Marriage Counseling 101: Your Guide to Professional Relationship Support

Every relationship faces moments when communication breaks down and conflicts feel impossible to resolve. Whether you’re newlyweds navigating your first major disagreement or a long-term couple feeling disconnected after years together, these challenges don’t mean your relationship is failing—they mean you’re human. But when the same arguments keep cycling back, when trust feels broken, or when you both leave conversations feeling more hurt than heard, it might be time to consider professional support.

Marriage counselors offer a lifeline during these difficult moments, providing the tools and guidance couples need to rebuild connection, improve communication, and strengthen their foundation together. Most marriage counselors are licensed professionals who provide guidance in resolving conflicts within relationships. From addressing immediate crises to preventing future conflicts, these mental health professionals specialize in helping partners navigate the complexities of romantic relationships with skill and compassion.

What Are Marriage Counselors?

Marriage counselors are licensed mental health professionals who specialize in relationship therapy, focusing specifically on helping couples navigate interpersonal difficulties and strengthen their romantic relationships. Unlike general therapists or clinical psychologists who treat a broad range of mental health conditions, marriage counselors dedicate their practice to understanding relationship dynamics, communication patterns, and the unique challenges that couples face together.

The most recognized professionals in this field hold credentials as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) with specialized training in couples therapy. These mental health professionals complete extensive education and supervised clinical experience before they can practice independently.

Educational Requirements and Training

Becoming a marriage and family therapist requires significant educational commitment and specialized training:

Bachelor’s Degree: Most marriage counselors begin with undergraduate studies in psychology, counseling, social work, or related fields, building foundational knowledge in human behavior and mental health.

Master’s Degree: Specialized graduate programs in marriage and family therapy, counseling, or social work provide focused training in family systems, couples counseling techniques, and research methods. These programs typically include 150-500 hours of hands-on practicum experience.

Supervised Clinical Experience: After graduation, aspiring therapists must complete 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised practice over 1.5 to 2.5 years, depending on state requirements. This ensures they develop real-world skills under expert guidance.

Licensure and Continuing Education: Licensed therapists pass state-specific examinations and maintain their credentials through ongoing professional development, attending workshops, and participating in continuing education activities throughout their careers.

This comprehensive training equips marriage counselors with specialized knowledge in conflict resolution strategies, communication tools, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches that can help couples understand each other’s perspectives and work through relationship challenges together.

When to Seek Help from Marriage Counselors

Recognizing when to seek professional support can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re in the middle of relationship difficulties. Many couples wonder if their problems are “serious enough” for therapy, but the truth is that marriage counseling can benefit relationships at any stage—from preventing future conflicts to addressing immediate crises.

Communication Breakdown and Frequent Arguments

When conversations consistently escalate into arguments, when one or both partners shut down during discussions, or when you find yourselves having the same fight repeatedly without resolution, these patterns signal that it’s time for professional intervention. Marriage counselors can help couples understand the underlying issues driving these cycles and develop better communication skills to resolve conflicts constructively.

Trust Issues and Rebuilding After Betrayal

Infidelity and other trust violations can fundamentally disrupt the foundation of a relationship. Whether dealing with emotional affairs, financial deception, or broken promises, couples often need professional guidance to process the pain, understand what led to the betrayal, and decide whether and how to rebuild trust together.

Financial Stress and Money Disagreements

Money consistently ranks among the top sources of relationship conflicts. When partners have different spending habits, financial goals, or approaches to money management, these differences can create ongoing tension. Marriage counselors help couples develop shared financial values and communication strategies for navigating money decisions together.

Intimacy Problems and Declining Connection

When physical or emotional intimacy declines, when partners feel like roommates rather than romantic partners, or when sex life becomes a source of stress rather than connection, couples therapy can help identify the underlying causes and work toward rebuilding closeness and mutual respect.

Major Life Transitions

Significant life changes—such as the birth of a child, job loss, retirement, illness, or relocation—can strain even the strongest marriages. These transitions often reveal different coping styles, expectations, or priorities that partners hadn’t previously discussed. Professional support during these periods can help couples navigate change while maintaining their bond.

Preventive and Premarital Counseling

Many couples seek marriage counseling proactively, wanting to strengthen their relationship before problems develop. Premarital counseling helps engaged couples discuss expectations, values, financial planning, and potential areas of future conflict, building communication skills and conflict resolution strategies before they’re needed in crisis moments.

