Couples Counseling Therapists in Portland, OR

Photo of Quin McFadin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Quin McFadin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97212  (Online Only)
I also enjoy working with couples and polyamorous partners seeking loving bonds.
Licensed in CA and OR. A comfortable alliance with a skilled therapist can help you to bring greater awareness and agency to choices you make. Perhaps fulfillment comes from having looked into yourself with curiosity, compassion and support. Bringing yourself forward in your own way and expressing yourself can be challenging in many ways... cultural, political and social inequities, childhood injuries, confusing relationships, difficulties that began with your ancestors, stressful current circumstances. Sometimes being present in yourself as well as in the world with compassion is the most poignant challenge of all.
I also enjoy working with couples and polyamorous partners seeking loving bonds.
Licensed in CA and OR. A comfortable alliance with a skilled therapist can help you to bring greater awareness and agency to choices you make. Perhaps fulfillment comes from having looked into yourself with curiosity, compassion and support. Bringing yourself forward in your own way and expressing yourself can be challenging in many ways... cultural, political and social inequities, childhood injuries, confusing relationships, difficulties that began with your ancestors, stressful current circumstances. Sometimes being present in yourself as well as in the world with compassion is the most poignant challenge of all.
(541) 214-2253 View (541) 214-2253
Photo of Jennifer E Kelly, PsyD, Psychologist
Jennifer E Kelly
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205  (Online Only)
I am a Gottman Couples trained therapist.
Hello! I am now accepting Pacific Source clients! My approach to therapy is to establish a safe and warm environment where growth, awareness, and healing take place. I view therapy as a valuable opportunity for clients to build upon existing strengths and learn coping strategies to feel better about themselves and interact more effectively with others and the world around them. Through a collaborative and supportive relationship, our work together will help you explore and give voice to the difficult experiences, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors which may be interfering with you living the meaningful life that is important to you.
I am a Gottman Couples trained therapist.
Hello! I am now accepting Pacific Source clients! My approach to therapy is to establish a safe and warm environment where growth, awareness, and healing take place. I view therapy as a valuable opportunity for clients to build upon existing strengths and learn coping strategies to feel better about themselves and interact more effectively with others and the world around them. Through a collaborative and supportive relationship, our work together will help you explore and give voice to the difficult experiences, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors which may be interfering with you living the meaningful life that is important to you.
(503) 406-6634 View (503) 406-6634
Photo of Glenn Goldman, MA, LPC
Glenn Goldman
MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97213
Life's difficulties provide us with an opportunity for healing and personal growth. My counseling practice helps people take advantage of these opportunities by encouraging self-knowledge and understanding. Whether you are struggling with new, unexpected pain or you want to work on a long-standing issue, I can provide you with the professional guidance to help you through grief and loss, anxiety and worry, depression, destructive anger patterns, addictive behaviors, relationship problems, family of origin issues, childhood sexual abuse, sexual identity issues, recovery from harmful religious indoctrination, and spiritual struggles.
Life's difficulties provide us with an opportunity for healing and personal growth. My counseling practice helps people take advantage of these opportunities by encouraging self-knowledge and understanding. Whether you are struggling with new, unexpected pain or you want to work on a long-standing issue, I can provide you with the professional guidance to help you through grief and loss, anxiety and worry, depression, destructive anger patterns, addictive behaviors, relationship problems, family of origin issues, childhood sexual abuse, sexual identity issues, recovery from harmful religious indoctrination, and spiritual struggles.
(971) 832-9952 View (971) 832-9952
Photo of Alma Hadzidedic, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alma Hadzidedic
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97219  (Online Only)
Your willingness to seek help is a courageous step towards healing & change. I believe in the transformative power of a therapeutic relationship and view it as our combined effort. I use LGBTQIA+ affirming, social justice-oriented, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches to foster a safe, consistent and curious environment that supports your wisdom while guiding your pursuit of valued and meaningful living. Our partnership will include my extensive education & advanced training working with individuals who have been adversely impacted by relational and attachment disruptions, abuse/neglect and complex traumatic experiences.
Your willingness to seek help is a courageous step towards healing & change. I believe in the transformative power of a therapeutic relationship and view it as our combined effort. I use LGBTQIA+ affirming, social justice-oriented, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches to foster a safe, consistent and curious environment that supports your wisdom while guiding your pursuit of valued and meaningful living. Our partnership will include my extensive education & advanced training working with individuals who have been adversely impacted by relational and attachment disruptions, abuse/neglect and complex traumatic experiences.
