Couples Counseling Psychiatrists in Maryland

Photo of Eric Taswell, Psychiatrist in Maryland
Eric Taswell
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
In therapy, a new relationship forms - the therapeutic relationship.
"No man is an island...", John Donne wrote. No woman, either. From birth, we depend upon relationships to give life meaning. But life sometimes leaves us feeling alone with our troubles. We may feel misunderstood, sad, worried, scared or angry. We may struggle with our direction, fall short of our hopes, suffer a loss. Yet our social connections are at the core of our humanity. That is why I believe talking can help to relieve suffering and create new directions. I strive to help by listening carefully and reflecting with you to better understand obstacles to a more fulfilling life.
In therapy, a new relationship forms - the therapeutic relationship.
"No man is an island...", John Donne wrote. No woman, either. From birth, we depend upon relationships to give life meaning. But life sometimes leaves us feeling alone with our troubles. We may feel misunderstood, sad, worried, scared or angry. We may struggle with our direction, fall short of our hopes, suffer a loss. Yet our social connections are at the core of our humanity. That is why I believe talking can help to relieve suffering and create new directions. I strive to help by listening carefully and reflecting with you to better understand obstacles to a more fulfilling life.
(301) 685-0781 View (301) 685-0781
Photo of Jeanne Holzgrefe, Psychiatrist in Maryland
Jeanne Holzgrefe
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
I am a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, and transitions in life. I also have extensive experience with a variety of other mental health issues. Therapy, I believe, is a collaborative exploration of important aspects of one's present and past, in order to develop alternative coping mechanisms and strategies for growth, to relieve suffering, to foster healthy relationships, and to attain one's personal goals. I have had much success in helping patients along a path to better mental health and functioning.
I am a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, and transitions in life. I also have extensive experience with a variety of other mental health issues. Therapy, I believe, is a collaborative exploration of important aspects of one's present and past, in order to develop alternative coping mechanisms and strategies for growth, to relieve suffering, to foster healthy relationships, and to attain one's personal goals. I have had much success in helping patients along a path to better mental health and functioning.
(301) 298-2836 View (301) 298-2836
Photo of Edena Walden, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Maryland
Edena Walden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Frederick, MD 21702
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, it is my job to partner with my patients to help prevent, identify and treat psychiatric disorders.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, it is my job to partner with my patients to help prevent, identify and treat psychiatric disorders.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
(240) 903-6203 View (240) 903-6203
Photo of Efemwonyi Frank Jesuorobo, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Maryland
Efemwonyi Frank Jesuorobo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
It is all about you, non-judgmental, we offer a patient-centered care approach You are at the driver’s seat, and we partner with you to walk through your challenges.
Hello and welcome to His and Her, the cornerstone of compassion, integrity, and effective services. I am a Board-certified family and Psychiatric mental health Practitioner with over 30-yrs of experience.
It is all about you, non-judgmental, we offer a patient-centered care approach You are at the driver’s seat, and we partner with you to walk through your challenges.
Hello and welcome to His and Her, the cornerstone of compassion, integrity, and effective services. I am a Board-certified family and Psychiatric mental health Practitioner with over 30-yrs of experience.
(240) 201-9703 View (240) 201-9703
Photo of Jill Savege Scharff, Psychiatrist in Maryland
Jill Savege Scharff
Psychiatrist, MD, FABP
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Certified in psychoanalysis for children and adults, I am internationally well-known for psychoanalysis/psychoanalytic psychotherapy with couples and families, individual adults and children.
I offer psychoanalysis and psychotherapy and I do not prescribe medication. Together, we focus on understanding your symptoms and mastering your upsetting impulses, conflicts, and relationships. You will learn to modify the way that early relationships affect current relationships. You’ll make links between your thoughts, feelings, and experiences now and in the past, decode your dreams, recognize your ways of protecting yourself, and acknowledge how you have been held back so you can then move forward in career, friendship, and love.
