Couples Counseling Therapists in Grand Traverse County, MI

Photo of Jeremy Bilderback, Counselor in Grand Traverse County, MI
Jeremy Bilderback
Counselor, MA, LLPC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
I believe my years of experience working with teens, couples, and adults as well as my education has uniquely qualified me to assist you in meeting your goals of living an abundant effective life.
I want to help people live effective lives. So many of us find ourselves living one day at a time just trying to survive our circumstances. I believe there is much more to life. We are designed to live life fully. My philosophy is that life is experienced and enjoyed within the context of all our relationships, not just romantic. When our relationships are struggling our enjoyment of life suffers. When we enjoy the fruit of healthy relationships we are able to truly taste the sweetness of life the way it was designed to be lived. Finding personal healing and wholeness equips us to give and receive life giving communion with others.
I believe my years of experience working with teens, couples, and adults as well as my education has uniquely qualified me to assist you in meeting your goals of living an abundant effective life.
I want to help people live effective lives. So many of us find ourselves living one day at a time just trying to survive our circumstances. I believe there is much more to life. We are designed to live life fully. My philosophy is that life is experienced and enjoyed within the context of all our relationships, not just romantic. When our relationships are struggling our enjoyment of life suffers. When we enjoy the fruit of healthy relationships we are able to truly taste the sweetness of life the way it was designed to be lived. Finding personal healing and wholeness equips us to give and receive life giving communion with others.
(231) 239-6312 View (231) 239-6312
Photo of Traverse Health Clinic, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand Traverse County, MI
Traverse Health Clinic
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
Waitlist for new clients
There are a variety of reasons you might want to receive behavioral health services: Adjustment issues, anger, anxiety, chronic illness, communication issues, depression, grief/loss, panic, parenting issues, relationship issues, stress management, addictions, or trauma.
Traverse Health Clinic provides behavioral health services to adults and adolescents ages 12 and up, even if you haven't established primary care with one of our medical providers. Our behavioral health services are provided by licensed therapists who are trained and qualified to help patients experiencing life stressors or mental health issues. Therapists are able to assist individuals in learning constructive ways to handle problems that interfere with everyday life. Services are usually time-limited and focused on specific goals that you, the patient, have identified.
There are a variety of reasons you might want to receive behavioral health services: Adjustment issues, anger, anxiety, chronic illness, communication issues, depression, grief/loss, panic, parenting issues, relationship issues, stress management, addictions, or trauma.
Traverse Health Clinic provides behavioral health services to adults and adolescents ages 12 and up, even if you haven't established primary care with one of our medical providers. Our behavioral health services are provided by licensed therapists who are trained and qualified to help patients experiencing life stressors or mental health issues. Therapists are able to assist individuals in learning constructive ways to handle problems that interfere with everyday life. Services are usually time-limited and focused on specific goals that you, the patient, have identified.
(231) 935-0799 View (231) 935-0799
Photo of Stephen Scott, Counselor in Grand Traverse County, MI
Stephen Scott
Counselor, MA, LLPC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
Sometimes, finding hope and purpose can be really difficult. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, relationship issues, teenager adjustments, or even an addiction, the storms of life can be challenging, but you don’t have to weather those storms alone. Everyone deserves to feel hope…everyone deserves to live life with purpose. As a counselor, I've had the privilege of walking with hundreds of people through heavy and often overwhelming seasons in their lives. One of the many things I've learned is that your past does not need to define your future. Restored health, hope, and purpose can be your reality.
Sometimes, finding hope and purpose can be really difficult. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, relationship issues, teenager adjustments, or even an addiction, the storms of life can be challenging, but you don’t have to weather those storms alone. Everyone deserves to feel hope…everyone deserves to live life with purpose. As a counselor, I've had the privilege of walking with hundreds of people through heavy and often overwhelming seasons in their lives. One of the many things I've learned is that your past does not need to define your future. Restored health, hope, and purpose can be your reality.
(231) 225-4161 View (231) 225-4161
Photo of Theresa M Carey, Counselor in Grand Traverse County, MI
Theresa M Carey
Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49684
There are many approaches to addressing the state of life we find ourselves living in. I practice holistic integrative care that addresses the whole person - mind, body, spirit. Healing is a journey, in which I offer support by creating, establishing and maintaining open and direct relationships with clients. My goal is to assist in bringing balance, and restoring energy and passions through traditional therapies or energy based interventions. My focus is to help individuals, couples and families acknowledge the strengths they have and to bring relief to defeating beliefs and behaviors.