(503) 300-6261 View (503) 300-6261
Photo of Lauren Loos, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lauren Loos
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205  (Online Only)
At the heart of every client lies truth and infinite potential. That is why I love my job. Spirited Quest Counseling was born out of the conviction that when an individual sets an intention to heal, they and those around them are transformed. I provide individual and couples counseling that promotes healing, well-being, self-awareness and empowerment along with the endurance, courage and skills to move from a life of survival to one of thriving. I specialize in treating clients impacted by the effects of trauma, spiritual struggle, depression and anxiety.
At the heart of every client lies truth and infinite potential. That is why I love my job. Spirited Quest Counseling was born out of the conviction that when an individual sets an intention to heal, they and those around them are transformed. I provide individual and couples counseling that promotes healing, well-being, self-awareness and empowerment along with the endurance, courage and skills to move from a life of survival to one of thriving. I specialize in treating clients impacted by the effects of trauma, spiritual struggle, depression and anxiety.
(503) 664-4271 View (503) 664-4271
Photo of Kathleen M Girod, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kathleen M Girod
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97239  (Online Only)
Therapy can offer hope in the midst of depression, anxiety, trauma, stressful challenges in work, relationships, health, or other arenas of life. It can also help us respond thoughtfully and creatively rather than anxiously or destructively. I am a firm believer in learning to be open towards yourself, your relationships, and life transitions. This is a more powerful motivator than mentally beating yourself up. We'll work together to identify strengths you can use towards making important life changes, and to build coping skills to deal with difficult emotions, trust, relationship issues, and negative thoughts you might have about yourself.
Therapy can offer hope in the midst of depression, anxiety, trauma, stressful challenges in work, relationships, health, or other arenas of life. It can also help us respond thoughtfully and creatively rather than anxiously or destructively. I am a firm believer in learning to be open towards yourself, your relationships, and life transitions. This is a more powerful motivator than mentally beating yourself up. We'll work together to identify strengths you can use towards making important life changes, and to build coping skills to deal with difficult emotions, trust, relationship issues, and negative thoughts you might have about yourself.
(503) 850-0229 View (503) 850-0229
Photo of Kathleen M Butler, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kathleen M Butler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209
You may be seeking greater self understanding and clarity, confidence and spontaneity, life and relationship satisfaction.
The quality of the client/therapist relationship is key for a successful therapeutic process. I follow a relational psychodynamic approach based upon your unique strengths and challenges. As a therapist, I am here to walk beside you in your healing journey, providing support and tools best suited to your individual goals. My philosophy is holistic, and I recognize and work with connections between the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual aspects of experience. I am influenced by the work of Carl Jung, who explored the importance of symbolic meaning and bringing unconscious motivations into awareness.
You may be seeking greater self understanding and clarity, confidence and spontaneity, life and relationship satisfaction.
The quality of the client/therapist relationship is key for a successful therapeutic process. I follow a relational psychodynamic approach based upon your unique strengths and challenges. As a therapist, I am here to walk beside you in your healing journey, providing support and tools best suited to your individual goals. My philosophy is holistic, and I recognize and work with connections between the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual aspects of experience. I am influenced by the work of Carl Jung, who explored the importance of symbolic meaning and bringing unconscious motivations into awareness.
(971) 316-4566 View (971) 316-4566
Photo of Graham Sterling, MA, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Graham Sterling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97210
I work with individuals, couples and families.
It is my philosophy that each of us are on a path that encompasses understanding who we are in relation to our surroundings. Answers are found through interpersonal connections and within ourselves. It is my job to offer a safe, supportive space and the skilled assistance that allows you to discover your strengths and the tools necessary to overcome life's hurdles.
I work with individuals, couples and families.
It is my philosophy that each of us are on a path that encompasses understanding who we are in relation to our surroundings. Answers are found through interpersonal connections and within ourselves. It is my job to offer a safe, supportive space and the skilled assistance that allows you to discover your strengths and the tools necessary to overcome life's hurdles.
