Couples Counseling Therapists in East Village, Milwaukee, WI

Photo of Dana Stevens, MS, LPC IT, Counselor
Dana Stevens
Counselor, MS, LPC IT
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Areas of focus - Eating and body issues/wellness. Anxiety/depression. Couples. Well-being and fulfillment at work. Team well-being. Interpersonal skills. Mental health goals are achievable!
Areas of focus - Eating and body issues/wellness. Anxiety/depression. Couples. Well-being and fulfillment at work. Team well-being. Interpersonal skills. Mental health goals are achievable!
(414) 404-7369 View (414) 404-7369
Photo of Anita Astley, MEd, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anita Astley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LMFT
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Anita Astley is the founder and CEO of "Building Healthy Relationships" LLC and published author of “Unfuck Your Life and Relationships" (Simon & Schuster). She is a licensed individual, couples, and family therapist with over 25 years of experience in helping people navigate life's challenges including basic communication issues to depression, anxiety, emotional and physical intimacy issues, separation and divorce, conflict resolution, and infidelity to name a few. Ms.Astley is "solution focused" and believes there is a "solution" to every problem and arriving there successfully is possible through professional guidance & support.
Anita Astley is the founder and CEO of "Building Healthy Relationships" LLC and published author of “Unfuck Your Life and Relationships" (Simon & Schuster). She is a licensed individual, couples, and family therapist with over 25 years of experience in helping people navigate life's challenges including basic communication issues to depression, anxiety, emotional and physical intimacy issues, separation and divorce, conflict resolution, and infidelity to name a few. Ms.Astley is "solution focused" and believes there is a "solution" to every problem and arriving there successfully is possible through professional guidance & support.
(262) 300-7231 View (262) 300-7231
Photo of David Phelps, PhD, LP, MSHR, Psychologist
David Phelps
Psychologist, PhD, LP, MSHR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Even if you do not see your particular concern listed, I invite you to contact me to talk about your needs and goals for individual or couples psychotherapy.
My approach to psychotherapy is focused on building a strong and collaborative relationship with you, the client, working with you to provide immediate symptom relief and make sustainable change. My style is warm, curious, and engaged. I provide a safe and confidential space for you to share your story. I am influenced by the psychodynamic tradition, focusing on how you relate to yourself and others. As you begin to feel understood, accepted, and more deeply known in therapy, a trusting therapeutic relationship develops. This results in greater self-understanding and leads to change, including immediate symptom relief and longer-term transformation.
Even if you do not see your particular concern listed, I invite you to contact me to talk about your needs and goals for individual or couples psychotherapy.
My approach to psychotherapy is focused on building a strong and collaborative relationship with you, the client, working with you to provide immediate symptom relief and make sustainable change. My style is warm, curious, and engaged. I provide a safe and confidential space for you to share your story. I am influenced by the psychodynamic tradition, focusing on how you relate to yourself and others. As you begin to feel understood, accepted, and more deeply known in therapy, a trusting therapeutic relationship develops. This results in greater self-understanding and leads to change, including immediate symptom relief and longer-term transformation.
(414) 877-6608 View (414) 877-6608
Photo of Theresa Weise, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Theresa Weise
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with individuals and couples who are trying to reach their goals and walk through difficult times to get to the other side.
Hello, my name is Theresa Weise, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor. I have over 14 years of therapy experience working primarily with adults and couples. I take a very client-centered and compassionate approach. I feel that the client can be their own best expert but that sometimes life circumstances interfere with that knowledge. I will work side by side with you to empower you to become your own best self and reconnect you to their own intuition.
I enjoy working with individuals and couples who are trying to reach their goals and walk through difficult times to get to the other side.
Hello, my name is Theresa Weise, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor. I have over 14 years of therapy experience working primarily with adults and couples. I take a very client-centered and compassionate approach. I feel that the client can be their own best expert but that sometimes life circumstances interfere with that knowledge. I will work side by side with you to empower you to become your own best self and reconnect you to their own intuition.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Dawn Giorno, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dawn Giorno
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
I have been in the mental health field for over 17 years and provide holistic, trauma informed therapy for individuals and couples.
