Photo of Dr. Robert E. Schmidt, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Dr. Robert E. Schmidt, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, D-MFT, NCC, LPC-S, MTh
Not Verified Not Verified
New Orleans, LA 70119
Life has a tendency to create difficult moments for all of us. As these moments enter our world we have to deal with them head on. Our practice provides a comfortable, private atmosphere that is conducive to creating a sense of well-being which aids in the process of brighter days ahead. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor presently working on my dissertation for a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe as well as a former graduate of Loyola University, Notre Dame Seminary and Our Lady of Holy Cross College.
Life has a tendency to create difficult moments for all of us. As these moments enter our world we have to deal with them head on. Our practice provides a comfortable, private atmosphere that is conducive to creating a sense of well-being which aids in the process of brighter days ahead. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor presently working on my dissertation for a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe as well as a former graduate of Loyola University, Notre Dame Seminary and Our Lady of Holy Cross College.
(504) 383-7147 View (504) 383-7147
Photo of Rebecca Tam Pham, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Rebecca Tam Pham
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70114
Thank you for consider seeing me for counseling. I see counseling as a process of collaboration between you, the client, and I, the counselor, in obtaining your goals. I work from a solution-focused orientation, which means that I assist you in breaking repetitive, nonproductive behavior patterns that are affecting you, your family or marriage or relationship.
Thank you for consider seeing me for counseling. I see counseling as a process of collaboration between you, the client, and I, the counselor, in obtaining your goals. I work from a solution-focused orientation, which means that I assist you in breaking repetitive, nonproductive behavior patterns that are affecting you, your family or marriage or relationship.
(504) 226-6930 View (504) 226-6930
Photo of CARE Institute Inc. in New Orleans, LA
CARE Institute Inc.
LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70115
CARE Institute offers various programs including FREE and low-cost teletherapy. Our clinicians approach therapy from a holistic systems perspective to assist clients with learning skills to address life challenges. Clinicians at CARE offer a wide range of expertise to assist clients. Our licensed clinicians are marriage and family therapists (LMFT/PLMFT), professional mental health counselors (LPC/PLPC), and Registered Play Therapists. Our CARE for Y'ALL teletherapy program clinicians are marriage & family therapy graduate students from nationally accredited MFT programs.
CARE Institute offers various programs including FREE and low-cost teletherapy. Our clinicians approach therapy from a holistic systems perspective to assist clients with learning skills to address life challenges. Clinicians at CARE offer a wide range of expertise to assist clients. Our licensed clinicians are marriage and family therapists (LMFT/PLMFT), professional mental health counselors (LPC/PLPC), and Registered Play Therapists. Our CARE for Y'ALL teletherapy program clinicians are marriage & family therapy graduate students from nationally accredited MFT programs.
(504) 384-2178 View (504) 384-2178
Photo of Natasha Brown Parker, Pre-Licensed Professional in New Orleans, LA
Natasha Brown Parker
Pre-Licensed Professional, PLMFT, PLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70119
My approach will use holistic care practices, education, support, and advocacy. I believe in addressing the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of the individual, couple, and family. My mission is to empower the individual, couple, and family by guiding them along the journey to promote healing, personal growth, and change. I work with clients elementary-age children through elders. I specialize in Marriage & Family Therapy well as Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
My approach will use holistic care practices, education, support, and advocacy. I believe in addressing the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of the individual, couple, and family. My mission is to empower the individual, couple, and family by guiding them along the journey to promote healing, personal growth, and change. I work with clients elementary-age children through elders. I specialize in Marriage & Family Therapy well as Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
(504) 305-8061 View (504) 305-8061
Photo of Garry Eldridge, Marriage & Family Therapist in New Orleans, LA
Garry Eldridge
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC-S, CSAT
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70121
Garry is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist, Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist, Emotionally Focused Therapy-trained, and Certified Partner Trauma Therapist.