(503) 980-1413 View (503) 980-1413
Photo of Brittany Drosdak, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brittany Drosdak
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97209
I believe that meaningful change begins with a strong therapeutic relationship. I hope to earn your trust by creating a space in which you feel accepted, heard, and supported. My therapeutic style is warm, person-centered, humanistic, and trauma-informed. Over the years as a therapist, I have worked with teens and adults around depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, generational trauma, grief and loss, life transitions and stress, ADHD and neurodivergence, the LGBTQIA+ community and exploring identity.
I believe that meaningful change begins with a strong therapeutic relationship. I hope to earn your trust by creating a space in which you feel accepted, heard, and supported. My therapeutic style is warm, person-centered, humanistic, and trauma-informed. Over the years as a therapist, I have worked with teens and adults around depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, generational trauma, grief and loss, life transitions and stress, ADHD and neurodivergence, the LGBTQIA+ community and exploring identity.
(971) 203-0671 View (971) 203-0671
Photo of Ally Simone, LMFT, T2066, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ally Simone
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, T2066
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97219  (Online Only)
I work with adult individuals and relationships. Many of my clients are focused on healing from trauma, disrupting harmful patterns like people pleasing and codependency, and creating healthy relationships. I am committed to equity and inclusion, both personally and professionally and my goal is always that my clients feel seen and supported in all aspects of their identity. I am LGBTQIA+, and gender affirming, sex/kink positive and welcome all relationship configurations including CNM/Polyamory. I recognize and value all types of diversity including ethnicity, race, size, gender, sexual orientation, class, religion, and abilities.
I work with adult individuals and relationships. Many of my clients are focused on healing from trauma, disrupting harmful patterns like people pleasing and codependency, and creating healthy relationships. I am committed to equity and inclusion, both personally and professionally and my goal is always that my clients feel seen and supported in all aspects of their identity. I am LGBTQIA+, and gender affirming, sex/kink positive and welcome all relationship configurations including CNM/Polyamory. I recognize and value all types of diversity including ethnicity, race, size, gender, sexual orientation, class, religion, and abilities.
(503) 212-9970 View (503) 212-9970
Photo of Rebecca Francesconi, MEd, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca Francesconi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97212  (Online Only)
I have a specific focus working with individuals (including children and adolescents/teens), couples and families on issues ranging from eating disorder/body image concerns, depression, anxiety, parenting struggles, couples/pre-marital and marriage counseling and family conflict as it relates to parent/child dynamics.
I believe that every person, no matter the age, has a story to tell about their lives and it takes a tremendous amount of courage to begin to share this story. As your therapist, my hope is to help you find your voice, speak your truth, begin the healing process and ultimately feel a sense of personal accomplishment along the way. I seek to provide you with clarity of thought and peace of mind and heart.
I have a specific focus working with individuals (including children and adolescents/teens), couples and families on issues ranging from eating disorder/body image concerns, depression, anxiety, parenting struggles, couples/pre-marital and marriage counseling and family conflict as it relates to parent/child dynamics.
I believe that every person, no matter the age, has a story to tell about their lives and it takes a tremendous amount of courage to begin to share this story. As your therapist, my hope is to help you find your voice, speak your truth, begin the healing process and ultimately feel a sense of personal accomplishment along the way. I seek to provide you with clarity of thought and peace of mind and heart.
(503) 379-9529 View (503) 379-9529
Photo of Cassie Liu, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cassie Liu
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97219  (Online Only)
Our work together will be collaborative and focused on your feelings of safety and trust in our relationship.
As a second-generation Chinese/Korean immigrant, I intimately understand the experience of being “othered.” It’s from this deeply personal place that I developed a passion to support individuals and couples with marginalized and intersecting identities. I am committed to supporting clients with processing and healing from challenging experiences, strengthening a sense of identity, and cultivating self-compassion.
Our work together will be collaborative and focused on your feelings of safety and trust in our relationship.
As a second-generation Chinese/Korean immigrant, I intimately understand the experience of being “othered.” It’s from this deeply personal place that I developed a passion to support individuals and couples with marginalized and intersecting identities. I am committed to supporting clients with processing and healing from challenging experiences, strengthening a sense of identity, and cultivating self-compassion.
(971) 251-2615 View (971) 251-2615
Photo of Natalia Tommasi - NT cares, LLC, LCSW, LMFT, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor
NT cares, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCSW, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205
Hello! I formed NTcares group with like-minded colleagues. We are highly skilled professionals offering support to clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. You want to be heard, understood and have powerful tools to bring meaningful change to your life? We are here for you!