There are many approaches to addressing the state of life we find ourselves living in. I practice holistic integrative care that addresses the whole person - mind, body, spirit. Healing is a journey, in which I offer support by creating, establishing and maintaining open and direct relationships with clients. My goal is to assist in bringing balance, and restoring energy and passions through traditional therapies or energy based interventions. My focus is to help individuals, couples and families acknowledge the strengths they have and to bring relief to defeating beliefs and behaviors.
(231) 225-9195 View (231) 225-9195
Photo of Kerrie Grow McLean, Psychologist in Grand Traverse County, MI
Kerrie Grow McLean
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49684
My work with couples is centered around improving clients' understanding of their partner's intimacy needs and how to communicate and express their own sexuality.
As a licensed clinical psychologist I provide brief and long term therapy specializing in treating sexual issues and helping clients improve the satisfaction in their relationships. Working with both individuals and couples, my practice focuses on guiding clients to live a more authentic and fulfilling life through greater intimate connection.
My work with couples is centered around improving clients' understanding of their partner's intimacy needs and how to communicate and express their own sexuality.
As a licensed clinical psychologist I provide brief and long term therapy specializing in treating sexual issues and helping clients improve the satisfaction in their relationships. Working with both individuals and couples, my practice focuses on guiding clients to live a more authentic and fulfilling life through greater intimate connection.
(231) 357-6178 View (231) 357-6178
Photo of Troy Elenbaas, Inner Room Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand Traverse County, MI
Troy Elenbaas, Inner Room Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
If you are ready to work through your baggage, in an overwhelming relationship, or are a teenager navigating the difficult school age years, I invite you to take a journey towards wellness with me. We will walk together, processing intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your life, and will have an overarching goal of finding your truest and healthiest self. In the space we share together, we can cover your past, present, and look a little bit forward. I enjoy working from a Christian perspective and including spirituality as part of the path towards health and wholeness. Sliding Scale pricing is available per need.
If you are ready to work through your baggage, in an overwhelming relationship, or are a teenager navigating the difficult school age years, I invite you to take a journey towards wellness with me. We will walk together, processing intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your life, and will have an overarching goal of finding your truest and healthiest self. In the space we share together, we can cover your past, present, and look a little bit forward. I enjoy working from a Christian perspective and including spirituality as part of the path towards health and wholeness. Sliding Scale pricing is available per need.
(231) 879-5090 View (231) 879-5090
Photo of Bridget M Callaghan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Grand Traverse County, MI
Bridget M Callaghan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49684
I am a trained couples therapist and see couples on a limited basis.
I am dedicated to helping others navigate their complex and uncomfortable emotions and behaviors. At the core of therapy is change. Change itself can be scary, exciting and challenging. We will get through it together.
I am a trained couples therapist and see couples on a limited basis.
I am dedicated to helping others navigate their complex and uncomfortable emotions and behaviors. At the core of therapy is change. Change itself can be scary, exciting and challenging. We will get through it together.
(231) 244-9672 View (231) 244-9672
Photo of Christine Clute, Counselor in Grand Traverse County, MI
Christine Clute
Counselor, MA, LLP, LPC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686  (Online Only)
Relationship transitions; marital/premarital, divorce/separation, step families.
The power to have the quality life and relationships that you desire is in your hands. It just takes courage to take the first step. If you feel lost in a maze that keeps ending up where you started, maybe you need a good guide who can help you arrive at a more satisfying destination. I can help you navigate through the challenges in life so that you end up with more positive results. ( PLEASE NOTE: I only work with individuals 20yrs+ old.)
Relationship transitions; marital/premarital, divorce/separation, step families.
The power to have the quality life and relationships that you desire is in your hands. It just takes courage to take the first step. If you feel lost in a maze that keeps ending up where you started, maybe you need a good guide who can help you arrive at a more satisfying destination. I can help you navigate through the challenges in life so that you end up with more positive results. ( PLEASE NOTE: I only work with individuals 20yrs+ old.)
(231) 225-4172 View (231) 225-4172
Photo of EMWellness, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Grand Traverse County, MI
EMWellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686  (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm Elizabeth. I have 20+ yrs of experience in mental health. I am highly effective working with individuals and couples, whether you are a young adult struggling with anxiety or a retiree adjusting to the next phase of life. I help couples navigate communication issues, parenting, infidelity. During our sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you improve your quality of life, relationships and daily functioning. Most of my clients see a marked lifting of symptoms within the 1st month and progressive improvement thereafter.