Are you at the end of your rope? Is your partner at the end of his/her rope with you? Have you let go of the rope? Has your partner? Garry knows exactly where you are, & what a dark, helpless, panicked place that is. He has the tools and expertise to assist you on your journey to find balance, healing, & freedom. He has also been a life-long learner & student of his own life’s journey, with all of the bumps, bruises, mistakes, growth, & change that is part of the healing process. As a result, Garry is uniquely equipped to walk beside you, guide & coach you to finding your Authentic Self lost in the chaos of sexual addiction.
Garry is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist, Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist, Emotionally Focused Therapy-trained, and Certified Partner Trauma Therapist.
Are you at the end of your rope? Is your partner at the end of his/her rope with you? Have you let go of the rope? Has your partner? Garry knows exactly where you are, & what a dark, helpless, panicked place that is. He has the tools and expertise to assist you on your journey to find balance, healing, & freedom. He has also been a life-long learner & student of his own life’s journey, with all of the bumps, bruises, mistakes, growth, & change that is part of the healing process. As a result, Garry is uniquely equipped to walk beside you, guide & coach you to finding your Authentic Self lost in the chaos of sexual addiction.
(504) 327-2144 View (504) 327-2144
Photo of Monica Cazes, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Monica Cazes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70115
My approach to clients is empathic, curious, and compassionate. I offer marriage/premarital counseling and relationship therapy with a focus on navigating healthy communication, conflict resolution, infidelity and intimacy. I work with a variety of couples and individuals in a safe space where all are welcome and LGBTQ+ clients are encouraged. I believe in meeting my clients where they are to highlight your strengths, preferences, and needs. Reaching out to find a therapist who feels like a good fit can be the hardest part of getting started. I take an active approach in fostering personal growth and self-reflection.
My approach to clients is empathic, curious, and compassionate. I offer marriage/premarital counseling and relationship therapy with a focus on navigating healthy communication, conflict resolution, infidelity and intimacy. I work with a variety of couples and individuals in a safe space where all are welcome and LGBTQ+ clients are encouraged. I believe in meeting my clients where they are to highlight your strengths, preferences, and needs. Reaching out to find a therapist who feels like a good fit can be the hardest part of getting started. I take an active approach in fostering personal growth and self-reflection.
(504) 353-9948 View (504) 353-9948
Photo of Maria G. Crumley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Orleans, LA
Maria G. Crumley, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70118
I treat a variety of issues such as : anxiety, depression, sexual abuse/trauma, grief/loss, adjustment to college and other life transitions (pre-marital, postpartum, separation/divorce), compulsive behavior/addiction, and bi-cultural issues.
My 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist in New Orleans, along with my own life experience, has provided me with a solid knowledge base and depth which I bring to my work with young adults and adults. I seek to develop a safe and trusting relationship with each client which I believe is the foundation needed to bring about healing and change.
I treat a variety of issues such as : anxiety, depression, sexual abuse/trauma, grief/loss, adjustment to college and other life transitions (pre-marital, postpartum, separation/divorce), compulsive behavior/addiction, and bi-cultural issues.
My 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist in New Orleans, along with my own life experience, has provided me with a solid knowledge base and depth which I bring to my work with young adults and adults. I seek to develop a safe and trusting relationship with each client which I believe is the foundation needed to bring about healing and change.
(504) 684-4573 View (504) 684-4573
Photo of Josie Louise White, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Josie Louise White
Licensed Professional Counselor, DBH, MEd, NCC, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70126  (Online Only)
Josie White is a Doctor of Behavioral Health, Nationally Certified Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor.
JW's Creative Solutions, LLC is a Counseling, Life Coaching and Consulting agency. Our mission is to provide: 1) innovative behavioral health services, 2) case management services and 2) other supportive services to individuals addressing life transitional issues. Our agency works from an eco-systemic perspective, which means that we accept a client's immediate family relationships and larger social context as being important resources in solving life's problems. Goals for therapy are always established through collaboration with the client. The overall objective for therapy is always the successful resolution of the problems that are deemed the most important through that collaborative process.
