Couples therapy, also known as couples counseling or marriage counseling, is a form of talk therapy where romantic partners work together with a licensed clinician to address and resolve interpersonal challenges within their relationship. Some common reasons couples will seek therapy include: 

• Adjusting to major life changes, such as marriage or parenting

• Chronic illness or disability impacting the relationship

• Communication problems

• Conflicts or arguments

• Cultural or religious differences

• Financial stress

• History of substance abuse or addiction in one or both partners

• Infidelity or trust issues

• Intimacy or sexual concerns

• Parenting differences

There are many types of couples therapy that a clinician may engage in to help couples build empathy for one another, improve conflict resolution skills, enhance emotional connection, and develop conflict resolution strategies. Included in these are narrative based therapy, emotionally focused therapy, imago relationship therapy, reflective listening and cognitive behavioral therapy. A licensed couples therapist will work with romantic partners to assess their unique concerns and employ various therapeutic modalities as necessary.

Regardless of the stage or duration of a relationship, couples therapy provides partners with a neutral space to engage in open conversation with one another and develop the skills to create a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

Who can benefit?

​Couples experiencing communication issues, conflicts, or challenges in their relationship may benefit from engaging in couples therapy, regardless of the stage or duration of the partnership. Some common concerns that may benefit from being addressed in a therapy session include: 

Communication issues: Couples struggling to communicate effectively, express their needs, or resolve conflicts in a healthy and constructive manner.

Trust issues: Couples dealing with infidelity, breaches of trust, or betrayals that have impacted their sense of security within a relationship.

Intimacy and sexual concerns: Couples experiencing challenges related to physical intimacy, sexual satisfaction, or mismatched libido levels.

Parenting differences: Couples facing disagreements or conflicts regarding parenting styles, discipline strategies, or other aspects of raising children.

Financial stress: Couples navigating financial disagreements, money conflicts, or disagreements about financial goals and priorities.

Life transitions: Couples adjusting to major life changes such as marriage, parenthood, relocation, career changes, retirement, or even divorce.

Chronic illness or disability: Couples dealing with the impact of a chronic illness or disability on their relationship, communication, and daily life.

Premarital counseling: Couples seeking to strengthen their relationship, enhance communication, and address potential areas of conflict before getting married.

Coping with external stressors: Couples struggling to cope with external stressors such as work-related stress, family conflicts, or cultural differences.

Relationship enrichment: Couples interested in deepening their emotional connection, improving their relationship skills, and enhancing overall relationship satisfaction.

Couples therapy can help romantic partners gain valuable insight into their relationship dynamic and learn effective communication and conflict resolution strategies to work through challenges and strengthen their connection. Whether couples are looking to address specific challenges within their relationship or merely looking to enhance their existing partnership, couples therapy provides a supportive and structured environment to grow and health together. 

Online therapy, also known as virtual therapy or telehealth therapy, is available to couples in NJ. Please note that both partners must be in the state at the time of sessions. Click here for more information on online therapy and how to decide if it is right for you and your partner.