Welcome! I'm Elizabeth. I have 20+ yrs of experience in mental health. I am highly effective working with individuals and couples, whether you are a young adult struggling with anxiety or a retiree adjusting to the next phase of life. I help couples navigate communication issues, parenting, infidelity. During our sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you improve your quality of life, relationships and daily functioning. Most of my clients see a marked lifting of symptoms within the 1st month and progressive improvement thereafter.
(231) 202-4312 View (231) 202-4312
Photo of Aimee VanAndel, Psychologist in Grand Traverse County, MI
Aimee VanAndel
Psychologist, MS, LLP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49684
I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families to help them make long-lasting changes in their lives.
We all want to live our best life, but sometimes anxiety, depression, or just the “stuff” in life gets in the way. Maybe you feel stuck in a job, relationship, or situation that just doesn’t bring you joy anymore. Maybe you get so worried about making a wrong choice that it's hard to make a choice at all. We all feel a little lost sometimes and just don’t know where to go from here, how to make our dreams a reality, how to feel fulfilled, how to have a purpose.
I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families to help them make long-lasting changes in their lives.
We all want to live our best life, but sometimes anxiety, depression, or just the “stuff” in life gets in the way. Maybe you feel stuck in a job, relationship, or situation that just doesn’t bring you joy anymore. Maybe you get so worried about making a wrong choice that it's hard to make a choice at all. We all feel a little lost sometimes and just don’t know where to go from here, how to make our dreams a reality, how to feel fulfilled, how to have a purpose.
(231) 244-6719 View (231) 244-6719
Photo of Great Lakes Psychology Group - Traverse City, Counselor in Grand Traverse County, MI
Great Lakes Psychology Group - Traverse City
Counselor
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
The diverse GLPG network includes hundreds of licensed providers offering online and/or in-person therapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families across the Midwest.
The GLPG support staff will personally match you with a best-fit therapist who accepts your insurance and is available to see you online or in person at a time that works for you. The GLPG provider network comprises doctoral and master’s level psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and social workers. Benefits include online and in-person therapy options, night and weekend availability, and most insurance plans accepted. Additionally, our knowledgeable and helpful support staff are available to answer your questions or help with anything you might need at any point along the therapy journey.
The diverse GLPG network includes hundreds of licensed providers offering online and/or in-person therapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families across the Midwest.
The GLPG support staff will personally match you with a best-fit therapist who accepts your insurance and is available to see you online or in person at a time that works for you. The GLPG provider network comprises doctoral and master’s level psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and social workers. Benefits include online and in-person therapy options, night and weekend availability, and most insurance plans accepted. Additionally, our knowledgeable and helpful support staff are available to answer your questions or help with anything you might need at any point along the therapy journey.
(231) 201-5513 View (231) 201-5513
Photo of Gary Vann, Psychologist in Grand Traverse County, MI
Gary Vann
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49684
Thank you for taking time to learn how we can partner together. I offer an atmosphere of warmth, encouragement, wellness and 35 years of experience as a marriage & family psychologist. Having raised a son and daughter, married a long time and six grandchildren, I know families, careers and life in general can be very stressful. It is my passion to help you make your journey easier and successful for you. Knowledge is power - the more you learn about yourself, communication skills, and acquire tools to eliminate depression, anxiety, anger, phobias, etc. the happier you will be in all aspects of life!
Thank you for taking time to learn how we can partner together. I offer an atmosphere of warmth, encouragement, wellness and 35 years of experience as a marriage & family psychologist. Having raised a son and daughter, married a long time and six grandchildren, I know families, careers and life in general can be very stressful. It is my passion to help you make your journey easier and successful for you. Knowledge is power - the more you learn about yourself, communication skills, and acquire tools to eliminate depression, anxiety, anger, phobias, etc. the happier you will be in all aspects of life!
(231) 225-9699 View (231) 225-9699
Photo of Reliance Christian Counseling, PLLC, Duane F Ellis, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand Traverse County, MI
Reliance Christian Counseling, PLLC, Duane F Ellis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
Waitlist for new clients
My counseling practice provides services to individuals, couples, and groups. Those who seek counseling assistance often face difficult life situations that cause emotional wounds, pain, and loss of hope. As a counselor, my role is to come alongside clients to help them understand the source of the issues that they face, help them identify solutions to their problems, and to encourage them in their efforts. Reestablishing a sense of hope is a major factor in this healing process.
My counseling practice provides services to individuals, couples, and groups. Those who seek counseling assistance often face difficult life situations that cause emotional wounds, pain, and loss of hope. As a counselor, my role is to come alongside clients to help them understand the source of the issues that they face, help them identify solutions to their problems, and to encourage them in their efforts. Reestablishing a sense of hope is a major factor in this healing process.