Certified in psychoanalysis for children and adults, I am internationally well-known for psychoanalysis/psychoanalytic psychotherapy with couples and families, individual adults and children.
I offer psychoanalysis and psychotherapy and I do not prescribe medication. Together, we focus on understanding your symptoms and mastering your upsetting impulses, conflicts, and relationships. You will learn to modify the way that early relationships affect current relationships. You’ll make links between your thoughts, feelings, and experiences now and in the past, decode your dreams, recognize your ways of protecting yourself, and acknowledge how you have been held back so you can then move forward in career, friendship, and love.
(240) 635-8818 View (240) 635-8818
Photo of Christopher Gabriel Bennett, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Maryland
Christopher Gabriel Bennett
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
55 Endorsed
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Reaching out for help is not easy. I am here to help partner with you in the journey of achieving your best life as you see it. I provide equitable, compassionate, and individualized care to individuals ages 6+. I am a LGBTQIA+ ally and particularly enjoy working with all marginalized populations. My approach is warm, nurturing, empathetic, trauma-informed and evidence based.
Reaching out for help is not easy. I am here to help partner with you in the journey of achieving your best life as you see it. I provide equitable, compassionate, and individualized care to individuals ages 6+. I am a LGBTQIA+ ally and particularly enjoy working with all marginalized populations. My approach is warm, nurturing, empathetic, trauma-informed and evidence based.
(240) 384-4679 View (240) 384-4679
Renee C Feller
Psychiatric Nurse, MS, APRN, PMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21209
Are you interested in an integrated, holistic approach to coping with life's problems that feel overwhelming? Need help dealing with anxiety, depression, or spiritual issues? Deeper issues may include trauma, PTSD, panic, aging, loss, cancer, physical disorders, sensitive to life (HSP), and relationship issues. Treatments involve a range of psychodynamic modalities, EMDR, Ego State Theory, CBT, and meditation. These may be coupled with spiritual direction to help someone who is spiritually depressed or depleted. Helping you to achieve wholeness of body/mind/spirit/soul so that you can come alive to being your best self.
Are you interested in an integrated, holistic approach to coping with life's problems that feel overwhelming? Need help dealing with anxiety, depression, or spiritual issues? Deeper issues may include trauma, PTSD, panic, aging, loss, cancer, physical disorders, sensitive to life (HSP), and relationship issues. Treatments involve a range of psychodynamic modalities, EMDR, Ego State Theory, CBT, and meditation. These may be coupled with spiritual direction to help someone who is spiritually depressed or depleted. Helping you to achieve wholeness of body/mind/spirit/soul so that you can come alive to being your best self.
(410) 701-0961 View (410) 701-0961
Photo of Washington Ctr for Women's & Children's Wellness, Psychiatrist in Maryland
Washington Ctr for Women's & Children's Wellness
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
Our therapists are outstanding! Hannah Blaes-Johnson treats teens and adults and has a special interest in trauma work, Emily Seigel and Amy Pelletier treat children, teens and parents, Jordana Ravick and Lilian Gunawan treat adults and have a special interest in perinatal psychotherapy, Susan Felzer and Joy Paul treat adults, couples and families.
You don't have to suffer alone anymore. We specialize in taking excellent care of women and children. Our focus is on the overall wellness of the person, not merely the individual symptoms or diagnoses. We listen to you and work with you to reach the life you deserve.
Our therapists are outstanding! Hannah Blaes-Johnson treats teens and adults and has a special interest in trauma work, Emily Seigel and Amy Pelletier treat children, teens and parents, Jordana Ravick and Lilian Gunawan treat adults and have a special interest in perinatal psychotherapy, Susan Felzer and Joy Paul treat adults, couples and families.
You don't have to suffer alone anymore. We specialize in taking excellent care of women and children. Our focus is on the overall wellness of the person, not merely the individual symptoms or diagnoses. We listen to you and work with you to reach the life you deserve.