I specialize in helping people connect with themselves in a deeper, more meaningful way. Often times, trauma and other life experiences can impact how we show up. I specialize in couples therapy, utilizing a collaborative approach to understand you and your partner fully. I also work closely with those in the perinatal/parenthood season of life who are looking to increase self-care (it's not what you think!), maintain healthy boundaries and communicate effectively. This can be hard, yet rewarding work! I provide a nonjudgmental space to uncover your incredible strengths and learn new skills to grow in your life and relationships.
I have been in the mental health field for over 17 years and provide holistic, trauma informed therapy for individuals and couples.
I specialize in helping people connect with themselves in a deeper, more meaningful way. Often times, trauma and other life experiences can impact how we show up. I specialize in couples therapy, utilizing a collaborative approach to understand you and your partner fully. I also work closely with those in the perinatal/parenthood season of life who are looking to increase self-care (it's not what you think!), maintain healthy boundaries and communicate effectively. This can be hard, yet rewarding work! I provide a nonjudgmental space to uncover your incredible strengths and learn new skills to grow in your life and relationships.
(414) 540-8638 View (414) 540-8638
Photo of Kevin Patrick O'Brien - Kevin O'Brien Whole Life Counseling, LMFT, LCSW, IMH-II, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kevin O'Brien Whole Life Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCSW, IMH-II
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
I offer a 30-45 minute initial consultation at a reduced fee to determine whether I am the right person to partner with you towards your specific counseling goals.
Thank for finding your way to my page. Chances are, no matter what your specific concern, you arrived here because you want to feel better, and you want important relationships in your life to work better. My goal is to facilitate your capacity to do both, as I have done with many individuals, couples and families over the past 30 years. Living a whole life, for a whole lifetime, is both worthy of our effort and possible. My practice is faith-, culture- and sexual orientation-friendly. Come as you are, we will utilize every resource to undo the knots and reweave the fabric of your life in more satisfying ways. Online capacity.
I offer a 30-45 minute initial consultation at a reduced fee to determine whether I am the right person to partner with you towards your specific counseling goals.
Thank for finding your way to my page. Chances are, no matter what your specific concern, you arrived here because you want to feel better, and you want important relationships in your life to work better. My goal is to facilitate your capacity to do both, as I have done with many individuals, couples and families over the past 30 years. Living a whole life, for a whole lifetime, is both worthy of our effort and possible. My practice is faith-, culture- and sexual orientation-friendly. Come as you are, we will utilize every resource to undo the knots and reweave the fabric of your life in more satisfying ways. Online capacity.
(414) 255-0805 View (414) 255-0805
Photo of Jenni Dressler, JD, LLM, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jenni Dressler
Pre-Licensed Professional, JD, LLM, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Life is full of ups and downs. It's normal to experience stress and negative feelings, and sometimes you need a little support on your journey. Jenni works with you to create a compassionate, warm, and safe relationship in which the blocks to healing and peace can be examined and addressed. She offers kind and intelligent care to support you in your personal, emotional, and spiritual growth. Jenni believes in your fundamental ability to transcend limitations and find the path that’s right for you so you can return to a joyful state.
Life is full of ups and downs. It's normal to experience stress and negative feelings, and sometimes you need a little support on your journey. Jenni works with you to create a compassionate, warm, and safe relationship in which the blocks to healing and peace can be examined and addressed. She offers kind and intelligent care to support you in your personal, emotional, and spiritual growth. Jenni believes in your fundamental ability to transcend limitations and find the path that’s right for you so you can return to a joyful state.
(872) 206-9557 View (872) 206-9557
Photo of Sarah Barber, MS, LPC-IT, Counselor
Sarah Barber
Counselor, MS, LPC-IT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
I work with individuals, couples and teens.
Are you feeling a push to make some changes and reevaluate your relationships? Not just with family and friends...but with work, alcohol, monogamy or other parts of your routine? I specialize in supporting individuals and couples navigating life transitions. We all have the power to create whatever kind of life we want, regardless of what has brought us to this moment. I love working with people ready to explore life's possibilities and help them decide what's next. Drawing upon my education as a counselor, death doula, and yoga teacher, I embrace a holistic approach to wellness that infuses different aspects of these disciplines.
I work with individuals, couples and teens.