Josie White is a Doctor of Behavioral Health, Nationally Certified Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor.
JW's Creative Solutions, LLC is a Counseling, Life Coaching and Consulting agency. Our mission is to provide: 1) innovative behavioral health services, 2) case management services and 2) other supportive services to individuals addressing life transitional issues. Our agency works from an eco-systemic perspective, which means that we accept a client's immediate family relationships and larger social context as being important resources in solving life's problems. Goals for therapy are always established through collaboration with the client. The overall objective for therapy is always the successful resolution of the problems that are deemed the most important through that collaborative process.
(504) 502-7248 View (504) 502-7248
Photo of Dr. Jeff J. Rocker, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Dr. Jeff J. Rocker
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, NCC, LPC, LPCC, LMHC
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70113
in Marriage and Family therapy from Nova Southeastern University.
With 12 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is Licensed in 14 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.
in Marriage and Family therapy from Nova Southeastern University.
With 12 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is Licensed in 14 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.
(504) 470-0369 View (504) 470-0369
Photo of Bleakley Counseling LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Bleakley Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LMFT
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70130  (Online Only)
Welcome! At Bleakley Counseling LLC, we know that reaching out for help from someone you have never met can be stressful and overwhelming. We will try our best to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. With over 18 years in the mental health field, Mary Smith LPC-S LMFT is currently a licensed professional counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of Louisiana. Mary Smith LPC-S, LMFT offers evening and Saturday appointment times for your convenience.
Welcome! At Bleakley Counseling LLC, we know that reaching out for help from someone you have never met can be stressful and overwhelming. We will try our best to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. With over 18 years in the mental health field, Mary Smith LPC-S LMFT is currently a licensed professional counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of Louisiana. Mary Smith LPC-S, LMFT offers evening and Saturday appointment times for your convenience.
(985) 509-8348 View (985) 509-8348
Photo of Bleakley Counseling LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Bleakley Counseling LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70130
Welcome! At Bleakley Counseling LLC, we know that reaching out for help from someone you have never met can seem stressful and overwhelming. We will try our best to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. With 15 years of experience, Tara Lemon Bleakley MA, LPC currently practices general counseling with a focus in the following areas: behavioral problems, depression, anxiety, stress, problems with self-esteem, relationship problems, transitioning problems, parenting, step parenting, divorce, blended family issues, marital issues, trauma related issues, pregnancy issues, infertility and oppositional defiant disorder.
Welcome! At Bleakley Counseling LLC, we know that reaching out for help from someone you have never met can seem stressful and overwhelming. We will try our best to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. With 15 years of experience, Tara Lemon Bleakley MA, LPC currently practices general counseling with a focus in the following areas: behavioral problems, depression, anxiety, stress, problems with self-esteem, relationship problems, transitioning problems, parenting, step parenting, divorce, blended family issues, marital issues, trauma related issues, pregnancy issues, infertility and oppositional defiant disorder.
(985) 306-9236 View (985) 306-9236
Photo of Cori (Corrine) J Shelton, Marriage & Family Therapist in New Orleans, LA
Cori (Corrine) J Shelton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, NCC, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70118
I am doing what I was born to do! My specialization, Marriage and Family Therapy, is also my passion. I help you to get to what is breaking your heart in your relationship, and to create a plan to make the gradual changes that are needed to have the ROCK Solid relationship you desire. Through the use of therapeutic interventions designed to teach the nature of "real" listening, assertiveness, anger insight and other skills needed to communicate effectively, I teach you to confront without offending, to argue resolutely, and to express yourself successfully in order to get your needs met.
I am doing what I was born to do! My specialization, Marriage and Family Therapy, is also my passion. I help you to get to what is breaking your heart in your relationship, and to create a plan to make the gradual changes that are needed to have the ROCK Solid relationship you desire. Through the use of therapeutic interventions designed to teach the nature of "real" listening, assertiveness, anger insight and other skills needed to communicate effectively, I teach you to confront without offending, to argue resolutely, and to express yourself successfully in order to get your needs met.