(301) 679-7575 View (301) 679-7575
Photo of Renew your Mind Wellness Services LLC- Katia Coley, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Maryland
Renew your Mind Wellness Services LLC- Katia Coley
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN , FNP-C, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21046  (Online Only)
I am passionate about creating a relationship where you feel comfortable and safe in sharing your thoughts and emotions.
Hello there, are you sensing something doesn't feel right in your life, are you tired of the one size fit all medication management. My philosophy is that every person is a unique individual that deserves time and respect to be heard. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my goal is to increase the quality of life with a uniquely personalized and comprehensive approach to care. I am also a certified Family Nurse Practitioner which allows me to provide more non-medical holistic care as I can give consideration to your medical issues.
I am passionate about creating a relationship where you feel comfortable and safe in sharing your thoughts and emotions.
Hello there, are you sensing something doesn't feel right in your life, are you tired of the one size fit all medication management. My philosophy is that every person is a unique individual that deserves time and respect to be heard. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my goal is to increase the quality of life with a uniquely personalized and comprehensive approach to care. I am also a certified Family Nurse Practitioner which allows me to provide more non-medical holistic care as I can give consideration to your medical issues.
(443) 526-7324 View (443) 526-7324
Photo of Spencer A Ward, Psychiatrist in Maryland
Spencer A Ward
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with over 40 years of experience who does medication management and psychotherapy. I am adjunct faculty at St. Elizabeth's hospital with my wife, Deborah K. Ward, DCSW. We teach couples therapy and lead a process group. I have advanced training in Imago Relationship Therapy, family and individual therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Gestalt therapy. I support principles of Conscious Uncoupling and Imago Parent training, focusing on the family's need for listening and understanding. I am available for teletherapy with weekend and evening appointments available.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist with over 40 years of experience who does medication management and psychotherapy. I am adjunct faculty at St. Elizabeth's hospital with my wife, Deborah K. Ward, DCSW. We teach couples therapy and lead a process group. I have advanced training in Imago Relationship Therapy, family and individual therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Gestalt therapy. I support principles of Conscious Uncoupling and Imago Parent training, focusing on the family's need for listening and understanding. I am available for teletherapy with weekend and evening appointments available.
(301) 684-6917 View (301) 684-6917
Photo of Tamina Dixon Umana, Psychiatric Nurse in Maryland
Tamina Dixon Umana
Psychiatric Nurse, RN, BSN, RYT, MCPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21045  (Online Only)
We invite you to explore our offerings and to connect with us if you feel we may be a good partner in your healing journey.
Greetings, I am Tamina. I am enamored with spaces that cultivate connection and healing. In 2020, I founded The Space & Advocacy Project (S&A), centering the vision around intentionally curating these spaces within the lives of BIPOC/LGBTQ+ survivors of childhood trauma to improve our well-being. I am a Psychiatric Registered Nurse with certifications/extensive experience in Trauma-Informed Mental Health Counseling, Life Coaching, Professional Coaching (Master), and Somatic Coaching. I also hold certifications/extensive experience in Care Management, and Healthcare Quality.
We invite you to explore our offerings and to connect with us if you feel we may be a good partner in your healing journey.
Greetings, I am Tamina. I am enamored with spaces that cultivate connection and healing. In 2020, I founded The Space & Advocacy Project (S&A), centering the vision around intentionally curating these spaces within the lives of BIPOC/LGBTQ+ survivors of childhood trauma to improve our well-being. I am a Psychiatric Registered Nurse with certifications/extensive experience in Trauma-Informed Mental Health Counseling, Life Coaching, Professional Coaching (Master), and Somatic Coaching. I also hold certifications/extensive experience in Care Management, and Healthcare Quality.
(240) 896-2915 View (240) 896-2915
Photo of PSJZ Health Services, LLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Maryland
PSJZ Health Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP , BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Accokeek, MD 20607  (Online Only)
Are you facing challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties? Are you ready to make positive changes and seeking support to understand and manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors? At PSJZ Health Services, we provide a safe, supportive space for your mental wellness journey. Our goal is to offer compassionate support and effective strategies to help you navigate these challenges. We offer medications management, counseling, and therapeutic support for individuals and families.
