. Give me a call and let's talk.
My specialized training in sex addiction and sex therapy and uniquely suit me to help couples establish healthy sexual patterns that can endure over time.
Are you feeling alone in your relationships? Do you love your partner, but can't seem to get along? Are you longing for a stronger sexual connection? Do you wonder if your partner still loves you? Have you lost one another through difficult life challenges? Has addiction, infidelity or other battles left you feeling you'll never recover? There is a way out. There is hope. I can help. I want your relationship to be full of love, friendship, meaningful sex, and lasting security. Give me a call and let's talk.
(703) 991-7301 View (703) 991-7301
Photo of Willow Rose Counseling, MA, LPC, LMFT, RYT-200, Licensed Professional Counselor
Willow Rose Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMFT, RYT-200
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209  (Online Only)
I counsel individuals, couples, and families and enjoy working with children.
Are you tired of feeling depressed, anxious & need a change? I offer a safe atmosphere for children, teens, and adults struggling with life challenges, trauma, mental illness, self-esteem, & strained family/couple dynamics. I can help you explore emotions and overcome your struggles! I use approaches including: cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered, family systems, meditation, and creative arts. I'm certified in Accelerated Resolution Trauma Therapy and Narcissist Abuse Recovery. I believe it takes courage to attend therapy and I provide empathy in each client session. I am caring & compassionate, & I would love to help you!
I counsel individuals, couples, and families and enjoy working with children.
Are you tired of feeling depressed, anxious & need a change? I offer a safe atmosphere for children, teens, and adults struggling with life challenges, trauma, mental illness, self-esteem, & strained family/couple dynamics. I can help you explore emotions and overcome your struggles! I use approaches including: cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered, family systems, meditation, and creative arts. I'm certified in Accelerated Resolution Trauma Therapy and Narcissist Abuse Recovery. I believe it takes courage to attend therapy and I provide empathy in each client session. I am caring & compassionate, & I would love to help you!
(571) 339-5889 View (571) 339-5889
Photo of Diane Miller, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Diane Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209  (Online Only)
I meet virtually with individuals and couples who are located in either Virginia or WDC at the time of service, and for either 90 or 45 minutes.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or struggling in a relationship? Are you considering couples therapy and whether you want to remain together or separate? Do you want to move past a trauma or family of origin issues. Let's meet for evidence-based work that produces lasting & tangible results. Together, we will work to uncover and undermine what is driving your symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, relationship and communication issues, medically difficult to explain symptoms, & self-sabotaging behaviors. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, & have had significant success working with men as well as women.
I meet virtually with individuals and couples who are located in either Virginia or WDC at the time of service, and for either 90 or 45 minutes.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or struggling in a relationship? Are you considering couples therapy and whether you want to remain together or separate? Do you want to move past a trauma or family of origin issues. Let's meet for evidence-based work that produces lasting & tangible results. Together, we will work to uncover and undermine what is driving your symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, relationship and communication issues, medically difficult to explain symptoms, & self-sabotaging behaviors. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, & have had significant success working with men as well as women.
(571) 789-0168 View (571) 789-0168
Photo of Victoria Colborn Bathe, PhD, Psychologist
Victoria Colborn Bathe
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
I believe in the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship and view it as a tool to help you make positive changes in your life.
I specialize in working with couples aiming to repair bonds and foster trust, as well as individuals hoping to improve the quality of their lives. My clients seek help for a range of concerns, including relationship issues, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and life transitions. Healing wounds from the past while juggling the responsibilities and realities of today can lead to feeling stuck, stressed, or like there simply has to be more to life. If this sounds like you, now might be the time to work with a psychologist who can help.
I believe in the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship and view it as a tool to help you make positive changes in your life.
I specialize in working with couples aiming to repair bonds and foster trust, as well as individuals hoping to improve the quality of their lives. My clients seek help for a range of concerns, including relationship issues, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and life transitions. Healing wounds from the past while juggling the responsibilities and realities of today can lead to feeling stuck, stressed, or like there simply has to be more to life. If this sounds like you, now might be the time to work with a psychologist who can help.
(202) 953-2925 View (202) 953-2925
Photo of Victoria Mwongela - The Counseling Center of Virginia , LCSW, Licensed Professional Counselor
The Counseling Center of Virginia
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
Some of our counseling specialties include but are not limited to Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and EMDR.
The Counseling Center of Virginia is a team of therapists who are dedicated to helping people live fulfilling lives. Our focus is on providing relatively short-term therapy treatments that use structured, evidence-based methods to achieve positive, long-lasting results. We believe in helping individuals, couples, and families make life-enhancing changes and transitions, and are committed to doing so in a way that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Some of our counseling specialties include but are not limited to Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and EMDR.
The Counseling Center of Virginia is a team of therapists who are dedicated to helping people live fulfilling lives. Our focus is on providing relatively short-term therapy treatments that use structured, evidence-based methods to achieve positive, long-lasting results. We believe in helping individuals, couples, and families make life-enhancing changes and transitions, and are committed to doing so in a way that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
(571) 556-8143 View (571) 556-8143
Photo of David Glass, PhD, Psychologist
David Glass
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
I also offer consultations with couples and families around divorce/separation or parenting issues and addictions.