(231) 598-7577 View (231) 598-7577
Photo of Julie Olson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Grand Traverse County, MI
Julie Olson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49684  (Online Only)
Hi! I’m glad you’re here. Life can be hard and confusing and scary. You may be feeling overwhelmed or you’re struggling with low self-worth and self-doubt. Maybe you’re having difficulty in your relationships with friends, family or partner(s). Perhaps you’re struggling to identify and express your emotions. Add to that, despite all of the positives associated with social media, many people are feeling more isolated and alone than ever. I specialize in treating people struggling with depression, anxiety and trauma as well as life transitions such as navigating college, careers and relationships.
Hi! I’m glad you’re here. Life can be hard and confusing and scary. You may be feeling overwhelmed or you’re struggling with low self-worth and self-doubt. Maybe you’re having difficulty in your relationships with friends, family or partner(s). Perhaps you’re struggling to identify and express your emotions. Add to that, despite all of the positives associated with social media, many people are feeling more isolated and alone than ever. I specialize in treating people struggling with depression, anxiety and trauma as well as life transitions such as navigating college, careers and relationships.
(231) 518-3566 View (231) 518-3566
Photo of Cheryl M Paberzs, Marriage & Family Therapist in Grand Traverse County, MI
Cheryl M Paberzs
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49696  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If your relationship feels stuck, I will help you identify & change harmful patterns before you feel hopeless. We'll build on your strengths and history. Afraid of replicating your parents' marriage? We'll explore your fears, improve communication, & work toward more effective solutions. Plan to move in together? Get married? Change jobs? Have a baby? I can help you prepare now for the typical (& your unique) stressors that come with those changes instead of feeling blindsided by them & trying to pick up the broken pieces later. Communication, intimacy, & sexual satisfaction can all be strengthened with some intention & time.
If your relationship feels stuck, I will help you identify & change harmful patterns before you feel hopeless. We'll build on your strengths and history. Afraid of replicating your parents' marriage? We'll explore your fears, improve communication, & work toward more effective solutions. Plan to move in together? Get married? Change jobs? Have a baby? I can help you prepare now for the typical (& your unique) stressors that come with those changes instead of feeling blindsided by them & trying to pick up the broken pieces later. Communication, intimacy, & sexual satisfaction can all be strengthened with some intention & time.
(231) 259-9913 View (231) 259-9913
Photo of Kim Clark, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand Traverse County, MI
Kim Clark
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NBCC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
I pride myself in establishing our relationship based on trust.
I love the work that I do in helping people learn how to find a fresh perspective on where they are, where they want to go, and how to get there. My gift is in my ability to easily connect with people and I create an environment where we work together to get results. In addition to face-to-face counseling, I am also a certified Life Coach and Tele-Counselor which means that we can work by phone/web, if needed. I have been practicing for over 20 years working with adults, couples, families and adolescents. I opened up Grace Counseling Professionals in an effort to bring counselors together to make a difference in our community.
I pride myself in establishing our relationship based on trust.
I love the work that I do in helping people learn how to find a fresh perspective on where they are, where they want to go, and how to get there. My gift is in my ability to easily connect with people and I create an environment where we work together to get results. In addition to face-to-face counseling, I am also a certified Life Coach and Tele-Counselor which means that we can work by phone/web, if needed. I have been practicing for over 20 years working with adults, couples, families and adolescents. I opened up Grace Counseling Professionals in an effort to bring counselors together to make a difference in our community.
(231) 399-1517 View (231) 399-1517
Photo of Jeffrey D Goodwin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand Traverse County, MI
Jeffrey D Goodwin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
I focus on couples counseling using the Gottman method, and I have completed the Level 3 Practicum Training in Gottman Method Couples therapy.
I love helping adolescents and their families! Sounds strange I know, but it's true. I provide a listening ear and create a non-judgmental space for youth ages 11-24 to talk about life, love, friendship, and the challenges associated with transitioning into adulthood. I also work with struggling adults, couples and stressed families, and help individuals deal with things like depression and anxiety. Life puts lots of pressure on individuals, marriages, parents, and families, and I'd love to help you find ways to cope with the pressure and go from surviving to thriving!
I focus on couples counseling using the Gottman method, and I have completed the Level 3 Practicum Training in Gottman Method Couples therapy.