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Types of Marriage Counseling Services

Marriage counselors offer various service formats to meet couples’ diverse needs, schedules, and preferences. Understanding these options can help you choose the approach that works best for your relationship and circumstances.

Traditional In-Person Couples Therapy

The most common form of marriage therapy involves regular sessions in a professional office setting. These face-to-face meetings typically last 45-60 minutes and occur weekly or bi-weekly, providing a consistent, private environment where couples can explore their relationship dynamics with their therapist’s guidance.

Online Marriage Counseling and Virtual Sessions

Online therapy has revolutionized access to mental health services, and couples therapy is no exception. Platforms like Talkspace, BetterHelp, and specialized online couples counseling services offer several advantages:

  • Convenience: Therapy sessions from home eliminate commute time and scheduling around travel

  • Accessibility: Couples in remote areas can access licensed marriage counselors they might not find locally

  • Affordability: Many online platforms offer subscription models that cost less than traditional therapy rates

  • Flexible Scheduling: Evening and weekend sessions accommodate busy work schedules and family commitments

  • Privacy: Some couples feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics in their own space

Research shows that online couples therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions for many relationship issues, though couples in immediate crisis or safety situations may benefit more from in-person support.

Intensive Retreats and Workshops

Some marriage counselors offer weekend retreats or multi-day intensive workshops that provide concentrated therapeutic work in a short timeframe. These immersive experiences can be particularly helpful for couples who want to make significant progress quickly or who have busy schedules that make regular weekly sessions difficult.

Group Therapy and Couples’ Groups

Group therapy sessions allow multiple couples to work on their relationship issues together, fostering shared learning and mutual support. Hearing other couples discuss similar challenges can normalize experiences and provide new perspectives on relationship problems.

Specialized Therapeutic Approaches

Different marriage counselors may specialize in specific therapeutic methods, each with unique strengths:

Gottman Method: Based on decades of research, this approach focuses on building “love maps” (detailed knowledge of your partner’s inner world) and developing specific conflict resolution skills.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): This method concentrates on emotional bonds and attachment needs, helping partners understand and express their deeper feelings and fears within the relationship.

Imago Relationship Therapy: This approach explores how childhood experiences and unconscious patterns influence adult relationship expectations and behaviors.

Experiential Approach: This approach focuses on creating meaningful, shared experiences that foster a deeper connection between partners. By engaging in activities that elicit genuine emotions and vulnerability, couples can build trust, understanding, and closeness in their relationship. Experiential therapy often includes techniques like role-playing, guided imagery, or mindfulness exercises, which encourage partners to explore their feelings in the moment and communicate openly with one another. This method can help uncover hidden dynamics and provide a safe space for personal and relational growth.

What to Expect in Marriage Counseling

Understanding the therapy process can help reduce anxiety about starting couples therapy and set realistic expectations for your journey together. While each marriage counselor may have a slightly different approach, most follow a similar general structure.

Initial Assessment and Goal Setting

Your first therapy session typically focuses on gathering information about your relationship history, current challenges, and goals for therapy. The first few sessions of couples therapy involve interview questions about a couple's relationship history and goals. Your family therapist will want to understand:

  • How long you’ve been together and your relationship timeline

  • What specific issues brought you to therapy

  • Previous attempts to resolve these problems

  • Individual backgrounds and any mental health concerns

  • What you hope to achieve through counseling

This assessment helps your counselor develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique situation and relationship dynamics.

Regular Session Structure and Progress

Following the initial assessment, most couples attend weekly or bi-weekly sessions. Each therapy session typically includes:

  • Check-ins about progress since the last meeting

  • Discussion of specific relationship challenges or conflicts

  • Explore the destruction dynamic that keeps you away from your goals.

  • Learning and practicing new communication skills

  • Homework assignments to practice between sessions

  • Processing emotions and underlying issues

  • Developing strategies for handling future conflicts

Your couples therapist will monitor your progress regularly and adjust their approach as needed, ensuring that the therapy remains relevant and helpful as your relationship evolves.

Individual Sessions Within Couples Therapy

Sometimes, marriage counselors recommend individual sessions as part of the couples therapy process. These one-on-one meetings allow each partner to explore personal issues, past traumas, or individual mental health conditions that may be affecting the relationship. This might include addressing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or other mental health issues that impact relationship dynamics.

Homework and Between-Session Practice

Most effective couples therapy includes assignments to practice new skills outside the therapy session. This might involve:

  • Communication exercises to practice active listening

  • Conflict resolution techniques for handling disagreements

  • Intimacy-building activities to strengthen emotional and physical connection

  • Individual reflection exercises to better understand your own patterns and triggers

These assignments help couples integrate new learning into their daily lives and build lasting change beyond the therapy sessions.