Are you facing challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties? Are you ready to make positive changes and seeking support to understand and manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors? At PSJZ Health Services, we provide a safe, supportive space for your mental wellness journey. Our goal is to offer compassionate support and effective strategies to help you navigate these challenges. We offer medications management, counseling, and therapeutic support for individuals and families.
(301) 298-3190 x20607 View (301) 298-3190 x20607
Photo of Citywide Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Maryland
Citywide Behavioral Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21208
Our licensed clinicians, peer specialists, and direct care workers, have the clinical and interpersonal skills necessary to develop a therapeutic alliance and maintain a healthy progressive relationship.
How Can We Help? Where does change begin? At some point in life, we all have challenges that cause us to seek change! Change begins with you selecting Citywide Behavioral Health (CBH). Citywide is a client-focused, culturally competent, strength-based, behavioral health program. We provide mental health and substance abuse services to adults. Citywide offers individualized care for our consumers including psychotherapy, medication management (also injections), psychiatric rehabilitation program (PRP), IOP and OP groups. In addition, we are a licensed residential housing program (3.5-3.1) for adults with dual diagnosis.
Our licensed clinicians, peer specialists, and direct care workers, have the clinical and interpersonal skills necessary to develop a therapeutic alliance and maintain a healthy progressive relationship.
How Can We Help? Where does change begin? At some point in life, we all have challenges that cause us to seek change! Change begins with you selecting Citywide Behavioral Health (CBH). Citywide is a client-focused, culturally competent, strength-based, behavioral health program. We provide mental health and substance abuse services to adults. Citywide offers individualized care for our consumers including psychotherapy, medication management (also injections), psychiatric rehabilitation program (PRP), IOP and OP groups. In addition, we are a licensed residential housing program (3.5-3.1) for adults with dual diagnosis.
(410) 517-7861 View (410) 517-7861
Photo of Tina Safavi, Psychiatrist in Maryland
Tina Safavi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21412
Waitlist for new clients
As a psychiatrist, I can provide diagnosis, psychotherapy, medication management, stress and anxiety management, substance abuse treatment, relationship and career counseling.
My ideal client is someone who values their mental health and understands the importance of addressing any mental health concerns to maximize their overall well-being and success in their professional and personal lives. They may be struggling with stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health issues that are impacting their ability to function at their best. My ideal client is also someone who values discretion and privacy, as they may be hesitant to seek mental health support due to concerns about their reputation or professional standing. They appreciate a safe and supportive place.
As a psychiatrist, I can provide diagnosis, psychotherapy, medication management, stress and anxiety management, substance abuse treatment, relationship and career counseling.
My ideal client is someone who values their mental health and understands the importance of addressing any mental health concerns to maximize their overall well-being and success in their professional and personal lives. They may be struggling with stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health issues that are impacting their ability to function at their best. My ideal client is also someone who values discretion and privacy, as they may be hesitant to seek mental health support due to concerns about their reputation or professional standing. They appreciate a safe and supportive place.
(667) 226-9711 View (667) 226-9711
Photo of A&E HS Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Maryland
A&E HS Outpatient Mental Health Clinic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21201
Welcome to A&E Healthcare Services where your needs are our top priority! We are an Outpatient Mental Health Clinic located right in the heart of Baltimore City, Maryland. Our OMHC takes a multi-disciplinary team approach to assist the patient in resolving various issues in their behavioral and mental health. AEHS provides intake and assessment, individual, family, couples, and group therapy, as well as referral and medication management services. We strive to empower and support adults, children, and their families with quality services that will enhance their lives for the better.
Welcome to A&E Healthcare Services where your needs are our top priority! We are an Outpatient Mental Health Clinic located right in the heart of Baltimore City, Maryland. Our OMHC takes a multi-disciplinary team approach to assist the patient in resolving various issues in their behavioral and mental health. AEHS provides intake and assessment, individual, family, couples, and group therapy, as well as referral and medication management services. We strive to empower and support adults, children, and their families with quality services that will enhance their lives for the better.