I love helping adolescents and their families! Sounds strange I know, but it's true. I provide a listening ear and create a non-judgmental space for youth ages 11-24 to talk about life, love, friendship, and the challenges associated with transitioning into adulthood. I also work with struggling adults, couples and stressed families, and help individuals deal with things like depression and anxiety. Life puts lots of pressure on individuals, marriages, parents, and families, and I'd love to help you find ways to cope with the pressure and go from surviving to thriving!
(231) 622-4339 View (231) 622-4339
Photo of Head and Heart Therapeutic Solutions, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Grand Traverse County, MI
Head and Heart Therapeutic Solutions
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49684
We believe every person deserves to feel, heal, and evolve. In the context of warm, authentic relationships, we provide therapy based on social science research: treatments that have been proven to help people find real solutions to real problems. In our practice clients are accepted whole-heartedly and become the hero of their own stories. We provide a safe environment, affirming relationships, and science-based therapy. Clients are empowered to make meaning from trauma, compassionately reclaim their relationship with their bodies, and conquer phobias, anxiety, and depression.
We believe every person deserves to feel, heal, and evolve. In the context of warm, authentic relationships, we provide therapy based on social science research: treatments that have been proven to help people find real solutions to real problems. In our practice clients are accepted whole-heartedly and become the hero of their own stories. We provide a safe environment, affirming relationships, and science-based therapy. Clients are empowered to make meaning from trauma, compassionately reclaim their relationship with their bodies, and conquer phobias, anxiety, and depression.
(231) 225-9523 View (231) 225-9523
Photo of Jessica Coles, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand Traverse County, MI
Jessica Coles
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CRC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
I specialize in empowering individuals and couples to understand themselves on a deeper level, grow in self-compassion, and make positive changes in their lives.
Are you a person or couple whose life looks “good” from the outside, and yet it still feels like something is missing? You’ve accomplished a lot in life, but don’t feel the sense of fulfillment you expected. A big life change—maybe a breakup, new job, new marriage, change in family dynamic, or move—has highlighted the fact that you’re still not as happy or content as you want to be. Something is telling you that you need to make a shift (even if you’re not quite sure what it is). You want to gain deeper insight into yourself & your past experiences, and you’re ready to change your “default setting” and start creating new patterns.
I specialize in empowering individuals and couples to understand themselves on a deeper level, grow in self-compassion, and make positive changes in their lives.
Are you a person or couple whose life looks “good” from the outside, and yet it still feels like something is missing? You’ve accomplished a lot in life, but don’t feel the sense of fulfillment you expected. A big life change—maybe a breakup, new job, new marriage, change in family dynamic, or move—has highlighted the fact that you’re still not as happy or content as you want to be. Something is telling you that you need to make a shift (even if you’re not quite sure what it is). You want to gain deeper insight into yourself & your past experiences, and you’re ready to change your “default setting” and start creating new patterns.
(231) 262-5709 View (231) 262-5709
Photo of Bainbridge Center for Growth & Development, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand Traverse County, MI
Bainbridge Center for Growth & Development
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LLC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49684
Bainbridge Center therapists have many years of experience guiding you through the healing process specializing in: working with high achieving woman with perfectionism tendencies who are going through: anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship concerns, career and life transitions, ADHD, body distortion, gender identity and substance abuse.
You have been sitting with your thoughts and seem to recycle your memories. You are excellent at suppressing your hurt and stay busy with work and life as a distraction. You no longer connect with others the way you used to and keep friends and family at a distance. The Pandemic may have increased your anxiety and depression and you are uncertain where to begin. Your worry and fear come out as; anger, sadness and controlling behaviors, due to questioning your worth and self esteem. Will I ever feel truly happy? Will I feel truly loved? Will I find my life path and the career that makes my soul soar? Will I learn to forgive?
Bainbridge Center therapists have many years of experience guiding you through the healing process specializing in: working with high achieving woman with perfectionism tendencies who are going through: anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship concerns, career and life transitions, ADHD, body distortion, gender identity and substance abuse.
You have been sitting with your thoughts and seem to recycle your memories. You are excellent at suppressing your hurt and stay busy with work and life as a distraction. You no longer connect with others the way you used to and keep friends and family at a distance. The Pandemic may have increased your anxiety and depression and you are uncertain where to begin. Your worry and fear come out as; anger, sadness and controlling behaviors, due to questioning your worth and self esteem. Will I ever feel truly happy? Will I feel truly loved? Will I find my life path and the career that makes my soul soar? Will I learn to forgive?
(231) 674-1536 View (231) 674-1536

See more therapy options for Grand Traverse County

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.