While your marriage might start off on a happy note, changes in your work and home lives can change the way you think about your spouse. If you’re seeking marriage counseling, Houston has many great options. Houston therapists and counselors can help you put your marriage back on track. Couples often suffer from stress after a spouse loses a job or because of issues with their children. The best marriage counselors in Houston let you discuss the problems plaguing your marriage in a neutral environment.
Learn more on how to avoid divorce in our Marriage Counseling Guide.
What makes a great marriage counselor?
Being a great marriage counselor is more than just getting a degree and hanging a sign out front. It requires a dedication to the art and science of helping people get through some of their worst times.
The rockiest portions of a marriage are among the most stressful times in one’s life. In fact, there is a bit of a “chicken and egg” situation. Financial stresses, blended families, work pressures and much more can cause a marriage to become weakened. Of course, it’s possible that if the marriage is already rocky, it can create those other stressors.
A great marriage counselor will look as each marriage as a unique, living creature. It’s the complex interaction between two people that has a past, a present, and a future. There are thousands, if not millions, of tiny influences on the marriage, some big, some small.
Your counselor will often help you do one very important thing: get rid of all the useless stuff. Sometimes, the things that can seem incredibly big and onerous to you… until someone puts it into perspective. It’s very often lots of tiny little annoyances that can cloud the real issues.
Often, the things that are splitting a couple apart are events and feelings from the past that change how people see each other. If your spouse did something mean in front of your parents two years ago, what was anger then may be resentment now. Every time you do anything together, you might find yourself poised for them to “screw up” again. This will often cause you to respond to everything exactly that way as if they have or will make a mistake again.
Great Marriage Counseling Houston – The 2020 List
Besides these amazing counselors below, BetterHelp.com offers online counseling services, connecting you to one of 14,000 licensed therapists.
Nancy Graham
When you look for marriage counselors, Houston native Nancy Graham might catch your eye. Graham is a licensed social worker and therapist with experience in clinical social work. Specializing in relationship issues, she believes that couples need to look closer at the positive things in their lives. As one of the best marriage counselors, Graham will talk to you about your strengths and help you find ways to utilize them when it comes to saving your marriage. At her counseling office, you’ll feel like you’re sitting down with a friend instead of a doctor.
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Michele K. Lane
With marriage counseling Houston therapists offer different forms of therapy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Certified Diplomate, Michele K. Lane understands that you don’t always have the time to drive to her office and meet with her directly, which is why she also offers phone therapy. You and your spouse can make a simple phone call, talk to her about the problems you have, and receive guidance from your own home. This is a great choice if you or your spouse has a busy schedule or if one of you suffers from a medical condition that makes traveling difficult. Lane also offers an evidenced based short-term strategy for improving couples communication for those who are not physically aggressive. This is backed up by her 25+ years of experience, working with individuals, couples, adolescents, children and families. Lane is open to working with all types of people, whether you’re married, single, gay, etc. Her office is only eight miles from downtown Houston and she accepts many different types of health insurance but also has a sliding scale for those whose insurance won’t cover marriage counseling.
D. Scott Stanley
D. Scott Stanleys credentials are one of the reasons he ranks as one of the area’s top marriage counselors. Houston residents will find that he possesses a PhD in psychotherapy, and that he specializes in marriage and family counseling. Stanley believes that everyone who walks into his office should have some goals in mind. Whether you want to increase intimacy with your partner, get your sex life back on track, or work on your own self-esteem issues, Stanley can help. When it comes to marriage counseling, patients sometimes think the recovery process takes months or even years. Stanley will identify your needs and determine how long you need to attend sessions to improve your marriage.
Coleen Louise Owens
Phone: 713-574-4688 Address: 2537 S Gessner, Suite 208
When you need help in the form of marriage counseling Houston native Coleen Louise Owens can help. She is a provisional licensed marriage and family therapist recommended by Psychology Today, and she believes that listening is an important step in recovering from your issues. At her counseling office, you and your partner will have the chance to discuss problems that affect your relationship. Owens will listen to each of you before suggesting any possible solutions for your problem. At other marriage counseling sessions, therapists will only listen without offering any real help, but Owens wants you to know that you can turn to her for assistance. She knows that poor self-esteem can cause serious problems in any relationship, which is why she focuses on helping you reduce any stress that you feel and overcome your anxiety or depression during your marriage therapy. Residents looking for a caring and sympathetic attitude in a marriage counselor will find that with Owens.
Cindy Thornby
When it comes to marriage counseling, therapists work with a wide range of people. Cindy Thornby ranks as one of the best marriage counselors in the city, and she offers help and support for all members of your family. Some marriage counseling experts only work with couples, but Thornby also works with children. You might not realize the stress that your children feel after overhearing your latest argument. Thornby, who has a graduate degree and is a licensed practical counselor, can help your children realize that they are not the cause of your fights. If you want to help your children while going through marriage therapy, Thornby will work with you and your children.
Dilek Wise
Psychology Today recommends a handful of counselors working in the Houston area, including Dilek Wise. Wise is a licensed marriage and family counselor, and she believes that communication is one of the most important aspects of any relationship. As one of the best marriage counselors, she can support couples dealing with the aftermath of an affair, and she also offers help for those struggling with issues relating to depression or anxiety. In regards to marriage counseling, therapists will sometimes focus more on what you need to do as a couple, but Wise looks at you as individuals. She wants you both to feel happy and self-confident, which will then help your marriage.
Related Article: 8 Best Marriage Counseling Retreats in the US
Cecelia Johnson
When looking for marriage counseling Houston residents sometimes want Christian marriage counseling. Johnson, who possesses a PhD and several degrees and licenses, is one of several counselors specializing in spiritual and religious therapy. Johnson understands that you might feel a little hesitant or uncomfortable during your first few sessions, but she’ll help you identify the issues that you face as a couple and will find ways to improve your relationship through marriage counseling. Johnson want you to use your spirituality as you work on your marriage. She specializes in a number of different fields, and she can help you recover from abuse or trauma that you might have suffered before your wedding. Those who suffered abuse in a previous relationship or from a family member often seek out marriage therapy. Houston native, Dr. Cecelia Johnson can help you overcome depression, anxiety, or any other emotions that affect your marriage.
The best marriage counseling Houston has to offer is delivered by these seven gifted folks. There are many others that you might consider speaking to. Go to BetterHelp.com and search “marriage counseling Houston” to find more great options. As an affiliate, we receive compensation if you purchase BetterHelp’s services.