Hello! I formed NTcares group with like-minded colleagues. We are highly skilled professionals offering support to clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. You want to be heard, understood and have powerful tools to bring meaningful change to your life? We are here for you!
(971) 832-5684 View (971) 832-5684
Photo of Esther Berg, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Esther Berg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97229  (Online Only)
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, anger, sadness, or fear? Maybe you're dealing with trauma or feeling lost, stuck or confused and don't know what to do. Taking the step to seek support shows strength and courage, leading you toward a more fulfilling life. Therapy offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space to help you navigate difficult emotions, gain clarity, and uncover deeper insights. No matter what you are struggling with - stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or just seeking personal growth - therapy can be the turning point. It helps you build resilience, find balance, and move toward the life you want.
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, anger, sadness, or fear? Maybe you're dealing with trauma or feeling lost, stuck or confused and don't know what to do. Taking the step to seek support shows strength and courage, leading you toward a more fulfilling life. Therapy offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space to help you navigate difficult emotions, gain clarity, and uncover deeper insights. No matter what you are struggling with - stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or just seeking personal growth - therapy can be the turning point. It helps you build resilience, find balance, and move toward the life you want.
(503) 782-6715 View (503) 782-6715
Photo of Joshua Conwell, MA, Pastoral Counselor
Joshua Conwell
Pastoral Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
I offer a professional counseling relationship where you will learn counseling skills, rooted in the Bible, to bring about change.
Christian counseling engages your story without judgment, and helps change how you see yourself, others, God, and life experiences. This takes time. I would love to walk alongside you through your struggles and difficulties. My counseling experience ranges from residential treatment, church counseling ministry, and private practice.
I offer a professional counseling relationship where you will learn counseling skills, rooted in the Bible, to bring about change.
Christian counseling engages your story without judgment, and helps change how you see yourself, others, God, and life experiences. This takes time. I would love to walk alongside you through your struggles and difficulties. My counseling experience ranges from residential treatment, church counseling ministry, and private practice.
(503) 809-8634 View (503) 809-8634
Photo of Tabitha Ramos - Grow Your Own Way Therapy-EMDR provider, Tabitha Ramos, LCSW, MSSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Grow Your Own Way Therapy-EMDR provider
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Tabitha Ramos, LCSW, MSSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97229  (Online Only)
Specialized in women's issues-trauma, depression, self esteem, relationship issues and anxiety.
Appointment availability includes evenings and weekends. I am a women's therapist. My mission is to help women improve their lives. Do you feel exhausted and depleted? Do you run around filling everyone else's cup while your cup is left empty? Maybe you struggle with anxiety or feel depressed because life hasn't turned out the way you thought it would. You may feel unloved in your relationships. Perhaps you feel unseen, unheard & unimportant. I have experienced many of these same struggles and am a strong believer that it's never too late to stand in your own power and get the life you want and dream of.
Specialized in women's issues-trauma, depression, self esteem, relationship issues and anxiety.
Appointment availability includes evenings and weekends. I am a women's therapist. My mission is to help women improve their lives. Do you feel exhausted and depleted? Do you run around filling everyone else's cup while your cup is left empty? Maybe you struggle with anxiety or feel depressed because life hasn't turned out the way you thought it would. You may feel unloved in your relationships. Perhaps you feel unseen, unheard & unimportant. I have experienced many of these same struggles and am a strong believer that it's never too late to stand in your own power and get the life you want and dream of.
(971) 328-4116 View (971) 328-4116
Photo of Fae Tippie, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Fae Tippie
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97210
I specialize in treating trauma and burnout with neurodivergent, queer and trans people, serving adults, families, relationship partners, children, and teens.
I became a therapist in part because I struggled with the reality of who is here to catch and support the fixers, the doers, the helpers, the leaders, the creatives, the neurodivergent? The kids who don't fit in? If you’ve landed here, and you’re my people, you likely care and feel and think deeply. You are tending to so many needs, and you hold so much for everything and everyone else. If you're struggling with trauma, burnout, dysregulation, stress, anxiety, depression, and difficulty with relationships and healthy boundaries, I can help. I know that can shift for you and transform into wellbeing.
I specialize in treating trauma and burnout with neurodivergent, queer and trans people, serving adults, families, relationship partners, children, and teens.