Looking for help is never easy. Especially in these stressful times and if you may well be meeting a new therapist on line rather than in person. Still, life problems can reach a crisis point when one knows they need to reach out for help. Whether or not you have been in therapy before, with the right help you can make real, positive changes in your feelings, your behavior and your relationships, bringing more satisfaction and joy into your life.
I also offer consultations with couples and families around divorce/separation or parenting issues and addictions.
Looking for help is never easy. Especially in these stressful times and if you may well be meeting a new therapist on line rather than in person. Still, life problems can reach a crisis point when one knows they need to reach out for help. Whether or not you have been in therapy before, with the right help you can make real, positive changes in your feelings, your behavior and your relationships, bringing more satisfaction and joy into your life.
(703) 957-7303 View (703) 957-7303
Photo of Eric Limegrover, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor
Eric Limegrover
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22201
Dr. Eric Limegrover is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Dr. Limegrover has training and experience in individual, group, substance abuse, and couples counseling. He helps clients gain insight and coping, improve communication, and relationship issues, as well as manage work and family issues. He speaks openly and gives honest feedback. His training and experience include clients in age ranges from adolescence to adulthood primarily with normal situational and developmental issues.
Dr. Eric Limegrover is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Dr. Limegrover has training and experience in individual, group, substance abuse, and couples counseling. He helps clients gain insight and coping, improve communication, and relationship issues, as well as manage work and family issues. He speaks openly and gives honest feedback. His training and experience include clients in age ranges from adolescence to adulthood primarily with normal situational and developmental issues.
(571) 548-4088 View (571) 548-4088
Photo of Theresa Reed, PsyD, LCP, Psychologist
Theresa Reed
Psychologist, PsyD, LCP
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22201
I provide therapy for children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief/loss, divorce, low self-esteem, trauma, and relationship/adjustment difficulties.
"Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us." Therapy allows one to explore their inner thoughts and feelings and is a tool for building self-esteem. My therapeutic approach incorporates an empathic, honest, exploratory, and integrative style in order to provide a comfortable and safe environment. In my work with children, I incorporate play therapy techniques, as I am a firm believer that play is a child's language and toys are their words.
I provide therapy for children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief/loss, divorce, low self-esteem, trauma, and relationship/adjustment difficulties.
"Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us." Therapy allows one to explore their inner thoughts and feelings and is a tool for building self-esteem. My therapeutic approach incorporates an empathic, honest, exploratory, and integrative style in order to provide a comfortable and safe environment. In my work with children, I incorporate play therapy techniques, as I am a firm believer that play is a child's language and toys are their words.
(571) 206-3705 View (571) 206-3705
Photo of Sam Lashley, PhD, Psychologist
Sam Lashley
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22209
My practice is designed to help people who are dissatisfied with the circumstances of their lives and believe that things can be different. Working with individuals, couples, and families, I guide my clients through an exploration of their unique life context as well as the current behavior patterns that are impediments to a healthy productive life. I encourage my clients to accept themselves and others, while offering strategies for altering behavior and challenging old assumptions that are no longer adaptive. By embracing acceptance and change, clients can find more meaningful and satisfying ways to experience themselves and their interpersonal relationships.
My practice is designed to help people who are dissatisfied with the circumstances of their lives and believe that things can be different. Working with individuals, couples, and families, I guide my clients through an exploration of their unique life context as well as the current behavior patterns that are impediments to a healthy productive life. I encourage my clients to accept themselves and others, while offering strategies for altering behavior and challenging old assumptions that are no longer adaptive. By embracing acceptance and change, clients can find more meaningful and satisfying ways to experience themselves and their interpersonal relationships.
(703) 662-1972 View (703) 662-1972
Photo of Savannah Lokey, PhD, LCP, Psychologist
Savannah Lokey
Psychologist, PhD, LCP
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22201
With couples, I use the Gottman Method.
Healing rarely occurs in isolation. As your therapist, I aim to empower you with the tools and knowledge to move through obstacles while staying connected to your personal identity and values. I am a trauma-informed, sex-positive therapist who works with adults and couples. In individual therapy, we will create goals and a plan to help you move towards the life you want to live. In couples' therapy, we will work together to identify your relationship strengths and practice skills to improve communication, de-escalate conflict, and enhance trust and intimacy.
With couples, I use the Gottman Method.
Healing rarely occurs in isolation. As your therapist, I aim to empower you with the tools and knowledge to move through obstacles while staying connected to your personal identity and values. I am a trauma-informed, sex-positive therapist who works with adults and couples. In individual therapy, we will create goals and a plan to help you move towards the life you want to live. In couples' therapy, we will work together to identify your relationship strengths and practice skills to improve communication, de-escalate conflict, and enhance trust and intimacy.