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Cost and Insurance Coverage for Marriage Counselors

Understanding the financial aspects of marriage counseling helps couples plan for this investment in their relationship. Costs vary widely based on location, therapist credentials, and type of service, but knowing what to expect can help you budget appropriately.

Session Costs and Pricing Structure

Marriage counseling typically costs between $130 and $250 per hour for in-person sessions in the United States, though prices may vary widely depending on your location and the therapist’s experience level. Major metropolitan areas like New York City or San Francisco often have higher rates, while smaller cities and rural areas may offer more affordable options.

Licensed marriage and family therapists with specialized training or extensive experience may charge premium rates, while newer therapists or those working in community mental health settings might offer lower fees. Some therapists provide sliding scale options based on income, making therapy more accessible to couples with limited financial resources.

Insurance Coverage Challenges

Many health insurance plans do not cover couples therapy or family therapy sessions unless they’re billed as individual therapy for a diagnosable mental health condition. This means most couples pay out of pocket for marriage counseling services. However, some insurance plans may cover sessions if:

  • One partner has a diagnosed mental health condition that affects the relationship

  • The therapy addresses substance abuse or addiction issues

  • The counseling is part of treatment for domestic violence or trauma

It’s important to check with your insurance plan directly to understand your coverage options and any in network providers who offer couples therapy services.

Alternative Payment Options

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many employers offer EAP benefits that include 3-8 free counseling sessions per year. While these programs primarily focus on individual mental health services, some may cover couples counseling or provide referrals to affordable local therapists.

Community Resources: Some community mental health centers, religious organizations, and non-profit agencies offer low-cost or sliding-scale couples counseling services provided by licensed therapists or supervised trainees.

Investment Perspective

When considering the cost of marriage counseling, it’s helpful to compare it to the potential cost of relationship breakdown. The average cost of divorce in the United States ranges from $15,000 to $30,000, not including the emotional toll on families and children. From this perspective, investing in marriage therapy can be seen as preventive care for your relationship—addressing problems before they become irreparable.

Finding the Right Marriage Counselor

A same sex family gathered on a cozy gray couch highlights moments of connection and relaxation, symbolizing themes of couples therapy, marriage counseling in Portland, Oregon, serving zip codes 97035, 97229, 97214, and 97210.

Choosing the right marriage counselor is crucial for successful therapy outcomes. The therapeutic relationship itself plays a significant role in whether couples see improvement in their relationship, so taking time to find a good fit is worth the effort.

Credentials and Specializations

Look for licensed mental health professionals with specific training in couples therapy. The most qualified marriage counselors hold credentials as:

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)

  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) with couples therapy specialization

  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) with marriage and family focus

Verify that any potential therapist holds current licensure in your state and has completed specialized training in couples therapy approaches. Many directories provide detailed listings of therapist credentials, specializations, and therapeutic approaches.

Reviews and Recommendations

While therapists cannot share detailed client information due to confidentiality, you can often find general reviews and testimonials that give insight into their communication style and effectiveness. Ask friends, family members, or your primary care physician for recommendations, particularly if they know couples who have had positive experiences with marriage counseling.

Therapeutic Approach and Compatibility

Different marriage counselors use various therapeutic methods, and what works well for one couple may not suit another. Consider what approach might work best for your relationship:

  • Do you prefer structured, skill-building approaches like the Gottman Method?

  • Are you more interested in exploring emotional patterns through Emotionally Focused Therapy?

  • Do you want to understand how past experiences affect your relationship through Imago Therapy?

  • Would you benefit from practical, solution-focused approaches?

Cultural Competency and Inclusivity

For couples from diverse backgrounds, finding a culturally competent therapist is essential. Look for marriage counselors who:

  • Have experience working with your cultural, ethnic, or religious background

  • Offer LGBTQ+-affirming therapy for same-sex couples and diverse relationship structures

  • Understand the unique challenges faced by interracial or intercultural couples

  • Can provide services in your preferred language if English is not your first language

  • Incorporate an understanding of issues such as coming out, discrimination, family acceptance, and navigating societal norms in LGBTQ+ couples therapy.