Are you feeling a push to make some changes and reevaluate your relationships? Not just with family and friends...but with work, alcohol, monogamy or other parts of your routine? I specialize in supporting individuals and couples navigating life transitions. We all have the power to create whatever kind of life we want, regardless of what has brought us to this moment. I love working with people ready to explore life's possibilities and help them decide what's next. Drawing upon my education as a counselor, death doula, and yoga teacher, I embrace a holistic approach to wellness that infuses different aspects of these disciplines.
(262) 239-7109 View (262) 239-7109
Photo of Jaclene Newell, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jaclene Newell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
Hello there! :) I am Jaclene Newell (Jac-lean), as the pronunciation name. I am licensed as a licensed professional counselor with a specialization in forensics here in Wisconsin. My great compassion is to bring healing to those who are experiencing life's difficulties and guide my clients through the obstacles life often presents to us. I help many clients including adolescents, couples, adults, and families, to find healthy perceptions of themselves, strengthen their relationships, to become their most radiant selves as they work through their trauma, depression, anxiety, and stressors.
Hello there! :) I am Jaclene Newell (Jac-lean), as the pronunciation name. I am licensed as a licensed professional counselor with a specialization in forensics here in Wisconsin. My great compassion is to bring healing to those who are experiencing life's difficulties and guide my clients through the obstacles life often presents to us. I help many clients including adolescents, couples, adults, and families, to find healthy perceptions of themselves, strengthen their relationships, to become their most radiant selves as they work through their trauma, depression, anxiety, and stressors.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Tracy Treacy, MS, LPC, SLRC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tracy Treacy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, SLRC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
I am a licensed professional counselor and wellness consultant with 20+ years of professional experience in the areas of higher education, holistic mental health, and wellness. I have experience working with individuals and couples of diverse backgrounds in various populations with mental health/wellness issues toward their goal of healing and wellness.
I am a licensed professional counselor and wellness consultant with 20+ years of professional experience in the areas of higher education, holistic mental health, and wellness. I have experience working with individuals and couples of diverse backgrounds in various populations with mental health/wellness issues toward their goal of healing and wellness.
(414) 410-9034 View (414) 410-9034
Photo of Ali Devine, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ali Devine
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
I work with individuals and couples looking to improve the quality of their relationships and work through emotional and behavioral difficulties. I am also interested in helping clients to navigate the challenges that come with the end of a relationship. Other groups I like to work with include individuals in stressful life stages and clients struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, and adjustment issues. I’m particularly drawn to young adults and adults in my practice. As a therapist, I will challenge and encourage you to make necessary changes.
I work with individuals and couples looking to improve the quality of their relationships and work through emotional and behavioral difficulties. I am also interested in helping clients to navigate the challenges that come with the end of a relationship. Other groups I like to work with include individuals in stressful life stages and clients struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, and adjustment issues. I’m particularly drawn to young adults and adults in my practice. As a therapist, I will challenge and encourage you to make necessary changes.
(414) 240-1763 View (414) 240-1763
Photo of Ben Endres, LCSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ben Endres
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
I have extensive post-graduate training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, couples therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and DBT.
I am experienced therapist who helps individuals and couples address challenges, enrich relationships and achieve deep insights into their personality and their emotions. My clients find that I offer a pragmatic, intelligent and empathetic response to their concerns. I focus on the immediate challenges that my clients are facing, while helping them to see themselves and their relationships in deeper way.
I have extensive post-graduate training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, couples therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and DBT.
I am experienced therapist who helps individuals and couples address challenges, enrich relationships and achieve deep insights into their personality and their emotions. My clients find that I offer a pragmatic, intelligent and empathetic response to their concerns. I focus on the immediate challenges that my clients are facing, while helping them to see themselves and their relationships in deeper way.
(414) 502-8292 View (414) 502-8292
Photo of Mary French, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mary French
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adult individuals, who may be dealing with personal or unresolved relationship issues, stress, pressures, and challenges of life difficulties, which apply to so many of us these days! If unchecked, these can easily develop into anxiety, depression, or other dysfunctional lifestyles.
My name is Mary French and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Wisconsin, working statewide with clients via telehealth. I work most often with individuals having stress, anxiety, and issues with various relationships in their lives. I use Cognitive Behavioral and Client-focused Therapies to assist individuals in finding their own unique capacities for growth.