(443) 464-2487 View (443) 464-2487
Photo of Edena Walden, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Maryland
Edena Walden
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, it is my job to partner with my patients to help prevent, identify and treat psychiatric disorders.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, it is my job to partner with my patients to help prevent, identify and treat psychiatric disorders.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
(240) 628-7525 View (240) 628-7525
Photo of Teleola Falilat Akanbi, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Maryland
Teleola Falilat Akanbi
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21044  (Online Only)
I partner with my patients to provide care that meets their individual needs.
Hello, my name is Teleola. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan), with over 10 years experience in the mental healthcare field, mental healthcare is my passion. Seeing my patients grow and become their best self is what drives me.
I partner with my patients to provide care that meets their individual needs.
Hello, my name is Teleola. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan), with over 10 years experience in the mental healthcare field, mental healthcare is my passion. Seeing my patients grow and become their best self is what drives me.
(410) 883-7003 View (410) 883-7003
Photo of Mindy Shankman, Psychiatrist in Maryland
Mindy Shankman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20852
As a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist, I work with clients throughout their life cycle. I see patients individually, in family settings and couples. When treating a child or adolescent, you are really helping a whole family system regain balance and stability. I work with people with a wide range of disorders and life issues. I patients with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders. I also work with children and adolescents with academic and developmental difficulties which may include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Executive Functioning Difficulties and Asperger's Syndrome.
As a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist, I work with clients throughout their life cycle. I see patients individually, in family settings and couples. When treating a child or adolescent, you are really helping a whole family system regain balance and stability. I work with people with a wide range of disorders and life issues. I patients with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders. I also work with children and adolescents with academic and developmental difficulties which may include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Executive Functioning Difficulties and Asperger's Syndrome.
(301) 710-0909 View (301) 710-0909
Photo of Robert Winer, Psychiatrist in Maryland
Robert Winer
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
Perhaps a relationship or a job or parenting isn’t going well, or you just feel bad (or angry, or frightened). I try to be of use to people who are in pain. How do I try to help? By having open and honest conversations, good talks. It’s not so easy to do that – we keep our guards up for compelling reasons, because of our experiences of being hurt and used and misunderstood in the past. Often it seems obvious what we need to do, and yet impossible to do it. In therapy we wrestle with the bind.
Perhaps a relationship or a job or parenting isn’t going well, or you just feel bad (or angry, or frightened). I try to be of use to people who are in pain. How do I try to help? By having open and honest conversations, good talks. It’s not so easy to do that – we keep our guards up for compelling reasons, because of our experiences of being hurt and used and misunderstood in the past. Often it seems obvious what we need to do, and yet impossible to do it. In therapy we wrestle with the bind.
(240) 392-1911 View (240) 392-1911
Hagerstown Psychiatry Inc
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Hagerstown, MD 21742  (Online Only)
We have a team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, psychologist, social workers, and therapists/counselors with short wait times for assessments and treatment--most of the time within a week! We also do group therapy, marital and couples counseling, and family therapy.
We treat a variety of psychiatric conditions including (but not limited to) psychiatric emergencies and urgent consults for depression, anxiety, psychosis, panic attacks, drug detox, and Medication Assisted Treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. We see patient 6 yrs old and up.
We have a team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, psychologist, social workers, and therapists/counselors with short wait times for assessments and treatment--most of the time within a week! We also do group therapy, marital and couples counseling, and family therapy.
We treat a variety of psychiatric conditions including (but not limited to) psychiatric emergencies and urgent consults for depression, anxiety, psychosis, panic attacks, drug detox, and Medication Assisted Treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. We see patient 6 yrs old and up.
(301) 798-7748 View (301) 798-7748
Couples Counseling Psychiatrists

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.