(571) 688-5136 View (571) 688-5136
Photo of Alice L. Zafiris, PsyD, Psychologist
Alice L. Zafiris
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22209
I value a collaborative therapeutic relationship with clients and always maintain a respectful and nonjudgmental stance.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Virginia. I specialize in providing evidence-based treatment to individuals struggling with a wide range of concerns related to psychological health and well-being. My areas of clinical expertise include the treatment of anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviors (hair pulling, skin-picking, and related behaviors), emotion dysregulation, and eating disorders. I am intensively trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) by the Behavior Training Institute (BTTI), as well as in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) by the Linehan Institute-Behavioral Tech, LLC.
I value a collaborative therapeutic relationship with clients and always maintain a respectful and nonjudgmental stance.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Virginia. I specialize in providing evidence-based treatment to individuals struggling with a wide range of concerns related to psychological health and well-being. My areas of clinical expertise include the treatment of anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviors (hair pulling, skin-picking, and related behaviors), emotion dysregulation, and eating disorders. I am intensively trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) by the Behavior Training Institute (BTTI), as well as in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) by the Linehan Institute-Behavioral Tech, LLC.
(703) 596-8075 View (703) 596-8075
Photo of Dana Lipsky, PsyD, LCP, Psychologist
Dana Lipsky
Psychologist, PsyD, LCP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Arlington, VA 22201
Treatment specialties include: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, LGBTQ, sexuality/identity questions, anger management, grief/loss, post-traumatic stress, and adjustment/readjustment difficulties.
Life can be overwhelming and sometimes we get "stuck" and need help navigating our way through tough obstacles. Therapy helps people identify, evaluate and solve problems effectively. We will work together to set goals, examine difficulties and find realistic solutions that provide relief and clarity. I utilize a warm interactive approach to treatment and incorporate empathy, honesty, and a sense of humor to create a comfortable environment. Because the way we think impacts the way we feel, individuals are taught skills to identify, challenge and modify negative thinking. In my work with couples, I provide strategies to improve communication, manage conflict and solidify trust.
Treatment specialties include: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, LGBTQ, sexuality/identity questions, anger management, grief/loss, post-traumatic stress, and adjustment/readjustment difficulties.
Life can be overwhelming and sometimes we get "stuck" and need help navigating our way through tough obstacles. Therapy helps people identify, evaluate and solve problems effectively. We will work together to set goals, examine difficulties and find realistic solutions that provide relief and clarity. I utilize a warm interactive approach to treatment and incorporate empathy, honesty, and a sense of humor to create a comfortable environment. Because the way we think impacts the way we feel, individuals are taught skills to identify, challenge and modify negative thinking. In my work with couples, I provide strategies to improve communication, manage conflict and solidify trust.
(703) 831-6008 View (703) 831-6008
Photo of Karen Karafin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen Karafin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22204  (Online Only)
I am a supportive and compassionate listener, and facilitate a therapy relationship in which you can tell your truth and find a way forward.
Wish the important people in your life could really hear you? An experienced therapist who can see all sides can be just what is needed to untangle old knots. I work with people of all sexual and gender orientations. I help people in all kinds of relationships - romantic, parent/child, sibling, friends, and all ways of structuring their lives together - monogamous, open, polyamorous, platonic. I have years of experience supporting both the neurotypical and neurodivergent communities, and I especially enjoy working with couples who might have differing neurotypes, or otherwise have trouble understanding each other.
I am a supportive and compassionate listener, and facilitate a therapy relationship in which you can tell your truth and find a way forward.
Wish the important people in your life could really hear you? An experienced therapist who can see all sides can be just what is needed to untangle old knots. I work with people of all sexual and gender orientations. I help people in all kinds of relationships - romantic, parent/child, sibling, friends, and all ways of structuring their lives together - monogamous, open, polyamorous, platonic. I have years of experience supporting both the neurotypical and neurodivergent communities, and I especially enjoy working with couples who might have differing neurotypes, or otherwise have trouble understanding each other.
(703) 671-7668 View (703) 671-7668
Photo of Daniel Menely, LMHC, BCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Daniel Menely
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, BCC
Verified Verified
Arlington, VA 22201  (Online Only)
I counsel professionals and creatives, especially those navigating career and relationship challenges.
As your therapist, I provide a warm and supportive space where you can talk freely without being judged. I won't just sit there – instead, I'll ask questions, offer suggestions, and reflect on what you share. Together, we'll work on dealing with the things that are bothering you in your everyday life, be it challenges with relationships, work, or family. Whether our work is one-on-one, with you two as a couple, my clients gain valuable insights and practical tools to get unstuck and move forward. Imagine leaving each session feeling understood, empowered, and equipped to navigate life with confidence.
I counsel professionals and creatives, especially those navigating career and relationship challenges.
As your therapist, I provide a warm and supportive space where you can talk freely without being judged. I won't just sit there – instead, I'll ask questions, offer suggestions, and reflect on what you share. Together, we'll work on dealing with the things that are bothering you in your everyday life, be it challenges with relationships, work, or family. Whether our work is one-on-one, with you two as a couple, my clients gain valuable insights and practical tools to get unstuck and move forward. Imagine leaving each session feeling understood, empowered, and equipped to navigate life with confidence.
(703) 596-2818 View (703) 596-2818
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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.