I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adult individuals, who may be dealing with personal or unresolved relationship issues, stress, pressures, and challenges of life difficulties, which apply to so many of us these days! If unchecked, these can easily develop into anxiety, depression, or other dysfunctional lifestyles.
My name is Mary French and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Wisconsin, working statewide with clients via telehealth. I work most often with individuals having stress, anxiety, and issues with various relationships in their lives. I use Cognitive Behavioral and Client-focused Therapies to assist individuals in finding their own unique capacities for growth.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Sydney A Snyder, MS, LPC, SAC-IT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sydney A Snyder
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, SAC-IT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Are you struggling with adjusting to change, coping with stress or navigating conflict? As a result, has this left you feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Has shame, guilt or negative self-talk been impacting you? Do you need help creating boundaries with your partner, family, or friends? As a therapist, I believe in the saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” My role is to help you explore areas of concern, develop coping skills, and gain insight about yourself. A primary focus of my practice is teaching self-compassion to help fill up your cup when life is feeling too difficult to navigate on your own.
Are you struggling with adjusting to change, coping with stress or navigating conflict? As a result, has this left you feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Has shame, guilt or negative self-talk been impacting you? Do you need help creating boundaries with your partner, family, or friends? As a therapist, I believe in the saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” My role is to help you explore areas of concern, develop coping skills, and gain insight about yourself. A primary focus of my practice is teaching self-compassion to help fill up your cup when life is feeling too difficult to navigate on your own.
(414) 246-4907 View (414) 246-4907
Photo of Susan Nolte, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Susan Nolte
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Whether you are struggling with parenthood, having frequent conflicts with your partner, grieving a loss, trying to establish healthy boundaries with family and friends, or working to understand yourself better — having someone to help support you through that process with empathy, insight, and guidance can be life changing. I have a masters in the field of psychology, am married and a mother of four, and worked in a day treatment clinic for children doing individual, family, and group therapy so I have seen a lot. You are not alone and I have strategies and techniques to start helping you right now.
Whether you are struggling with parenthood, having frequent conflicts with your partner, grieving a loss, trying to establish healthy boundaries with family and friends, or working to understand yourself better — having someone to help support you through that process with empathy, insight, and guidance can be life changing. I have a masters in the field of psychology, am married and a mother of four, and worked in a day treatment clinic for children doing individual, family, and group therapy so I have seen a lot. You are not alone and I have strategies and techniques to start helping you right now.
(414) 310-7897 View (414) 310-7897
Photo of Tracy Faust, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor
Tracy Faust
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
Clients can expect a thorough approach to gain all necessary background and historical information to reach an appropriate diagnosis and development of goals to formulate treatment plan, all while working to build rapport and set a foundation to creation of a strong therapeutic relationship.
Hello, I am Tracy Faust, a Licensed Professional Counselor holding licenses to practice in Wisconsin, Vermont, and Delaware - and soon to be also in South Carolina. I work with various individuals from many different backgrounds and presenting with a myriad of symptoms and symptom sets. I am not trained in EMDR or treatment of eating disorders. I am a proponent of client-based services - person centered, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques. Working with me feels like one is being heard, and also challenged to improve.
Clients can expect a thorough approach to gain all necessary background and historical information to reach an appropriate diagnosis and development of goals to formulate treatment plan, all while working to build rapport and set a foundation to creation of a strong therapeutic relationship.
Hello, I am Tracy Faust, a Licensed Professional Counselor holding licenses to practice in Wisconsin, Vermont, and Delaware - and soon to be also in South Carolina. I work with various individuals from many different backgrounds and presenting with a myriad of symptoms and symptom sets. I am not trained in EMDR or treatment of eating disorders. I am a proponent of client-based services - person centered, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques. Working with me feels like one is being heard, and also challenged to improve.
(323) 643-8569 View (323) 643-8569
Photo of Katrina C Davis-Hicks, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katrina C Davis-Hicks
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
Couples Counseling is now a private pay service and we no longer accept insurance for this serivce.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and although this is my specialty, I am trained to provide psychotherapy services for a variety of services including: grief, couples, family, individual, group, and marriage counseling. I have experience working with a multitude of different issues ranging from depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, trauma, career counseling, coaching, anger management, work-life issues/balance, etc. I feel that the client is the expert of their lives and my duty is to provide unbiased, and non-judgmental support. I offer a laid back approach in order to foster a peaceful therapeutic environment.