Initial Consultation Process

Many marriage counselors offer brief initial consultations—either by phone or in person—to help determine if they’re the right fit for your needs. Use this opportunity to ask about:

  • Their experience with issues similar to yours

  • Their therapeutic approach and what to expect in sessions

  • Practical matters like scheduling, fees, and cancellation policies

  • How they handle situations where only one partner wants to attend initially

Trust your instincts during this consultation. Both partners should feel comfortable with the therapist’s communication style and confident in their expertise.

Common Marriage Counseling Techniques and Approaches

Marriage counselors draw from various evidence-based therapeutic approaches, often combining techniques from different methods to create a treatment plan tailored to each couple’s specific needs and relationship challenges. Understanding these approaches can help you know what to expect and communicate your preferences to potential therapists.

Communication Skills Training

Regardless of the specific therapeutic approach, most marriage counseling includes direct training in better communication. This foundational work typically involves:

Active Listening Techniques: Learning to fully hear and understand your partner’s perspective before responding, reflecting back what you’ve heard to ensure accuracy, and asking clarifying questions when needed.

“I” Statements: Expressing feelings and needs without blame or criticism, such as saying “I feel disconnected when we don’t spend time together” instead of “You never make time for me.”

Conflict De-escalation: Recognizing when discussions are becoming heated and implementing strategies to calm emotions before continuing, including taking breaks when needed and returning to conversations when both partners can engage constructively.

Expressing Needs Clearly: Learning to identify and communicate underlying needs and desires rather than focusing only on surface-level complaints or demands.

The Gottman Method

Developed by Dr. John Gottman through decades of research with thousands of couples, this approach focuses on building relationship skills based on scientific findings about what makes marriages successful. Key components include:

Love Maps: Developing detailed knowledge of your partner’s inner world—their dreams, fears, stresses, and joys—and staying updated as these evolve over time.

Managing Perpetual Problems: Since research shows that 69% of relationship conflicts are ongoing rather than solvable, couples learn to discuss these issues without damaging their connection.

The Four Horsemen: Identifying and eliminating criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—the four communication patterns that predict relationship failure.

Building Positive Sentiment: Creating a culture of appreciation and fondness through regular expressions of gratitude and positive interactions.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

EFT focuses on understanding and reshaping the emotional patterns between partners, particularly around attachment needs and fears. This approach helps couples:

Identify Negative Cycles: Recognizing how partners trigger each other’s fears and defensive responses, creating ongoing patterns of disconnection.

Access Underlying Emotions: Moving beyond surface anger or frustration to understand deeper feelings like fear of abandonment, inadequacy, or rejection.

Create New Interactions: Developing ways to express vulnerability and respond to each other’s emotional needs with compassion and support.

Strengthen Emotional Bonds: Building secure attachment through consistent emotional responsiveness and availability.


Marriage counseling offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond resolving immediate conflicts. When couples commit to the therapeutic process, they often discover improvements in multiple areas of their relationship and individual well-being.

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Improved Communication and Conflict Resolution

One of the most significant benefits of working with marriage counselors is developing stronger communication skills that serve couples throughout their relationship. Many couples enter therapy feeling like they “speak different languages” or constantly misunderstand each other. Through professional guidance, partners learn to:

  • Express their needs and feelings clearly without attacking or blaming

  • Listen to understand rather than to defend or counter-argue

  • Navigate disagreements while maintaining respect and connection

  • Recognize their individual communication styles and adapt when needed

  • Develop conflict resolution skills that help them work through future disagreements independently

These improved communication tools often extend beyond the romantic relationship, enhancing interactions with children, family members, friends, and colleagues.

Restored Trust and Emotional Intimacy

For couples dealing with trust issues, infidelity, or emotional disconnection, marriage counseling provides a structured path toward healing. Marriage counselors help partners:

  • Process hurt and betrayal in a safe, supportive environment

  • Understand the factors that contributed to trust violations

  • Develop strategies for rebuilding trust gradually and sustainably

  • Reconnect emotionally through improved understanding and empathy

  • Address underlying issues that may have contributed to relationship problems

Research shows that couples who complete evidence-based therapy programs report significant improvements in relationship satisfaction and emotional closeness, with approximately 70% of couples experiencing meaningful positive changes.

