Photo of Isabella Christodoulou, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Orleans, LA
Isabella Christodoulou
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70116
Life as Art Studio was conceived to help individuals, families, groups and organizations find their truth, find their voice. The mission is to work together to unearth talents and unblock creativity. To do so I use primarily action methods through my extensive training in psychodrama. The belief is that most of us need to increase our spontaneity in order become more authentic, true to who we really are. We may suffer because we have lost or never found who that true self is. Maybe we have been taught to think we must be some one else's idea of who and how we should be in the world.
Life as Art Studio was conceived to help individuals, families, groups and organizations find their truth, find their voice. The mission is to work together to unearth talents and unblock creativity. To do so I use primarily action methods through my extensive training in psychodrama. The belief is that most of us need to increase our spontaneity in order become more authentic, true to who we really are. We may suffer because we have lost or never found who that true self is. Maybe we have been taught to think we must be some one else's idea of who and how we should be in the world.
(504) 285-2846 View (504) 285-2846

Marriage Counseling Therapists

How does marriage counseling work?

Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.

How long does marriage counseling typically last?

Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.

Is marriage counseling effective?

Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.

Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?

Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.