Couples Counseling is now a private pay service and we no longer accept insurance for this serivce.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and although this is my specialty, I am trained to provide psychotherapy services for a variety of services including: grief, couples, family, individual, group, and marriage counseling. I have experience working with a multitude of different issues ranging from depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, trauma, career counseling, coaching, anger management, work-life issues/balance, etc. I feel that the client is the expert of their lives and my duty is to provide unbiased, and non-judgmental support. I offer a laid back approach in order to foster a peaceful therapeutic environment.
(414) 246-5663 View (414) 246-5663
Photo of Samantha Olson, LMFT, SAC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Samantha Olson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SAC
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
Are you serious about changing your relationships? Are you ready to commit? I am compassionate, direct and fair, and I will throw in a bit of tough love. I believe in the resilience of couples and families as well as their ability to change. Anything can be accomplished if you set your mind to it and with my assistance, I will help you to achieve your goals. Those who typically come to see me are those struggling with relationships, addiction and trauma. I work with children (ages 10 and up), adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
Are you serious about changing your relationships? Are you ready to commit? I am compassionate, direct and fair, and I will throw in a bit of tough love. I believe in the resilience of couples and families as well as their ability to change. Anything can be accomplished if you set your mind to it and with my assistance, I will help you to achieve your goals. Those who typically come to see me are those struggling with relationships, addiction and trauma. I work with children (ages 10 and up), adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
(262) 218-4601 View (262) 218-4601
Photo of April Tonya Brown - Vacation Counseling - Couples Retreat by Dr. April, LMHC, CST, NCC, LPC, Counselor
Vacation Counseling - Couples Retreat by Dr. April
Counselor, LMHC, CST, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
The Therapists at Vacation Counseling have over 100+ years of experience and we utilized a variety of methods for couples, such as the Gottman Method, EMDR, Temperament Therapy, Solution-Focused, Intimacy Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Are you wanting a personalized intimate retreat that focuses on your specific needs and goals in your relationship? A retreat that will heal the hurts and traumas in the relationship? Vacation counseling will help you and your relationship find a new perspective on how intimacy can help resolve conflicts in your relationship. We offer many different options to fit your needs, one couple at a time. We can provide you with in-person and online counseling where couples stay in exclusive, luxurious vacation rentals. Vacation Counseling can travel to your Vacation.
The Therapists at Vacation Counseling have over 100+ years of experience and we utilized a variety of methods for couples, such as the Gottman Method, EMDR, Temperament Therapy, Solution-Focused, Intimacy Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Are you wanting a personalized intimate retreat that focuses on your specific needs and goals in your relationship? A retreat that will heal the hurts and traumas in the relationship? Vacation counseling will help you and your relationship find a new perspective on how intimacy can help resolve conflicts in your relationship. We offer many different options to fit your needs, one couple at a time. We can provide you with in-person and online counseling where couples stay in exclusive, luxurious vacation rentals. Vacation Counseling can travel to your Vacation.
(941) 759-5754 View (941) 759-5754
Photo of Travis Trott, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Travis Trott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Research shows that the most important factor in successful therapy is a trusting, caring relationship with your therapist.
I have over 10 years of experience working with queer and trans people, whether they are coming out, transitioning, or just in need of a place where they don't have to explain themselves. I have a special interest in working with creative people (both professional and amateur artists, writers, academics, musicians, etc.); people who have experienced religious trauma; and those navigating the waters of midlife. I have sat with many clients living with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PMDD; and with those who need an intentional and fiercely compassionate space to learn more about themselves, others, and the world.
Research shows that the most important factor in successful therapy is a trusting, caring relationship with your therapist.
I have over 10 years of experience working with queer and trans people, whether they are coming out, transitioning, or just in need of a place where they don't have to explain themselves. I have a special interest in working with creative people (both professional and amateur artists, writers, academics, musicians, etc.); people who have experienced religious trauma; and those navigating the waters of midlife. I have sat with many clients living with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PMDD; and with those who need an intentional and fiercely compassionate space to learn more about themselves, others, and the world.
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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.