Better Understanding of Each Other’s Perspectives

Marriage counseling helps partners develop empathy and understanding for each other’s experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. Through guided conversations and therapeutic exercises, couples often discover:

  • How their different upbringings influence their expectations and behaviors

  • The underlying fears or needs driving seemingly irrational reactions

  • How their individual mental health concerns or life stresses affect the relationship

  • The positive intentions behind behaviors that previously felt hurtful or frustrating

  • Ways to appreciate and work with their differences rather than fight against them

Tools for Managing Life Transitions and Stress

Healthy relationships require ongoing adaptation as partners face various life challenges and transitions. Marriage counselors equip couples with skills for navigating:

  • Career changes, unemployment, or financial stress

  • Parenting challenges and family dynamics

  • Health issues, aging, or loss of loved ones

  • Major decisions about housing, relocation, or lifestyle changes

  • Balancing individual growth with relationship commitment

Having these tools in place helps couples maintain their connection and mutual support during difficult periods rather than allowing stress to drive them apart.

Prevention of Future Relationship Problems

Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of marriage counseling is its preventive benefit. Couples who learn healthy relationship skills early often avoid more serious problems later. Marriage therapy helps establish:

  • Regular check-in habits for maintaining emotional connection

  • Early warning signs that indicate when professional support might be helpful again

  • A stronger foundation of trust and communication that makes the relationship more resilient

  • Comfort with seeking help when needed rather than waiting until problems become severe

Individual Growth Within the Relationship

While marriage counseling focuses on the relationship, it often catalyzes individual growth as well. Partners frequently develop:

  • Better self-awareness about their own patterns, triggers, and needs

  • Improved emotional regulation skills for managing stress and conflict

  • Greater confidence in expressing themselves authentically within the relationship

  • Enhanced ability to maintain their individuality while being part of a couple

  • Tools for addressing personal mental health concerns that impact the relationship

Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Counselors

How long does marriage counseling typically last?

The duration of couples therapy varies significantly based on the severity of relationship issues, the couple’s commitment to the process, and their specific goals. Most couples attend therapy for 10-24sessions, though this can vary widely. Some couples see improvement in just a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support over several months or even years.

Couples dealing with major trust violations, long-standing communication problems, or multiple complex issues may need more extensive therapy. Conversely, couples seeking premarital counseling or wanting to strengthen an already healthy relationship might achieve their goals more quickly.

Can one partner attend marriage counseling alone if the other refuses?

While couples therapy is most effective when both partners participate, individual therapy can still provide valuable insights and tools for improving the relationship. If your partner is unwilling to attend, you can work with a therapist to:

  • Understand your own contribution to relationship patterns

  • Develop better communication strategies

  • Learn to respond differently to your partner’s behaviors

  • Decide whether to continue working on the relationship or consider other options

  • Process your feelings about the relationship situation

Sometimes, when one partner begins making positive changes through individual work, the other partner becomes more open to joining therapy sessions.

What’s the success rate of marriage counseling?

Research shows that "The average person receiving couple therapy is better off at termination than 70%–80% of individuals not receiving treatment—an improvement rate that rivals or exceeds the most effective psychosocial and pharmacological interventions for individual mental health disorders. " However, success rates depend on several factors:

  • Both partners’ willingness to engage actively in the process

  • The severity and duration of relationship problems

  • The presence of ongoing issues like substance abuse or mental illness

  • The quality of the therapeutic relationship with the counselor

  • Whether couples complete the recommended course of treatment

It’s important to note that “success” in marriage counseling doesn’t always mean staying together. Sometimes therapy helps couples recognize that separation is the healthiest choice, and therapists can guide them through this process with greater understanding and less animosity.

How do you know if your marriage counselor is effective?

Several indicators suggest that your couples therapy is progressing well:

  • You and your partner feel heard and understood by your therapist

  • You’re learning new communication skills and conflict resolution strategies

  • You notice gradual improvements in how you interact with each other

  • Both partners feel the therapist remains neutral and doesn’t take sides

  • You feel hopeful about your relationship’s future

  • You’re able to apply what you learn in therapy to real-life situations

If you don’t see any progress after several sessions, or if you feel uncomfortable with your therapist’s approach, it’s important to discuss these concerns directly. A good marriage counselor will welcome feedback and adjust their methods or provide referrals if needed.

Is it normal to feel worse before feeling better in therapy?

Yes, it’s common for couples to experience temporary increases in conflict or emotional distress when they begin marriage counseling. This happens because:

  • Therapy brings underlying issues to the surface that may have been avoided

  • Partners may feel more comfortable expressing previously suppressed feelings

  • Learning new communication skills can feel awkward and increase initial tension

  • Addressing painful topics like betrayal or long-standing resentments can be emotionally challenging

However, this temporary difficulty should lead to gradual improvement as you develop better tools for managing conflicts and emotions. If things continue to worsen without any signs of progress, discuss your concerns with your therapist. Engaged couples often feel pressure during the wedding planning process and can benefit from premarital counseling to navigate these stressors effectively.