I became a therapist in part because I struggled with the reality of who is here to catch and support the fixers, the doers, the helpers, the leaders, the creatives, the neurodivergent? The kids who don't fit in? If you’ve landed here, and you’re my people, you likely care and feel and think deeply. You are tending to so many needs, and you hold so much for everything and everyone else. If you're struggling with trauma, burnout, dysregulation, stress, anxiety, depression, and difficulty with relationships and healthy boundaries, I can help. I know that can shift for you and transform into wellbeing.
(503) 847-9720 View (503) 847-9720
Photo of Emily Ardent, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Emily Ardent
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have specific experience working with people who have a history of complex trauma; folks in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum transitions; those experiencing intimate partner violence; queer, trans, gender non-conforming and questioning people; individuals and relationships who are non-monogamous; and those dealing with the impacts of oppression.
I view therapy as a collaborative, unfolding process that considers clients holistically. I draw from feminist and somatic approaches, using IFS to help you reconnect with your centered-self, those around you, and broader structures of support and thriving. You can expect a safe and nonjudgmental space - I strive to incorporate anti-oppressive frameworks into my practice, attending to your social and cultural context. I believe that many challenges are related to structural violence and that we hold this trauma in our bodies. I enjoy helping clients tune into their embodied experience to release pain and find understanding.
I have specific experience working with people who have a history of complex trauma; folks in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum transitions; those experiencing intimate partner violence; queer, trans, gender non-conforming and questioning people; individuals and relationships who are non-monogamous; and those dealing with the impacts of oppression.
I view therapy as a collaborative, unfolding process that considers clients holistically. I draw from feminist and somatic approaches, using IFS to help you reconnect with your centered-self, those around you, and broader structures of support and thriving. You can expect a safe and nonjudgmental space - I strive to incorporate anti-oppressive frameworks into my practice, attending to your social and cultural context. I believe that many challenges are related to structural violence and that we hold this trauma in our bodies. I enjoy helping clients tune into their embodied experience to release pain and find understanding.
(971) 290-1182 View (971) 290-1182
Photo of Joyce Griffin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joyce Griffin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213  (Online Only)
Trauma comes in many forms. It can be from childhood abuse, car accidents, toxic work environment, toxic relationship, racial injustice, war, rape, bullying, natural and manmade disasters like wildfires and earthquakes. You may have the symptoms of PTSD but not have explicit memories of the traumatizing experience. EMDR walks you through a series of steps to help decrease the symptoms of PTSD (nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, insomnia, avoidance and hopelessness about the future). It also helps to map out a plan to deal with future triggers and gives a renewed and positive belief system about the self. I offer a free consultation.
Trauma comes in many forms. It can be from childhood abuse, car accidents, toxic work environment, toxic relationship, racial injustice, war, rape, bullying, natural and manmade disasters like wildfires and earthquakes. You may have the symptoms of PTSD but not have explicit memories of the traumatizing experience. EMDR walks you through a series of steps to help decrease the symptoms of PTSD (nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, insomnia, avoidance and hopelessness about the future). It also helps to map out a plan to deal with future triggers and gives a renewed and positive belief system about the self. I offer a free consultation.
(510) 500-9760 View (510) 500-9760
Photo of Ana Reichelt, MA, LPC, CADC, I, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ana Reichelt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CADC, I
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97230  (Online Only)
I provide individual and couples therapy for adults and teenagers with a range of emotional and life problems.
It's my privilege to work as a Mental Health Counselor. I offer a safe, non judgmental, place where people can explore their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I have expertise addressing relationship conflicts, child/parent struggles, separation/divorce, substance abuse, and codependency issues. When we are suffering and in need of counseling we sometimes endure a great deal before we recognize there is a problem that needs to be addressed. If you find yourself struggling in any one of these areas call me to help you find the joy in everyday life.
I provide individual and couples therapy for adults and teenagers with a range of emotional and life problems.
It's my privilege to work as a Mental Health Counselor. I offer a safe, non judgmental, place where people can explore their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I have expertise addressing relationship conflicts, child/parent struggles, separation/divorce, substance abuse, and codependency issues. When we are suffering and in need of counseling we sometimes endure a great deal before we recognize there is a problem that needs to be addressed. If you find yourself struggling in any one of these areas call me to help you find the joy in everyday life.
(503) 926-6359 View (503) 926-6359
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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.