(504) 684-7066 View (504) 684-7066
Photo of Tiffany Anton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Orleans, LA
Tiffany Anton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70112  (Online Only)
Is your sex life not up to par? Is your relationship in trouble & you feel disconnected? Is sex no longer pleasurable? Do medical conditions interfere with sexual functioning? Do you worry whether you're 'normal'? If you're struggling within yourself, your partnerships and/or marriage, treatment can greatly benefit your sexual life & bring you a healthier, more intimate & caring relationship. Kink Positive & Gender Affirming. Hello, I'm Tiffany & I am here to help. I assist individuals and couples in creating more intimate & fulfilling lives through psychotherapy that's compassionate, supportive & empowering. Online Therapy Solely
Is your sex life not up to par? Is your relationship in trouble & you feel disconnected? Is sex no longer pleasurable? Do medical conditions interfere with sexual functioning? Do you worry whether you're 'normal'? If you're struggling within yourself, your partnerships and/or marriage, treatment can greatly benefit your sexual life & bring you a healthier, more intimate & caring relationship. Kink Positive & Gender Affirming. Hello, I'm Tiffany & I am here to help. I assist individuals and couples in creating more intimate & fulfilling lives through psychotherapy that's compassionate, supportive & empowering. Online Therapy Solely
(985) 718-1083 View (985) 718-1083
Photo of Deanna C Granger, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Deanna C Granger
Licensed Professional Counselor, M, Ed, LPC-S, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70115  (Online Only)
I am passionate about working with the following areas: anxiety/fears, family of origin issues, affair recovery, pre-marital/marital, poor communication, conflict resolution skills, and self-esteem.
Are you feeling sad or anxious most of the time? Do you feel you like you are "stuck" or "trapped" with no solutions on how to improve the situation? Are you tired of feeling down? Well, you have come to the RIGHT PLACE!!! DEVOTED TO CHANGE GRADUALLY, LLC can assist you in getting there GRADUALLY by supporting you in taking "one step" at a time.
I am passionate about working with the following areas: anxiety/fears, family of origin issues, affair recovery, pre-marital/marital, poor communication, conflict resolution skills, and self-esteem.
Are you feeling sad or anxious most of the time? Do you feel you like you are "stuck" or "trapped" with no solutions on how to improve the situation? Are you tired of feeling down? Well, you have come to the RIGHT PLACE!!! DEVOTED TO CHANGE GRADUALLY, LLC can assist you in getting there GRADUALLY by supporting you in taking "one step" at a time.
(504) 285-2229 View (504) 285-2229
Photo of Lagarde Counseling Service, Marriage & Family Therapist in New Orleans, LA
Lagarde Counseling Service
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCBT, CFAS, CCSOTS
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70114
My name is Lorraine Lagarde I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Louisiana. I have worked in the mental health field for over 20 years. My career has been spent working with adults, adolescents, and families. I work from a collaborative, strengths-based approach, aiding and supporting clients to be the author of their own lives. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, grief and loss, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and trauma.
My name is Lorraine Lagarde I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Louisiana. I have worked in the mental health field for over 20 years. My career has been spent working with adults, adolescents, and families. I work from a collaborative, strengths-based approach, aiding and supporting clients to be the author of their own lives. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, grief and loss, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and trauma.
(504) 285-2479 View (504) 285-2479
Photo of Solace Château, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Solace Château
Licensed Professional Counselor, MFT, LPC-S, NCC, CIMHP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70124
Waitlist for new clients
of Marriage and Family Therapists, and Amer.