Can marriage counseling save a relationship on the brink of divorce?

Marriage counseling can be effective even for couples considering separation or divorce, though outcomes depend on both partners’ willingness to work on the relationship. Some couples discover that their problems are more manageable than they initially thought, while others use therapy to understand what went wrong and move toward separation with greater clarity and less bitterness.

Even when relationships cannot be saved, marriage counseling can help couples:

  • Communicate more effectively during separation or divorce proceedings

  • Co-parent more successfully if children are involved

  • Process the end of the relationship in a healthier way

  • Learn from the experience to build better future relationships

The key is approaching therapy with openness to whatever outcome emerges from the process, rather than using it as a last-ditch effort to force a particular result.

Moving Forward: Taking the First Step

Deciding to work with marriage counselors represents a significant commitment to your relationship’s future—and it’s a sign of strength, not failure. Deciding to attend couples therapy is a powerful step towards a happy and fulfilling relationship. Whether you’re dealing with immediate crises or simply wanting to build a stronger foundation together, professional support can provide the tools, insights, and guidance you need to create the healthy relationship you both deserve.

The journey of couples therapy isn’t always easy, but for many couples, it becomes a turning point that transforms not just how they handle conflicts, but how they connect, communicate, and grow together. With accurate information about what to expect, realistic goals for the process, and commitment from both partners, marriage counseling can help you build common ground and develop the skills needed for a lifetime of mutual respect and deeper connection.

If you’re considering marriage counseling, start by researching qualified licensed therapists in your area or exploring online couples therapy options that fit your schedule and budget. Remember that finding the right therapist may take time, and it’s okay to meet with several professionals before choosing one who feels like the right fit for your unique relationship.

Your relationship deserves the investment of professional support. Take that first step—your future together may depend on it.


At Spark Relational Counseling, we believe that every couple deserves a supportive, nonjudgmental space to heal, reconnect, and grow together.

Our therapists draw from proven approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, and we are passionate about culturally sensitive, evidence-based care that honors your unique story.

Whether you’re navigating communication challenges, trust issues, life transitions, or want to strengthen your bond proactively, we tailor our approach to fit your relationship’s needs. We help couples rediscover what makes their connection meaningful, offering clear guidance and practical tools to sustain lasting change—no matter where you are in your journey.

If you’re ready to take that first step, reaching out is easy:

  1. Contact Us: Complete our brief contact form or give us a call. Our team will connect with you within 1-2 business days.

  2. Schedule a Free Consultation: We’ll talk with you to understand your concerns, answer your questions, and ensure we’re the right fit to support you.

  3. Book Your First Session: Attend sessions virtually from anywhere in Oregon or Washington, including Portland and Seattle, or see us in-person depending on your location.

  4. Begin Your Path Forward: Your first session focuses on building understanding, setting shared goals, and laying the foundation for transformative work—together.

No matter where you’re starting from, Spark Relational Counseling is here to walk alongside you. Take the step toward healing and deeper connection—you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Reach out today to begin couples therapy in Portland, Seattle, or online across Oregon and Washington.


Other mental health services offered at Spark Relational Counseling

Couples counseling can be a valuable resource for your relationship needs. In addition, we understand your needs for support don’t usually fit into one box. In fact, for those who are recently engaged, we offer premarital counseling as well. Congratulations!

At Spark Relational Counseling, we offer a variety of mental health services online in Illinois, Washington, and Oregon and in person. For individuals with struggles in anxiety, we offer anxiety treatment at our Portland-based therapy clinic. For individuals with immigrant parents, and/or trans-racially adopted adults, we offer culturally sensitive individual counseling helping you address issues around identity and culture. For professional working women with concerns around dating, we offer dating therapy that helps you feel more confident in building a strong romantic relationship. Further, as an entrepreneur, I can help you find a better work-life balance with therapy for entrepreneurs. Whatever your mental health needs may be, we are here to help.

May Han

May is an LMFT with a decade of experience in the field.

With an education from Northwestern university, she enjoys helping people slow down and attune to their wants needs and desires. She is good at helping folks express their needs in a non-demanding way. In her work, she uses mindfulness to help people connect their mind and the body, and sit with their emotions in a way that feels okay. In her couples work, she enjoys helping people shift from defensiveness to openness and build a loving genuine relationship with their loved ones.

https://www.spark-counseling.com/therapists/may-han
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