We work with adults and couples to assist people with choosing solutions that help them improve their relationships by changing their behavior. We help clients look at their situations and problems as opportunities to explore their choices to work toward staying on track by meeting their goals in order to enhance their lives. We aid people in finding solutions for their problems instead of focusing only on the problem. This is a clinical outpatient setting and we help clients address all disorders listed in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, 5th Edition - Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
of Marriage and Family Therapists, and Amer.
We work with adults and couples to assist people with choosing solutions that help them improve their relationships by changing their behavior. We help clients look at their situations and problems as opportunities to explore their choices to work toward staying on track by meeting their goals in order to enhance their lives. We aid people in finding solutions for their problems instead of focusing only on the problem. This is a clinical outpatient setting and we help clients address all disorders listed in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, 5th Edition - Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
(504) 602-9953 View (504) 602-9953
Photo of Phyllis Jackson, Pre-Licensed Professional in New Orleans, LA
Phyllis Jackson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, PLPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
New Orleans, LA 70131
My passion is marriage, couples, and family counseling (I’m an advocate for Black love).
Life gets hard and we ALL go through it. People sometimes find themselves in a rut and need help digging themselves out. Finding understanding, empathy, and support during those difficult times can be tough. I am passionate about helping others heal, grow, and reach their goals in a safe space without judgment. You are not alone!
My passion is marriage, couples, and family counseling (I’m an advocate for Black love).
Life gets hard and we ALL go through it. People sometimes find themselves in a rut and need help digging themselves out. Finding understanding, empathy, and support during those difficult times can be tough. I am passionate about helping others heal, grow, and reach their goals in a safe space without judgment. You are not alone!
(504) 547-6553 View (504) 547-6553
Photo of Alisha Francis, Licensed Professional Counselor in New Orleans, LA
Alisha Francis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70131
I specialize in working with families, single mothers, pre-marital counseling, (certified as a S.Y.B.M.I.S. (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) assessor, adolescents issues, and anyone dealing with grief and loss.
I specialize in working with families, single mothers, pre-marital counseling, (certified as a S.Y.B.M.I.S. (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) assessor, adolescents issues, and anyone dealing with grief and loss.
(504) 502-0658 View (504) 502-0658
Photo of Rebecca Oyer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Orleans, LA
Rebecca Oyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, SEP, ISPP
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70116
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.
I have been practicing as a psychotherapist for 30 years and I very much enjoy my work. My goal is to help people with healing, and in so doing help them to live a more joyful and meaningful life. I have years of experience helping clients address and recover from many different issues. I work with emotional wounds that are often at the core of issues that clients bring to me, and with healing trauma including religious trauma. I have found that when these wounds can be addressed in a safe environment, healing can take place. I work with adults of all life stages, with adolescents, children, with individuals, families and groups.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.
I have been practicing as a psychotherapist for 30 years and I very much enjoy my work. My goal is to help people with healing, and in so doing help them to live a more joyful and meaningful life. I have years of experience helping clients address and recover from many different issues. I work with emotional wounds that are often at the core of issues that clients bring to me, and with healing trauma including religious trauma. I have found that when these wounds can be addressed in a safe environment, healing can take place. I work with adults of all life stages, with adolescents, children, with individuals, families and groups.
(337) 243-6887 View (337) 243-6887
Photo of Kendrick J Martin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New Orleans, LA
Kendrick J Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70130
We often bring our fears and misconceptions into a marriage that further complicates our relationships.
Life is a journey and your path forward begins with your next step. Depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and life challenges can cloud your vision, making the next steps a scary mystery to take alone. Let’s partner together to find a light to help you chart your path forward. You have everything inside of you to succeed, now let’s work together to make you the best version of you.
We often bring our fears and misconceptions into a marriage that further complicates our relationships.
Life is a journey and your path forward begins with your next step. Depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and life challenges can cloud your vision, making the next steps a scary mystery to take alone. Let’s partner together to find a light to help you chart your path forward. You have everything inside of you to succeed, now let’s work together to make you the best version of you.
(985) 602-5101 View (985) 602-5101

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.